See post #204.
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Perfect answer!
So let's get back to work:
The Microsoft Surface Pro tablet will take center stage for the next round of improvements. Since the Surface runs Windows 8 all of the programs that are typical to storm chasing and amateur radio will be at my fingertips without the need for a full laptop or on-board computer. There are some drawbacks but it is easy to overcome, first is the USB 3.0 interface. Since there is only one USB port in the Surface Pro and several devices require power it stands to reason that a USB hub should be compatible AND be powered.
Then mount the hub to the front of the console. This shot is under the dash right in the middle between the speakers. Hidden but accessible.
The US Globalsat MR350P GPS mounted to the roof will be re-tasked to provide NMEA streams to the tablet for position, reporting and navigation.
Problem is the current USB adapters for the MR350P are not compatible with the USB 3 format but Globalsat has a BRAND NEW adapter cable coming out that will take care of that problem. I am proud to announce that they have allowed me to obtain one ahead of the regular release (mostly because of this forum) and it should be here in 2 days. We'll get this new USB system working, load the programs and then I'll get to the next phase of upgrades.
I am also proud to announce that I have obtained one of the new Troy Products radio faceplates for the Kenwood TM-D710a, it too should be here sometime this week.
The Microsoft Surface Pro tablet will take center stage for the next round of improvements. Since the Surface runs Windows 8 all of the programs that are typical to storm chasing and amateur radio will be at my fingertips without the need for a full laptop or on-board computer. There are some drawbacks but it is easy to overcome, first is the USB 3.0 interface. Since there is only one USB port in the Surface Pro and several devices require power it stands to reason that a USB hub should be compatible AND be powered.
Then mount the hub to the front of the console. This shot is under the dash right in the middle between the speakers. Hidden but accessible.
The US Globalsat MR350P GPS mounted to the roof will be re-tasked to provide NMEA streams to the tablet for position, reporting and navigation.
Problem is the current USB adapters for the MR350P are not compatible with the USB 3 format but Globalsat has a BRAND NEW adapter cable coming out that will take care of that problem. I am proud to announce that they have allowed me to obtain one ahead of the regular release (mostly because of this forum) and it should be here in 2 days. We'll get this new USB system working, load the programs and then I'll get to the next phase of upgrades.
I am also proud to announce that I have obtained one of the new Troy Products radio faceplates for the Kenwood TM-D710a, it too should be here sometime this week.
Once the USB hub is installed
Port #1 goes to the dash camera:
Port #2 Goes to the GPS:
Port #3 goes to the USB port mounted on the console:
This USB port can be used to charge phones etc and it can attach to an outboard DVD / RW drive and all those benefits. More importantly it is an interface for programming radios such as the TM-D710a and the GreComm PSR-600. Now they can be truly re-programmed on the fly!
Some re-wiring of the console is necessary and re labeling the rocker switches.
The new tablet requires it's own power regulator (12 volts) since we don't want the spikes and 14+ volts that a vehicle charging system sometimes delivers I'll add a heavy duty one:
More parts on the way.... Stay tuned!
Port #1 goes to the dash camera:
Port #2 Goes to the GPS:
Port #3 goes to the USB port mounted on the console:
This USB port can be used to charge phones etc and it can attach to an outboard DVD / RW drive and all those benefits. More importantly it is an interface for programming radios such as the TM-D710a and the GreComm PSR-600. Now they can be truly re-programmed on the fly!
Some re-wiring of the console is necessary and re labeling the rocker switches.
The new tablet requires it's own power regulator (12 volts) since we don't want the spikes and 14+ volts that a vehicle charging system sometimes delivers I'll add a heavy duty one:
More parts on the way.... Stay tuned!
I was not impressed with the "X" mounts at all. Luckily the RAM Tough Tray that held my Toshiba Thrive fits the Surface exactly. It is a very rugged mount and it bolted up to my Havis dash mount without a problem. Here is a link to the Tough Tray:
RAM Universal Netbook and Tablet Tough Tray II
This is the Tough Tray mounted to the dash bracket (yes that is the old Thrive in the holder) but this will give you some idea how it mounts.
I have found a locking mount that I am going to try for the Surface Pro, it looks to be a little lower profile. That mod is about 4 or 5 weeks out.
Microsoft Surface Pro Holder with Tilt Swivel and Key Lock*-*ProClip USA
RAM Universal Netbook and Tablet Tough Tray II
This is the Tough Tray mounted to the dash bracket (yes that is the old Thrive in the holder) but this will give you some idea how it mounts.
I have found a locking mount that I am going to try for the Surface Pro, it looks to be a little lower profile. That mod is about 4 or 5 weeks out.
Microsoft Surface Pro Holder with Tilt Swivel and Key Lock*-*ProClip USA
BTW, I Googled "Surface Pro vehicle mount" and found this web page:
Chasing with the Microsoft Surface Pro | Nick Nolte Wx
Interesting report about using a Surface Pro in a spotting/chasing situation.
Chasing with the Microsoft Surface Pro | Nick Nolte Wx
Interesting report about using a Surface Pro in a spotting/chasing situation.
You are correct, BUT it takes up a lot less space than a laptop and it's associated stand and it was designed for a LOT bigger and heavier screen. Another thing to take into account is the funny "L" shaped layout that is necessary to clear the gear shifter.
The next tablet mount should be a couple of inches lower in profile than the clamshell.
Durandal1224
Member
I'm glad to see Nick Nolte fitting storm chasing in between acting gigs.
Lots of work done today, I received the Windows 8 compatible cable to merge the GPS and the Surface Pro tablet:
After installing the included driver everything worked like a charm. The neat little GPS testing program is pretty cool too but once you install the Franson GPS Gate data slicer the little widget can't get back to the input COM port and doesn't like to switch ports, Oh well.
Also today we received the new faceplate from Troy that is specifically made to fit the Kenwood TM-D710a control head. This faceplate takes up an inch less than the one I made so everything slides down an inch and I need to get a new 1" space cover panel. The front of the console is exactly the WRONG place to drop something especially if it's metal!
Troy industries did a great job designing this little faceplate and if you have a console AND a Kenwood TM-D710a I highly recommend the Troy KENTMD710 faceplate it is VERY professional looking!
After installing the included driver everything worked like a charm. The neat little GPS testing program is pretty cool too but once you install the Franson GPS Gate data slicer the little widget can't get back to the input COM port and doesn't like to switch ports, Oh well.
Also today we received the new faceplate from Troy that is specifically made to fit the Kenwood TM-D710a control head. This faceplate takes up an inch less than the one I made so everything slides down an inch and I need to get a new 1" space cover panel. The front of the console is exactly the WRONG place to drop something especially if it's metal!
Troy industries did a great job designing this little faceplate and if you have a console AND a Kenwood TM-D710a I highly recommend the Troy KENTMD710 faceplate it is VERY professional looking!
That is correct, Fire / EMS, mutual aid and aeromedical as well as HAM.
What model(s) are they? I'm not knowledgeable enough to be able to tell from this angle.
A friend sent me a private question about CB antennas, he has a valid question so I'm going to edit his name and post it here:
>>Just a quick question about your CB antenna install...
Do you think it works better than one of the glass mount CB antennas and do you have any special instructions or tips for removing the black pillar or fitting the antenna in there?
My new 2013 PPV arrives this week. Thanks in advance,<<
If I had it to do all over again I'd probably do an on glass CB antenna. The tip of the antenna is located very close to body ground and while it doesn't touch it certainly drops the signal both in and out. (Capacitive coupling)
There is no replacement for a good old long loaded whip for CB but if you are low-profile conscious like I am, the glass antenna is going to be your best choice.
Hope this helps and be sure to load pics of your install, we love seeing other ideas and techniques.
>>Just a quick question about your CB antenna install...
Do you think it works better than one of the glass mount CB antennas and do you have any special instructions or tips for removing the black pillar or fitting the antenna in there?
My new 2013 PPV arrives this week. Thanks in advance,<<
If I had it to do all over again I'd probably do an on glass CB antenna. The tip of the antenna is located very close to body ground and while it doesn't touch it certainly drops the signal both in and out. (Capacitive coupling)
There is no replacement for a good old long loaded whip for CB but if you are low-profile conscious like I am, the glass antenna is going to be your best choice.
Hope this helps and be sure to load pics of your install, we love seeing other ideas and techniques.
KC4YIN
Member
This was really a rhetorical question as I too am always upgrading my setup too. I have been following this thread since it started with mush interest and admiration. Keep up the good work. Which brings the question of the new D 710A faceplate. Is it a fairly new item as I went to the Troy list of faceplates and did not see it listed. I would really like to order one myself.
As for the original question: I am quickly approaching my "current" goal and the only hardware left to install is the Baron's WxWorx receiver. There are some radio possibilities in the future like 900 MHz HAM, UHF LTR or Moto-TURBO depending on what the regional mutual aid system goes to. There are also whispers of a new "Nextel-type" system coming out based on VoIP that would be a great addition. That is all in the future maybe....
Next installation: WR-10 satellite weather receiver.
As for the faceplates for the Kenwood TM-D710a, Troy has them but I too haven't seen them listed anywhere. All the Troy dealers I asked didn't have any listing either but a direct e-mail to Troy Industries brought a prompt reply that indeed "YES" they have the faceplates for the D710.
I ordered mine from Mister_Mount on e-Bay for 39.95 just specify Troy stock number FP-KENTMD710 exactly one week after I placed my order it was installed in my truck.
Very pleased with the fit:
Troy Consoles Faceplate for Kenwood Systems | eBay
Tell 'em you saw it here!
Next installation: WR-10 satellite weather receiver.
As for the faceplates for the Kenwood TM-D710a, Troy has them but I too haven't seen them listed anywhere. All the Troy dealers I asked didn't have any listing either but a direct e-mail to Troy Industries brought a prompt reply that indeed "YES" they have the faceplates for the D710.
I ordered mine from Mister_Mount on e-Bay for 39.95 just specify Troy stock number FP-KENTMD710 exactly one week after I placed my order it was installed in my truck.
Very pleased with the fit:
Troy Consoles Faceplate for Kenwood Systems | eBay
Tell 'em you saw it here!
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Rubbing hands together , eyes wide - Slobber & Drool.
I have always been a huge fan of department communications of having the frequencys of the surrounding agencys.
Knowing what is going on in the surrounding areas / jurisdictions, keeps one abreast of an emergency, that may affect your area
( Chlorine & Chemical Leak, Brush / Forest Fire, Potential mutual aid response, request for specialized assistance...such as
Heavy Rescue, Haz-mat, Manpower, Disaster / Mass Casuality Assistance, Conflagration, large warehouse fire...ect ).
Listening in during an ajoining jurisdictions emergency lets a possible mutual aid agency know what is going on if they are "Toned Out"
to respond for assistance, eventually helping in the "Lines of Communication." More than likely....by listening in, they already know
what is going on.
Listening to ajoining municipalitys & countys can prove to be beneficial.
If a surrounding agency is on a different band ( VHF or UHF ) - Dual Band Mobile radios in apparatus would be of importance to an agency.
Just make sure not to overcrowd the radio during an emergency, and even at time, during a "routine response." It causes confusion,
ties up the radio for people whom really need to speak, and at times hinders ongoing operations. And it could...could...cause injury or a fatality.
With Dual band mobile radios, and Motorolas new "APX" you would think that Kenwood, Vertex, and others would get in line and help
flood the market with dual band UHF & VHF portables. Why they do not I don't know. If a radio company could simplify the "APX" ,
and make it affordbale to Public Safety Agenys.....they could corner the market, with profits far superceding Motorola's APX
FF-Medic !!!
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