2021 GMC Sierra Elevation (Duramax) install

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Radioman_911

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Setup for now is a Kenwood NX-5700 and a Motorola XPR4550 (mounted under passenger seat).
Long term plan will be for a Havis console or similar with the NX-5700 and will eventually ditch the Motorola and do a Kenwood advanced remote head with a NX-5800 and 700/800 NX-5900 as a tri-deck system.

Also running a ram mount system with their quick detach hardware in case my passenger needs more room. If I remove the ram mount, I attach a tablet mount to my dash mounted proclip usa system.
 

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Radioman_911

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Looks like a nice layout. Do you have any vibration from the pedestal mount for the keyboard/monitor stand?

not really much vibration. The setup is fairly heavy duty so I think that helps. The quick release assembly adds some overall play to the whole setup but it’s more manageable than I was expecting. Overall, i am pretty happy with it vs/a permanent solution that I use to have in my Nissan Xterra.
 

Radioman_911

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Excellent! And the antennas?

It’s temporary and nothing fancy. Two mag mounts with a Larsen 1/4 wave and a Larsen dual band. I have the coax tight toward the rear and then tucked into a trim peice by the third tail light which then runs over to rear passenger door and squished in the seal and tucked away running to the radios.

Expecting my canopy to be delivered in a week or so at which point I may relocate antennas to NMO mounts on a roof rack on the canopy, or drill holes in cab for permanent mounting. Not sure which I’ll do yet!
 

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03msc

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It’s temporary and nothing fancy. Two mag mounts with a Larsen 1/4 wave and a Larsen dual band. I have the coax tight toward the rear and then tucked into a trim peice by the third tail light which then runs over to rear passenger door and squished in the seal and tucked away running to the radios.

Expecting my canopy to be delivered in a week or so at which point I may relocate antennas to NMO mounts on a roof rack on the canopy, or drill holes in cab for permanent mounting. Not sure which I’ll do yet!

OK cool. I would highly recommend drilling the NMO mounts in the roof. Clean and the best performance by far. But the other option is certainly better than the temporary mag mounts.
 

Radioman_911

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OK cool. I would highly recommend drilling the NMO mounts in the roof. Clean and the best performance by far. But the other option is certainly better than the temporary mag mounts.

That’s honestly what will end up happening. However, working in public safety.... summer is hectic and that part of the install will have to wait.

I had a quick transition from my previous two vehicles over to this truck, so I didn’t have much time to make it look better than it is now haha.
 

03msc

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That’s honestly what will end up happening. However, working in public safety.... summer is hectic and that part of the install will have to wait.

I had a quick transition from my previous two vehicles over to this truck, so I didn’t have much time to make it look better than it is now haha.

Looks fine! You have a plan with a good goal in mind so that's good. You'll get there!
 

Radioman_911

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I’m considering adding a tablet to my truck. I’m curious, what applications you use on the tablet when mobile?
When in urban environment…work programs if necessary & Google Maps for larger navigation if necessary. When off road/forest I primarily use Avenza Maps with all of our local state forestry maps and USFS district ranger maps downloaded for offline use. Perfect setup IMO
 

K7MFC

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When off road/forest I primarily use Avenza Maps with all of our local state forestry maps and USFS district ranger maps downloaded for offline use.

Yes, +1 for Avenza Maps. I also rely heavily on this app for off-roading around Arizona, especially when you're well out of mobile network coverage. It varies from forest to forest, but the USFS publishes some really high quality maps which can be loaded in the Avenza Maps app. Here's an example of the detail found in the Coconino National Forest map:

cmPc4Zw.png
 

KN4EHX

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Where at?
I’ve got a roll of industrial Velcro. That stuff sticks on solid objects like I don’t know what. Plenty of undercover low profile emergency lights being held in place have survived crashes with it. If you want some PM me your address and I’ll throw a hook and loop strip in the mail to you. Just make sure the surface you’re applying it to is very clean and bone dry before applying the adhesive side.

To yank it off would likely give you a hernia, but it can be removed if the need arises. I will say it works better for something sitting than hanging especially if you live in a hot area with dark interior. Maybe don’t mount the radio body to a visor or something haha.

Also just let me know how big the radio is so I’ll know how much to send.

73!
 

KN4EHX

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Also that install looks really good. Once you get the Kenwood deck set up that will be really cool. I’ve considered going that way over the APX for the fact of being able to have DMR and P25 Phase I&II all in one radio. Keep us updated on the progress.
 
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