Cooling down radio with external fan

[Jdfowler02]

I have installed a Yaesu FTM 100 into my Silverado pickup. I placed the unit in the center console and mounted the face plate on the dash. My concern is the heat build up in the enclosed console. Is this a legit concern and if so would installing a small computer style fan into the console with an opening to pull in cool air solve the problem?

 

[jonwienke]

Yes, especially if transmitting for more than a few seconds on high power. You need an entrance and an exit for air for the fan to do any good though. Pushing cool air in won't work if hot air can't get out.

 

[KE5MC]

jonwienke is spot on, I would add have you consider mounting the main body of the radio using the mobile mounting bracket to a flat plate a few inches bigger than the radio. Then placing that under the driver or passengers seat. Not attaching it to anything, but just letting it rest on the floor of the truck. I did that with three different radios that had detachable faceplates in two different cars. Worked very well and only had to work out the details of a short extension cord for the mic.

For the FTM-100 you need a phone patch cord with RJ12 6P6C connector and coupler to make it work. They are not common, but can be found. Used on a 400 and 100 in a Ford Escape and then in a Toyota Prius. Cable was only about 30 inches, but was plenty long enough and had no problem with noise pickup on the unshielded extension cord.

Good Luck,
Mike

 

[Project25_MASTR]

jonwienke is spot on, I would add have you consider mounting the main body of the radio using the mobile mounting bracket to a flat plate a few inches bigger than the radio. Then placing that under the driver or passengers seat. Not attaching it to anything, but just letting it rest on the floor of the truck. I did that with three different radios that had detachable faceplates in two different cars. Worked very well and only had to work out the details of a short extension cord for the mic.

For the FTM-100 you need a phone patch cord with RJ12 6P6C connector and coupler to make it work. They are not common, but can be found. Used on a 400 and 100 in a Ford Escape and then in a Toyota Prius. Cable was only about 30 inches, but was plenty long enough and had no problem with noise pickup on the unshielded extension cord.

Good Luck,
Mike

Not to mention the rear AC vents are under the driver and passenger's seat for extended and quad cab GM trucks unless the truck in question has adjustable rear vents in the console (don't remember if GM offers that).

 

[Jdfowler02]

Yes, especially if transmitting for more than a few seconds on high power. You need an entrance and an exit for air for the fan to do any good though. Pushing cool air in won't work if hot air can't get out.

Thanks for the response. The extra hole makes perfect sense. Is there a recommendation for a particular fan to use?

 

[scottyhetzel]

Not to mention the rear AC vents are under the driver and passenger's seat for extended and quad cab GM trucks unless the truck in question has adjustable rear vents in the console (don't remember if GM offers that).

Also works as a heater vent in the winter.. raising the unit off the floor so convection cooling will work better. Space an inch if possible.

 

[jonwienke]

Thanks for the response. The extra hole makes perfect sense. Is there a recommendation for a particular fan to use?

There are too many to keep up. Get one with an adjustable thermostat input so it will turn on whenever the radio starts getting warm. And attach the thermostat sensor to the radio heat sink. Something in the 50mm or larger size range should be adequate.