My Mobile Shack

[FireMarshalRob]

Here is my truck, I like it. I did this work about 4 years ago, Here is what is in here...

1- MCS2000 UHF III radio, Main radio goes from 440-487
1- Low VHF Syntor X9000 county fire radio
1- VHF Spectra (hammy stuff)
1- 900 Trunked Spectra
1- Wildcard switch box for lights (strobes, LEDS, HL flasher, etc.)
1- Syntor UHF VRS for fire radio to UHF portable
1- Syntor siren

Thanks, R.

 

[Kirk]

Exceptionally clean install. Looks great.

I'm to the point where I'm considering all commercial gear in my next vehicle as I'm tired of the featureset and flimsyness of ham gear, but I'll really miss frequency agility and ability to crossband. VRS systems are great in commercial service, but limited for "hammy" use.

Do you run dual antennas on the Syntor for 6m/10m plus fire?

73

 

[RESCUE4NFD]

Mobile Shack

Nice and Neat !

 

[FireMarshalRob]

Thank you for the replies. As far as the antennas a little has changed around since these pics were taken. I use just a radiall/larsen lowband base loaded whip (black). For commercial (fire dept) use I have found this antenna to be far superior than the spectrum or many other brands, It works great, is very flexible (takes a beating) and has a sleek profile. The center antenna now has a UHF radiall/larsen 5db whip with open coil for the MCS, the VHF stayed as a 1/4 wave, and the 900 stayed and the uhf 1/4 wave stayed for the vrs.

I like the commercial gear alot. I mainly use the MCS and stay on UHF. Occasionally I stop down on VHF, but not often. Most of the gear is for work.

I am in the process of replacing the MCS with a UHF Astro Spectra. As a side note when I took the pics the mics were disconnected from the spectras.

 

[crazyboy]

Looks really good. Can we get a shot of the whole console?

 

[kjfswkr]

what type of truck? very nice by the way.

kevin

 

[oregontreehugger]

Looks like a Tahoe or Suburban. Definitely Chevy.

I agree -- awesome install job!

 

[SLWilson]

His Truck...

what type of truck? very nice by the way.

kevin

He hasn't answered yet, but, it's either a Chevy Tahoe, Suburban or GMC Yukon....His radios are under the rear fold down seats....Set up just like mine....See Below. My wires aren't as neat, but, with the seats "normal" you can't see any of them. My question is, who installed and how well they got the headliner back in after drilling the roof? I've used fender and on the glass antennas for mine. I'd like to mount them on the roof, but, I'm afraid the headliner won't ever be "right" afterwards !!!Steve/Gallia :lol:

 

[FireMarshalRob]

Hello, I did the installation. These pics were taken shorthly after I believe. I did the install work myself, I used to be in the business before L/E. The headliner is a breeze, the whole headliner does not have to come down.

Usually the passenger side is the best side to work on, remove the sunvisor, A post plastic, B post plastic, and the other grab handles, rear trim, coat hangers, etc from the pass side and/or rear. Once all removed you can easily gently lower that side of the liner and wedge a small box or other object to keep it down while working. Find the location of the cross members, sun roof, cross braces or brackets and mark them with tape on the top of the roof to avoid drilling these areas. Be careful not to bend the headliner too much as to avoid cracking or creasing it. Measure three times and drill once. Measure everything you do, mark with electrical tape and/or oil crayon. After the drilling the hole aim the antenna kit wire towards the pass side thru the hole and feed it through. Reach into the roof area and grab the cable and gently pull. Route all the cables and use duct tape to keep them out of the way when going down the posts. Use a antenna bit commercially made by cablematic, antennex, etc (available through tessco) bon't use a unibit, hole saw, or wood auger. The bit is less than $20.

Here are some other pics that you asked for, and it is a 01 GMC Yukon XL 2500.

 

[davkenrem]

What are the relays controlling?

 

[BoxAlarm187]

Just to add to the comments, I've had holes in the roof of my last three vehicles, with no leaks, and no damage to the headliner!

 

[kinner1970]

That is crazy amazing. Great setup.

 

[SLWilson]

Strobe Lights

What are the relays controlling?

Looks like his strobe lights (the relays)....Steve

 

[DTRS_Master]

Looks great - those fold-up seats in the back are GREAT for putting radios underneath

 

[FireMarshalRob]

The relays are controlled by the motorola wildcard switch box. They control the various light functions such as headlight flasher, LEDS, strobe supply, dash light, etc. The wild card switch box is low current only.

 

[Dolceg]

I want a truck now

 

[radio10-8]

Very nice! I could drive that everyday. I am working on an in dash option for an exedition with the double din. This just gave me some ideas. I also drill the roof and run cable without any damge to the headliner, It sounds more intimidating than it really is. Again very nice job.

 

[SCPD]

The only thing I'm wondering about is heat. Especially in the console all sealed in at the top like that. The back seats too. Can't be good for equipment to be left like that? But I guess our car stereos are all the time. I just thought something that transmits gets more hot, but I don't know. I used to install car stereos and always tried to leave space for air flow around amps and things.

 

[FireMarshalRob]

Shouldn't have a problem with heat. There is really nothing in a vehicle that is perfectly sealed, There is always air movement. Any way, As far as heat disapation from the radios I havn't ever noticed a problem per say. Later, Rob

 

[73cuda]

Console parts ?

Hi,
Is that a custom/aftermarket plastic replacement part that the Motorola is mounted in in the top picture?

Thanks,