Radio spacing for vehicle mounts

[natedawg1604]

So I've got an older Honda CR-V with a custom center console I built for a bunch of radios. It currently has 4 mobile radios but I need to install a fifth (Harris CH-721 control head), and possibly a sixth (likely another CH-721) in about a month.

I'm currently using a bunch of havis console mount faceplates, but I'm finding the faceplates themselves create several inches of space between each radio. I'm thinking about fabricating metal strips that would go between the console and each radio to allow for more space. However, is it okay to mount radios real close to each other?

At the moment I have 2 control heads, plus a Kenwood 3720, XPR 6550 and Uniden BCT 15-X. Has anyone fabricated their own bracket system to add more radios in a smaller space? If so I'd love to see some photos or comments on my situation. Thanks.

 

[mmckenna]

Should not be an issue if it's just control heads. You do want some air flow around the RF decks, especially if this is for long winded ham use.

 

[EMTJD]

I'd be interested in seeing photos of your install, natedawg… I have a 2023 Accord and – no surprise – there is very little room for anything. I have a Yaesu FT-7900 on a gooseneck attached to the passenger seat bolt, and will probably have to go with a cupholder mount if I want to add anther radio such as a BCD436 or HomePatrol 2 (yeah, I know… but there's no room for anything else).

 

[EMTJD]

So I've got an older Honda CR-V with a custom center console I built for a bunch of radios. It currently has 4 mobile radios but I need to install a fifth (Harris CH-721 control head), and possibly a sixth (likely another CH-721) in about a month.

I'm currently using a bunch of havis console mount faceplates, but I'm finding the faceplates themselves create several inches of space between each radio. I'm thinking about fabricating metal strips that would go between the console and each radio to allow for more space. However, is it okay to mount radios real close to each other?

At the moment I have 2 control heads, plus a Kenwood 3720, XPR 6550 and Uniden BCT 15-X. Has anyone fabricated their own bracket system to add more radios in a smaller space? If so I'd love to see some photos or comments on my situation. Thanks.

If you're only listening and not transmitting, how close the radios are to each other is of no concern. Don't worry about it. And even if you ARE transmitting, it's actually how close the ANTENNAS are that is the issue to be concerned about.

 

[madrabbitt]

I’m going to repeat mmckenna.
Consider airflow.

Individual spacing doesn’t matter but cramming that much in an enclosed console in a vehicle is asking for issues. 12v fan(s) on a ignition only circuit.