Stacking radios

[alexgeo]

I'm trying to stack two radios--an XTL and an XPR--on top of each other to mount atop a desktop power supply. See below for a reference photo:



However, I'm having a hard time finding a bracket (or trunnion in Moto speak) that can do this. Motorola makes something similar to what I'm looking for (HLN7045A; designed for the APX double-deck radio), but it would cost over a hundred dollars and would require some modification to get the XPR to fit. I am ideally looking for something that's roughly 7in wide and can support the weight of two fairly dense radios. Trying to stay away from flimsy CB brackets. Open to DIY suggestions as well.



Any ideas??

 

[mmckenna]

You can purchase aluminum bar stock at most hardware stores pretty cheap. 1/8" thick, and it's easy to cut/drill/bend. You can fabricate your own bracket if you have a hacksaw, a drill and a bench vise (or even a C-clamp and a table).

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If the radios are not the same width, you can buy small nylon spacers that you can use in between the bracket and the narrower radio. You may need a longer mounting screw, but they are metric and you can get them easily.

 

[pcorrin]

I'm trying to stack two radios--an XTL and an XPR--on top of each other to mount atop a desktop power supply. See below for a reference photo:

View attachment 113990

However, I'm having a hard time finding a bracket (or trunnion in Moto speak) that can do this. Motorola makes something similar to what I'm looking for (HLN7045A; designed for the APX double-deck radio), but it would cost over a hundred dollars and would require some modification to get the XPR to fit. I am ideally looking for something that's roughly 7in wide and can support the weight of two fairly dense radios. Trying to stay away from flimsy CB brackets. Open to DIY suggestions as well.

View attachment 113991

Any ideas??

pm me as i make a close copy of the motorola one, can also give you advice on using off the shelf parts

 

[slowmover]

BELLS CB has a swivel bracket available which can be configured with tall brackets from 6.5” to 8” (and greater) in width.

I’ve a number of this type and have loaded transceiver, amp and tuner in a configuration which hung from a Kenworth upper console.

Not flimsy once gear fastened (your personal vehicle would be no challenge re to standing up to the road; in comparison.)

Offered as an inexpensive aid to DIY as you see fit: Pieces with which to experiment.

Good luck.

 

[PACNWDude]

I have used stacking kits from Tessco, but they are a bit on the high side cost wise. But, they come with enough parts that you can often use the spare pieces for other installs as well. This is what one of my installs looks like using one of these kits. https://www.tessco.com/product/2-unit-stack-mount-for-radio-units-40324

 

[wwhitby]

You can purchase aluminum bar stock at most hardware stores pretty cheap. 1/8" thick, and it's easy to cut/drill/bend. You can fabricate your own bracket if you have a hacksaw, a drill and a bench vise (or even a C-clamp and a table).

This is what I do, and recommend this method myself. If you are going to be doing fabrication like this in the future, or just want a new tool , Harbor Freight sells an inexpensive sheet metal bending brake for $70.

 

[ladn]

Have you tried putting the top radio's bracket on the bottom of the radio and mating it to the bracket on the bottom radio--maybe with some nylon spacer washers?

Another solution I've used a few times is to align both radios to one side (left or right) and make an aluminum plate or bar stock bracket to hold them together, then custom bend aluminum flat stock for the right side bracket. I've also used Stanley corner braces to make custom brackets:

 

[Chronic]

https://www.scannermaster.com/Desk_Mount_for_Two_Base_Scanners_p/01-531246.htm

 

[krokus]

One option:

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[pcorrin]

I make them in double and triple and for spectra, xtl, and apx, hi and mid power combos and the bracket is shorter than the rediculous one from motorola

 

[P25Radio]

Here is a stack I made for my Tundra.

 

[trentbob]

Great suggestions, no matter what you do don't discount this valuable tool.

 

[slowmover]

Great suggestions, no matter what you do don't discount this valuable tool.View attachment 114031

And, “Industrial” Velcro.

 

[R8000]

Also an option ......

 

[ladn]

Great suggestions, no matter what you do don't discount this valuable tool.View attachment 114031

I've had good results with foam tape as well. The few problems I've had had to do with heat causing the adhesive to loosen, the foam degrading over time, and lack of adhesive strength on some plastics (as opposed to sheet metal). I recently found a version from Gorilla Glue that has worked extremely well.

 

[8200uwineg]

Super glue or something like black RTV.73

 

[kb4mdz]

I've had good results with foam tape as well. The few problems I've had had to do with heat causing the adhesive to loosen, the foam degrading over time, and lack of adhesive strength on some plastics (as opposed t sheet metal). I recently found a version from Gorilla Glue that has worked extremely well.

IMO, foam tape is good for holding things in place UNTIL you can get them properly attached with screws, etc., just for this reason. Most doublesided foam tape has very poor longterm survivability, as mentioned. Tho 3M's VHB or molding tapes are great for stick and sticking long term.

 

[trentbob]

Super glue or something like black RTV.73

Mmm... super glue is one thing I've never given a thought to. It's one thing carefully scraping off old 3M double-sided foam tape that turns to dust but... Super glue? I guess if you've made the decision you will never ever sell the radio... you also don't get that little bit of separation that two pieces of double-sided foam tape paired together can give you.

 

[trentbob]

IMO, foam tape is good for holding things in place UNTIL you can get them properly attached with screws, etc., just for this reason. Most doublesided foam tape has very poor longterm survivability, as mentioned. Tho 3M's VHB or molding tapes are great for stick and sticking long term.

Yes I was thinking of it as a tool, not the only solution. It can supplement and assist in a more permanent solution. Yes it does degrade but if it's been reinforced with a more permanent method it doesn't really matter. It does however if that's all you're going to use.

 

[jhooten]

I make them in double and triple and for spectra, xtl, and apx, hi and mid power combos and the bracket is shorter than the rediculous one from motorola
View attachment 114022

Made something similar out of Aluminum stock scavenged from the scrap pile behind the city sign shop. The street name signs were almost the perfect width.