Where to mount a VHF Two way Radio

Rollercoaster639 · Post by **Rollercoaster639** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 1:07 pm

I would really like to know were you have mounted your VHF radio as I do not know where / how to mount mine. If you have a Pic please post it for me / us. I have a single cab Hilux 2010.

Places that I can think of so far:

Under the seat: As long as I can reach the on/off / volume switch. (Less temptation for affirmative shopping)
Between the seats against the back somehow.
Between the seats / console somehow.
Somewhere on / in the dash.
Inside the glove compartment. ??
On the passanger side of the middle dash console. (Dont really like this. Seen a pic on the forum somewhere)

FUDGES · Post by **FUDGES** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:23 pm

I was thinking to take off the map lights between the sunvisers and mount it somehow there. And the get some LED lights to replacemap lights.

2nd option for me will be under the seat.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:55 pm

So this is not what you are looking for.

The bracket attaches with two screws - one hole is already in the console, you need to drill one more hole.

the radio is far enough forward not to be hurt your passangers shins/calve.

downside is that you have to lean over to change channels.

My other options were:

- behind the centre console, this was my second choise. but it is a pest to see the display. AND if it is high enough to see you cant open the centre console, or you have to move the radio even further back

- inside the centre console, but now you need to drill more holes to get the wiring in and out. ALSO, either the console must be open to hear the speaker, or you need to fit a second speaker.

- I dont like the under seat option, as you cant see the display.

- IF you get one of the new modern slim line radios you can fit it in front of the two gear levers .....

Rollercoaster639 · Post by **Rollercoaster639** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 7:23 pm

@Chris...Yup this is not what I want. But you have helped me. Bearing in mind that I have a s/c behind the centre console with the face up sound good.

@AJ. Roof mounted consol is not an option for me.

The more I think about it the more I like the "behind the console mounting which Chris mentioned"
Behind the passenger seat I have the DC2DC charger and the Inverter so I already have 12dc there.
If one could get a sort of an extension cable for the mic then the mic could be hung on the dash somewhere.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 8:04 pm

I also have the SC.

Hold the radio in place, behind the console, then try to open the lid. The lid goes back quit a bit, so the radio needs to be mounted low enough - making it difficult to read the dials.

Have you already bougth the radio? DO consider the "slim line model - this will fit nicely in front of the two gear sticks.

PS - the radio in my pic is 29mhz, not a vhf.

PPS - contact "Family dog", have a look at his range of products.

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 8:26 pm

Ek't ook lamk oor de verskilende opsies gesit en dink.

End result between the driver seat and the console. Not fixed. Can see the display, can hear the radio, mike is rear and handy

KWAGGA · Post by **KWAGGA** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 9:06 pm

I have a 2001 KZTE.

I mounted mine behind the console between the seats. The mic rests perfectly in the center console.

Post by **Family_Dog** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 9:30 pm

I suggested to Barry that he ask here... unfortunately, I do not have any photos of radios installed in the Vigos.

Mark, won't you please post a photo of how you've installed the Kenwood?

In Hound Dog, I managed to fit the Kenwood TK7100 between the gear lever and the bottom of the dash console. Fits in very snugly and I still can use the little cubby hole behind.

Barry, remember to leave at least 50mm space behind the radio for the antenna connector.

-F_D

Post by **Royco** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 9:54 pm

You could always try the hardcore approach...
Angle grinder!!

I figured I could always replace that cover... well, I hope so :roll:

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 10:02 pm

At the price of a new radio, the cover might be too expensive to replace.... :)

in fact that is "less damaging" than fitting the antenia ....

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 10:14 pm

Like so:

3 Blind Monkeys · Post by **3 Blind Monkeys** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 11:14 pm

Now that we know where to mount the radio, can anyone tell me where to get a good not to old or to expensive radio with the right arial. Don't know the different models or pro's & con's of them.

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:16 am

3 Blind Monkeys wrote:Now that we know where to mount the radio, can anyone tell me where to get a good not to old or to expensive radio with the right arial. Don't know the different models or pro's & con's of them.

Difficult combo..... :roll: :roll: :roll:
Here:
http://www.hilux4x4.co.za/shop/radios.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Rollercoaster639 · Post by **Rollercoaster639** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 9:23 am

Royco wrote:You could always try the hardcore approach...
Angle grinder!!

I figured I could always replace that cover... well, I hope so :roll:

This looks very neat.
Between the seat and console as Mark has it can also work.
Suddenly there is a lot of options...The Power of the forum

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 1:22 pm

Johann seeing that you are in the Cape, contact:

Joe Berg in Paarl - 021 872 1245

or

GOMAD in brackenfell - 021 981 5544

a NEW radio should not cost more than R1500, in fact I got a 3 week old unit from Joe for R 1300 including fitment (I did choose to do the installation myself though, ended up paying R 1200) This is for 29 mhz, which is what the majority of people still use in the Western Cape.

Now IF you get invovleved with a group that specifically use vhf, I bought the vhf handheld radio. but this was just my personal preference ..... I ONLY want to do convoy talking, not this fancy stuff where the guys claim 5000km comms .....

Post by **Family_Dog** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 5:46 pm

ChrisF wrote:
a NEW radio should not cost more than R1500, in fact I got a 3 week old unit from Joe for R 1300 including fitment (I did choose to do the installation myself though, ended up paying R 1200) This is for 29 mhz, which is what the majority of people still use in the Western Cape.

Chris, this is why 29MHz is such a waste of $$. VHF radios cost very slightly more and offer you the following:

* Crystal clear communications under all weather conditions (ever tried 29MHz in an electrical storm?)
* Extended range, reliably 15 - 25km between vehicles
* 25W RF power, as opposed to a measly 4W from a 29MHz radio
* Increased reliability
* VHF/FM radios are serviceable if necessary, 29MHz AM radios go to the big Radio in the Sky when they die

Roy, that is a very neat installation!

-F_D

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:43 pm

FD I DO agree !

That is why I FIRST bought vhf ..... then none of the people I joined on groups used vhf ..... ended up having to buy 29mhz for convoy comms.

The sooner the 4x4 fraternity make the switch the better !

But unfortunately Johann is also in the Cape and will most probably go the same route I did ... ending with 29 mhz.

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:47 pm

Eric what is an electrical storm ? :)

ons het mos nie sulke goed in die Kaap nie. :)

Post by **Family_Dog** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 9:18 pm

ChrisF wrote:Eric what is an electrical storm ? :)

ons het mos nie sulke goed in die Kaap nie. :)

Consider yourself lucky! We had a humdinger of one midnight Saturday that took out my home PC - which wasn't even plugged in! Seems we must have had a pretty close strike, MB went for a loop, replaced it yesterday. Electromagnetic radiation? Who knows, the PC was physically unplugged from the Mains and the Earth Leakage had tripped (four times!!) so I just left it off.

Took out three of our radio repeaters as well, but fortunately fairly simple repairs.

-F_D

Post by **CasKru** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 9:24 pm

Family_Dog wrote:
ChrisF wrote:Eric what is an electrical storm ? :)

ons het mos nie sulke goed in die Kaap nie. :)
Consider yourself lucky! We had a humdinger of one midnight Saturday that took out my home PC - which wasn't even plugged in! Seems we must have had a pretty close strike, MB went for a loop, replaced it yesterday. Electromagnetic radiation? Who knows, the PC was physically unplugged from the Mains and the Earth Leakage had tripped (four times!!) so I just left it off.

Took out three of our radio repeaters as well, but fortunately fairly simple repairs.

-F_D

Seems Klerkies is relaxed regarding safety when it comes to people but when it comes to the weather... :wth: :wth: :wth:

3 Blind Monkeys · Post by **3 Blind Monkeys** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 10:13 pm

Thanks for the info. I already have a 29 mhz but would like to go to vhf because of clarity and all the other benefits and just send the 29 mhz radio to radio heaven myself.
I phoned 1 or 2 places and they range anything from R1900 for a 2nd hand radio and R3000 for a new one but don't know which make or model would be the better buy,(the second hand one is a kenwood but don't know the model #)
Which make or model would you recommend.

Post by **Royco** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 10:20 pm

OOOOMS wrote: Here:
http://www.hilux4x4.co.za/shop/radios.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 10:22 pm

Have a squiz here: All pretty good imp as long as spares are available
http://www.hilux4x4.co.za/shop/radios.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

3 Blind Monkeys · Post by **3 Blind Monkeys** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 10:31 pm

Thanks.

Post by **Family_Dog** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 6:40 am

Johann, you have email...

-F_D

Post by **CasKru** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 6:41 am

Family_Dog wrote:Johann, you have email...

-F_D

Eric while you are emailing, would you mind sending me an updated pricelist as well?

Post by **Family_Dog** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:20 pm

Done! Better late than never... ;)

-F_D

Post by **CasKru** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:52 pm

Thanks Eric. Or better late than pregnant

3 Blind Monkeys · Post by **3 Blind Monkeys** » Sat Feb 19, 2011 10:21 pm

Thanks Eric, thinking of the Kirisun 8100 any opinions?

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Sat Feb 19, 2011 10:39 pm

3 Blind Monkeys wrote:Thanks Eric, thinking of the Kirisun 8100 any opinions?

Kirisun, good value for money! 256 channels imo is a bit of an overkill...

Post by **CasKru** » Sat Feb 19, 2011 11:36 pm

OOOOMS wrote:
3 Blind Monkeys wrote:Thanks Eric, thinking of the Kirisun 8100 any opinions?
Kirisun, good value for money! 256 channels imo is a bit of an overkill...

Wow Mark... uit jou mond uit?!

I think the I'm not sure how it compares in price to the Kenwood but believe it's a little cheaper. You can't go wrong with a Kirisun and one can never have enough channels :)

Post by **Family_Dog** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 9:56 am

The Kirisun PT8100 is excellent value for money, and is now our main seller. Compact, similar features to the other Alpha-Numeric models (Kenwood TK7100, Vertex VX2200, Icom 5022 etc) but very competitively priced. Granted. you will never need all those channels but it is most useful identifying the channels by name, eg: ORRA 1, ORRA 2, etc. Hopefully, soon, ORRA 3. We do use two channels per frequency, so with a total of 6 six channels being used soon the LCD display will make this easier.

: PT8100.jpg (30.83 KiB) Viewed 3306 times

-F_D

Hilux01 · Post by **Hilux01** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 2:43 pm

We had the VHF radios fitted at the begining of the month, new Motorola CM140 models with quater wave antenna (Zara 60) as F_D proposed.

Here the radio is fitted to the back of the centre console with the radio bracket

The antenna cut to quater wave

Rollercoaster639 · Post by **Rollercoaster639** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 7:06 pm

Hilux01...Thanks for the pic...I think this is where I will be installing mine.

Post by **Family_Dog** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 8:32 pm

Shot!

-F_D

Hilux01 · Post by **Hilux01** » Wed Feb 23, 2011 11:37 am

Barry

Also contact Dan the Man he did his in a D4-D as well, worked great. If maybe you want pics of radio in Vigo shape etc

Post by **Royco** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 10:31 am

I can tell you where NOT to mount it!
I tried it here for one day - still have the bruises from every time I changed gears!
Also couldn't use the foot rest! :evil:

I tried Mark's idea... but I think my radio is too FAT! It would not fit between the seat and console.
Behind the centre console where Henk (and Barry) did his won't work for me as the cup holders get used.....

So I'm going with Chris's plan - although this is still temporary. (It'll probably stay there - unless I get my angle grinder out again!

)

Just in case you ask... I still use my 27/29MHz - yes I have LR friends

Post by **Family_Dog** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 12:10 pm

Roy, why don't you simply cut a hole in the dash...

We normally mount these in the same position as well, on the passenger side. Just ensure it does not get in the way of the travel of your seat when sliding it forward. In your case, it looks 100% :)

-F_D

Post by **Royco** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 12:17 pm

Family_Dog wrote:Roy, why don't you simply cut a hole in the dash...

Thinking about it...

There's so much (wasted) space in these new dashes - but no!
I've already destroyed the cover below... was trying to fit them both there, but wasn't able too.

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:21 pm

Royco wrote:
Family_Dog wrote:Roy, why don't you simply cut a hole in the dash...
Thinking about it...
There's so much (wasted) space in these new dashes - but no!
I've already destroyed the cover below... was trying to fit them both there, but wasn't able too.

Roy, will your radio not fit in the middle console?

Post by **Royco** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:36 pm

OOOOMS wrote: Roy, will your radio not fit in the middle console?

I have not measured. It could, but then how would I run the cables?
Drill a hole in the console...

I'll check it tonight - may be an option... tx.

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:39 pm

Yip, it's only a small little hole for the arial and power cable.....at the bottom

Post by **CasKru** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 3:03 pm

Okay so today I decided to move my VHF radio to under the dash. It used to be between the seats along with the 20Mhz but I don't have that anymore.

This is the result. I still need to sand it down and respray. I used the flatbar from the previous bracket between the seats....

Post by **Family_Dog** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 4:43 pm

Shot, Cassie!

That is one of the best places to mount the radio as it is still accessible if necessary and it is completely out of the way.

-F_D

The Legend · Post by **The Legend** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 6:23 pm

Baie netjies Cassie,Ek gaan myne ook daar installeer.

Post by **Family_Dog** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 8:20 pm

Bulldog's Radio mounting is as such:

Close up:

White Fang's radio is mounted like this:

PraDog's radios fits snugly in the centre console:

I don't have a photo of Hound Dog's radio, but it is mounted in a similar fashion to Cassie's radio.

-F_D

Post by **CasKru** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 8:27 pm

Family_Dog wrote:Shot, Cassie!

That is one of the best places to mount the radio as it is still accessible if necessary and it is completely out of the way.

-F_D

What I like about where it is now is that I didn't have to drill any holes into the body or dashboard. Also all the wiring runs in the dash and none under any carpet area