I stumbled across this video in my TH-cam feed. Just wanted to say how awesome your radio mount looks. Nice and clean. Great cable management. Sane layout. I’m happy to know about the ditch light mounts you used for your antennas. Not a product I’ve seen before, but great to know about! Thanks for the video. 73 de KC4GPW
thank you so much for building and sharing this with us. I just purchased a 2013 Subaru 3.6r outback.. I didn't want to showcase my radios or auxbeam controller. In the sunglass drop down in the celing console, I've constructed a flush mount 2/70... and I wanted to hide my scanner and UHF amp in the console, but wasn't sure on how to craft a case. You just inspired me to use mdf and some felt edging.. I can hide my auxbeam controller in there as well. > I wrote this and continued watching your video.. I wanted to come back and say.. This is a fine job! I love you setup! Its late night here atm.. I wont be able to sleep lol.. I cannot wait to get to the hardware store and buy some material!! BTW>> I will be running the ditchlight antenna setup as well. I think that is a great place to mount antennas.
Very nice. Attention to detail is great. So many hams have the bad reputation of messy/ugly installs so it's great when some of us choose to do it right.
Wow, I commented before I saw it in the truck! That is one slick design. Hey, the antennas are fine. You made it work, and besides, if it doesn't, you'll adjust or fix it. We are Ham Operators, it's all about trying different installations and configurations.
Looking forward to seeing how you ran the wires and cables, stellar and impressive install…. Very Clean and tidy! I have F350 with similar console and this is perfect for my use, plus-equipment out of sight when away from truck.
looks great! i like the fact everything fits inside the factory console and is hidden out of view. one of my first thoughts when i see elaborate radio installs in vehicles is this is a big target for a thief break in to your vehicle and look around. out of sight out of mind. did you make that from wood? do you plan to only run the radios when the console is open?
Thanks, yes it is made of 1/2” plywood. With the newer vehicle being quiet I can hear the radios even when the lid is closed. (May add an exterior speaker if I can find somewhere to put it) the CB works through the mic. So I can shut the lid and run the mic to the cup holder or my lap. The Ham I mount the face on my dash when using it while driving and all the controls are on the mic. And when I am using the GMRS I am leaving it on one channel for the group so all I need is the mic. That said, it is definitely not safe to be messing with them while driving just because it takes your ears off the road for so long. That’s what the passenger is for I guess. Everything is a compromise.
@@fallcreekmods not sure if it fits on yours, but i have a speaker under the drivers sear. i ran a scanner though inside a chevy tahoe console, no issues, drilled a hole in the bottom of the factory console and ran power and antenna through that, no external speaker either back then. now i have a vehicle with no factory console in it, so i bought a cheap after market one, cut the interior partially, run a scanner and the yaseu ft300 head with the radio mounted in the trunk, and speaker under the seat. the lid of the console slides back horizontally rather than vertically, so it is rather easy to access while driving. what i dont like, is the console itself is cheap plastic, the radios are what i would call installed in a rough cut out of the plastic interior. goal is to one day fabricate or modify a commercial radio console with a similar sliding horizontal cover that puts everything out of sight. one great thing about yours, seems like it wouldn't be too hard to move to another vehicle if needed.
Well thought out and executed design! What materials did you use for the actual console? Very stealth when parked as long as you remove antennas before arriving at your destination. Can I give yo a hint, that Midland antenna is based on the older Larson Phantom antennas or affectionately know a dummy loads. I have worked with versions of these in 800, 450, and 150 MHz ranges. They are a compromise for a true antenna, best if installed in the center of the roof ( yes I know, I didn’t drill my current auto that I have for the last 18 years ) away from any vertical metallic objects. Power line is properly run and fused next to the battery but is the negative lead run directly and fused to the battery? I built my own radio console for my 93 Voyager back in the days when I lived and worked in the states as a licensed radio technician for a two way radio shop. (20+ years experience) it was constructed of 1/2 inch plywood that was wrapped by a pro upholsterer with padded vinyl upholstery to match the interior. Everything e Was "rack mounted" similar to how Troy Consoles does their cruiser consoles. It was set up with Kenwood commercial radios in all three bands, a PA 500, arrow stick controller and a mag light rechargeable. One 4” computer fan for cooling, fuse block and a cover of similar construction to hide the system. Was there a decent hole in the firewall where you could pass through all of the cables? Ack in the day we cursed the Fords for not having something in the firewall to use as a pass through. The Crown Vic was the only exception. Safe travels! 73!
Thanks for the comment. Great information. The construction is 1/2” plywood and thank goodness the expedition has a decent firewall plug right behind the glovebox :)
Nice design, although I'd be concerned about heat buildup in such an enclosed space. As someone that's not afraid to hack the vehicle factory wiring a little, I'd have not gone with the auxbeam controller, and wired those switches into located in the the "poverty button" locations of your truck. Most pickups, if your look up the body builders manual include factory points to pull power and I'd expect the Expedition to likely share the same/similar wiring harness with the F150.
Thanks, it’s got two auxiliary fans to help with heat. I isolated the power and didn’t use the trucks fuse box as the auto on/off system kept throwing intermittent interference. Bypassed the truck and went straight from battery to the AuxBeam panel and issues went away.
Looks like everything is enclosed in the console and out of sight. He did a phenomenal job. The only thing visible is his handheld GPS unit which, obviously, could be easily pulled and hidden (and wasn't really the focus of the video), plus, of course, the antennas.
Y'all ever see that car and that van and all them other cars and vans and police cars and bicycles and and and ... WITH antennas every where an antenna would fit? I this this application is fine.
I don't think hose 2 antennas a quarter inch apart are going to work very well. The CB antenna will probably be OK but nthe GMRS antenna should be a distance away to work properly. You're a ham? I wouldn't put multiple antennas right next to each other.
Thanks man, I talked about this a bit in the video. Aluminum bodied truck so the locations were limited. I only use one radio at a time and the cb/gmrs is an either or situation depending on what the group is using. Everything seems to work well and test well when running the radios individually. Plus it’s easy to simply remove an antenna if I am getting any interference. Thanks for the comment though, always good to have others eyes on a project.
Even if you have the radio turned off, the RF is still hitting the front end as long as the coax is connected. It will blow out the front end. At the very least, you need more separation, both horizontal and vertical, between the antennas. Ideally, you would have physical separation plus filters (notch and/or bandpass, depending on your needs). Contact one of the big radio dealers and they will help you get it sorted out.
Most of it is for fun but living in Montana cell coverage is often not an option. There are very real reasons to know how to communicate and get information when phones are not an option.
Thanks for the nice comment. The mini mag light is on purpose as it’s the only one that can be used as a lamp when the top is removed. The scanner does everything I want it to do. Sometimes it’s not all about the newest and fanciest. Thanks for watching.
@@fallcreekmods I've got an old analog thermostat at home for my ac/ heater. Young service techs like to make fun of it. It still works just fine, f%&k em!
I stumbled across this video in my TH-cam feed.
Just wanted to say how awesome your radio mount looks.
Nice and clean. Great cable management. Sane layout.
I’m happy to know about the ditch light mounts you used for your antennas. Not a product I’ve seen before, but great to know about!
Thanks for the video.
73 de KC4GPW
Wow that’s a very clean, well thought out design! Thanks for sharing it with us. Gives me ideas for my build. Looking forward to seeing the rig.
thank you so much for building and sharing this with us. I just purchased a 2013 Subaru 3.6r outback.. I didn't want to showcase my radios or auxbeam controller. In the sunglass drop down in the celing console, I've constructed a flush mount 2/70... and I wanted to hide my scanner and UHF amp in the console, but wasn't sure on how to craft a case. You just inspired me to use mdf and some felt edging.. I can hide my auxbeam controller in there as well. > I wrote this and continued watching your video.. I wanted to come back and say.. This is a fine job! I love you setup! Its late night here atm.. I wont be able to sleep lol.. I cannot wait to get to the hardware store and buy some material!! BTW>> I will be running the ditchlight antenna setup as well. I think that is a great place to mount antennas.
Thanks man, I would love to see what you come up with!
I love radios and i love the second amendment, great combination
Looks almost identical to the console I had in my patrol car. 👍
Very nice. Attention to detail is great. So many hams have the bad reputation of messy/ugly installs so it's great when some of us choose to do it right.
Sick setup.
Wow, I commented before I saw it in the truck! That is one slick design. Hey, the antennas are fine. You made it work, and besides, if it doesn't, you'll adjust or fix it. We are Ham Operators, it's all about trying different installations and configurations.
Thanks 👍
Looking forward to seeing how you ran the wires and cables, stellar and impressive install…. Very Clean and tidy!
I have F350 with similar console and this is perfect for my use, plus-equipment out of sight when away from truck.
Thanks, I’ll try and remember to mention and explain the wiring when I do the truck video. Just waiting for it to get a bit warmer up here.
That's a beautiful console! Thanks for the video.
Great job. Very well thought out and built.
I say old man it appears that your steering wheel is on the wrong side - but thanks for a good video 😆
Very Nice... Clean installation...
Awesome 🇦🇺 set up Australia 🇦🇺 is watching 😊
This is a very good setup for those who don't want to drill holes in their perfectly good cars.
That is impressive.
Really cool out I am very interested in it. Can you send a link for that GPS puck?
Very Nice, outstanding workmanship. Good Job! N7MQM
looks great! i like the fact everything fits inside the factory console and is hidden out of view. one of my first thoughts when i see elaborate radio installs in vehicles is this is a big target for a thief break in to your vehicle and look around. out of sight out of mind. did you make that from wood? do you plan to only run the radios when the console is open?
Thanks, yes it is made of 1/2” plywood. With the newer vehicle being quiet I can hear the radios even when the lid is closed. (May add an exterior speaker if I can find somewhere to put it) the CB works through the mic. So I can shut the lid and run the mic to the cup holder or my lap. The Ham I mount the face on my dash when using it while driving and all the controls are on the mic. And when I am using the GMRS I am leaving it on one channel for the group so all I need is the mic. That said, it is definitely not safe to be messing with them while driving just because it takes your ears off the road for so long. That’s what the passenger is for I guess. Everything is a compromise.
@@fallcreekmods not sure if it fits on yours, but i have a speaker under the drivers sear. i ran a scanner though inside a chevy tahoe console, no issues, drilled a hole in the bottom of the factory console and ran power and antenna through that, no external speaker either back then. now i have a vehicle with no factory console in it, so i bought a cheap after market one, cut the interior partially, run a scanner and the yaseu ft300 head with the radio mounted in the trunk, and speaker under the seat. the lid of the console slides back horizontally rather than vertically, so it is rather easy to access while driving. what i dont like, is the console itself is cheap plastic, the radios are what i would call installed in a rough cut out of the plastic interior. goal is to one day fabricate or modify a commercial radio console with a similar sliding horizontal cover that puts everything out of sight. one great thing about yours, seems like it wouldn't be too hard to move to another vehicle if needed.
Well thought out and executed design! What materials did you use for the actual console? Very stealth when parked as long as you remove antennas before arriving at your destination. Can I give yo a hint, that Midland antenna is based on the older Larson Phantom antennas or affectionately know a dummy loads. I have worked with versions of these in 800, 450, and 150 MHz ranges. They are a compromise for a true antenna, best if installed in the center of the roof ( yes I know, I didn’t drill my current auto that I have for the last 18 years ) away from any vertical metallic objects. Power line is properly run and fused next to the battery but is the negative lead run directly and fused to the battery? I built my own radio console for my 93 Voyager back in the days when I lived and worked in the states as a licensed radio technician for a two way radio shop. (20+ years experience) it was constructed of 1/2 inch plywood that was wrapped by a pro upholsterer with padded vinyl upholstery to match the interior. Everything e
Was "rack mounted" similar to how Troy Consoles does their cruiser consoles. It was set up with Kenwood commercial radios in all three bands, a PA 500, arrow stick controller and a mag light rechargeable. One 4” computer fan for cooling, fuse block and a cover of similar construction to hide the system.
Was there a decent hole in the firewall where you could pass through all of the cables? Ack in the day we cursed the Fords for not having something in the firewall to use as a pass through. The Crown Vic was the only exception.
Safe travels! 73!
Thanks for the comment. Great information. The construction is 1/2” plywood and thank goodness the expedition has a decent firewall plug right behind the glovebox :)
Nice design, although I'd be concerned about heat buildup in such an enclosed space. As someone that's not afraid to hack the vehicle factory wiring a little, I'd have not gone with the auxbeam controller, and wired those switches into located in the the "poverty button" locations of your truck. Most pickups, if your look up the body builders manual include factory points to pull power and I'd expect the Expedition to likely share the same/similar wiring harness with the F150.
Thanks, it’s got two auxiliary fans to help with heat. I isolated the power and didn’t use the trucks fuse box as the auto on/off system kept throwing intermittent interference. Bypassed the truck and went straight from battery to the AuxBeam panel and issues went away.
Thanks man. - KM1MTN
Great Job .looks great . hopefully u have tinted windows
Looks like everything is enclosed in the console and out of sight. He did a phenomenal job. The only thing visible is his handheld GPS unit which, obviously, could be easily pulled and hidden (and wasn't really the focus of the video), plus, of course, the antennas.
Ha! I do, and a garage :)
Why?
Y'all ever see that car and that van and all them other cars and vans and police cars and bicycles and and and ... WITH antennas every where an antenna would fit? I this this application is fine.
I don't think hose 2 antennas a quarter inch apart are going to work very well. The CB antenna will probably be OK but nthe GMRS antenna should be a distance away to work properly. You're a ham? I wouldn't put multiple antennas right next to each other.
Thanks man, I talked about this a bit in the video. Aluminum bodied truck so the locations were limited. I only use one radio at a time and the cb/gmrs is an either or situation depending on what the group is using. Everything seems to work well and test well when running the radios individually. Plus it’s easy to simply remove an antenna if I am getting any interference. Thanks for the comment though, always good to have others eyes on a project.
Even if you have the radio turned off, the RF is still hitting the front end as long as the coax is connected. It will blow out the front end.
At the very least, you need more separation, both horizontal and vertical, between the antennas.
Ideally, you would have physical separation plus filters (notch and/or bandpass, depending on your needs).
Contact one of the big radio dealers and they will help you get it sorted out.
@@fallcreekmods Why would the aluminum body limit locations? It's a very nice, clean install, but I agree with the others about the antenna placement.
@@mikesmith-po8nd 50 watt uhf with that stubby antenna wont hurt that CB, don't worry too much about it.
@jokerbobcatfish7981
Enjoy the repair bill.
Just mars mod your 300 and get rid of that GMRS radio. And yes blah blah blah “tHaTs Not leeeegal”.
why do you need all that? your not police. just get a cell phone. 🤷♂️
Most of it is for fun but living in Montana cell coverage is often not an option. There are very real reasons to know how to communicate and get information when phones are not an option.
Mag light mini out dated, then an older scanner...This guy is the guy you'll see impersonating the police with a led light bar....LOL
Thanks for the nice comment. The mini mag light is on purpose as it’s the only one that can be used as a lamp when the top is removed. The scanner does everything I want it to do. Sometimes it’s not all about the newest and fanciest. Thanks for watching.
🤡
@@fallcreekmods I've got an old analog thermostat at home for my ac/ heater. Young service techs like to make fun of it. It still works just fine, f%&k em!
Don't be stupid.. Everyone knows that police impersonate amateur radio operators.