Outdoor Adventure USA

A good, clean, neat installation of your mobile radio will ensure years of noise free operation. Every vehicle presents new problems for antenna placement, power pickup, and radio installation.
What does it take to meet the objectives above?
Share your good practices, tips, techniques, and clever solutions from your experience with mobile radio installs since the last time we discussed this topic.
Post up pictures of where you mounted radios heads, antennas, speakers, and the body of the radio for different vehicles.

POWER
Anderson Power Poles

Anderson power poles are an item you need to be aware as an option for your mobile radio installed.

Quote from the Manufacture
Anderson Power Products are becoming the new standard in DC power applications by the amateur radio community, radio control (cars, planes and boats), automotive winch installation and many other industrial DC power applications such as forklifts, wheelchairs and UPS battery backup systems.

Anderson Powerpoles have been adapted by most RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) organizations and ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) units. Our
Please check our Help Center page for quick answers to Powerpole Frequently Asked Questions and other common customer support issues.



Read more: http://www.powerwerx.com/anderson-power ... z3RN1N8X9l

Power Pole Retention Clips - fits 15/30/45 Powerpole Crimper
Buy the crimper. It will make your life with the power poles a lot easier.

POWER
Another Tool to help with the power side of our install

I am a big fan of incorporating a RIGrunner distribution block from West Mountain Radio in my mobile radio vehicle installs. The model 4005 with 5 outlets is small enough to fit easily into the vehicle (6x3 inches x 1.4 thick) and give me one more outlet in the same space as the 4004 model (unless you need a USB port). I like the idea that that as I discover the need for more radios I didn’t know I couldn’t live without, I already have a clean power source to plug into. The use of30 amp power poles makes it easy for others to tap into the power if they need to.
This model will handle up to 40 amps and each outlet is separately fused. While they expected you will use the power pole on the end for power in, any of the power poles can be used for power in or out.
http://www.westmountainradio.com/rigrunner.php
Don’t forget to order a bag of Anderson power poles. And get the crimper – it will save you a lot of grief.

POWER

More information related to power: This chart for 12v DC current is a bit complicated at first. It is showing you the gauge wire needed for amp requirements but also shows the impact of the length of the wire.

I'm currently in Colorado in a hiking trip so I won't be able to participate in the net - here is my install.

About half a year ago Larry W6LPB did a phenomenal install of my HF rig in my jeep. It's very clean, discreet, functional and a pleasure to look at and have fun with. We moved my 8800 to the lower console and installed the 857D above the rearview mirror. As an antenna we installed the Little Tarheel II with the recommended Tunematic tuner. The tuner controller is on the left side of the steering wheel just below the axle-lock and sway bar buttons. We fought a lot with RFI's but through a lot of bonding in the engine and jeep body, and other things he did the radio works really well, I can talk and receive while on the move. We still have a couple of things to do but as it is right now I can work all the bands except for 40 meters. 80 meters is the clearest one and busiest one, at night of course.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Having a rugged and reliable water container is an important piece of gear that should be on everyone's camping list. The popularity of plastic water cans was, in large part, pioneered by the Scepter Company. Today there are other companies that make identical water cans and they are all quality products. The military version of the plastic water can (MWC) looks like this:
This popularity had led to some very useful accessories for these cans. The JAGMTE.com website is a good example of some ingenious ideas for your MWC, and here are a few: (pictures are from the JAGMTE.com website):

• 1. Water Spigot Kit
  
  See the video of this product - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OH11sNFjHI
  

  

  Self Venting Water Spigot Kit.jpg (86.68 KiB) Viewed 916 times

  2. Cap Wrench This will snug up the cap, minimizing the risk of leaks.
  

  

  MWC Wrench.jpg (53.2 KiB) Viewed 916 times

  3. Flow Control Pour Spout
  
  Another alternative for dispensing water. See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... CiVOwCcnJc
  

  

  Flow Control Pour Spout.jpg (47.22 KiB) Viewed 916 times

The best installation with the best equipment will be worthless unless you have taken the time to properly seal the connections that will be exposed to moisture. Usually these are the antenna connections (e.g. PL-259 or NMO), and without some form of protection, the elements will soon take their toll on your set-up. One of the best ways to protect connections is with Coax Seal (http://coaxseal.com/). It won't be "real purty" but it will keep the connections free from corrosion.

Here is what the manufacturer says:

Seals and protects all types of cable, wire and connectors from moisture and corrosion
Ideal for all types of antennas, wireless networks, radar, cable, satellite dishes, marine and aviation electronics, and any application requiring protection from the weather
Adheres to all cable and wire hardware and cable jackets
Offers years of protection from the effects of weather
Stays flexible, hot or cold; easy to remove
Used in many industries, including telecommunications, wireless networks, military, marine, aviation, aerospace and commercial radio
Made in USA Insist on “The Original Coax Sealant!” Coax-Seal

Power
Day Star Grommet
When running wires through the fire wall or other body part, protect the wire from chaffing on the sharp edges of metal with a grommet. You can get many different sizes at almost any hardware store.
The Day Star boot is unique in that it allows you to drill one hole in the firewall and insert the Day Star boot, you can add more wires as you need them later on without drill another hole.

The picture shows 3 installation with more and more wire. The nose is cut off to make a nice seal around the wire and a zip tie closes it up.
The grommet is in the $12 to $15 dollar range.

Dave
Please check me in
Kevin
KK6DGL

Please check me in for tonight. Thanks.