Calling all HAMs

[vedearduff]

Hello from Indiana.

I'm working on my Techicians license and plan on installing a dual band mobile unit in my Silverado. Can any of you offer any advice with regard to installation issues.

I am leaning towards the Kenwood TM-V71a for the radio and have not yet decided on the antena.

I'm considering mounting the main part of the radio under the passenger seat and the faceplate on the dash. I want the best signal I can get, so I plan on drilling a hole in the cab roof for the antena mount.

Thanks

Vernon

[moogvo]

Hi vernon. I mounted my RF deck under the passenger's seat and the face plate in the dash where the CD player would be if it had one. I used a custom made Cat5 cable to attach the head and RF deck together.



Good luck on the test. Check out aa9pw.com to take practice tests.

73!
de N4KCN

[silverhobey]

Hi vernon. I mounted my RF deck under the passenger's seat and the face plate in the dash where the CD player would be if it had one. I used a custom made Cat5 cable to attach the head and RF deck together.



Good luck on the test. Check out aa9pw.com to take practice tests.

73!
de N4KCN

Cool dash set up with the mic and all.....Brian

- - - Updated - - -

Hello from Indiana.

I'm working on my Techicians license and plan on installing a dual band mobile unit in my Silverado. Can any of you offer any advice with regard to installation issues.

I am leaning towards the Kenwood TM-V71a for the radio and have not yet decided on the antena.

I'm considering mounting the main part of the radio under the passenger seat and the faceplate on the dash. I want the best signal I can get, so I plan on drilling a hole in the cab roof for the antena mount.

Thanks

Vernon

people at work call me a HAM all the time.
Sorry, Vernon I couldn't resist replying

[steved]

I want the best signal I can get, so I plan on drilling a hole in the cab roof for the antena mount.

Thanks

Vernon

What cab? The crew cabs are really easy to drill and install and antenna...

[vedearduff]

What cab? The crew cabs are really easy to drill and install and antenna...

My Silverado has an extended cab. I have a 1999 Z71 with extended cab and LT trim package, short bed.

[steved]

My Silverado has an extended cab. I have a 1999 Z71 with extended cab and LT trim package, short bed.

If the headliner has a center-mounted courtesy light, you can pop that out, drill the hole, and snake the wiring around...I was able to install a Wilson 5000 in under 30 minutes using that method.

[moogvo]

I mounted mine to the tool box... I wasn't crazy about drilling a hole in the roof. I have done it to many vehicles in the past... I just couldn't push myself into doing it to a roof that has survived more than 17 years without incident. Make sure to install an antenna with an NMO mount if you DO drill a hole. Those are the least likely to leak with double o-ring seals.

Besides... most ham antennas use the NMO mount anyway. I even have a 10 meter whip on an NMO mount. Here is my dual bander mounted on the tool box with the coax routed through the tool box so it isn't draped around the side...