Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation
Created by on 2007-08-08I recently purchased a new truck and installed two radios. The install went so well that I thought I'd post an article with details on what was used and how it went.
First of all, the truck itself really helped make this possible. It's a 2007 Toyota Tundra 4x4 with the 5.7 liter V8. I chose the Double Cab model over the Crew Max for a couple of reasons. First, the bed is 6.5' long instead of 5.5' on the Crew Max. The Double Cab also has better storage under the backseat, as we will see shortly. The truck also has two small holes in the back of the cab that are covered with rubber plugs. The holes are not large enough to fit a 259 connector through and require unbolting the rear seatbelt and pulling off a plastic cover.
My first project was to install an auxiliary battery. For this, I chose an Optima Yellow Top size 31. I put it in a cheap battery box to which I installed a Rig Runner 5 outlet panel. To charge this, I needed a battery charging system. I did a number of searches and found one that is sold through an eBay store. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120146674911This is the one of only two parts that I didn't install myself. I work at a car dealership and had one of my technicians install it. He had no problems and the instructions are very clear and simple. The kit includes everything you need to hook up the spare battery. The unit isolates the main truck battery for the first 5 minutes after start up before it allows current to charge the auxiliary battery.
The battery itself is mounted in a toolbox in the bed. I decided to get a steel box instead of the normal aluminum because of the weight. Steel boxes will rust quickly if scratched so I applied a coat of spray-on bedliner.
Battery in the tool box:
Battery isolator:
Next up are the radios themselves. I installed a Kenwood V708A and an Icom IC7000. Both fit in the center console of the Tundra. I've had people ask me about the heat from the Icom and so far, this hasn't been a problem. I've been keeping an eye on the temperature indicator and it hasn't gotten too high. If this becomes a problem, I'll put another hole in the bottom of the console and install a fan.
The Icom head unit is mounted on the center console with a Portagrip model 717. For details, see page 38 of the current HRO catalogue. The Tundra has an auxiliary plug for audio and I ran a short cord from the head unit into this plug. The factory speakers make for very clear HF audio. The only down side to this is that I also have Bluetooth which interrupts the radio whenever a call comes in.
The Kenwood head unit is mounted in the overhead console. It's also a Portagrip but the model 726, which is a much shorter arm. The wires are run through the overhead console and around the windshield. The Kenwood supplied cord was not long enough to make it all the way to the base unit. It turns out that this cord is nothing more than a modular phone line with a special plug on the head unit end and a regular phone connection on the base unit end. I used a regular phone line coupler and extension line to get to the head unit. Because regular phone line is not shielded as well as the Kenwood cord, I used a DX Engineering Ferrite bead. I don't know if I needed that, but I have no RF issues so I'll leave it. Because the Kenwood requires the microphone to be connected to the head unit, I had to drill a hole in the console to get the cord out.
Here is the Kenwood in the overhead. Since taking this picture, I have routed the wire inside the console. It doesn't hang out now as is shown in the picture.
Here is the console with both radios, a storage bin and my other truck accessory (yes, I have a permit for the pistol and that is legal in my state).
Here is another shot with the storage bin removed. The bin does not crush the wires. I drilled the hole to get the wires out.
The speakers for the Kenwood took a little planning. I tried to figure out a place to put them, but couldn't figure out how to do it without them being where I would kick them. Finally I decided to sacrifice one of the two glove boxes the Tundra has. The wires run through the console, which easily removes for access.
The wires are routed to the back of the cab. The Tundra comes available with a storage bin under the back seat. I ran the wires under this and then routed them to the panels with the hole to the outside.
Next is the antenna system. For HF, I went with a Tarheel Stubby 75 with a fold-over for the 5' whip. I originally had it set up with a Tarheel cap hat, but removed it when I discovered that I couldn't tune 40 meters with it on. Strangely, I could tune 75 and 20, but not 40. I did not get any type of auto tuner for the antenna and instead just used the rocker switch from Tarheel. It works well and is easy to tune. I may eventually get a Turbo Tuner but am not in a rush for that.
I don't plan on using the UHF or VHF very often on the Icom but I did want an antenna connected so I put a magnet mounted Diamond NR770 on the tool box. Because the connector would not fit through the hole in the truck, I had to cut it off and reattach it once it was routed into the cab.
The other antenna is a Diamond SG7900, which feeds the Kenwood. It's a big antenna but actually looks small next to the Tarheel. It also has a fold-over for parking garages.
Last, let's talk about the antenna mounts. At first, I thought I could get away with one of the rubber friction stake pocket mounts. I attempted to install one and quickly discovered that the stake pocket was just too big. I then contacted Geotool. Geotool makes several mounts and they are specific to different trucks stake pockets. The new generation Tundra takes the same mounts as the Ford so if you order from him, don't get the older Toyota mount.
The Geotool mount is very solid. The coax is routed through the body of the bed and is soldered directly to the mount. It bolts to the bottom of the stake pocket and if you scrape off the paint, you probably don't need additional grounding. I scraped paint but also installed grounding straps. Here is a link to Geotool: http://www.geotool.com/antmount.htm Be sure and tell him if you need this for HF or VHF use. The bases are different and I have one of each.
While I'm very happy with the installation, which is very clean and tidy, the real proof has been the performance. I'm still quite new to the hobby so I often don't really know what to expect. I have a station in my house and have some power line noises that I'm trying to work out. I was stunned at how much I could hear on the mobile unit. Not only could I hear, I could be heard. I immediately started trying to jump into some DX pile-ups and was happy to see that I could get through fairly easily. In the first week, I hit Argentina, Ukraine, Moldova, Cuba and several Central American stations. I got signal reports from 5-8 to 5-9 with a couple reporting 10 over 9. I even heard a Japanese station, but didn't have time to try and make contact. All of this while driving 70 miles an hour down Interstate 95 in Virginia.
This radio is working so well that I often will turn off the home radio and go sit in my truck for an hour or so. It doesn't do much for my gas mileage to be sitting there idling for so long, but the joy of the hobby is worth it.
| KI6DCB | 2007-08-25 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| ZMD: Better to be judged by twelve than carried by six. You will almost certainly never need to use the gun, but if you need it and it's at home, you are scr**ed. I used to be a cop, and I can tell you that you will have a much better, less stressful life if you have your little buddy with you. The odds are really against your ever having to use the gun, and they're even more against ever getting busted for having it along. Keep your mouth shut and your holster filled. If an officer ever stops you and asks if he can look through your car, tell him, "Absolutely not. Get a warrant." Trust me...Unless you have REALLY messed up, you're going home with a ticket and nothing else. If you have REALLY messed up, you deserve what happens. A gun at home when you aren't does you no more good than one in a picture in a magazine. The bad guys have 'em, and you should, too. The highest gun crime areas are the ones with the most restrictive gun laws, and vice-versa. This isn't a coincidence. Reply to a comment by : K9ZMD on 2007-08-14 Nice job, Steve - It was good to see how well you put all of that together, and the replies probably gave you ideas on how to make it better. Happily, the comments about your Springfield were mild by comparison to those I have seen on other forums. I'm sorry to say that the installation and the right to carry both have me jealous. Living with CC&R's,I've had to keep my antennas invisible; living in Los Angeles County, I have to keep my sidearms in the house. 73 | ||
| KI6DCB | 2007-08-25 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Great callsign! My carry weapon is a Browning P-35, 1969, with a lot of custom work. If I ever have to use it, some attorney will probably try to crucify me for making any changes from what the factory built. Something like "...extra-deadly accuracy modifications, hair trigger, super-destructive handloaded bullets[sic] yadda, yadda, ad nauseum." I also frequently have -- in the trunk -- a sub-moa .30-06 in case things go froggy before I can get back to my castle. My wife says that she would walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death with me and my hardware -- both weapons and radios. She's also studying for her ticket, and that makes her a keeper. My current mobile is a Radio Shack HTX 242 (Don't laugh -- function/cost ratio is excellent!). What I saved on the radio went to more stuff to help me keep it. I have noticed that ham radio, guns, and four-wheel drive all seem to appeal to the same part of us. My daily driver is a ten-wheel-drive military five-ton, and when I get the radios installed in that baby, I'll post some pictures here. It has a PTO-driven 10 kW generator, so mobile/portable operation should be able to handle almost everything in the shack. For now, my mobile ops are in/from my wife's Jag, and that ain't all bad...the air conditioner is a distinct plus. Really nice install on the Tundra. Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-08 Yes, it is a 1911. Its a semi-custom based on a Springfield Armory that I bought back in 1989. No, things are not bad here. If I thought I needed to have a gun, I'd carry a rifle, bring friends with rifles or I just would avoid that area. The pistol is just in case I'm wrong. I'm a pretty cautious and mild mannered person, but also a pretty prepared one. As to the grounding question, The Geotool grounds on the base of the stake pocket and I added a ground strap as well which is attached to the tie down in the bed of the truck. I bought a bunch of ground strap with the intent of grounding everything I could, but I'm not sure I'm going to need it. My noise levels are pretty low for the most part. There are a couple of places on my commute that always have some excess noise, but that's probably due to something other than my grounding. Its always in the same place. I'll probably get around to grounding up everything but its not a priority right now. Reply to a comment by : AE1Y on 2007-08-08 In Massachusetts it's OK to Carry your pistol like that as long as it's un-loaded and you are in the vehicle with it. If the pistol is loaded thats illegal in Mass. It must be on your person if it is loaded. If it's in your vehicle loaded or un-loaded and you get out of the vehicle even for a second thats another jail term. Welcome to the communist state!! Reply to a comment by : WD4AOG on 2007-08-08 Have you considered mounting the radios under the seat? I have a Tundra SR5 (smaller than your truck) and there is room for my IC-706MKIIG under the driver seat. I can still move the seat forward and backward, there is plenty of air flow (even in summer in Florida) and I have no problem hearing the radio speaker from that location so I haven't needed the mini external speaker I bought. | ||
| KE4RQ | 2007-08-25 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Ah ha! So the new Tundra is just as offensive as mine, it would seem. Changing out the rig is certainly cheaper than changing out the truck!! Seriously, someone did put a post somewhere here on eham.com as to the extensive steps he could with his Toyota truck (I think it was a Tacoma). I don't know the results he got but he was dedicated to getting the ignitions noise out without having the use the NB. Me--I'm not that committed, I guess; I just want to play and have some fun while driving. Let me see, what do I have to sell to be able to buy a IC7000? Down the basement I go, I go. 73 de Clark ke4rq Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-24 It is with a bit of chagrin that I post this next update. In the interest of honesty, I feel I need to discuss this. Yesterday, another ham was looking at my radio install. At some point, he hit the "NB" button on the IC7000. I didn't notice this but I started noticing a lot of excess noise. It was bad and obviously was ignition related. I looked all over the truck to see if something had changed. I thought that perhaps the ground wire on the radio had come loose or broken. I could find nothing. Then, I noticed the "Noise Blocker" light was off. Oops. I hit that and instantly had a nice and quiet signal again. I have had this on since I first installed the radio. What this tells me is that neither the Tundra, nor the installation are fully responsible for the great reception I'm getting. It turns out that it was the radio itself that was the primary cause. I guess I should have checked that first, but it does show how well adapted the IC7000 is for mobile use. Reply to a comment by : W9WHE-II on 2007-08-24 ZL2TW writes: "A pity you did not remove the hand gun before taking the pictures. Most of the Western world manages without these things". Yup, and violent crime went up in Euro and VK land when they outlawed handguns. At that point, only the criminals gad guns! Oh, and by the way...what are the current rape stats in South Africa? Still triple that of the US? Reply to a comment by : ZL2TW on 2007-08-09 A very nice and tidy installation. A pity you did not remove the hand gun before taking the pictures. Most of the Western world manages without these things (G/VE/VK/ZL etc). Stuart | ||
| K4GUN | 2007-08-24 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| It is with a bit of chagrin that I post this next update. In the interest of honesty, I feel I need to discuss this. Yesterday, another ham was looking at my radio install. At some point, he hit the "NB" button on the IC7000. I didn't notice this but I started noticing a lot of excess noise. It was bad and obviously was ignition related. I looked all over the truck to see if something had changed. I thought that perhaps the ground wire on the radio had come loose or broken. I could find nothing. Then, I noticed the "Noise Blocker" light was off. Oops. I hit that and instantly had a nice and quiet signal again. I have had this on since I first installed the radio. What this tells me is that neither the Tundra, nor the installation are fully responsible for the great reception I'm getting. It turns out that it was the radio itself that was the primary cause. I guess I should have checked that first, but it does show how well adapted the IC7000 is for mobile use. Reply to a comment by : W9WHE-II on 2007-08-24 ZL2TW writes: "A pity you did not remove the hand gun before taking the pictures. Most of the Western world manages without these things". Yup, and violent crime went up in Euro and VK land when they outlawed handguns. At that point, only the criminals gad guns! Oh, and by the way...what are the current rape stats in South Africa? Still triple that of the US? Reply to a comment by : ZL2TW on 2007-08-09 A very nice and tidy installation. A pity you did not remove the hand gun before taking the pictures. Most of the Western world manages without these things (G/VE/VK/ZL etc). Stuart | ||
| W9WHE-II | 2007-08-24 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| ZL2TW writes: "A pity you did not remove the hand gun before taking the pictures. Most of the Western world manages without these things". Yup, and violent crime went up in Euro and VK land when they outlawed handguns. At that point, only the criminals gad guns! Oh, and by the way...what are the current rape stats in South Africa? Still triple that of the US? Reply to a comment by : ZL2TW on 2007-08-09 A very nice and tidy installation. A pity you did not remove the hand gun before taking the pictures. Most of the Western world manages without these things (G/VE/VK/ZL etc). Stuart | ||
| KE4RQ | 2007-08-23 | |
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| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Really nice article, Steve, especially the pix. Glad you haven't had the RFI problems I have with my 2002 Tundra and I've done almost everything recommended except put the copper foil on the COP caps. After about an hour of operation, the noise so annoys me that I must QRT. Maybe I should get a newer Tundra! 73 de Clark ke4rq | ||
| N7NRA | 2007-08-20 | |
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| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice cocked 'n locked 1911. Regards, Stew | ||
| KE4ZHN | 2007-08-16 | |
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| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice clean install. Especially the model 1911 Colt. :-) Speak softly and carry a large caliber handgun. A big stick wont cut it anymore in todays screwed up world. I too would be a little concerned with cooling but a couple of simple 12v muffin fans ought to take care of that. Nice job. | ||
| K4GUN | 2007-08-16 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| As an update, I just got back from a trip to PA. It was 5 hours each way and I was on HF the entire time. I checked the heat several times. It wasn't too bad for the most part. When I was attempting to get into DX pile-ups, it stayed warm, but not hot. At the end of a long QSO however, it was pretty toasty. It wasn't as some have described as "finger burning hot", but certainly hotter than I'd like. Based on this experience, I will be looking to add a couple of fans to the console. I'm thinking of one bringing in fresh air and the other aimed out. This doesn't seem like a big project, but its one I'll get on shortly. On another note, I also need to add a ground to the Kenwood. I grounded the Icom to the seat rail but didn't do the Kenwood. It seems to have a lot of static in the receive. I checked all the connections and they all seem solid. I don't know why I didn't do that in the first place. Reply to a comment by : KD8Z on 2007-08-15 K4GUN please email me @ KD8Z@ARRL.NET Would like to chat about the Tundra. 73 KD8Z Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| KD8Z | 2007-08-15 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| K4GUN please email me @ KD8Z@ARRL.NET Would like to chat about the Tundra. 73 KD8Z Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| K9ZMD | 2007-08-14 | |
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| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice job, Steve - It was good to see how well you put all of that together, and the replies probably gave you ideas on how to make it better. Happily, the comments about your Springfield were mild by comparison to those I have seen on other forums. I'm sorry to say that the installation and the right to carry both have me jealous. Living with CC&R's,I've had to keep my antennas invisible; living in Los Angeles County, I have to keep my sidearms in the house. 73 | ||
| W9WHE-II | 2007-08-13 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| My favorite part of the installation is the semi auto pistol in the center compartment. 9MM? BRAVO! W9WHE Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-08 To the security experts here. I know exactly what I am doing. I understand your concerns and have considered them carefully. I also have not told you as much as you think, nor are you aware of my security arrangements, level of training nor level of tolerence for various risks. This article is about the mobile installation and sharing ideas that worked for me. I have entertained a few firearm related questions, and I don't mind discussing those in private, but I will not be dragged into a discussion that deals with security issues. Again, I appreciate the concerns, but believe me, what you don't know about this is leading you to incorrect assumptions. Can we leave this part of the discussion aside? I also want to thank those who have posted constructive ideas about the install. There are some good ideas above and some that will not work. One that will not work is mounting it under the seat front seats. There is an amplifier for the factory stereo under one and the other is power adjustible with not enough clearance. The back storage area is possible, but until I'm serious when I say that it hasn't yet become an issue. I will however be keeping a close eye on it and not just looking at the temperature gauge. Reply to a comment by : W0IPL on 2007-08-08 Steve . . . . I suggest you do several things before you go to bed tonight: 1) Remove the gun from where it is shown in the pictures 2) Replace the pictures with ones that do not show your firearm placement preference 3) Have the firearm with - you - rather than in the vehicle - for a year or two. Any criminals in your area now have your name, address (from QRZ or the FCC) and vehicle description. They also have pictures of EXACTLY where you keep a loaded .45 All they have to do is purchase a "safety" tool (like the ones shown on TV this last week - because of the bridge problem in MN) and they can (will) have a loaded .45 in their hands in five seconds. I'll bet the police will not be very cooperative nor friendly if you have the gun stolen and they find out you published pictures, litterally to the world. Nice radio installation but I think you need to do a bit of clean-up on unintended side problems. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| K4BOF | 2007-08-12 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| This is a neat installation, but Icom rigs do get pretty warm on Hi power. I like the outboard fan idea, but it might get a little noisy inside the cab too. Also, the Stubby is a great antenna if you are running power but the Little Tarheel II might have been a better choice to take the windload and vibration off the mount as it weighs less. BTW, what type of gun mount is that? Looks like it is mounted using 3m doublesided tape as I don't see any screws to the console. Do tell, believers in the Second Amendment want to know. 73 Bruce “ A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. ” Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-12 [quote]Nice article. One question for the author. Did you try to run the power cable thru the engine firewall? I had good success with my Toyota Tacoma with that but my 2006 Tundra I haven't been able to find one. Any feedback is appreciated as I would rather come thru the firewall than run the power cord under the vehicle. "73" W1DUD [/quote] I didn't need to run through the firewall. All the power cords go to the back of the cab because my aux battery is in the bed. On the 2006 Tundra, you will find a bundle of cables running through a rubber grommet in the firewall on the driver's side, just behind parking brake. Use a coat hanger to poke through it and feed the wires. Reply to a comment by : W1DUD on 2007-08-11 Nice article. One question for the author. Did you try to run the power cable thru the engine firewall? I had good success with my Toyota Tacoma with that but my 2006 Tundra I haven't been able to find one. Any feedback is appreciated as I would rather come thru the firewall than run the power cord under the vehicle. "73" W1DUD | ||
| K4GUN | 2007-08-12 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| [quote]Nice article. One question for the author. Did you try to run the power cable thru the engine firewall? I had good success with my Toyota Tacoma with that but my 2006 Tundra I haven't been able to find one. Any feedback is appreciated as I would rather come thru the firewall than run the power cord under the vehicle. "73" W1DUD [/quote] I didn't need to run through the firewall. All the power cords go to the back of the cab because my aux battery is in the bed. On the 2006 Tundra, you will find a bundle of cables running through a rubber grommet in the firewall on the driver's side, just behind parking brake. Use a coat hanger to poke through it and feed the wires. Reply to a comment by : W1DUD on 2007-08-11 Nice article. One question for the author. Did you try to run the power cable thru the engine firewall? I had good success with my Toyota Tacoma with that but my 2006 Tundra I haven't been able to find one. Any feedback is appreciated as I would rather come thru the firewall than run the power cord under the vehicle. "73" W1DUD | ||
| N7TRZ | 2007-08-12 | |
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| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice install. I too would suggest a small fan, but I'd punch a hole out the back of the console where it wouldn't be so visible (nobody cares what the rear seaters think, right?), and exhaust it from there. I bought some 24vdc fans just for cases like this. They run reliable on 12v, have 75% of the airflow of a 12v and 10% of the noise. Air inlet slots could be cut into the console liner to direct airflow across the radios if desired. I would not do the air duct tap thing. Cooling would be fine, but heater air could shoot the radio temps way too high for comfort. I have an 04 access cab with a bench seat, so I'm able to put a radio mount console ahead of the seat on the hump. I have a 24v fan blowing across the heatsinks on the backs of the radios and have no heat problems. A heavy 12v line and a dedicated ground run from the fuse block, through a powerpole connector, to an Optima marine deep-cycle/starting battery shoehorned under the hood in a custom tray. I hide the installation with a towel. Since it is only secured with 4 screws and there is a powerpole connector, it only takes 5 minutes to remove the whole mess as a unit should the vehicle be unattended for an extended period. I'm a VHFer so the antennas are already low-profile. The most power I run is 50 watts, so BNC connectors solve my problems getting coax into the cab. Multiple runs can be avoided by using diplexers. 1/4" or 3/8" Heliax would eliminate any RF-in-the-wiring problems. Vehicle-sized lengths are on Ebay at reasonable cost, often with connectors. Quemadmoeum gladis nemeinum occidit, occidentis telum est. | ||
| K1ZF | 2007-08-11 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| <<This article is about the mobile installation and sharing ideas that worked for me. I have entertained a few firearm related questions, and I don't mind discussing those in private, but I will not be dragged into a discussion that deals with security issues. Again, I appreciate the concerns, but believe me, what you don't know about this is leading you to incorrect assumptions. Can we leave this part of the discussion aside?>> Hey, you asked for it by having the gun in the pix. How hard would it have been to take it out for the photo? That's just beating your chest. Oh yeah... neat instalation. Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-08 To the security experts here. I know exactly what I am doing. I understand your concerns and have considered them carefully. I also have not told you as much as you think, nor are you aware of my security arrangements, level of training nor level of tolerence for various risks. This article is about the mobile installation and sharing ideas that worked for me. I have entertained a few firearm related questions, and I don't mind discussing those in private, but I will not be dragged into a discussion that deals with security issues. Again, I appreciate the concerns, but believe me, what you don't know about this is leading you to incorrect assumptions. Can we leave this part of the discussion aside? I also want to thank those who have posted constructive ideas about the install. There are some good ideas above and some that will not work. One that will not work is mounting it under the seat front seats. There is an amplifier for the factory stereo under one and the other is power adjustible with not enough clearance. The back storage area is possible, but until I'm serious when I say that it hasn't yet become an issue. I will however be keeping a close eye on it and not just looking at the temperature gauge. Reply to a comment by : W0IPL on 2007-08-08 Steve . . . . I suggest you do several things before you go to bed tonight: 1) Remove the gun from where it is shown in the pictures 2) Replace the pictures with ones that do not show your firearm placement preference 3) Have the firearm with - you - rather than in the vehicle - for a year or two. Any criminals in your area now have your name, address (from QRZ or the FCC) and vehicle description. They also have pictures of EXACTLY where you keep a loaded .45 All they have to do is purchase a "safety" tool (like the ones shown on TV this last week - because of the bridge problem in MN) and they can (will) have a loaded .45 in their hands in five seconds. I'll bet the police will not be very cooperative nor friendly if you have the gun stolen and they find out you published pictures, litterally to the world. Nice radio installation but I think you need to do a bit of clean-up on unintended side problems. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| W1DUD | 2007-08-11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice article. One question for the author. Did you try to run the power cable thru the engine firewall? I had good success with my Toyota Tacoma with that but my 2006 Tundra I haven't been able to find one. Any feedback is appreciated as I would rather come thru the firewall than run the power cord under the vehicle. "73" W1DUD | ||
| KB3MRU | 2007-08-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice install! I'm curious about the battery switch, though. I understand traditional battery isolators use hefty blocking diodes and solid state regulators to independantly charge each battery. But with that delay switch you have; once it ties both batteries together, is there any separate charge control for each battery? Also the eBay auction refers to 85 amp solenoid...is that what the contacts are rated at? It doesn't seem to be able to limit amps to 85 with a solenoid switch (and surely the truck alternator is about 200 amps or more.) Thank you. Regards, Mark | ||
| WA5TEF | 2007-08-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Neat installation! My 02 Tundra interior looks plain next to yours! Mine has a gearshift on the column which allowed my son Mike, KE5HJO to design and build a custom mount for my 706 and TM-V700 plus a power inverter, two speakers, two antenna switches, a/c outlet, two d/c outlets and a computer bay type temperature sensor array. A Turbo Tuner rounds out the setup which drives a High Sierra mounted on the toolbox. I appreciate the link to the battery isolator. That will be my next addition for sure! K4GUN huh? So, is that a Kimber "cocked and locked"? Nice!! Jim WA5TEF Reply to a comment by : AB4D on 2007-08-10 Steve, Nice installation. I am between trucks right now but have decided on a new Tundra as my next truck. I will review your article again before I begin my radio installation in this vehicle. Thanks for posting such useful information. 73 Jim | ||
| AB4D | 2007-08-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Steve, Nice installation. I am between trucks right now but have decided on a new Tundra as my next truck. I will review your article again before I begin my radio installation in this vehicle. Thanks for posting such useful information. 73 Jim | ||
| KB2FBI | 2007-08-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Installations always make me do a double take. I had no fear with the Jeep as everything came off or apart anyway. I have a 95 Chevy CK1500 and still have not taken the drill to it. (Elmers?) The center console is a better place to hide the radios while parked. The antennas and Amateur LP still give it away. The holes/weather exposure are great questions. I used rubber grommets on the Jeep. I had an inline meter to measure voltage coming from the engine/battery so as to monitor more closely. Funny or rather odd bit; the negative remarks about the sidearm (blue state Hams) which is a Constitutional Right. But they are also complainers about antenna restrictions which are not Constitutional rights but are mere regulatory matters. I don't even see the issue here save for the few Hams' disparaging remarks. | ||
| KE5HJO | 2007-08-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Very nice! I can appreciate your effort because my dad has a Tundra and asked me to build him a better way to mount his rigs. Man, that was a job but the end result made it worth it. Have a look at my dad's. http://picasaweb.google.com/mrmsudawgs/ToyotaTundraHFRigEnclosure Nice work!!! Oh, and I like your gun. I carry mine. :-) Mike Reply to a comment by : K5GQ on 2007-08-10 I have a Toyota Highlander. The charging system cuts off after it decides the battery is charged. My secondary battery would die after one year. Now I force the two batteries to be in parallel when the radio is on. Mark K5GQ/m Houston, TX | ||
| K5GQ | 2007-08-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| I have a Toyota Highlander. The charging system cuts off after it decides the battery is charged. My secondary battery would die after one year. Now I force the two batteries to be in parallel when the radio is on. Mark K5GQ/m Houston, TX | ||
| W6TH | 2007-08-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| . Australian criminals. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Australia. Looks like they were born killers to me. In 1800 they were the rogues gallery, even England couldn't put up with them. .: Reply to a comment by : WA3YAY on 2007-08-10 Is the gun there to shoot the radios next time the car won't start? (Just kidding - super nice job) | ||
| KF4VRB | 2007-08-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Come on folks... with a callsign like K4GUN did you really expect to NOT see a handgun??? I find it refreshing when a ham includes tie-ins to their other hobbies! Love those 1911's too Steve!!! As for the installation... great job and SWEET truck!!! A weapon is just a inanimate object... what one does with it good or bad is how weapons can be demonized or glorified!!! 73! | ||
| WA3YAY | 2007-08-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Is the gun there to shoot the radios next time the car won't start? (Just kidding - super nice job) | ||
| VE5JCF | 2007-08-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| <i>Why all the paranoia about a handgun? It is hardware, like a seat, knife, or a hammer... Too many individuals are scared by what the anti-handgun idiots have driveled about. (VE land, they gave up their weapons a while ago)</i> I never understood it either as you could do far more damage by simply hitting people with the truck ;) . Far far too many people lose all common sense when a weapon is concerned (our government here has made some steps like getting rid of the stupid registry but it's not enough) and think it's acceptable to have a situation where only the government and criminals are armed. Personally I don't trust either one. As for hand guns themselves, we aren't allowed to have them without major restrictions, so I do not have a .30 new model blackhawk under my seat (wink wink gotta love revolvers) and a second in my nightstand. http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FASubType?type=Revolver&subtype=Single%20Action Guns don't kill people. I kill people. Reply to a comment by : KD4LLA on 2007-08-09 Great radio installation! Very hard to do in the newer vehicles. I have a 2005 minivan, no easy holes anywhere. Why all the paranoia about a handgun? It is hardware, like a seat, knife, or a hammer... Too many individuals are scared by what the anti-handgun idiots have driveled about. (VE land, they gave up their weapons a while ago) Christ, I once carried a 22 LR on a school bus...! Mike | ||
| K4GUN | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| [quote]Thanks for the explanation...I figured it was something like that...also...did your Toyota come with the underseat organizer or did you purchase it? If so, where? [/quote] The box is a Toyota accessory. My truck came with a factory sub-woofer which is part of the navigation system, but I had no use for it and removed it. The storage box comes right from the dealer's Parts Department and attaches in about 30 seconds. There is a lid to it as well, but I leave it off because it reduces the volume. Reply to a comment by : KC5VTL on 2007-08-09 K4GUN: Thanks for the explanation...I figured it was something like that...also...did your Toyota come with the underseat organizer or did you purchase it? If so, where? Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-09 [quote]1. Why both radios? I would think the Icom would have all the bands you would need...unless you're running APRS or something...but then why not have a TM700? 2. I may have missed it...but why did you choose to run the wire loom over the carpet rather than under in the back seat? Pardon me if I missed it. [/quote] 1. The Kenwood has cross band repeat capability which I use daily. Its also a lot easier to use for local repeater work than the 7000 2. I just didn't want to pull up or cut the carpet. The wires run under the floor box so there's only about a foot where its exposed and I coverd that with the tubing. It will be a lot easier to add or remove equipment this way. Reply to a comment by : KC5VTL on 2007-08-08 Nice clean install. Couple of newbie questions though: 1. Why both radios? I would think the Icom would have all the bands you would need...unless you're running APRS or something...but then why not have a TM700? 2. I may have missed it...but why did you choose to run the wire loom over the carpet rather than under in the back seat? Pardon me if I missed it. 3. I'd have my weapon in my truck too...but driving on a military installation everyday...well that's frowned upon (in a big way!) And it's quite humorous when I'm asked if I have weapons in the truck when I'm searched, and I say, Yes....then I point to my golf clubs. Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-08 To the security experts here. I know exactly what I am doing. I understand your concerns and have considered them carefully. I also have not told you as much as you think, nor are you aware of my security arrangements, level of training nor level of tolerence for various risks. This article is about the mobile installation and sharing ideas that worked for me. I have entertained a few firearm related questions, and I don't mind discussing those in private, but I will not be dragged into a discussion that deals with security issues. Again, I appreciate the concerns, but believe me, what you don't know about this is leading you to incorrect assumptions. Can we leave this part of the discussion aside? I also want to thank those who have posted constructive ideas about the install. There are some good ideas above and some that will not work. One that will not work is mounting it under the seat front seats. There is an amplifier for the factory stereo under one and the other is power adjustible with not enough clearance. The back storage area is possible, but until I'm serious when I say that it hasn't yet become an issue. I will however be keeping a close eye on it and not just looking at the temperature gauge. Reply to a comment by : W0IPL on 2007-08-08 Steve . . . . I suggest you do several things before you go to bed tonight: 1) Remove the gun from where it is shown in the pictures 2) Replace the pictures with ones that do not show your firearm placement preference 3) Have the firearm with - you - rather than in the vehicle - for a year or two. Any criminals in your area now have your name, address (from QRZ or the FCC) and vehicle description. They also have pictures of EXACTLY where you keep a loaded .45 All they have to do is purchase a "safety" tool (like the ones shown on TV this last week - because of the bridge problem in MN) and they can (will) have a loaded .45 in their hands in five seconds. I'll bet the police will not be very cooperative nor friendly if you have the gun stolen and they find out you published pictures, litterally to the world. Nice radio installation but I think you need to do a bit of clean-up on unintended side problems. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| KC5VTL | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| K4GUN: Thanks for the explanation...I figured it was something like that...also...did your Toyota come with the underseat organizer or did you purchase it? If so, where? Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-09 [quote]1. Why both radios? I would think the Icom would have all the bands you would need...unless you're running APRS or something...but then why not have a TM700? 2. I may have missed it...but why did you choose to run the wire loom over the carpet rather than under in the back seat? Pardon me if I missed it. [/quote] 1. The Kenwood has cross band repeat capability which I use daily. Its also a lot easier to use for local repeater work than the 7000 2. I just didn't want to pull up or cut the carpet. The wires run under the floor box so there's only about a foot where its exposed and I coverd that with the tubing. It will be a lot easier to add or remove equipment this way. Reply to a comment by : KC5VTL on 2007-08-08 Nice clean install. Couple of newbie questions though: 1. Why both radios? I would think the Icom would have all the bands you would need...unless you're running APRS or something...but then why not have a TM700? 2. I may have missed it...but why did you choose to run the wire loom over the carpet rather than under in the back seat? Pardon me if I missed it. 3. I'd have my weapon in my truck too...but driving on a military installation everyday...well that's frowned upon (in a big way!) And it's quite humorous when I'm asked if I have weapons in the truck when I'm searched, and I say, Yes....then I point to my golf clubs. Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-08 To the security experts here. I know exactly what I am doing. I understand your concerns and have considered them carefully. I also have not told you as much as you think, nor are you aware of my security arrangements, level of training nor level of tolerence for various risks. This article is about the mobile installation and sharing ideas that worked for me. I have entertained a few firearm related questions, and I don't mind discussing those in private, but I will not be dragged into a discussion that deals with security issues. Again, I appreciate the concerns, but believe me, what you don't know about this is leading you to incorrect assumptions. Can we leave this part of the discussion aside? I also want to thank those who have posted constructive ideas about the install. There are some good ideas above and some that will not work. One that will not work is mounting it under the seat front seats. There is an amplifier for the factory stereo under one and the other is power adjustible with not enough clearance. The back storage area is possible, but until I'm serious when I say that it hasn't yet become an issue. I will however be keeping a close eye on it and not just looking at the temperature gauge. Reply to a comment by : W0IPL on 2007-08-08 Steve . . . . I suggest you do several things before you go to bed tonight: 1) Remove the gun from where it is shown in the pictures 2) Replace the pictures with ones that do not show your firearm placement preference 3) Have the firearm with - you - rather than in the vehicle - for a year or two. Any criminals in your area now have your name, address (from QRZ or the FCC) and vehicle description. They also have pictures of EXACTLY where you keep a loaded .45 All they have to do is purchase a "safety" tool (like the ones shown on TV this last week - because of the bridge problem in MN) and they can (will) have a loaded .45 in their hands in five seconds. I'll bet the police will not be very cooperative nor friendly if you have the gun stolen and they find out you published pictures, litterally to the world. Nice radio installation but I think you need to do a bit of clean-up on unintended side problems. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| KD4LLA | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Great radio installation! Very hard to do in the newer vehicles. I have a 2005 minivan, no easy holes anywhere. Why all the paranoia about a handgun? It is hardware, like a seat, knife, or a hammer... Too many individuals are scared by what the anti-handgun idiots have driveled about. (VE land, they gave up their weapons a while ago) Christ, I once carried a 22 LR on a school bus...! Mike | ||
| N1GXC | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Steve, nice truck and installation. First class all the way. I also think a custom 1911 is a great choice as well. I love my 7000 and plan to replace the MKIIG in the Ram with the 7K. I just need a nice BIG center console instead of mounting it under the seat. Wonderful 'how to' article with first class photo's. Passing on the fruits of your hard work and idea's is greatly appreciated. The rest of you nit pickers...get a life!! Why do you assume that Steve some doof. I'm sure he is well aware of all the potential risks at every level and has a proper security plan in place. Dan WZ1P | ||
| ZL2TW | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| A very nice and tidy installation. A pity you did not remove the hand gun before taking the pictures. Most of the Western world manages without these things (G/VE/VK/ZL etc). Stuart | ||
| N2RJ | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Hi Steve, As I mentioned to you on QRZ, the 7000 in the center console is a definite weak point in an otherwise good installation. There's a reason I have my 7000 all the way in the trunk of my Honda Accord, and that is because it has room to breathe there. I could have easily put it in the center console, but the 7000 runs so hot you can make pancakes on it. I'm going to get my tundra sometime next year. I need a truck out here where I live. Maybe we can compare notes. 73 Ryan N2RJ (ex AB2MH) | ||
| WI7B | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
Sorry K4GUN! I didn't mean K6... 73, ---* Ken Reply to a comment by : WI7B on 2007-08-09 K6GUN, This looks like an extremely sound installation. I know others have ask the question, "What about the Toyota Warranty?" In response to ARRL inquiries, Toyota in Japan issued specific guidelines (available on the ARRL website): "2-WAY RADIOS IN TOYOTA VEHICLES Installation of a 2-way radio in Toyota vehicles should not present problems under the following conditions: * The transceiver must be type-accepted by the FCC, and not modified in any way. * Maximum output power complies with FCC regulations (100 watts). * All installation and operating instructions provided by Toyota and the equipment manufacturer must be followed closely. * The antenna must be installed as far away as possible from all vehicle electronic control modules (ECM) or other onboard computer/sensors. * The antenna cabling must be routed no closer than 20 cm (7-7/8 inches) to any ECM or other onboard computers/sensors. * Antenna and power cabling must not be routed along side or in conjunction with the vehicles wire harness. It is always preferable to cross vehicle harness at right angles when possible. Antenna and antenna cabling should be properly adjusted to obtain the lowest possible standing wave ratio (SWR). It must be emphasized that, under the terms of Toyota's new vehicle warranty, and damage caused by RF energy from a higher power mobile radio is specifically excluded from coverage because it is not the result of faulty materials or workmanship. Accordingly, all such responsibility is assumed by the owner." 73, ---* Ken Reply to a comment by : K3WVU on 2007-08-09 AE1Y wrote: "In Massachusetts it's OK to Carry your pistol like that as long as it's un-loaded and you are in the vehicle with it. If the pistol is loaded thats illegal in Mass. It must be on your person if it is loaded. If it's in your vehicle loaded or un-loaded and you get out of the vehicle even for a second thats another jail term. Welcome to the communist state!!" __________________________________________________- I guess the only loaded thing allowed in a vehicle in Massachusetts is Ted Kennedy! Reply to a comment by : AE1Y on 2007-08-08 In Massachusetts it's OK to Carry your pistol like that as long as it's un-loaded and you are in the vehicle with it. If the pistol is loaded thats illegal in Mass. It must be on your person if it is loaded. If it's in your vehicle loaded or un-loaded and you get out of the vehicle even for a second thats another jail term. Welcome to the communist state!! Reply to a comment by : WD4AOG on 2007-08-08 Have you considered mounting the radios under the seat? I have a Tundra SR5 (smaller than your truck) and there is room for my IC-706MKIIG under the driver seat. I can still move the seat forward and backward, there is plenty of air flow (even in summer in Florida) and I have no problem hearing the radio speaker from that location so I haven't needed the mini external speaker I bought. | ||
| WI7B | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| K6GUN, This looks like an extremely sound installation. I know others have ask the question, "What about the Toyota Warranty?" In response to ARRL inquiries, Toyota in Japan issued specific guidelines (available on the ARRL website): "2-WAY RADIOS IN TOYOTA VEHICLES Installation of a 2-way radio in Toyota vehicles should not present problems under the following conditions: * The transceiver must be type-accepted by the FCC, and not modified in any way. * Maximum output power complies with FCC regulations (100 watts). * All installation and operating instructions provided by Toyota and the equipment manufacturer must be followed closely. * The antenna must be installed as far away as possible from all vehicle electronic control modules (ECM) or other onboard computer/sensors. * The antenna cabling must be routed no closer than 20 cm (7-7/8 inches) to any ECM or other onboard computers/sensors. * Antenna and power cabling must not be routed along side or in conjunction with the vehicles wire harness. It is always preferable to cross vehicle harness at right angles when possible. Antenna and antenna cabling should be properly adjusted to obtain the lowest possible standing wave ratio (SWR). It must be emphasized that, under the terms of Toyota's new vehicle warranty, and damage caused by RF energy from a higher power mobile radio is specifically excluded from coverage because it is not the result of faulty materials or workmanship. Accordingly, all such responsibility is assumed by the owner." 73, ---* Ken Reply to a comment by : K3WVU on 2007-08-09 AE1Y wrote: "In Massachusetts it's OK to Carry your pistol like that as long as it's un-loaded and you are in the vehicle with it. If the pistol is loaded thats illegal in Mass. It must be on your person if it is loaded. If it's in your vehicle loaded or un-loaded and you get out of the vehicle even for a second thats another jail term. Welcome to the communist state!!" __________________________________________________- I guess the only loaded thing allowed in a vehicle in Massachusetts is Ted Kennedy! Reply to a comment by : AE1Y on 2007-08-08 In Massachusetts it's OK to Carry your pistol like that as long as it's un-loaded and you are in the vehicle with it. If the pistol is loaded thats illegal in Mass. It must be on your person if it is loaded. If it's in your vehicle loaded or un-loaded and you get out of the vehicle even for a second thats another jail term. Welcome to the communist state!! Reply to a comment by : WD4AOG on 2007-08-08 Have you considered mounting the radios under the seat? I have a Tundra SR5 (smaller than your truck) and there is room for my IC-706MKIIG under the driver seat. I can still move the seat forward and backward, there is plenty of air flow (even in summer in Florida) and I have no problem hearing the radio speaker from that location so I haven't needed the mini external speaker I bought. | ||
| K3WVU | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| AE1Y wrote: "In Massachusetts it's OK to Carry your pistol like that as long as it's un-loaded and you are in the vehicle with it. If the pistol is loaded thats illegal in Mass. It must be on your person if it is loaded. If it's in your vehicle loaded or un-loaded and you get out of the vehicle even for a second thats another jail term. Welcome to the communist state!!" __________________________________________________- I guess the only loaded thing allowed in a vehicle in Massachusetts is Ted Kennedy! Reply to a comment by : AE1Y on 2007-08-08 In Massachusetts it's OK to Carry your pistol like that as long as it's un-loaded and you are in the vehicle with it. If the pistol is loaded thats illegal in Mass. It must be on your person if it is loaded. If it's in your vehicle loaded or un-loaded and you get out of the vehicle even for a second thats another jail term. Welcome to the communist state!! Reply to a comment by : WD4AOG on 2007-08-08 Have you considered mounting the radios under the seat? I have a Tundra SR5 (smaller than your truck) and there is room for my IC-706MKIIG under the driver seat. I can still move the seat forward and backward, there is plenty of air flow (even in summer in Florida) and I have no problem hearing the radio speaker from that location so I haven't needed the mini external speaker I bought. | ||
| AD5KL | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| I have a Toyota 4 Runner & I mounted my Kenwood TM-V7A under the driver's seat, using plastic zip ties holding the mount to the metal mesh under the seat. I grounded it properly & it's rode there for 7 years, no problems. All that shows is the control head mounted by the gearshift. Mic stays hidden under the seat unless I need it. Had that radio mounted in my old Silverado the same way & it was easy to move over to the new vehicle. Haven't tried the blocking diode circuit yet for a 2nd battery, but I like that idea. I don't normally pack heat in the car but the radio does, because the fan comes on occasionally :) With the lack of space in most new vehicles a 2pc radio is a necessity. | ||
| NA5XX | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Didn't mean to sound critical of you. I support Conceald Carry 100%. My criticism is of those who are against that right. More Guns Less Crime Kennasaw, GA has it right. Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-08 To the security experts here. I know exactly what I am doing. I understand your concerns and have considered them carefully. I also have not told you as much as you think, nor are you aware of my security arrangements, level of training nor level of tolerence for various risks. This article is about the mobile installation and sharing ideas that worked for me. I have entertained a few firearm related questions, and I don't mind discussing those in private, but I will not be dragged into a discussion that deals with security issues. Again, I appreciate the concerns, but believe me, what you don't know about this is leading you to incorrect assumptions. Can we leave this part of the discussion aside? I also want to thank those who have posted constructive ideas about the install. There are some good ideas above and some that will not work. One that will not work is mounting it under the seat front seats. There is an amplifier for the factory stereo under one and the other is power adjustible with not enough clearance. The back storage area is possible, but until I'm serious when I say that it hasn't yet become an issue. I will however be keeping a close eye on it and not just looking at the temperature gauge. Reply to a comment by : W0IPL on 2007-08-08 Steve . . . . I suggest you do several things before you go to bed tonight: 1) Remove the gun from where it is shown in the pictures 2) Replace the pictures with ones that do not show your firearm placement preference 3) Have the firearm with - you - rather than in the vehicle - for a year or two. Any criminals in your area now have your name, address (from QRZ or the FCC) and vehicle description. They also have pictures of EXACTLY where you keep a loaded .45 All they have to do is purchase a "safety" tool (like the ones shown on TV this last week - because of the bridge problem in MN) and they can (will) have a loaded .45 in their hands in five seconds. I'll bet the police will not be very cooperative nor friendly if you have the gun stolen and they find out you published pictures, litterally to the world. Nice radio installation but I think you need to do a bit of clean-up on unintended side problems. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| K4GUN | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| [quote]1. Why both radios? I would think the Icom would have all the bands you would need...unless you're running APRS or something...but then why not have a TM700? 2. I may have missed it...but why did you choose to run the wire loom over the carpet rather than under in the back seat? Pardon me if I missed it. [/quote] 1. The Kenwood has cross band repeat capability which I use daily. Its also a lot easier to use for local repeater work than the 7000 2. I just didn't want to pull up or cut the carpet. The wires run under the floor box so there's only about a foot where its exposed and I coverd that with the tubing. It will be a lot easier to add or remove equipment this way. Reply to a comment by : KC5VTL on 2007-08-08 Nice clean install. Couple of newbie questions though: 1. Why both radios? I would think the Icom would have all the bands you would need...unless you're running APRS or something...but then why not have a TM700? 2. I may have missed it...but why did you choose to run the wire loom over the carpet rather than under in the back seat? Pardon me if I missed it. 3. I'd have my weapon in my truck too...but driving on a military installation everyday...well that's frowned upon (in a big way!) And it's quite humorous when I'm asked if I have weapons in the truck when I'm searched, and I say, Yes....then I point to my golf clubs. Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-08 To the security experts here. I know exactly what I am doing. I understand your concerns and have considered them carefully. I also have not told you as much as you think, nor are you aware of my security arrangements, level of training nor level of tolerence for various risks. This article is about the mobile installation and sharing ideas that worked for me. I have entertained a few firearm related questions, and I don't mind discussing those in private, but I will not be dragged into a discussion that deals with security issues. Again, I appreciate the concerns, but believe me, what you don't know about this is leading you to incorrect assumptions. Can we leave this part of the discussion aside? I also want to thank those who have posted constructive ideas about the install. There are some good ideas above and some that will not work. One that will not work is mounting it under the seat front seats. There is an amplifier for the factory stereo under one and the other is power adjustible with not enough clearance. The back storage area is possible, but until I'm serious when I say that it hasn't yet become an issue. I will however be keeping a close eye on it and not just looking at the temperature gauge. Reply to a comment by : W0IPL on 2007-08-08 Steve . . . . I suggest you do several things before you go to bed tonight: 1) Remove the gun from where it is shown in the pictures 2) Replace the pictures with ones that do not show your firearm placement preference 3) Have the firearm with - you - rather than in the vehicle - for a year or two. Any criminals in your area now have your name, address (from QRZ or the FCC) and vehicle description. They also have pictures of EXACTLY where you keep a loaded .45 All they have to do is purchase a "safety" tool (like the ones shown on TV this last week - because of the bridge problem in MN) and they can (will) have a loaded .45 in their hands in five seconds. I'll bet the police will not be very cooperative nor friendly if you have the gun stolen and they find out you published pictures, litterally to the world. Nice radio installation but I think you need to do a bit of clean-up on unintended side problems. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| W9PMZ | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| An ICOM 7000 and a pistol? Talk about packing heat............. 73, Carl - W9PMZ Reply to a comment by : WB6MMJ on 2007-08-09 Very clean and well done. Looks great! | ||
| WB6MMJ | 2007-08-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Very clean and well done. Looks great! | ||
| N6AJR | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| any way to mount a small (4 inch) 12 v computer fan , and vent it to the back seat or perhaps down the side wall of the consol.. put it on the power switch so turning on a radio turns on the fan Reply to a comment by : WB2WIK on 2007-08-08 I'd be worried that a thief breaking in to steal the radio will find the gun and be really happy he did. I guess time will tell if the rig gets too hot during the summer months...might happen if operating before the A/C kicks in to fully cool off the passenger compartment after the Tundra's sitting in the sun on a hot day. Let us know! Reply to a comment by : KI6LO on 2007-08-08 Nice setup. Ya gotta love Virginia. You can have a concealed weapon (permit of course) but heaven forbid you would ever want to run a radar detector. Makes you into Public Enemy #1. | ||
| KC5VTL | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice clean install. Couple of newbie questions though: 1. Why both radios? I would think the Icom would have all the bands you would need...unless you're running APRS or something...but then why not have a TM700? 2. I may have missed it...but why did you choose to run the wire loom over the carpet rather than under in the back seat? Pardon me if I missed it. 3. I'd have my weapon in my truck too...but driving on a military installation everyday...well that's frowned upon (in a big way!) And it's quite humorous when I'm asked if I have weapons in the truck when I'm searched, and I say, Yes....then I point to my golf clubs. Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-08 To the security experts here. I know exactly what I am doing. I understand your concerns and have considered them carefully. I also have not told you as much as you think, nor are you aware of my security arrangements, level of training nor level of tolerence for various risks. This article is about the mobile installation and sharing ideas that worked for me. I have entertained a few firearm related questions, and I don't mind discussing those in private, but I will not be dragged into a discussion that deals with security issues. Again, I appreciate the concerns, but believe me, what you don't know about this is leading you to incorrect assumptions. Can we leave this part of the discussion aside? I also want to thank those who have posted constructive ideas about the install. There are some good ideas above and some that will not work. One that will not work is mounting it under the seat front seats. There is an amplifier for the factory stereo under one and the other is power adjustible with not enough clearance. The back storage area is possible, but until I'm serious when I say that it hasn't yet become an issue. I will however be keeping a close eye on it and not just looking at the temperature gauge. Reply to a comment by : W0IPL on 2007-08-08 Steve . . . . I suggest you do several things before you go to bed tonight: 1) Remove the gun from where it is shown in the pictures 2) Replace the pictures with ones that do not show your firearm placement preference 3) Have the firearm with - you - rather than in the vehicle - for a year or two. Any criminals in your area now have your name, address (from QRZ or the FCC) and vehicle description. They also have pictures of EXACTLY where you keep a loaded .45 All they have to do is purchase a "safety" tool (like the ones shown on TV this last week - because of the bridge problem in MN) and they can (will) have a loaded .45 in their hands in five seconds. I'll bet the police will not be very cooperative nor friendly if you have the gun stolen and they find out you published pictures, litterally to the world. Nice radio installation but I think you need to do a bit of clean-up on unintended side problems. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| N6AJR | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| any way to mount a small (4 inch) 12 v computer fan , and vent it to the back seat or perhaps down the side wall of the consol.. put it on the power switch so turning on a radio turns on the fan Reply to a comment by : WB2WIK on 2007-08-08 I'd be worried that a thief breaking in to steal the radio will find the gun and be really happy he did. I guess time will tell if the rig gets too hot during the summer months...might happen if operating before the A/C kicks in to fully cool off the passenger compartment after the Tundra's sitting in the sun on a hot day. Let us know! Reply to a comment by : KI6LO on 2007-08-08 Nice setup. Ya gotta love Virginia. You can have a concealed weapon (permit of course) but heaven forbid you would ever want to run a radar detector. Makes you into Public Enemy #1. | ||
| K4GUN | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| To the security experts here. I know exactly what I am doing. I understand your concerns and have considered them carefully. I also have not told you as much as you think, nor are you aware of my security arrangements, level of training nor level of tolerence for various risks. This article is about the mobile installation and sharing ideas that worked for me. I have entertained a few firearm related questions, and I don't mind discussing those in private, but I will not be dragged into a discussion that deals with security issues. Again, I appreciate the concerns, but believe me, what you don't know about this is leading you to incorrect assumptions. Can we leave this part of the discussion aside? I also want to thank those who have posted constructive ideas about the install. There are some good ideas above and some that will not work. One that will not work is mounting it under the seat front seats. There is an amplifier for the factory stereo under one and the other is power adjustible with not enough clearance. The back storage area is possible, but until I'm serious when I say that it hasn't yet become an issue. I will however be keeping a close eye on it and not just looking at the temperature gauge. Reply to a comment by : W0IPL on 2007-08-08 Steve . . . . I suggest you do several things before you go to bed tonight: 1) Remove the gun from where it is shown in the pictures 2) Replace the pictures with ones that do not show your firearm placement preference 3) Have the firearm with - you - rather than in the vehicle - for a year or two. Any criminals in your area now have your name, address (from QRZ or the FCC) and vehicle description. They also have pictures of EXACTLY where you keep a loaded .45 All they have to do is purchase a "safety" tool (like the ones shown on TV this last week - because of the bridge problem in MN) and they can (will) have a loaded .45 in their hands in five seconds. I'll bet the police will not be very cooperative nor friendly if you have the gun stolen and they find out you published pictures, litterally to the world. Nice radio installation but I think you need to do a bit of clean-up on unintended side problems. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| NA5XX | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| KI6LO says Ya gotta love Virginia. You can have a concealed weapon (permit of course) but heaven forbid you would ever want to run a radar detector. Makes you into Public Enemy #1. Only a person living in CA would consider a person in LEGAL possession of a firearm a public enemy. WB2WIC says I'd be worried that a thief breaking in to steal the radio will find the gun and be really happy he did. The idea of a concealed carry iw that it is concealed on you, not hiddedn in the vehicle when you are away from it. Reply to a comment by : KI6LO on 2007-08-08 Nice setup. Ya gotta love Virginia. You can have a concealed weapon (permit of course) but heaven forbid you would ever want to run a radar detector. Makes you into Public Enemy #1. | ||
| KG6WLS | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice install. Very neat indeed! However, that IC 7000 runs a heck of alot hotter than the 706 MKIIG's ever did. I've compared both side by side in the shack when I got the 7000. I'd seriously re-think about the location in the Tundra. Under the seat should provide you enough room, and for the 7000 to breath. And, as Alan mentioned, don't leave out that little screw for the remote cable going to the rig (IC 7000). It will make a difference. <<I suggest you do several things before you go to bed tonight: 1) Remove the gun from where it is shown in the pictures 2) Replace the pictures with ones that do not show your firearm placement preference 3) Have the firearm with - you - rather than in the vehicle - for a year or two. Any criminals in your area now have your name, address (from QRZ or the FCC) and vehicle description. They also have pictures of EXACTLY where you keep a loaded .45>> Good point on that one but, that's your call. Mobile with care!! 73 Mike Reply to a comment by : W0IPL on 2007-08-08 Steve . . . . I suggest you do several things before you go to bed tonight: 1) Remove the gun from where it is shown in the pictures 2) Replace the pictures with ones that do not show your firearm placement preference 3) Have the firearm with - you - rather than in the vehicle - for a year or two. Any criminals in your area now have your name, address (from QRZ or the FCC) and vehicle description. They also have pictures of EXACTLY where you keep a loaded .45 All they have to do is purchase a "safety" tool (like the ones shown on TV this last week - because of the bridge problem in MN) and they can (will) have a loaded .45 in their hands in five seconds. I'll bet the police will not be very cooperative nor friendly if you have the gun stolen and they find out you published pictures, litterally to the world. Nice radio installation but I think you need to do a bit of clean-up on unintended side problems. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| W0IPL | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Steve . . . . I suggest you do several things before you go to bed tonight: 1) Remove the gun from where it is shown in the pictures 2) Replace the pictures with ones that do not show your firearm placement preference 3) Have the firearm with - you - rather than in the vehicle - for a year or two. Any criminals in your area now have your name, address (from QRZ or the FCC) and vehicle description. They also have pictures of EXACTLY where you keep a loaded .45 All they have to do is purchase a "safety" tool (like the ones shown on TV this last week - because of the bridge problem in MN) and they can (will) have a loaded .45 in their hands in five seconds. I'll bet the police will not be very cooperative nor friendly if you have the gun stolen and they find out you published pictures, litterally to the world. Nice radio installation but I think you need to do a bit of clean-up on unintended side problems. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| K9ZF | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Very nice setup. And a nice truck:-) My company [Plastics, injection molder] makes parts for Toyota. It was fun seeing all the familiar parts in your Tundra! Have fun, 73 Dan -- K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269 Check out the Rover Resource Page at: <http://www.qsl.net/n9rla> List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books Ask me how to join the Indiana Ham Mailing list! | ||
| K0BG | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| I noticed one more thing (from the photo link you posted after the article); the screw in the remote cable is not installed. It should be. Although the extension cable has a signal ground, the shield ground is supplied one just one end of the cable (as it should be). The .5 mm screw provides that ground. The only reason you're getting by with it like it is, the cable isn't stretched out. If you remount the radio (and you should), you'll discover in a hurry why the screw needs to be in place. Alan, KØBG www.k0bg.com Reply to a comment by : W4KPA on 2007-08-08 Great installation -- just what you need for blasting through those pile ups. And the radio is nice too. I've used the Geotools mount for seven years on a 1999 Silverado. They just keep on working. I probably ought to take mine loose and clean up the connections. Then it would be good for another seven years. I've got mine in the back corner stake pocket. That gets it as far as possible from all the noise sources and makes it less likely to interfere with the truck's electronics. Now if you can just tell me how to get the Tarheel on a Toyota Matrix. Bruce W4KPA Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-08 Yes, it is a 1911. Its a semi-custom based on a Springfield Armory that I bought back in 1989. No, things are not bad here. If I thought I needed to have a gun, I'd carry a rifle, bring friends with rifles or I just would avoid that area. The pistol is just in case I'm wrong. I'm a pretty cautious and mild mannered person, but also a pretty prepared one. As to the grounding question, The Geotool grounds on the base of the stake pocket and I added a ground strap as well which is attached to the tie down in the bed of the truck. I bought a bunch of ground strap with the intent of grounding everything I could, but I'm not sure I'm going to need it. My noise levels are pretty low for the most part. There are a couple of places on my commute that always have some excess noise, but that's probably due to something other than my grounding. Its always in the same place. I'll probably get around to grounding up everything but its not a priority right now. Reply to a comment by : AE1Y on 2007-08-08 In Massachusetts it's OK to Carry your pistol like that as long as it's un-loaded and you are in the vehicle with it. If the pistol is loaded thats illegal in Mass. It must be on your person if it is loaded. If it's in your vehicle loaded or un-loaded and you get out of the vehicle even for a second thats another jail term. Welcome to the communist state!! Reply to a comment by : WD4AOG on 2007-08-08 Have you considered mounting the radios under the seat? I have a Tundra SR5 (smaller than your truck) and there is room for my IC-706MKIIG under the driver seat. I can still move the seat forward and backward, there is plenty of air flow (even in summer in Florida) and I have no problem hearing the radio speaker from that location so I haven't needed the mini external speaker I bought. | ||
| N4MJG | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| wow Nice setup i would agree on heat problem begin inside cause to heated up,i have 1990 toyota kingcab well atleast i don't have to worry about center console. my 706m2g with frame at under the seat mount bolt in, if you like i can send you the snap shota long with my speaker and it works great for me. The base of the rig is under the seat while head can be seen !! i hide my head with towel durning the day and night plus keep it cool even at work with windows are down. 73 Jackie KG4ORX WEBSITE http://webpages.charter.net/kg4orx/ | ||
| W4KPA | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Great installation -- just what you need for blasting through those pile ups. And the radio is nice too. I've used the Geotools mount for seven years on a 1999 Silverado. They just keep on working. I probably ought to take mine loose and clean up the connections. Then it would be good for another seven years. I've got mine in the back corner stake pocket. That gets it as far as possible from all the noise sources and makes it less likely to interfere with the truck's electronics. Now if you can just tell me how to get the Tarheel on a Toyota Matrix. Bruce W4KPA Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-08 Yes, it is a 1911. Its a semi-custom based on a Springfield Armory that I bought back in 1989. No, things are not bad here. If I thought I needed to have a gun, I'd carry a rifle, bring friends with rifles or I just would avoid that area. The pistol is just in case I'm wrong. I'm a pretty cautious and mild mannered person, but also a pretty prepared one. As to the grounding question, The Geotool grounds on the base of the stake pocket and I added a ground strap as well which is attached to the tie down in the bed of the truck. I bought a bunch of ground strap with the intent of grounding everything I could, but I'm not sure I'm going to need it. My noise levels are pretty low for the most part. There are a couple of places on my commute that always have some excess noise, but that's probably due to something other than my grounding. Its always in the same place. I'll probably get around to grounding up everything but its not a priority right now. Reply to a comment by : AE1Y on 2007-08-08 In Massachusetts it's OK to Carry your pistol like that as long as it's un-loaded and you are in the vehicle with it. If the pistol is loaded thats illegal in Mass. It must be on your person if it is loaded. If it's in your vehicle loaded or un-loaded and you get out of the vehicle even for a second thats another jail term. Welcome to the communist state!! Reply to a comment by : WD4AOG on 2007-08-08 Have you considered mounting the radios under the seat? I have a Tundra SR5 (smaller than your truck) and there is room for my IC-706MKIIG under the driver seat. I can still move the seat forward and backward, there is plenty of air flow (even in summer in Florida) and I have no problem hearing the radio speaker from that location so I haven't needed the mini external speaker I bought. | ||
| W6TH | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| . There is no such thing as security regardless of the cost. I can assure you of this; One cannot depend on others for security, one must do it for themselves. Although I am a Ford buyer, I like your taste. .: Reply to a comment by : K4GUN on 2007-08-08 Yes, it is a 1911. Its a semi-custom based on a Springfield Armory that I bought back in 1989. No, things are not bad here. If I thought I needed to have a gun, I'd carry a rifle, bring friends with rifles or I just would avoid that area. The pistol is just in case I'm wrong. I'm a pretty cautious and mild mannered person, but also a pretty prepared one. As to the grounding question, The Geotool grounds on the base of the stake pocket and I added a ground strap as well which is attached to the tie down in the bed of the truck. I bought a bunch of ground strap with the intent of grounding everything I could, but I'm not sure I'm going to need it. My noise levels are pretty low for the most part. There are a couple of places on my commute that always have some excess noise, but that's probably due to something other than my grounding. Its always in the same place. I'll probably get around to grounding up everything but its not a priority right now. Reply to a comment by : AE1Y on 2007-08-08 In Massachusetts it's OK to Carry your pistol like that as long as it's un-loaded and you are in the vehicle with it. If the pistol is loaded thats illegal in Mass. It must be on your person if it is loaded. If it's in your vehicle loaded or un-loaded and you get out of the vehicle even for a second thats another jail term. Welcome to the communist state!! Reply to a comment by : WD4AOG on 2007-08-08 Have you considered mounting the radios under the seat? I have a Tundra SR5 (smaller than your truck) and there is room for my IC-706MKIIG under the driver seat. I can still move the seat forward and backward, there is plenty of air flow (even in summer in Florida) and I have no problem hearing the radio speaker from that location so I haven't needed the mini external speaker I bought. | ||
| K4GUN | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Yes, it is a 1911. Its a semi-custom based on a Springfield Armory that I bought back in 1989. No, things are not bad here. If I thought I needed to have a gun, I'd carry a rifle, bring friends with rifles or I just would avoid that area. The pistol is just in case I'm wrong. I'm a pretty cautious and mild mannered person, but also a pretty prepared one. As to the grounding question, The Geotool grounds on the base of the stake pocket and I added a ground strap as well which is attached to the tie down in the bed of the truck. I bought a bunch of ground strap with the intent of grounding everything I could, but I'm not sure I'm going to need it. My noise levels are pretty low for the most part. There are a couple of places on my commute that always have some excess noise, but that's probably due to something other than my grounding. Its always in the same place. I'll probably get around to grounding up everything but its not a priority right now. Reply to a comment by : AE1Y on 2007-08-08 In Massachusetts it's OK to Carry your pistol like that as long as it's un-loaded and you are in the vehicle with it. If the pistol is loaded thats illegal in Mass. It must be on your person if it is loaded. If it's in your vehicle loaded or un-loaded and you get out of the vehicle even for a second thats another jail term. Welcome to the communist state!! Reply to a comment by : WD4AOG on 2007-08-08 Have you considered mounting the radios under the seat? I have a Tundra SR5 (smaller than your truck) and there is room for my IC-706MKIIG under the driver seat. I can still move the seat forward and backward, there is plenty of air flow (even in summer in Florida) and I have no problem hearing the radio speaker from that location so I haven't needed the mini external speaker I bought. | ||
| AE1Y | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| In Massachusetts it's OK to Carry your pistol like that as long as it's un-loaded and you are in the vehicle with it. If the pistol is loaded thats illegal in Mass. It must be on your person if it is loaded. If it's in your vehicle loaded or un-loaded and you get out of the vehicle even for a second thats another jail term. Welcome to the communist state!! Reply to a comment by : WD4AOG on 2007-08-08 Have you considered mounting the radios under the seat? I have a Tundra SR5 (smaller than your truck) and there is room for my IC-706MKIIG under the driver seat. I can still move the seat forward and backward, there is plenty of air flow (even in summer in Florida) and I have no problem hearing the radio speaker from that location so I haven't needed the mini external speaker I bought. | ||
| N0AH | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Gun in holster.............classic E-ham photo for the ages. Reminds me of the front cover of June 1980 QST "Can You Top This?" photo of what was that century's photo of the ages.......... Did you use ground strapes to make sure that the bed, engine block, and frame, and hood, and doors where all grounded together? I did this on my Yausu FT-900 which reduced my S-3-5 engine noise to null and made my reception almost omni-directional using a Tarheel 100 series mounted over the wheel. I think last count I had put on a dozen 12 inch strapes, 4 8 inchers, all 1 inch in width. These can be found at most auto parts stores for around $5-$10. I love that you put so much time into this article. There are mistakes some have pointed out but now you can be proactive in keeping your 7000 from cooking. Look wise, I'd put it QST- Heck, even JAQST. | ||
| WD4AOG | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Have you considered mounting the radios under the seat? I have a Tundra SR5 (smaller than your truck) and there is room for my IC-706MKIIG under the driver seat. I can still move the seat forward and backward, there is plenty of air flow (even in summer in Florida) and I have no problem hearing the radio speaker from that location so I haven't needed the mini external speaker I bought. | ||
| KC0NYK | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| I especially liked the setup on the Tundra. Pretty timely since I am in the process of buying a new pickup myself. As for the Canadian with the concerns about crime in the US; ever been to Quebec or Montreal or Vancuver? Personally I like the setup on the pistol holder; I favor keeping mine on my belt when getting in and out a number of times; but the idea looks great if you are traveling for any distance. Well worth a try. Two things I hate to sit on; my wallet and my piece. As for the folks who don't want to carry; DON'T! The thieves will appreciate your taking the risk out of their business life. Reply to a comment by : N4CDB on 2007-08-08 We carry because we can. :-) Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Reply to a comment by : VE3RTS on 2007-08-08 Looks like a 1911 with the hammer cocked. I had a custom one I used in competitions up here in Canada for years. Sold it and the reloading equipment when we started having kids. One question though, are things that bad around your QTH to require the firearm? Just curious, as I haven't traveled too much into the states. 73 VE3RTS Reply to a comment by : W2DIP on 2007-08-08 The heck with the radios. What kind of pistol is that. From the top it looks like a 1911 model? I sold half of my gun collection to buy my current rigs and equipment and unlike you, have yet to find a way to incorporate my two hobbies. I tried using my rigs as targets but that got to be too expensive. :) I am fond of 1911's in 45 ACP so I am interested in what model gun it is and what kind of holster. Yeah, yeah, nice radios. | ||
| VE3RTS | 2007-08-08 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
Sorry for the multiple posts. Kept getting SQL error messages, but obviously the posting still worked. (Now I know why I sometimes see multiple posts..... :-) 73 Reply to a comment by : N4CDB on 2007-08-08 We carry because we can. :-) Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Reply to a comment by : VE3RTS on 2007-08-08 Looks like a 1911 with the hammer cocked. I had a custom one I used in competitions up here in Canada for years. Sold it and the reloading equipment when we started having kids. One question though, are things that bad around your QTH to require the firearm? Just curious, as I haven't traveled too much into the states. 73 VE3RTS Reply to a comment by : W2DIP on 2007-08-08 The heck with the radios. What kind of pistol is that. From the top it looks like a 1911 model? I sold half of my gun collection to buy my current rigs and equipment and unlike you, have yet to find a way to incorporate my two hobbies. I tried using my rigs as targets but that got to be too expensive. :) I am fond of 1911's in 45 ACP so I am interested in what model gun it is and what kind of holster. Yeah, yeah, nice radios. | ||
| N4CDB | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| We carry because we can. :-) Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Reply to a comment by : VE3RTS on 2007-08-08 Looks like a 1911 with the hammer cocked. I had a custom one I used in competitions up here in Canada for years. Sold it and the reloading equipment when we started having kids. One question though, are things that bad around your QTH to require the firearm? Just curious, as I haven't traveled too much into the states. 73 VE3RTS Reply to a comment by : W2DIP on 2007-08-08 The heck with the radios. What kind of pistol is that. From the top it looks like a 1911 model? I sold half of my gun collection to buy my current rigs and equipment and unlike you, have yet to find a way to incorporate my two hobbies. I tried using my rigs as targets but that got to be too expensive. :) I am fond of 1911's in 45 ACP so I am interested in what model gun it is and what kind of holster. Yeah, yeah, nice radios. | ||
| VE3RTS | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
Looks like a 1911 with the hammer cocked. I had a custom one I used in competitions up here in Canada for years. Sold it and the reloading equipment when we started having kids. One question though, are things that bad around your QTH to require the firearm? Just curious, as I haven't traveled too much into the states. 73 VE3RTS Reply to a comment by : W2DIP on 2007-08-08 The heck with the radios. What kind of pistol is that. From the top it looks like a 1911 model? I sold half of my gun collection to buy my current rigs and equipment and unlike you, have yet to find a way to incorporate my two hobbies. I tried using my rigs as targets but that got to be too expensive. :) I am fond of 1911's in 45 ACP so I am interested in what model gun it is and what kind of holster. Yeah, yeah, nice radios. | ||
| VE3RTS | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
Looks like a 1911 with the hammer cocked. I had a custom one I used in competitions up here in Canada for years. Sold it and the reloading equipment when we started having kids. One question though, are things that bad around your QTH to require the firearm? Just curious, as I haven't traveled too much into the states. 73 VE3RTS Reply to a comment by : W2DIP on 2007-08-08 The heck with the radios. What kind of pistol is that. From the top it looks like a 1911 model? I sold half of my gun collection to buy my current rigs and equipment and unlike you, have yet to find a way to incorporate my two hobbies. I tried using my rigs as targets but that got to be too expensive. :) I am fond of 1911's in 45 ACP so I am interested in what model gun it is and what kind of holster. Yeah, yeah, nice radios. | ||
| W2DIP | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| The heck with the radios. What kind of pistol is that. From the top it looks like a 1911 model? I sold half of my gun collection to buy my current rigs and equipment and unlike you, have yet to find a way to incorporate my two hobbies. I tried using my rigs as targets but that got to be too expensive. :) I am fond of 1911's in 45 ACP so I am interested in what model gun it is and what kind of holster. Yeah, yeah, nice radios. | ||
| K7QQH | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice Install-- I need to do a similar article with photos of my Drake TR-4CW with tuner installed in my 1991 Jeep Eliminator pickup truck. It's great CW rig, and a photo of the engine compartment will explain why there is absolutely NO ignition noise. 200 watts out on CW works 'em pretty well, and I've had my own pileups while signing "K7QQH/M7". Nice auto, and mine's a .357 Ruger snubby tucked between the seats with a baseball cap over the butt. 73's Roger C. K7QQH | ||
| K7QQH | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice Install-- I need to do a similar article with photos of my Drake TR-4CW with tuner installed in my 1991 Jeep Eliminator pickup truck. It's great CW rig, and a photo of the engine compartment will explain why there is absolutely NO ignition noise. 200 watts out on CW works 'em pretty well, and I've had my own pileups while signing "K7QQH/M7". Nice auto, and mine's a .357 Ruger snubby tucked between the seats with a baseball cap over the butt. 73's Roger C. K7QQH | ||
| W0IPL | 2007-08-08 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| I'll agree with WIK's comment about happy thiefs. Is there any room under the passenger seat to mount the Icom? My 7000 gets QUITE warm with significantly more air flow around it. I gather that you do not often have a passenger riding with you. If your wife or girlfriend did, I tend to believe they would complain about the cover intruding into thier "space". Nice sanitary installation. Reply to a comment by : WB2WIK on 2007-08-08 I'd be worried that a thief breaking in to steal the radio will find the gun and be really happy he did. I guess time will tell if the rig gets too hot during the summer months...might happen if operating before the A/C kicks in to fully cool off the passenger compartment after the Tundra's sitting in the sun on a hot day. Let us know! Reply to a comment by : KI6LO on 2007-08-08 Nice setup. Ya gotta love Virginia. You can have a concealed weapon (permit of course) but heaven forbid you would ever want to run a radar detector. Makes you into Public Enemy #1. | ||
| WA1RNE | 2007-08-08 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
Looks good..... I had 2 observations; The first is heat which has already been mentioned by others. Curious though, being a large deluxe truck, I'm pretty certain this one comes equipped with ventilation ducts for the rear passengers. If so, you may be able to tap into the ducts and divert a small amount of air to the storage bin - both for cooling in the summer and heat in the winter? Secondly, I realize you work at a dealership, but since most of us don't, will these mod's void Toyota's warranty if something goes wrong with the battery isolator and causes the charging system to fail - or worse yet, engine manaagement electronics or an electrical accessory? ...WA1RNE Reply to a comment by : WB2WIK on 2007-08-08 I'd be worried that a thief breaking in to steal the radio will find the gun and be really happy he did. I guess time will tell if the rig gets too hot during the summer months...might happen if operating before the A/C kicks in to fully cool off the passenger compartment after the Tundra's sitting in the sun on a hot day. Let us know! Reply to a comment by : KI6LO on 2007-08-08 Nice setup. Ya gotta love Virginia. You can have a concealed weapon (permit of course) but heaven forbid you would ever want to run a radar detector. Makes you into Public Enemy #1. | ||
| WB2WIK | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| I'd be worried that a thief breaking in to steal the radio will find the gun and be really happy he did. I guess time will tell if the rig gets too hot during the summer months...might happen if operating before the A/C kicks in to fully cool off the passenger compartment after the Tundra's sitting in the sun on a hot day. Let us know! Reply to a comment by : KI6LO on 2007-08-08 Nice setup. Ya gotta love Virginia. You can have a concealed weapon (permit of course) but heaven forbid you would ever want to run a radar detector. Makes you into Public Enemy #1. | ||
| KI6LO | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice setup. Ya gotta love Virginia. You can have a concealed weapon (permit of course) but heaven forbid you would ever want to run a radar detector. Makes you into Public Enemy #1. | ||
| K4GUN | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Thanks for the comments. Heat is an issue that I have considered and one I will be keeping an eye on. As of yet, the temperature gauge on the IC7000 hasn't gone into the red and its been very hot here. As to winter survivability, there is only one place that concerns me. That is right where the coax connects to the mounts. I sealed it up with coax seal, but I'll be checking that. Everything else is pretty secure against the elements. I meant to include a couple of pictures of the truck itself. Here are a couple. http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e217/cliffy109/hamtruck/?action=view¤t=hamtruck12.jpg http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e217/cliffy109/hamtruck/?action=view¤t=hamtruck1.jpg Reply to a comment by : AD5VM on 2007-08-08 Wow nice mobile setup. My Tacoma will be paid off next year and I am planning to get a Tundra 4 door 4x4 also. I also have an IC-7000 so I may 'borrow' some of your ideas! That looks like a Kimber sometimes it's hard to tell with all the ultra custom shops out there. I carry a TLE-RL II with Surefire TLR-1 in a Bladetech holster. Is that pistol mounted in some kind of vehicle mounted rig? 73, -Larry Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| AD5VM | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Make that Streamlight TLR-1 Bet you didn't think this would turn into a firearms thread! Reply to a comment by : AD5VM on 2007-08-08 Wow nice mobile setup. My Tacoma will be paid off next year and I am planning to get a Tundra 4 door 4x4 also. I also have an IC-7000 so I may 'borrow' some of your ideas! That looks like a Kimber sometimes it's hard to tell with all the ultra custom shops out there. I carry a TLE-RL II with Surefire TLR-1 in a Bladetech holster. Is that pistol mounted in some kind of vehicle mounted rig? 73, -Larry Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| AD5VM | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Wow nice mobile setup. My Tacoma will be paid off next year and I am planning to get a Tundra 4 door 4x4 also. I also have an IC-7000 so I may 'borrow' some of your ideas! That looks like a Kimber sometimes it's hard to tell with all the ultra custom shops out there. I carry a TLE-RL II with Surefire TLR-1 in a Bladetech holster. Is that pistol mounted in some kind of vehicle mounted rig? 73, -Larry Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| WR8Y | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| One of the better ham installations I have seen. VA must have GA-like gun laws, as we can carry guns like that here, too. (I do wonder a bit about heat in that installation, but I'll leave that to k4GUN to worry about.) Reply to a comment by : K0BG on 2007-08-08 I too would worry about heat, especially from the Icom. Another possible issue is the right side passenger airbag. One good point is the delayed battery charging system. Toyota (Honda, and a few others) route the alternator wiring through the engine control computer. When the engine is cold (closed loop mode), and you suddenly connect a second (not fully charged) battery though a relay for example, the check engine light will come on. Overall, the installation is neat and orderly, and one to be proud of. Alan, KØBG www.k0bg.com Reply to a comment by : W6TH on 2007-08-08 . Great article and pictures. In the state of NH, I carry my side arm on my belt. Helps when I go to the ATM at and around midnight. Ya never know. .: Reply to a comment by : N4CQR on 2007-08-08 K4JJL I never leave the house without my Beretta Cougar. For shooting skip? Reply to a comment by : K4JJL on 2007-08-08 Glad to see someone else packing in the car. I never leave the house without my Beretta Cougar. I hope you don't run into heat problems putting the radios in an enclosed console. When I yack on the VHF Motorola Spectra in my Mini Cooper, I tend to get the thing frying hot (but it puts out 125W). But then again, I push the thing to around 40% duty cycle transmitting. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| K0BG | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| I too would worry about heat, especially from the Icom. Another possible issue is the right side passenger airbag. One good point is the delayed battery charging system. Toyota (Honda, and a few others) route the alternator wiring through the engine control computer. When the engine is cold (closed loop mode), and you suddenly connect a second (not fully charged) battery though a relay for example, the check engine light will come on. Overall, the installation is neat and orderly, and one to be proud of. Alan, KØBG www.k0bg.com Reply to a comment by : W6TH on 2007-08-08 . Great article and pictures. In the state of NH, I carry my side arm on my belt. Helps when I go to the ATM at and around midnight. Ya never know. .: Reply to a comment by : N4CQR on 2007-08-08 K4JJL I never leave the house without my Beretta Cougar. For shooting skip? Reply to a comment by : K4JJL on 2007-08-08 Glad to see someone else packing in the car. I never leave the house without my Beretta Cougar. I hope you don't run into heat problems putting the radios in an enclosed console. When I yack on the VHF Motorola Spectra in my Mini Cooper, I tend to get the thing frying hot (but it puts out 125W). But then again, I push the thing to around 40% duty cycle transmitting. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| N8NQP | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice, but I agree, you will either end up moving your 7000 or frying it. I have mine mounted under the passenger seat and it gets fairly warm there. Do yourself a favor and check the temps closely so you don't fry one or both of your rigs. Reply to a comment by : W6TH on 2007-08-08 . Great article and pictures. In the state of NH, I carry my side arm on my belt. Helps when I go to the ATM at and around midnight. Ya never know. .: Reply to a comment by : N4CQR on 2007-08-08 K4JJL I never leave the house without my Beretta Cougar. For shooting skip? Reply to a comment by : K4JJL on 2007-08-08 Glad to see someone else packing in the car. I never leave the house without my Beretta Cougar. I hope you don't run into heat problems putting the radios in an enclosed console. When I yack on the VHF Motorola Spectra in my Mini Cooper, I tend to get the thing frying hot (but it puts out 125W). But then again, I push the thing to around 40% duty cycle transmitting. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| W6TH | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| . Great article and pictures. In the state of NH, I carry my side arm on my belt. Helps when I go to the ATM at and around midnight. Ya never know. .: Reply to a comment by : N4CQR on 2007-08-08 K4JJL I never leave the house without my Beretta Cougar. For shooting skip? Reply to a comment by : K4JJL on 2007-08-08 Glad to see someone else packing in the car. I never leave the house without my Beretta Cougar. I hope you don't run into heat problems putting the radios in an enclosed console. When I yack on the VHF Motorola Spectra in my Mini Cooper, I tend to get the thing frying hot (but it puts out 125W). But then again, I push the thing to around 40% duty cycle transmitting. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| W3LK | 2007-08-08 | |
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| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice Installation, however I am not thrilled with mounting the radios in the between-seat console. There is not near enough air flow for the dual-band rig, much less the HF rig, especially if both are on at the same time. Even though you mention installing a fan, I think you are looking at early rig failure on one, if not both, radios due to insufficient air flow and cooling. 73, Lon - W3LK Naugatuck, Connecticut PS - Nice choice of firearm, although I prefer my Ruger. :) Reply to a comment by : K4JJL on 2007-08-08 Glad to see someone else packing in the car. I never leave the house without my Beretta Cougar. I hope you don't run into heat problems putting the radios in an enclosed console. When I yack on the VHF Motorola Spectra in my Mini Cooper, I tend to get the thing frying hot (but it puts out 125W). But then again, I push the thing to around 40% duty cycle transmitting. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| N4CQR | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| K4JJL I never leave the house without my Beretta Cougar. For shooting skip? Reply to a comment by : K4JJL on 2007-08-08 Glad to see someone else packing in the car. I never leave the house without my Beretta Cougar. I hope you don't run into heat problems putting the radios in an enclosed console. When I yack on the VHF Motorola Spectra in my Mini Cooper, I tend to get the thing frying hot (but it puts out 125W). But then again, I push the thing to around 40% duty cycle transmitting. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| K4JJL | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| RE: Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Glad to see someone else packing in the car. I never leave the house without my Beretta Cougar. I hope you don't run into heat problems putting the radios in an enclosed console. When I yack on the VHF Motorola Spectra in my Mini Cooper, I tend to get the thing frying hot (but it puts out 125W). But then again, I push the thing to around 40% duty cycle transmitting. Reply to a comment by : N1EDU on 2007-08-08 Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
| N1EDU | 2007-08-08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra Mobile Installation | ||
| Nice set up, nice article. A couple of thoughts/questions.... Did you consider running wire UNDER the carpet? Did you think about running a single power feed from spare battery to put the rig runner right next to the radios? The reason I ask is that the IC-7000 draws some 23 amps max, and this type of run might help reduce any voltage drops. Also, West Marine has a battery isolator from blue sea systems, might save a few $$ there. What is your opinion of the set up lasting through heavy salt/snow of New England winter driving? Do you see possible avenues for corrosion to start? I have almost the identical radio set up in my F-350 PSD except I haven't decided where to put the body of the IC 7000, since there are so many times I use the head 8 or 10 feet away from my truck as a "portable". I put my Kenwood dual speakers up on the back ceiling corners to have "band" (audio) separation and my TMV7A head in an unused flip down ash tray. By the way, I think Kenwood has a microphone extension that you might be interested in - or anyone else. Heil also sells mic cord. Look up the DFK models from Kenwood. Do you have any RFI or electrical noise - like fuel pump or alternator noise? What type of battery did you use, and have you measured the performance at all - voltages or current draw-down? Another nice part of the Ford - dual batteries!! Can you add a wider shot of the truck with antennas? 73 Dave | ||
