Putting a ham radio in 2011 f150
#31
No, Ham Radio doesn't have to break the bank, it can but doesn't have too.
The Mobile radios he bought are Commercial, for business, Fire, EMS, Police and are more expensive than Amateur Radio only equipment. If you buy a ham VHF radio you can't use it to talk (you can listen) in the business portion of the band, but if you buy a Commercial unit you can talk on both. One reason do do this would be if you were on a local fire department then you would only need one radio. His radios probably cost in the $350 to $450 range (guess) where a good amateur VHF radio would only be $150 to $200 range.
Right now in the business world there is a new law that is requiring all commercial radios to be switched to something called narrow band, and that means a lot of departments and businesses are having to upgrade equipment. Hams do not have to comply with this new law so it opens up a big used market for cheap radios on ebay. I have a 100 watt motorola spectra in my Dodge Charger, the head is mounted on the console and the radio in the trunk, got it off ebay for $80 and it is a great radio for ham use. Only draw back is I can't program it via the front panel but a little fore thought and you are good to go, it program with a computer program.
So many options, it can make your head spin. Study up and get your license, then you can start shopping.
The Mobile radios he bought are Commercial, for business, Fire, EMS, Police and are more expensive than Amateur Radio only equipment. If you buy a ham VHF radio you can't use it to talk (you can listen) in the business portion of the band, but if you buy a Commercial unit you can talk on both. One reason do do this would be if you were on a local fire department then you would only need one radio. His radios probably cost in the $350 to $450 range (guess) where a good amateur VHF radio would only be $150 to $200 range.
Right now in the business world there is a new law that is requiring all commercial radios to be switched to something called narrow band, and that means a lot of departments and businesses are having to upgrade equipment. Hams do not have to comply with this new law so it opens up a big used market for cheap radios on ebay. I have a 100 watt motorola spectra in my Dodge Charger, the head is mounted on the console and the radio in the trunk, got it off ebay for $80 and it is a great radio for ham use. Only draw back is I can't program it via the front panel but a little fore thought and you are good to go, it program with a computer program.
So many options, it can make your head spin. Study up and get your license, then you can start shopping.
#32
I am not mounting anything on top of the dash, #1 heat with the direct sunlight just cooks a radio, #2 theft, might as well have decals made that say, HEY I HAVE HIGH $$ ELECTRONICS IN MY TRUCK, KEEP AWAY! #3 Looks, I like Ham Radio but I still like my truck to look nice. And I don't change the channel all that much, I am either on the local repeater or on simplex and the buttons to control the radio are on the microphone so I don't have to look down that often.
50 watt radio will pull about 12-14 amps at most that isn't some huge draw that will melt a 12 gauge wire, the biggest drawback to in cab wiring is RFI.
Got my radio mounted:
I plan to use some of that flexible tubing to encase the coax and 12volt wires to make that look a little better. I had some but it was too small will have to get to the store and get a larger diameter.
Antenna on the front fender:
On the firewall you will see two rubber grommets, at the top of each one you will see a rubber nipple, I took an exact knife and made a slit in each of them. If you pull out the rubber plug the back side is molded with a channel to the rubber nipple almost like Ford made it that way. On the drivers side it is easy access from the inside, on the passenger side not so much, I used a coat hanger to fish my 12 volt wire through.
Passenger Side:
Drivers Side:
50 watt radio will pull about 12-14 amps at most that isn't some huge draw that will melt a 12 gauge wire, the biggest drawback to in cab wiring is RFI.
Got my radio mounted:
I plan to use some of that flexible tubing to encase the coax and 12volt wires to make that look a little better. I had some but it was too small will have to get to the store and get a larger diameter.
Antenna on the front fender:
On the firewall you will see two rubber grommets, at the top of each one you will see a rubber nipple, I took an exact knife and made a slit in each of them. If you pull out the rubber plug the back side is molded with a channel to the rubber nipple almost like Ford made it that way. On the drivers side it is easy access from the inside, on the passenger side not so much, I used a coat hanger to fish my 12 volt wire through.
Passenger Side:
Drivers Side:
Did you run the wires from the radio through the back of the cubby hole?
How did you attach the radio mounting bracket. Is it bolted through the top of the cubby hole or did you use screws and if its bolted did you have to pull off the panel above the cubby that holds the radio and heater controls...etc???
#33
I studied for my test for a couple hours (knowing NOTHING about radios) and went and passed my exam with an 94%. So far in the several weeks I've been in it, I have over $2,000 of used radio equipment. Kenwood TS-940S (HF rig, over 40 lbs!), two brand-new Kenwood TK-7180 VHF mobiles I use for public service but also 2m on our local repeater. Kenwood TK-3180, 5W Mobile VHF handheld, again for public service but also 2m. Realistic HTX-100 for the 10m (The only HF band Techs can operate), and several small CBs. This stuff is fantastic!
#35
#38
I've been tormented by this proposition for weeks. I'm going to go with glass mount for my vhf/uhf at first, and tackle the hf afterwards. I'm just not willing to drill hole in roof...yet.
#39
#40
#41
I should just go ahead and do it. I plan on keeping the truck for a long time so any loss in resale value won't amount to much.
#42
The radio will really work better with a well mounted antenna. I have drilled several vehicles, if done properly it looks professional and most people don't even notice the plug or cap on the roof of a truck or sub when you do sell it.
I mounted a dual band antenna on the bed my 2009. I'll likely do the same on my 2012 when it arrives next week.
I also had some short antennas on the roof but will probably go with two dual band antennas on the bed next time.
I mounted a dual band antenna on the bed my 2009. I'll likely do the same on my 2012 when it arrives next week.
I also had some short antennas on the roof but will probably go with two dual band antennas on the bed next time.
Last edited by smcrae; 12-15-2011 at 10:54 PM.
#43
The radio will really work better with a well mounted antenna. I have drilled several vehicles, if done properly it looks professional and most people don't even notice the plug or cap on the roof of a truck or sub when you do sell it.
I mounted a dual band antenna on the bed my 2009. I'll likely do the same on my 2012 when it arrives next week.
I also had some short antennas on the roof but will probably go with two dual band antennas on the bed next time.
I mounted a dual band antenna on the bed my 2009. I'll likely do the same on my 2012 when it arrives next week.
I also had some short antennas on the roof but will probably go with two dual band antennas on the bed next time.
#45
I used the rubber grommet that is in the floorpan between the rear seat and the door on the drivers side. Easy to get to if you remove the drivers rear door sill plate.
With the antenna mounted here the coax comes down between the two panels of the bed - so it is not inside the bed of the truck - comes out underneath and into the cab.
Along with the wires for the tailgate lock it was just right. I had the radio mounted on a board under the rear seat so it was in just the right place.
With the antenna mounted here the coax comes down between the two panels of the bed - so it is not inside the bed of the truck - comes out underneath and into the cab.
Along with the wires for the tailgate lock it was just right. I had the radio mounted on a board under the rear seat so it was in just the right place.