Re-installing a couple of HAM radios

CBs / FRS / GMRS / MARS, radios, stereos, computers, tools, etc. The stuff you use to support wheeling or use of your PW.
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LagunaH1
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Re-installing a couple of HAM radios

Post by LagunaH1 » Thu Nov 08, 2018 11:01 pm

Hi everyone,

Ever since I got my '16 wagon, I have used 2 radios, an Icon IC-7000 for HF, VHF and UHF, and a Motorola XPR 5550 for FM & DMR on UHF.

Well, recently, I decided that the way I had the radios installed ( both control heads remote mounted upfront, radios tucked away under the back seat) wasn't good enough anymore, as I wanted to run both VHF and UHF off commercial radios. (long story about why, but they really do have far better RF capabilities in hostile environments than many ham radios)

I found a Troy Products console which kinda sorta fits in the wagon. I then set about removing the front center seat / arm rest to make room for the console.Getting the center seat / armrest out, was an exercise in what not to do, LOL. Well, I learned a lot so I guess that's a good thing.

Here is the first mock up of the new setup:

Image

Going forward, my primary radios will be a VHF and a UHF XPR 5550 mono band FM / DMR radio. The IC-7000 will become backup on VHF and UHF, and also provide HF capability as before.

Remaining items to do:

Wire radios to power bus
Wire power bus to aux battery
Wire voltage booster to IC-7000
Connect ignition to separate ignition sense bus
Apply power to volt meter and dual Powerpole outlets
Extend antenna coax cables
Mount IC-7000 control head on console
Mount IC-7000 radio in console
Mount voltage booster in console
Ground the console to the wagon's body.
Modify plastic surrounds to accommodate the console, while retaining as much of an OEM look as possible.

More pictures to come as I make more progress
2016 RAM 2500 Power Wagon SLT
NR6E

LagunaH1
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Re: Re-installing a couple of HAM radios

Post by LagunaH1 » Fri Nov 09, 2018 7:14 pm

Made some progress today:

Image

Still need to connect the good 'ol IC-7000's control head and HF antenna, but at least I now have FM & DMR on VHF and UHF
2016 RAM 2500 Power Wagon SLT
NR6E

Colibri
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Re: Re-installing a couple of HAM radios

Post by Colibri » Fri Nov 09, 2018 8:42 pm

Looking good lagunah1!!!
Central Texas and Houston area
2009 5.7 auto quadcab
Carli 3” coils deaver leafs 3” kings with 4 tube bypass rear and fr/rr hydro bumps
Howe steering pump and gear with hydraulic ram assist
Custom tube bumpers and white knuckle sliders
Creative fab trussed axle. rem polished and cryoed 5.13 gears with arb lockers fr/rr
Sharadon stage 2 545rfe with 3000 stall edge converter
Lots of other stuff lol

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Mule007
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Re: Re-installing a couple of HAM radios

Post by Mule007 » Fri Nov 09, 2018 9:37 pm

Nice work! 👍
:patriot: SOLD: Never forgotten: Mule - 2005 Power Wagon, “Laramie”
NEW: “Bear”: 2015 Ram 2500 Tradesman 4WD, Crew cab, 68K miles; 2nd Owner-Power steering, windows, brakes, Tip start, heated tow mirrors; Sirius, blue tooth, Alpine 6 speakers; 35% tinted windows, Black, diesel gray, silver interior; Systems: Driver Info Displays; TPMS, ESC; Power converter; AC; ERS controls on shifter. Anti theft system, vehicle immobilizer. Engine: 6.4L Hemi, Auto. HD 6-66RFE-6 speed transmission; 3.73:1 gears; 1 ton
transmission oil cooler; 2-speed electric shift BW44-46 4WD shift on fly; Trans. skid plate. Axels: F-5,500 #; R-6,100#; Solid front, Anti- slip differential rear; Tow Pkg:: Rough Country 2.5” lift; Tekonsha Prodigy P2 trailer brake, HD Coil Springs, Bilstein B8 5100 shocks, WD hitch, F/R HD stabilizer bars; rear track bar; sway control; Tow Haul Mode, brake assist; Hill control; recalls completed; 5” oval SS steps; Brakes: Extreme Z36 Truck and Tow Drilled/Slotted F&R rotors & pads; Wheels: XD KMC235 Grenade Crawl bead-lock wheels;
Upgrades: CB; Uniden Pro 520XL; Tonneau: Extant Endure ALX cover; Alternator: HD Denso 180 amp; Battery: Interstate MTZ-AGM 94RH7 Premium 830CCA; Tires: Dean Back Country A/T2-35/1250R-18/12, MP3; Floor mats: Husky X-act contour; Muffler: FX catback #71416 SS after axle exit; Car Seat covers: Caterpillar Black/Grey front seat covers :patriot:

LagunaH1
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Re: Re-installing a couple of HAM radios

Post by LagunaH1 » Mon Nov 12, 2018 9:31 pm

Today I got the IC-7000 wired up with the voltage booster, tuner and control head. A few days ago, I decided to move the mics form one side of the console to the other

Here is how the setup looks today:

Image

Next, I want to get the Icom mic situated properly, and after than I want to run a FAR thicker gauge cable to power the radios. The voltage drops from 12.5 with no load, to 12.0 with all 3 radios on, but not transmitting. If I transmit, the voltage drops even further.

In other words, there is too much resistance in the cable I've used. I had honestly thought 10 gauge would be good enough, but I guess not.
2016 RAM 2500 Power Wagon SLT
NR6E

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Mule
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Re: Re-installing a couple of HAM radios

Post by Mule » Tue Nov 13, 2018 2:06 am

Personally, I'd go for a car stereo amp install kit. They're inexpensive, come with power cable, fuse, short ground cable, terminals, and some other cables/wires for amps.
I have 8AWG to the amp/radio in my pickup, seems to work fine.

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