Needing ideas for comms
- Thread starter Jermgallo
- Start date
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avslash
Full Access Member
I run a Wilson Cell phone booster. It is located in the rear cubby on the drivers side, and is wired to a separate accessory fuse block I mounted back there. I think it does some good, but I think the limiting factor is the smallish antenna included with the unit. Adding a real antenna is on my list, but hasn't worked it's way to the top yet.
Also currently run a Kenwood Dual band ham rig. Radio is mounted under the drivers seat with microphone clipped to the front seat trim panel behind the driver's legs. Antenna is mounted on the steel rear bumper with an NMO mount, and power is from a direct connection to my auxiliary house battery.
Cobra and Uniden make a CB with all control functions contained within the microphone. The actual "radio" on these units is very small and could be mounted virtually anywhere you can get an antenna wire to. If I ever get around to adding one of these units, I would mount it behind the cargo area trim on the driver's side and use a factory extension cable to get the microphone to the driver's seat and mount it next to my ham mic on the same seat trim panel.
Wiring on these trucks is pretty easy to add. The only complication is getting wires through the firewall. There is one unused grommet up near the brake booster, but it is very difficult to access. Other than that, break out your drill. Once you're through the firewall it is very easy to pull the door threshold trim on either side and get wires from the front to the back. Also easy to get wires outside at the rear through the large taillight grommets.
Also currently run a Kenwood Dual band ham rig. Radio is mounted under the drivers seat with microphone clipped to the front seat trim panel behind the driver's legs. Antenna is mounted on the steel rear bumper with an NMO mount, and power is from a direct connection to my auxiliary house battery.
Cobra and Uniden make a CB with all control functions contained within the microphone. The actual "radio" on these units is very small and could be mounted virtually anywhere you can get an antenna wire to. If I ever get around to adding one of these units, I would mount it behind the cargo area trim on the driver's side and use a factory extension cable to get the microphone to the driver's seat and mount it next to my ham mic on the same seat trim panel.
Wiring on these trucks is pretty easy to add. The only complication is getting wires through the firewall. There is one unused grommet up near the brake booster, but it is very difficult to access. Other than that, break out your drill. Once you're through the firewall it is very easy to pull the door threshold trim on either side and get wires from the front to the back. Also easy to get wires outside at the rear through the large taillight grommets.
Awesome thank you for all the great info. I will be starting this project shortly, thank you again.
avslash
Full Access Member
I want to add the CB and GMRS just so I have all my bases covered.
I guess I should really look at an antenna multiplexer as well so my truck doesn't end up looking like a porcupine.
I guess I should really look at an antenna multiplexer as well so my truck doesn't end up looking like a porcupine.
DonC
Full Access Member
I am using the Bearcat CMX760 in my 4. Happy with it so far.
I like having a CB cause when running up and down the highway like i have always done you can always get in contact with someone. Do they make an antenna that can run both cb and gmrs to help keep the porcupine look down?
do you have that cb unit mounted under the dash? How do you like where the antennas are located?
avslash
Full Access Member
Started reading after posting that, and unfortunately, I would say the answer is no. At least for ham/cb. Two or three antennas it is, I guess.
