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Spring
New member
Username: Spring
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 4:08 pm: | 
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I think that all COPPER FORUM MEMBERS should write,call and/or email ALL AUTO MANUFACTERS.Asking them to build 2way radio friendly vehicles.Because we use and buy cars & trucks.Almost none of the newer cars & trucks have room to install even a small radio. And you can't even ground antennas any more(plastic bodies).If something doesn't change we will not be able to use any mobile radios.This is also now happening in the BIG RIGS. Seems like they are trying to kill our GREAT HOBBY.
ANN
SPRING
CEF800
CVC77 |
Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 1762
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 1:26 pm: |
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Spring, I think the problem we would have is numbers. If the masses would need a space for accesories like radios then the cars and trucks would already be out there. I am a pretty good parts fabricator and am working with a friend who is a master at fabricating in all types of materials. We are putting our heads together to design a mounting assembley made specially for the DX size radios inside the new vehicles! Hopefully we will be succesful in our search for a product to bring into the market that everyone needs!
Sat hello to Milkman for me! 73 |
Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 526
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 3:11 pm: |
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Hotwire,
We do have the numbers - add up all the Hams, CBers and then include all the emergency vehicles (Police etc), taxis, delivery vehicles, news reporters from larger stations, how knows how many commercial vehicles that need two way radio.
Spring is right - the need is there and we need to make it known to the big 3. |
Cowboy_bob
Junior Member
Username: Cowboy_bob
Post Number: 48
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 10:40 pm: |
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I'm a trucker...A trucker's lifeline is his CB.. I wish the truck manufacturers would make trucks CB compatible. Bad swr problems and grounding the antennas. Dang fiberglass, air ride cabs! |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 1441
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 11:10 am: |
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New vehicles not radio friendly?
I ordered a Jeep Liberty (known as a 'KJ' to Jeep fans) and took delivery in December last year. I was astonished when going through the owner's manual when I found an entire chapter on two-way radios! There were cautions about transmitters causing potential problems with the engine computer and the manual suggested mounting antennas toward the rear of the vehicle to allow enough space between the radiator and the computer near the firewall. The roof is metal, and the NMO mount went in easily. There was gobs of space to choose from for radio mounting and the fuse box has spaces designed just for plugging in that hot wire for the radio(s). In my installation, the radio is mounted under the driver's seat with the control head mounted remotely under the dash is the change space. Clean, neat, blends in with the dash styling, and works well.
Then, in May, I ordered a Chevrolet HD 2500 Duramax truck. I got the truck just 3 months ago (that's new in my book) and I found the same thing as the Jeep. However, the diesel computer is located under the hood, so as long as the antenna was mounted on the roof, it would be O.K. I installed a service body on mine with a ladder rack, so I mounted the antenna on one side of the headache rack. There were places under the cab to run the coax and miles of space under the dash for the radio itself. As with the Jeep, the fusebox had places available to plug the hot lead to and the whole installation was simple.
So... If you are having trouble mounting radios in your vehicle, I suggest buying American. |
Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 529
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 15, 2006 - 10:28 am: |
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Paul,
Even some of the mid sized American cars do not have space to mount a radio. I drive a 2001 Blazer (OK Jo does I drive an MG) and the only way to fit a small 2m radio was to remove the cassette player (see the photo in Members photos). To us it was no loss as we use CDs not tapes anyway but to other that could be a big loss.
Our old Ford Ranger (98) did not really have a place to mount a radio until I made a roof mount consule. Neither of these vehicles are small.
The two vehicles you mention are both reasonable sized vehicles, but take a look at some of the mid and samll size American cars and it is not so easy to do. |
Wolverine
Advanced Member
Username: Wolverine
Post Number: 646
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 3:29 am: |
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Try a ford Crown Victoria. Plenty of room to mount a radio.
Wolverine. |
N8xfj
Member
Username: N8xfj
Post Number: 73
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 9:07 pm: |
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Here is our Jeep Liberty and as you can see it is not radio user friendly. I have a small radio mounted on the passenger side and it is hit everytime a passenger is over there by their leg.
Look at the console on this vehicle, it's just not happening. And far as you guys that has any ideas of drilling into the plastic dashes to mount radios on the new vehicles, DONT, because if you hit the wrong the thing or wiring you can cause the airbags to deploy.
I used to do professional radio siren and lights installs on commercial and pvt emergency vehicles and I have seen this happen before.
 |
N8xfj
Member
Username: N8xfj
Post Number: 73
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 9:07 pm: |
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Here is our Jeep Liberty and as you can see it is not radio user friendly. I have a small radio mounted on the passenger side and it is hit everytime a passenger is over there by their leg.
Look at the console on this vehicle, it's just not happening. And far as you guys that has any ideas of drilling into the plastic dashes to mount radios on the new vehicles, DONT, because if you hit the wrong the thing or wiring you can cause the airbags to deploy.
I used to do professional radio siren and lights installs on commercial and pvt emergency vehicles and I have seen this happen before. |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 1453
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 11:22 am: |
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Your Jeep looks tighter than mine. Maybe because mine has an automatic transmission. Hmmm..
Have you looked at ALL that room under the seats? A remote head kit might be just what you need in your case.
I mis-spoke earlier on the exact wording from the Liberty manual. I have the manual in front of me right now, and this is what it says just inside the cover-
"INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT
Special design considerations are incorporated in this vehicle's electronic system to provide immunity to radio frequency signals. Mobile two-way radios and telephone equipment must be installed properly by trained personnel. The following must be observed during installation.
The positive power connection should be made directly to the battery and fused as close to the battery as possible. The negative power connection should be made to body sheet metal adjacent to the negative battery connection. This connection should not be fused.
Antennas for two way radios should be mounted on the roof or the rear area of the vehicle. Care should be used in mounting antennas with magnet bases. Magnets may affect the accuracy of the compass on vehicles so equipped. The antenna cable should be as short as practical and routed away from the vehicle wiring when possible. Use only fully shielded coaxial cable.
Carefully match the antenna to the radio to ensure low Standing Wave Ratio (SWR).
Mobile radio equipment with output power greater than normal may require special precautions."
Wow. Especially love the last line, you think they are talking about linear amplifiers???
Does anyone care to see any pictures of my Liberty radio installation? |
Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 1800
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 12:04 pm: |
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Lets see them Paul! |
Spring
Junior Member
Username: Spring
Post Number: 12
Registered: 7-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 1:37 pm: |
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TECH 833,I think you need to reread the topic. It's not about remote head kits it's about CB & HAM RADIO EQUIPMENT fitting and working in newer cars,trucks,18 wheelers,etc. Not just a Jeep. Some radios do not come with remote heads.Some antennas do not work on PLASTIC VEHICLES. All we're asking is that each of us let the Manufactures know that we would like to see vehicles made keeping us in mind.That we use CB and HAM EQUIPMENT.Also under the seat will not work in most of cars of today,(yes some of us also drive cars)and not a good place anyway because it could quickly burn out of HEAT AND CARPET (lack of ventalation).
Ann
Spring
CEF800
CVC#77 |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 1456
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 11:44 pm: |
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Hi Spring.
Yes, you are right. My previous Jeep Liberty and remote head comments are being directed to N8XJF, not the entire group. The reason I brought up the Jeep in the first place was because of the very direct wording in the owner's manual regarding installation of radios in the vehicle. I thought it interesting that Jeep would mention radios so directly and on the inside cover of the manual so you see it easily. THAT is directly related to the topic of this thread.
As for heat and carpet, that does not make sense. Mounting under the seat means just that- Mounting under the seat, not to the floor in the area under the seat. The metal frame of the seat also provides some heat-sinking for the radio which will actually help keep it cool. |
Chad
Senior Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 1112
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 9:42 am: |
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The radio body is also protected from direct sunlight under the seat, which on a black body can raise the internal temperature of the radio to more than it's operating temp.
Unfortunately I think we are at a loss, plastic (composite) bodies are here to stay, they reduce weight thus increasing efficiency and reducing fuel costs. I'd be willing to wager a bet that more people are interested in fuel costs than radio friendliness.
There are MANY small format CB's out there, For example I own a Cobra 75WXST for my Honda, which incidentally does not have a single flat surface inside for mounting anything! I feel your pain Spring! The radio works pretty well with a hatch mount antenna bracket.
Almost every ham radio producer makes a model with a detachable face, they ARE cool and don't lose any function by being detached. Also many ham radios are smaller than CB's so they are more likely to fit into a pocket.
I understand where you are coming from but I also see little change, the general populous does not use 2 way communications in a car with the exception of cell phones (unfortunately). Most people are screaming for efficiency, comfort, and slick lines. The automobile makers are answering them (the large market share).
That being said. Walk thru a lot, there ARE vehicles out there that can accommodate 2 way communication and do it well. My wife's Honda pilot for example can fit an array of 2 way gear and has the power connections available to do it. It also has a HUGE metal roof (ground plane)
If you want to pick a vehicle to do it you can, they are out there; if you want every vehicle to accommodate big 2 way rigs then I think we are out of luck, this era started long ago with the Corvette 
Chad |
Kc8pdp
New member
Username: Kc8pdp
Post Number: 3
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 8:07 pm: |
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Well I know my Hubby(N8XFJ), has written the manufacturers in the past about things like this and still to this day he has never gotten a response from GM at all even with a certified letter mailed to them. However Jeep did respond back and said in so many words that the would keep such things in mind and see what happens.
But we all know they are still gonna sale vehicles and not worry about radio stuff to help us out any, so that leaves all of us making the best arrangements possible to do the best we can with what we have.
But good luck to everyone on getting your radios mounted some how or another.
I think N8xfj is working or has been working on a special type of a design for a mounting system for the jeep liberty's to be able to mount at least 1-3 components, I'm not sure where he is at the moment on it, but I assume if he has any luck he will inform you guys or throws some ideas out there.
Good Luck!! |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 1461
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 10:38 pm: |
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O.K., Here's my Jeep installation.
Here's the control head mounted in the dash at the bottom of everything. Note, there is a TON more room for larger radio control heads, and with the plastic panel out, there is a depth of about 10 inches available for whole radios.
Here's the view of the radio under the driver's seat.
The antenna is an NMO type mounted on the roof near the center, just above the rear interior light (3/4 inch hole mount). Coax is inside the headliner to one of the vertical pilars where it finds its way under the carpet to the radio under the seat. Very clean, and stealth. LOTS of room!! |
N8xfj
Member
Username: N8xfj
Post Number: 91
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 10:51 pm: |
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Ohh ok,
Well Im working on a mount design which the other half mentioned earlier, be abit on but see what happens out of it in the future... |
Chad
Senior Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 1125
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 9:42 am: |
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Wow paul it looks great! What radio is that?
It's tiny but still looks easy to use and read. I never really get the picture in the magazine that says "actual size!"
BTW.... Way to keep 'er Clean!
Chad |
Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 543
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 12:19 pm: |
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Paul - what is that radio. That looks like it might work even in the MG |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 1467
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 29, 2006 - 11:29 am: |
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That is a Yaesu FT-90. There are actually TWO of them in there. The other is on the other side with the control head in the glove box with the RDF compass-rose display. It is used for receive-only. |
Vdnovach
New member
Username: Vdnovach
Post Number: 2
Registered: 4-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 3:03 pm: |
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If I may make a suggestion. Emergency vehicles have mounts you can buy for their equipment. Try looking at Galls.com It is a police, fire, EMS, and security equipment company. |
Big_m
New member
Username: Big_m
Post Number: 9
Registered: 9-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 4:48 pm: |
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I too drive an AMERICAN vehicle. It has power seats. It's not radio friendly. No room under the seats. Under the dash just kills the leg room. I can't mount a real CB anywhere in it. My vehicle is made by Chrysler. Some others brands don't have room either. |
Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 2535
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 4:37 pm: |
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This is why I decided to buy a van. I have all the floor space I need. I use a large heavy subwoofer speaker box as a mount suface right between the front seats.
A pickup truck would be another option but I have even seen some of them that look difficult to work with.
The worst problem with todays new cars is groundplane issues.
Again, my van is like a big tin can with buku groundplane!
KEEP IT REAL!
Kenny
cef491(27.115lsb)
2sf491(27.555usb)
Indiana
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