Mounting a GMRS radio handset

Hi all,

I've mounted a Midland MXT275 in the center armrest storage area of my 4Runner and I'm looking for a good way of mounting the mic/speaker unit. Anybody have pointers? Right now it just sits in the cup holder, and that is ... suboptimal.

Thanks!

 

Here's how I initially mount it on my TRD ORP -

https://youtu.be/YDXOgqfC_Ws

 

I was thinking about this location as well. I should work fine. The other option I though about was a RAM cup holder base, a 4" connector and a flat base to stick the clip on. Haven't decided they.

Have you found the mounting tape to stick okay?

 

This is how I have it now. Didn't had a chance to make a video explaining how I wired it.
(Sorry for poor lightning, just took this pic in garage)

 

That don't work for long. I tried the stronger double side tape and that too failed in summer. End up adding some gorilla glue to the back of the handset. That works.

 

Interesting. Any particular reason you moved the mic?

This is how mine sits currently:



The radio is plugged into the cigarette lighter plug underneath it and I route the antenna cable on demand through one of the passenger side doors.

 

That is a clean install.

I moved the handset down on this install (on my TRD Pro) I don't want to put glue. Just 3M tape is enough to hold it. And it's easy for me to use even on highway talking with the group.

Will share if I face any problems mounting this way I'm the long run.

 

That's one of the goals I have with this car: install what I need, but in ways that it doesn't look like I added a whole bunch of stuff to it. I'm likely going to try out a cup holder mount. We'll see how that goes.

And I certainly understand not wanting to add glue – I wouldn't want to do that either. I have a ProClip mount on the passenger side, the rear edge is just visible on the photo above, I could also mount it there. Decisions ...

 

You are well organized.

My center arm area is messy..

I have multiple devices (like head flash light, rechargeable flash light, jump starter battery pack, action camera..) charging.

 

LOL, yeah, to a degree. Underneath the glasses are some pens and the small antenna, and underneath the tray is a ball cap and an emergency roll of toilet paper, that's pretty much it. My headlamp is in the glove compartment, along with a Leatherman Wave, wet wipes, notebook, compass, a small level, and a few other assorted pieces. I have a divider in there to keep stuff organized.

For the rest: I have some Rago molle panels for the rear side windows on order, plus I sometimes add a small molle wrap around the sunvisor. I do have a seat back storage panel as well, but that's somewhere in the garage right now.

Overall I like my stuff neat and organized. Not always easy, but I do my best. And my wife is even more organized.

Again, that's one reason why I'm looking for a neat and tidy solution for this.

 

So, while I'm looking for other options, I've mounted the mic like this:



And this is how it looks like in the center arm rest when I'm not using the antenna:



I've cut a groove in the lip that is at the front of the arm rest lid, so that the microphone and antenna cables can get out easily. Overall, I'm pleased with the install, although not the position of the mic just yet. That needs some more work.

 

And in case anybody is interested, I've moved around some other stuff:

Two phone mounts:



Garmin InReach:



And the trailer brake controller:

 

Now that's what I call a clean install..!!

 

Thank you!

 

I've got the MXT275 as well. It's zip tied without the mounting bracket under the dash to something metal/sturdy. A cat5 panel mount cable is routed over the transmission tunnel under the dash and faced on the small plastic trim on the passenger footwell. Also used a 1 foot 90 degree cat5 cable extender to reduce stress and for easier disconnect. Hope this helps.

 

I thought about mounting it under the dash as well, but didn't want to pull everything apart for this. The center armrest worked quite well. I'm more interested in how people mount the microphone.

Also, did you mount the 6dB gain antenna (with the thick cable)? If yes, where did you route it out of the cabin?

 

mine isnt permanently installed yet, i have the unit zip tied to the passenger side center console molle panel and the antenna routed under the glovebox and up and out the passenger rear window. i just float the mic in the cupholder for now. i plan on doing the glove box unit mount and cat extender to a cat mic plug to the left of the glove box. i believe i am going to buy the rago dash mount for the mic holder, since i will need a mic holder for my ham radio as well.

check out these links for install ideas:

https://trail4runner.com/2021/05/24/hidden-midland-mxt275-under-dash-install-5th-gen-4runner/

https://midlandusa.com/mxt275-custom-gmrs-radio-installation/

 

I didn't want the 6dB unless it was really needed. It would be an invitation where I'm at for theft/vandalism. The stock wire is routed through the rubber grommet with the antennae on the roof rack. The wire is mounted in the gap next to the windshield like you would run lighting. The stock connector was snipped of to more easily pass the wire through and if it ever needs to be swapped out easily with this:

$10 RFAdapter PL 259 Connectors, 2-Pack PL-259 UHF Male Solder Connector Plug with Reducer, Teflon Material 50ohm for RG59, RG8, RG8x, LMR-400, RG-213 Coaxial Cable Compatiable with Ham Radio Antenna

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W1ZNZXC?ie=UTF8

 

I used the rago dash mount, which also comes with a place to mount a mic (x2), and room for an external speaker.

 

That looks pretty good. So far, I didn't want to drill into visible plastic pieces, so have not considered the Rago mount. But it might be something long term.

 

the rago mount is probably my go to especially due to the dual mic holder setup, but i dont like how i wont be able to see the display. its a weird attachment for me and i can get the info elsewhere or i can lean around and look at it if need be, but something about not being able to fully see it irks me lol!

 

You can mount it a little higher and still see the clock.

 

ah, sweet. thanks!

 

Mounted mine on a molle and rest the Mike on top

 

How do you like the Victory molle panel? I have been considering one to stick my mic on and clip a handheld like you have.

 

I like them, have driver side one as well. Also have the rear side windows. No issues with any of them.

 

i have the center console molles as well and they are great. easy install, looks awesome, seems very durable. i have a similar setup to @CO&NC 4Runner . great spot for handhelds, too.

 

I kinda like your setup - it's just clean looking. Since I got my ham license I haven't fooled around much with cb but I like the idea of putting all the controls in the mic so you can hide the radio.

 

This is not as clean looking as I would normally like but given the lack of space...



The radio on the driver side is a Motorola DMR (digital mobile radio). The radio on the passenger side is my local police radio. Since most folks I ride with don't carry a ham radio I carry 6 walkie-talkies so we can all stay in com with each other. I typically use the 3M sticky back mounting tape wherever possible although interior heat will eventually defeat the adhesive so as much I hate to the only way to get around that is to use a very small screw to keep the adhesive in place. So, 98% adhesive tape & 1 small screw for each mounting application.

 

Nice set up