Amateur Radio in a 5th gen 4Runner

I wanted the ideal location without drilling of any kind. I will not use a mag mount. This entire system has been checked for proof of concept with all the equipment mentioned below. I used a grounding strap between mounts and exploited a gap between the roof rack and mount cover for cables. I removed the strap once I had the right shape and sprayed it satin black. The paint made the copper braid even more rigid. Coax runs between the doors and behind the passenger seat. The 2m/440 antenna is permanent (all I could fit in the garage) and the middle mount will be used as stationary only, since the mounts are not heavy duty enuf for a large antenna. I will be using an ATAS-120A antenna as well as monobanders 10-40m (some 80"+) and a FT-857D (hence the dual inputs).
I will be showing my routing for power lines and the FT-857D install under the passenger seat once I am thru testing digital mobile modes and SWR. I found with time, radio is a bit too distracting for driving except maybe on a repeater when i'm not fiddling with the radio. Look for me mobile mostly FT8 & SSB on HF with POTA as well.
73
Glenn- NØIDX

$30 Tinned Flat Copper Braid Cable,13mm Flat Copper Braided Ground Strap Wire, Flexible Shielding Wire Mesh（16.4ft）

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNCR7D34?th=1

$24 6 Ga. Ring Terminals, 5/8" Stud - (Pack of 10)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WWLYHZT?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/CMA-RS-660U
https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/DMN-C213SMA
https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/CMA-B-10
https://www.napaonline.com/en/searc... (AGM) Battery BCI No. 24F 725 CCA&referer=v2

 

Thank you,
I have been a Ham for over 40 years. I have so much fun it should be forbidden somehow. I just bought this 4Runner. Now the combination is unstoppable.

 

whats up! welcome to the forum. i am looking at doing this at some point after i get my license. i have an aftermarket rack and will put an antenna on the rear cross bar with a folding mount. at least thats the plan for now. there are a couple comms threads floating around here that have some good installs as well.

 

73s to the HAMs on the forum de N1DDS

 

I honestly couldn't figure a better way to reach my goal than these ground straps. It is imperative to have everything properly grounded. I won't elaborate on mag mounts, I simply despise them.

 

Very cool.

Funny thing is I have a general class and I haven't ever actually used it. Got it when my RC club was sponsoring the test mostly to be legally allowed to use extra RC and long range video frequencies. Just recently I got my GMRS as well as I see a lot of group trail rides use those.

- KC1HSB

 

Yep, every one seems to have GMRS now. I think no exam, easy equipment setup and no programming needed is the biggest drive. My tiny stock GMRS antenna 3M taped to plastic spoiler gave 7miles range in city if I'm not mistaken.

 

Welcome.

 

Yeah, I'll have GMRS as well for everyone but my wife and son (2010 4Runner) are also licensed radio amateurs, so that's my priority. jharkin is missing out on so much fun. Get active! My focus has been on FT8 and SSB HF bands at home. This mobile will give me access to places, to say the least. I love chasing DX. 291 countries. I almost forgot the most important thing. I just got a battery made by Odyssey in today. I will link the battery also.

 

73

 

I've done the testing but now I have to do the formal install. It will end up with audio in the aux plug, and the main unit under the passenger seat tied down with massive wire ties. I'll pull it down with the mounting bracket on top. I'll be using the cup holder mount for the 857 with the microphone holder.

 

I sware, every where I go, People look at me then talk on there radios, Ive been running a Horizon on my boat for 30 years but I have never used it.