FT-7800 and slee Rear Bumper antenna location/selection

[Romer]

I think it's always important to post how the story ends

[PKP80]

Speaking of End....how do you tune a HAM? SWR same as CB?

[Kofoed]

What is the gain on the antenna?

PKP80--yes.

[Romer]

KD0AIF here. Just assigned by the FCC.

Now I better figure out how to use that damn radio

[Beowulf]

Ken,
Is Rising Sun planning some type of list of the HAMS at CM?
-B-

[Hulk]

Originally Posted by FirstToy

I mounted the unit in the cubby. It's out of the way and not dirty. My panels behind the plastic all get alot of dust in there except here.
The antenna cable was 6' long and it just is enough for this spot. If it's further away, you will need a 10'+

Just curious: do you run with the cover back on the cubby, or do you leave it off? I'd like to install the rear of my new 7800 in the same spot -- just wondering if it gets too hot with the cover on?

[Romer]

Originally Posted by Beowulf

Ken,
Is Rising Sun planning some type of list of the HAMS at CM?
-B-

We will have a home home base in the RS trailer. We can collect a list at registration

[FirstToy]

Originally Posted by Hulk

Just curious: do you run with the cover back on the cubby, or do you leave it off? I'd like to install the rear of my new 7800 in the same spot -- just wondering if it gets too hot with the cover on?

No problems so far, I ran it at DV and it did fine. The door is not airtight so the unit's fan sucks in enough air. If you're worried, you can take the door off.

[Bat Masterson]

I will be picking up one of the FT-7800 radios this week. I really appreciate the money saving tips and the location of the radio in the cubby.

I have a few questions:

1. Can someone tell me how they ran their external radio antenna into the cubby? I will install the same mount and antenna as Ken--do you need to drill into the door frame or can you go into the side of the tail light?

2. How is the wiring installed including the power tap into the 12v source? Does this tap directly into the tailight?

3. What is the easiest way to install the remote cable extension? Under the carpet or headliner?

4. I like the recommendation to pull the faceplate off of the radio for mounting. Can you still see and operate it if it's mounted under the ashtray?

5. Is the speaker still working when it's installed in the cubby with door on or can you disable it?

6. Where is the best place to mount that cheap radio shack speaker--do you have the model number?

Sorry for all the questions...looking forward to this install...should get my call sign in a few days as I just passed my technician exam on Saturday.

Dave

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by Bat Masterson

5. Is the speaker still working when it's installed in the cubby with door on or can you disable it?

6. Where is the best place to mount that cheap radio shack speaker--do you have the model number?

5. The speaker in the radio is disabled when the external speaker is plugged into the jack on the rear of the radio.

6. Mine is wire-tied (black plastic HD ties) to the driver headrest mounts. I know this sounds booty fabbed but it looks OK and works out great. I have covers on the front row seats so the wire disappears. I think others have run the wire under the leather but you'll have to search for pics.

-B-

[Bat Masterson]

Thanks B--I think I will look for a spot to hide that speaker. Good to know that the internal speaker is disabled when you plug in the external.

Dave

[Bat Masterson]

Hi,

Can you tell me how you ran your power line? Was it off of a local fuse box or did you do a home run to the battery?

I have the FT7800 and it looks like it comes with 10ft of cable but will probably have to splice that. Cut the inline fuses off and relocate closer to the battery with an extension. It looks like 16gauge wire.

I also have the K400C with 6ft of cable--did you drill a large enough hole in your rear hatch door frame to run that through?

Also--please confirm you have to completely remove the 3rd seat and rear panel with the integrated cubby to run the wires and drill applicable hole in there to feed the wires.

Any suggestions on running the expansion cables to the center console?

Collecting my info now for a weekend install...Jim cables on the way and have everything i need except:

-Extension wire for power
-Splice block or terminals
-Battery Terminals
-Insulating tape (please advise for the radio once I remove the nesting bracket for a cheap faceplate mounting solution)
-Rubber nipple or grommet for hole I drill in door frame...must be water tight and siliconed to prevent rust.

Thanks!

Dave

[Cruiserdrew]

Power feeds for these radios need to be heavy guage, at least 10 guage and 8 would be better. Run both ground and power back to the battery and fuse both lines at the battery. Look at the specs for amp draw when transmitting on full power.

[Bat Masterson]

Will do thanks Andrew...off to the store!

[Bat Masterson]

FirstToy--can you tell me where I can get that insulating tape? I am going to mount my radio in the cubby this weekend and would like to seal it up like you did.

Thanks!

Dave

[FirstToy]

It is the stuff you wrap home a/c pipes with. Comes in a roll in w/ cardboard, it's cheap.

[Bat Masterson]

Got it...thanks

[tominator]

Anyone see a problem with mounting the base unit on the opposite side where the tool storage compartment is?

[nakman]

Originally Posted by tominator

Anyone see a problem with mounting the base unit on the opposite side where the tool storage compartment is?

It can get dusty in there.. also if your third row window gasket shrunk you can get water in there. And if you don't have a remote speaker you will have a tough time hearing the speaker. So depends on what kind of life your truck has, if it parks in the garage a lot, etc. IMO. If you're not worried about any of that then go for it!

[450 DUDE]

Originally Posted by tominator

Anyone see a problem with mounting the base unit on the opposite side where the tool storage compartment is?

I have my 7800 mounted in the left aft cargo panel void.
Working like a charm.

ken

http://forum.ih8mud.com/electronic-toys/146532-official-ham-install-pic-thread-post-em-up.html

[PabloVTA]

okay, so I have the same set ups as Romer and James, and just got my liccense, KI6OZM, and wanna do this install this weekend.

Since it's been a while and you all have had some test runs, anything I should try different, or look out for?

thanks in advance.

[Romer]

Originally Posted by PabloVTA

okay, so I have the same set ups as Romer and James, and just got my liccense, KI6OZM, and wanna do this install this weekend.

Since it's been a while and you all have had some test runs, anything I should try different, or look out for?

thanks in advance.

You probably have it in by now

I am real happy with my setup. In fact, I never raise my antenna in town, I just leave it folded. I hit the repeater 30 miles to the north of me for our Rising Sun Ham nights and am crystal clear. I pop it up when I leave town. It's just got amazing coverage.

[dfmorse]

Ken, et al;

Here's some future ideas for u:

RigProj : HF ANT 3

...