2M question

[Brentbba]

Will be replacing the 2din stock head unit shortly. Are there 2M radios that fit in the 2nd din or are they too large?

Have a small Uniden 520 mounted under the dash in the center right now and was considering the Cobra for the 2nd din, but may leave the Uniden where it is if a 2M will fit so I've got both.

Will have to find the time to study/take test for the 2M, but planning ahead here.

Andy, Alvaro, others that have gone 2M?

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I don't know if any are the right size, but mounting inside the dash might compromise cooling. The radios generate a bunch of heat on transmit, especially above 25 watts output.

My vote would be to buy the radio you want, and then find a mount with good airflow all around it.

 

[Brentbba]

Thanks for the quick response Andy - sounds like you guys had a blast this past weekend!

 

[alvarorb]

Brett,

The radios we use might fit on a half din enclosure. Theoretically, you could set it up on top of your new head unit. However, like Andy says, they generate heat, and that is not a good thing.
There are several units out there that have the controller screen separate from the radio unit. If I were to do my radio setup again, I would probably go this way. I'd also would like a radio that would do 2m and 70 cm. That makes it a lot more versatile.

Regards

Alvaro

 

[ParadiseCruiser]

Brent -

Double what Andy & Alvaro said. Heat is a real issue, and mounting any sophisticated radio in the dash will invite ventilation problems.

Most of the ham radios worth your consideration will have a detachable head unit that you can easily mount in a single DIN position on the dash. The radio itself can go in any convenient, cooler location. Connecting cables are available in remote mounting kits available for these radios.

Cheers, R -

 

[Pskhaat]

x2 on the dual bander.

There is now a LOT of opportunity for communication on UHF 70cm bands; repeaters are everywhere on 70cm it now seems. I would highly recommend this and the price is not that much more than a single band radio. Plus, you can then receive FRS/GMRS signals from other folks on the trail who may have FRS radios but are not (yet) Hams.

 

[Kofoed]

I live in the LA area like you Brentbba. Check your repeater guides. Most 440mhz machines are private, and then not much action. Usually all you hear is some check-ins for the various nets. VERY few open machines, not at all like 2m.

That said, the dual band radios are nicer and have more features than the mono banders.