Anyone with a TJM13 and a GMRS radio antenna - how'd you mount it? (1 Viewer)

[CharlieS]

I have a TJM T13 front bumper on the way from Slee (jumped on the in-stock email notification and snagged one), and I'm also thinking of swapping my current GMS radio for a MTX275.

Why the MTX275? It has a hidden installation, with controls on the mic, so I can stow it away more easily when not using it. My (tall) wife and son aren't fans of the way I have my MTX105(?) mounted on the passenger side of the console (it eats up scarce leg room). With the 275 I can install it hidden in the dash with only a female connector port visible when not in use.

My questions have to do with antenna mounting bits, hole size in the TJM bumper antenna mount and flush panel mount connectors.

The most straight forward one first:

I'm currently using the magnetic antenna that came with the mtx105 radio, but the cable length restricted mounting options, so it is now on the roof just behind the sunroof, where it gets knocked over and around by branches on trail. It also gets in the way of our canoe and kayaks. With tape holding the wire from flapping it is pretty agricultural looking. Since the T13 bumper has "dual antenna mount" tabs, I figure that I can mount an antenna on one of them.

Does anyone know the diameter of the hole in the antenna mount tab(s)?

Next, I think I'm going to use an antenna with an NMO mount, since it looks like this opens up lots of antenna options (I'll probably start with a "Ghost antenna"). In my online searches I found some long enough cables with NMO fittings, but I don't know what'll fit the space available. I think with the way the antenna mount tabs are bent (from pics online) I'll just want a straight NMO connector on the end of the cable (not a 90 deg low profile connector). Can anyone confirm that this is the right approach given the proximity to the hood, etc?

Fourth, what's the best wire routing and into the cabin approach? Through the big rubber firewall grommets like for wires? Or are there other options?

Last, does anyone have a favorite product/vendor for a flush panel mount mic connector (RJ45?) that I can install in a dash blank (or a dash blank with the connector already in it)? I see stuff on Amazon that might be usable, but it is a bit of a crapshoot.

Thanks all.

 

[prharper]

I have a TJM T13 front bumper on the way from Slee (jumped on the in-stock email notification and snagged one), and I'm also thinking of swapping my current GMS radio for a MX275.

Why the MTX275? It has a hidden installation, with controls on the mic, so I can stow it away more easily when not using it. My (tall) wife and son aren't fans of the way I have my MTX105(?) mounted on the passenger side of the console (it eats up scarce leg room). With the 275 I can install it hidden in the dash with only a female connector port visible when not in use.

My questions have to do with antenna mounting bits, hole size in the TJM bumper antenna mount and flush panel mount connectors.

The most straight forward one first:

I'm currently using the magnetic antenna that came with the mtx105 radio, but the cable length restricted mounting options, so it is now on the roof just behind the sunroof, where it gets knocked over and around by branches on trail. It also gets in the way of our canoe and kayaks. With tape holding the wire from flapping it is pretty agricultural looking. Since the T13 bumper has "dual antenna mount" tabs, I figure that I can mount an antenna on one of them.

Does anyone know the diameter of the hole in the antenna mount tab(s)?

Next, I think I'm going to use an antenna with an NMO mount, since it looks like this opens up lots of antenna options (I'll probably start with a "Ghost antenna"). In my online searches I found some long enough cables with NMO fittings, but I don't know what'll fit the space available. I think with the way the antenna mount tabs are bent (from pics online) I'll just want a straight NMO connector on the end of the cable (not a 90 deg low profile connector). Can anyone confirm that this is the right approach given the proximity to the hood, etc?

Fourth, what's the best wire routing and into the cabin approach? Through the big rubber firewall grommets like for wires? Or are there other options?

Last, does anyone have a favorite product/vendor for a flush panel mount mic connector (RJ45?) that I can install in a dash blank (or a dash blank with the connector already in it)? I see stuff on Amazon that might be usable, but it is a bit of a crapshoot.

Thanks all.

Charlie -

I went with that radio and considered antenna options on my Rhino bumper but didn't find an ideal mounting point.

I have the radio placed under the passenger (edit) seat and the mic on the right of the center console. I ran the antenna cable thru the passenger firewall grommet, plenty of room.

Tried a few options on mounts. This magnetic mount can go on hood, roof etc.
Amazon product ASIN B07CRBV71V
I ended up replacing it with the following which is mounted on my hood, passenger side by windshield. It can be easily removed and you can store the antenna cable under the hood. (I had enough length to run to front bumper too)

Amazon product ASIN B0842BB2R9
For antennas, I started with this one (Ghost). Seems to have good reception so far.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08429ZT37/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As a backup and longer range antenna, I can simply unscrew the above and replace with this one:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B084BPXNC5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I can take some pics if needed and understand your use case is more geared towards bumper mount but this may give you some options.

 

[CharlieS]

This is perfect. Thank you!

 

[afgman786]

I'm also running that midland universal mount on the hood but have mine on driver side. No issues with clearance against windshield or anything like that when hood is open.

 

[CharlieS]

Thanks, guys.

Radio, ghost antenna and NMO adapter ordered. Just trying to figure out how long a cable I need to order that bit.

I'm assuming I need one with a removable end to feed it through the rubber grommet - thinking about one of these:

12 Foot Length Heavy Duty CB Coax Cable w. Removeable PL259 Connector 128XN13

Check out this Walcott Radio 128XN13 at www.WalcottRadio.com

www.walcottradio.com

I ordered this for a stealth switch panel mount:

CB UHF Blank Socket RJ45 dio Switch Panel Dash For Toyota For Hilux Landcruiser | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for CB UHF Blank Socket RJ45 dio Switch Panel Dash For Toyota For Hilux Landcruiser at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[prharper]

Thanks, guys.

Radio, ghost antenna and NMO adapter ordered. Just trying to figure out how long a cable I need to order that bit.

I'm assuming I need one with a removable end to feed it through the rubber grommet - thinking about one of these:

12 Foot Length Heavy Duty CB Coax Cable w. Removeable PL259 Connector 128XN13

Check out this Walcott Radio 128XN13 at www.WalcottRadio.com

www.walcottradio.com

I ordered this for a stealth switch panel mount:

CB UHF Blank Socket RJ45 dio Switch Panel Dash For Toyota For Hilux Landcruiser | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for CB UHF Blank Socket RJ45 dio Switch Panel Dash For Toyota For Hilux Landcruiser at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

The Midland mount comes with a 6M cable and a removable end like the one posted above. No problem getting it through the rubber grommet.

You can see how much extra cable I have, granted my antenna was mounted closer to the cabin.

 

[CharlieS]

Thank you, it sounds like 6 meters should be plenty for a bumper mount too.

I'm not going with the Midland magnetic or lip mounts, since the antenna ends connection to the NMO piece seems to be permanent.

I want to use the antenna tabs on the TJM bumper.

My first attempt is going with straight cable ends (both PL-259 fitttings, one removable to go through the firewall more easily) and a SO-239 to NMO adapter/fitting mounted through the hole in the bumper antenna tab.

Time will tell if I am overthinking this. Worst case I can fall back on the magnetic antenna that comes in the box with the MTX275 until I find the ideal setup.

Thanks!

 

[Fisher23]

...

... With the 275 I can install it hidden in the dash with only a female connector port visible when not in use.
...

..

Could you please tell me exactly where you mounted the grms 275 box?

thanks,

 

[CharlieS]

Hi, it is still on the bench at the moment (waiting for the cable that arrives on Saturday), but I'll post more info once I install it. I'm thinking under the dash near the glove box. The MXT275 has a speaker on the handset, so it can be a hidden install and it isn't an issue - their tech line told me it is switchable - handset speaker or base unit speaker or both speakers, the only radio they offer that can do that.

 

[Fisher23]

I'm impatiently waiting for the MXT575 due out in January.

I thought it would be out in October, but when I contacted Midland today they said January.

 

[CharlieS]

Ooh, I didn't even know about the 575. I googled it - 50 watts (and split tones which some people seem to think is good - I have no idea what that is)! Sounds awesome.

I've only used GMRS for short distance (within a convoy) vehicle to vehicle or vehicle to handheld communications, so while it'd be nice to have more wattage, this'll probably work for me for the foreseeable future. Maybe a higher gain antenna at some point, but the ghost antenna is probably sufficient for what I do.

 

[Fisher23]

They have some comparisons between the 50 and the 15 .. not much difference at all.
I would have thought there would have been a much large difference on range, but no.
Mostly due to the normal obstructions.

They are the same setup both the the controls on the hand set.

 

[nakman]

Curious where you guys are mounting your mic inside? I am staring at the dash and just can't seem to find a spot I like, and don't really want to damage anything either... on my GX I used magnets behind a plastic panel to essentially make an invisible mic mount, but not sure how feasible that is on the 200 here. My only solution at this point is the shoulder belt mic holder, but that's only used on occasion not all the time.

And to answer the original question I'm using one of my Gamiviti fender mount brackets.. took a bit of massaging to get it just right so it doesn't touch the hood, but seems to fit well now. Not really trying to sell you a bracket, just sharing my experience as I have tried those mounts that clip to the hood or rear hatch and didn't like them long-term, mainly how the cable always moves each time the hood or hatch is opened, when I had this on my 80 it fatigued the cable to the point where it shorted out. Also I always seem to jam the antenna into whatever was on my roof rack... worse being in back where I often bent the antenna against a RTT. So prefer it to just stay put on the fender now.

 

[CharlieS]

I only have my mic installed when I'm offroading. I have a retractible leash that I clip to a small D-ring on the overhead console.

Amazon product ASIN B001JT5OL6

 

[nakman]

Cool, thanks. I'm not sure I'd like that giggling around though, or in my field of vision? Maybe I should try it first before jumping to that conclusion though...

 

[CharlieS]

Cool, thanks. I'm not sure I'd like that giggling around though, or in my field of vision? Maybe I should try it first before jumping to that conclusion though...

I saw a bunch of guys who did this (a I4WDTA instructor and several guides that do 4x4 trips every weekend) and thought it was a pretty clever idea, so I borrowed it. I was just letting the mic sit in the cup holder before that.

 

[CharlieS]

All the bits arrived, except the bumper which had a delay in freight shipping -with any luck it'll be here tomorrow.

 

[CharlieS]

Could you please tell me exactly where you mounted the grms 275 box?

thanks,

So, this may be a horrible idea, but I used four strips of VHB and attached the mount to the underside of the hvac assembly behind the glovebox. I left off the plastic undertray part, removed the LED footwell lighting from it, ans used VHB to attach that too. It feels kind of half-a$$3d, but that VHB is sturdy stuff. I think it may work...

 

[nakman]

seems legit from here! I really like that cat5 switch bezel next to the brake controller, can you post up where you got that? coincientally I have my Redarc knob in the same spot as you.

 

[CharlieS]

Yeah, the plug idea is solid, but this one is poorly executed. I got it from eBay, but wouldn't recommend it - it is pretty shoddy quality. The two halves of the plastic shell came apart when I plugged the cable in and it had the tinyest bit of sideways tension. I ended up supergluing it together. Plus it is a sloppy fit in the opening. I'm sure you can get a better one than this.

I posted a link up above.

I learned today that those switch openings are keyed. I tried to move that factory switch and it wouldn't fit any other opening.