FT-7800 and slee Rear Bumper antenna location/selection
- Thread starter Romer
- Start date
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HRO directed me to NMO.
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
NMO vs PL259? is a personal preference thing. NMO mounts are really for drilling through your roof. It does not matter which one you use, but the PL259 mount is more common and more antennas have it if you like to swap around.
Any specific reason why you guys chose the sbb1? I was looking into it but a few of my ham buddies said to stay clear of anything that was sub 2.15 gain for the 2m band.
How are they working for you?
How are they working for you?
- Thread starter
- #24
This is what I am currently looking at. Read some reviews on antennas across the internet. Mount the radio in the rear on top of my safari drawers and then run the cheap cables I just bought on ebay (Thanks James) to the front.
FT-7800R -- Yaesu FT-7800R 2M/70CM Dual Band FM Transceiver. Wide Receive of 108-520MHz and 700-999MHz (Cell Blocked). NOAA Weather Alert. Illuminated keypad & microphone.
K400CNMO -- NMO Deluxe mount. w/6.5' RG-316 Teflon coax & PL259.
SBB-5NMO -- Comet 2M/70cm Mobile Antenna (Black), 3.0/5.5 Gain, 38" Length, NMO Connector
FT-7800R -- Yaesu FT-7800R 2M/70CM Dual Band FM Transceiver. Wide Receive of 108-520MHz and 700-999MHz (Cell Blocked). NOAA Weather Alert. Illuminated keypad & microphone.
K400CNMO -- NMO Deluxe mount. w/6.5' RG-316 Teflon coax & PL259.
SBB-5NMO -- Comet 2M/70cm Mobile Antenna (Black), 3.0/5.5 Gain, 38" Length, NMO Connector
Kurt, so far so good w/ the sbb1. I get clear reception and transmission. I haven't tried using it other than truck-to-truck. Cruiserdrew has more experience w/ hitting repeaters,etc
Romer,
You can mount just the faceplate w/ that extension cable.
Here is what I did (photos below)
-I pulled off the face clip-in bracket from the main housing (undo a few screws and remove)
-screw back the top. there will be a gap around the top and the connector plug. I just used some insul. tape to seal it shut.
-now you can use this bracket as your mount and the actual control faceplate can clip into/out easily. (basically that is all that $80 relocation kit is anyway)
Romer,
You can mount just the faceplate w/ that extension cable.
Here is what I did (photos below)
-I pulled off the face clip-in bracket from the main housing (undo a few screws and remove)
-screw back the top. there will be a gap around the top and the connector plug. I just used some insul. tape to seal it shut.
-now you can use this bracket as your mount and the actual control faceplate can clip into/out easily. (basically that is all that $80 relocation kit is anyway)
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'+
I used the ebay cables to the faceplate and a radioshack speaker under the dash.
btw, I think the mic plug on the side of the faceplate is stupid. I plan on doing an extension cable and plug somewhere closer on the center console.
The antenna cable was 6' long and it just is enough for this spot. If it's further away, you will need a 10'+
I used the ebay cables to the faceplate and a radioshack speaker under the dash.
btw, I think the mic plug on the side of the faceplate is stupid. I plan on doing an extension cable and plug somewhere closer on the center console.
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- Thread starter
- #28
I pulled the trigger and bought a rain cap for the NM. I read some reviews on eh am.net that the NM connectors were better for swapping antennas. I may get a 18" SB-1 later for driving around town if the fol dover becomes a problem.
Ron advised me to read reviews on eham before selecting and said I should go with at least a 36" ant, this one is 38". I think longer than that might give me problems on the trail. This antenna had excellent reviews.
better pass the test on Saturday
I ordered my stuff off of https://www.gigaparts.com/radioindex.php It was $10 cheaper in price plus I didn't have to pay tax ($28) like I would at HRO.
So I'm done picking equipment (for now) next set of posts will be about how do you turn it on
I did order one of those laminated manuals off of ebay.Thanks for helping me and walking me through it.
Ken
better pass the test on Saturday
How are the practice tests coming? I expect I'll see you Saturday. I'm going to test for General.
- Thread starter
- #30
They are all in the 90's right now. The ones I miss typically are the d) all of the above. As soon as I see the right answer in a, I tend to pick it on the computer.
- Thread starter
- #31
I think it's always important to post how the story ends
Speaking of End....how do you tune a HAM? SWR same as CB?
- Thread starter
- #34
KD0AIF here. Just assigned by the FCC.
Now I better figure out how to use that damn radio
Now I better figure out how to use that damn radio
Ken,
Is Rising Sun planning some type of list of the HAMS at CM?
-B-
Is Rising Sun planning some type of list of the HAMS at CM?
-B-
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?
- Thread starter
- #37
We will have a home home base in the RS trailer. We can collect a list at registration
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
GOLD Star
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
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
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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-
