COS80
SILVER Star
I got tired of asking people to repeat themselves, because my handheld radios are not loud enough, so I installed a permanent GMRS radio in my LX450. I decided to use the idiotic factory “subwoofer” location for an external speaker, and make actual use of the provision.
Parts List
I chose the MXT275 radio because I wanted to stash it away for the cleanest look possible. I evaluated a number of locations, but ultimately chose to hang it from this bracket that may or may not be a part of the Wits End lockbox in the console (installed by the previous owner [PO]). Excuse the filth – I’ve been off road at least a half-dozen times since doing any cleaning.
Wiring
I chose the DS mirror bracket for my whip antenna. I drilled a 16mm hole and repainted the bracket. I also used the opportunity to flip the ditch light under the bracket, matching the PS (which I flipped, a little while ago, to accommodate the snorkel).
The antenna cable goes through the bracket, then the mirror, through the door wiring harness to the DS kick panel, across the dash, and down the center tunnel to the radio. I cut the cable to the needed length, per Midland’s recommendation, and then used the cheapo coax crimper kit to crimp/solder a new PL-259 end on the cable.
Microphone
The whole idea for the placement of the microphone came from trying to figure out what to do with the hole in the shifter console, which used to be for the ScanGauge II’s cable, which I recently moved from the console to the steering column. I enlarged the hole and installed an RJ45 panel mount adapter, and that’s where the mic plugs in.
Then I had a second strike of inspiration for hanging it up – I was initially planning to just use that little pocket thing on the center console, like I do with my handheld, but that was immediately ruled out when I found that the mic button was easily depressed and held down by its own weight. Ultimately, I bought the two RAM components and finally found a use for the RAM ball mount the PO left behind (I think these are 3D printed by one of the vendors here on Mud). I had no use for this, and was planning to throw it away and install a factory cupholder, but this is so much better of a use for it. I cut the top off the diamond base and tapped screw holes to mount the Midland mic holder and give a “factory” appearance.
Speaker
The MXT275 requires an 8-ohm speaker, but the factory "sub" is a 2-ohm. The Philmore is about the only 4”, full-range, 8-ohm speaker I could find. It fit right in, after clipping the two dumb alignment pegs off the box. The amount of work Toyota and Pioneer put into this ridiculous little speaker is actually pretty funny, but whatever – it made a fine enclosure for my external speaker. I ran the speaker wire straight out the back, without drilling any holes.
I’m very happy with this installation, because it looks so “stock”.
Parts List
- Midland MXT275 GMRS radio
- Midland MXTA26 Whip Antenna
- Midland MXTA24 Antenna Cable
- Cheap Coaxial Cable Tool Kit
- Philmore 4", 8-ohm Speaker
- 3.5mm Male Plug Jack
- RJ45 Shielded Panel Mount Coupler
- Flat Cat8 Ethernet Cable 3.3FT
- RAM-B-238U Diamond Ball Base
- RAM RAP-B-201U-A Double Socket Arm
I chose the MXT275 radio because I wanted to stash it away for the cleanest look possible. I evaluated a number of locations, but ultimately chose to hang it from this bracket that may or may not be a part of the Wits End lockbox in the console (installed by the previous owner [PO]). Excuse the filth – I’ve been off road at least a half-dozen times since doing any cleaning.
Wiring
- Power comes from a BlueSea fuse box under the passenger seat (also from the PO)
- The flat ethernet cable goes up to the RJ45 coupler on the shifter console
- The 3.5mm jack goes to the speaker wire, which just goes through the split halves of the box
I chose the DS mirror bracket for my whip antenna. I drilled a 16mm hole and repainted the bracket. I also used the opportunity to flip the ditch light under the bracket, matching the PS (which I flipped, a little while ago, to accommodate the snorkel).
The antenna cable goes through the bracket, then the mirror, through the door wiring harness to the DS kick panel, across the dash, and down the center tunnel to the radio. I cut the cable to the needed length, per Midland’s recommendation, and then used the cheapo coax crimper kit to crimp/solder a new PL-259 end on the cable.
Microphone
The whole idea for the placement of the microphone came from trying to figure out what to do with the hole in the shifter console, which used to be for the ScanGauge II’s cable, which I recently moved from the console to the steering column. I enlarged the hole and installed an RJ45 panel mount adapter, and that’s where the mic plugs in.
Then I had a second strike of inspiration for hanging it up – I was initially planning to just use that little pocket thing on the center console, like I do with my handheld, but that was immediately ruled out when I found that the mic button was easily depressed and held down by its own weight. Ultimately, I bought the two RAM components and finally found a use for the RAM ball mount the PO left behind (I think these are 3D printed by one of the vendors here on Mud). I had no use for this, and was planning to throw it away and install a factory cupholder, but this is so much better of a use for it. I cut the top off the diamond base and tapped screw holes to mount the Midland mic holder and give a “factory” appearance.
Speaker
The MXT275 requires an 8-ohm speaker, but the factory "sub" is a 2-ohm. The Philmore is about the only 4”, full-range, 8-ohm speaker I could find. It fit right in, after clipping the two dumb alignment pegs off the box. The amount of work Toyota and Pioneer put into this ridiculous little speaker is actually pretty funny, but whatever – it made a fine enclosure for my external speaker. I ran the speaker wire straight out the back, without drilling any holes.
I’m very happy with this installation, because it looks so “stock”.
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