Shout-out for SDHQ ditch light bracket for LX570 as antenna mount

[m12345y]

Did a quick install for MXT275 with MXTA26 6dB antenna and MXTA24 low profile antenna cable (Note, this cable's FME/UHF connector can be separated to go through firewall easily)

The SDHQ ditch light mount is perfect for the job. Very nice fit and just enough space. // Absolutely no affiliation with SDHQ whatsoever.

Rest of the install was pretty straightforward:
1) hardwired to battery for ignition power with Add-a-Circuit Fuse Tap Adapter.
2) Mount the antenna using SDHQ ditch light bracket. Note the NMO connector requires a 5/8' hole; you need to enlarge the mounting hole on the bracket.
3) followed this video from Gamiviti to fish the wires through firewall. I don't have the silicon spray shown in the video, just rubbed a bit of butter, works perfect.
4) Did glovebox install. Remove the glovebox divider, open the cabin air filter door, fish the wires. I drilled on the cabin filter door, but you could drill on the glovebox too

 

[Willie G]

"3) followed this video from Gamiviti to fish the wires through firewall. I don't have the silicon spray shown in the video, just rubbed a bit of butter, works perfect."

Wait...you used BUTTER ????

 

[m12345y]

Haha, I didn’t spend too much debating between cooking oil vs butter

 

[Ridge Runner LX]

Thanks for the post. Good timing as I have been scratching my head on how to do a bit more permanent mount for radio and antenna

Did u have to modify the bracket?
Thanks

 

[nimitz]

This is awesome and I will likely do this as well, but why on earth are those brackets $140?? Not knocking the quality just curious why they cost significantly more than any ditch light brackets I've ever seen.

 

[Nothinghead]

I'll just throw this out as an alternative from down under. Keep in mind the price is AUD, not USD and shipping is not terrible:

RHS Side Mirror Antenna and Aerial Mount for Toyota LandCruiser (LC200)

Get clear signals for your Landcruiser with the LHS Side Mirror Antenna and Aerial Mount. Durable and easy to install, it ensures uninterrupted communication.

www.kaon.com.au

A key difference is SDHQ moves with the hood and the Kaon remains stationary. Neither seems to get in the way of anything unless you run a snorkel.

 

[m12345y]

Did u have to modify the bracket?

Yeah, you have to make the hole larger to 5/8" for mounting the NMO connector. Or you can DIY a add-a-mount (Note: the linked product most certainly does not have the right size hole as well, just for an illustration)

This is awesome and I will likely do this as well, but why on earth are those brackets $140?? Not knocking the quality just curious why they cost significantly more than any ditch light brackets I've ever seen.

It's beefy; but what is cheap nowadays for a niche product and I don't see a good alternative.
// Btw, if anyone is at Bay area, I have the driver side bracket for sale

I'll just throw this out as an alternative from down under. Keep in mind the price is AUD, not USD and shipping is not terrible:

RHS Side Mirror Antenna and Aerial Mount for Toyota LandCruiser (LC200)

Get clear signals for your Landcruiser with the LHS Side Mirror Antenna and Aerial Mount. Durable and easy to install, it ensures uninterrupted communication.

www.kaon.com.au

A key difference is SDHQ moves with the hood and the Kaon remains stationary. Neither seems to get in the way of anything unless you run a snorkel.

I actually saw this, but ultimately didn't pursue. Note, do your research when removing the cover, I actually tried and broke the retaining tab, had to JB-weld it back

 

[DallasTide]

There's a bit of drilling involved in the Kaon install. Not a huge deal, just an FYI.

 

[Foggy415]

Great work! Figured I would shout out @SDHQJORDAN so he sees this great discovery you made.

 

[grinchy]

Cbi Offroad also sells a bracket. I and others had to heat mold the cowl a little bit to fit that bracket.