UHF Radio and Antenna Recommendations

[MadJax]

Hi,

I am looking at installing a UHF radio into my D4. Just wondered if there were any recommendations for installing one and where should I put the antenna, as I don't have a bull bar.

Thanks

[connock]

Hi Madjax
I mounted mine to a bolt under the plastic strip along roof above driver.
On the roof is best for signal and I can reach out my window to lower if driving under a branch or low building etc. I personally cant stand any thing sticking up from bullbar and my 300mm antenna is the same as a 1200mm mounted to the B/bar.

connock

ps mine is a D3 so the bolt I refer to may not be on D4 ???

[PaulGOz]

that bolt is on the d4.

My original install used an SO239 base that i mounted in a drilled hole in the roof rail covers wiring was run up side of windshield under covers and into inner guard and then engine bay into second battery box where abs unit is on d4 beside which is a grommet through firewall to just above pedals. I mounted my uhf unit to the cover above the pedals and have a remote mic with all controls. This setup works well for me. I also have a number of different antennas i can use on the mount. I did post some pics of it a while back.

[stray dingo]

I liked this suggestion from others previously and did the same and used a Diamond K415 bracket. I find it much better than on the bar where I had it on the last car.
My unit is under the seat though, with antenna cable running in the door sill channel, but still with the radio controls on the handset.

[DiscoWeb]

Hi,

I am looking at installing a UHF radio into my D4. Just wondered if there were any recommendations for installing one and where should I put the antenna, as I don't have a bull bar.

Thanks

I installed mine under the drivers seat but you need the style that has the controls on the hand set.

For the antenna there are numerous post about options. I purchased a bracket from a guy based in Mittagong , NSW that is attached to the screws that hold the bonnet hinge. A simple job just in screw on of the two bolts put the bracket in and screw the bolt back on.

Sits clear of everything and is suitable for most aerials except for the larges ones.

I posted in a thread a few weeks ago and someone put up a link so have a search around and you will find it.

PM me if you need more info.

Regards,

George

[eddomak]

For the antenna there are numerous post about options.


This thread (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/149036-show-us-antennas-your-d4-d3.html) is the latest on antenna mounting, with lots of pictures.

I have just finished mounting a Uniden UH7760NB (https://uniden.com.au/AUSTRALIA/p_uh7760nb_index.asp) unit under the driver's side dash mounted to a steel beam in the right of the cavity (looks like it might be there to stop the brake pedals from intruding into the footwell in the event of a crash). The remote mic/controls will plug into an extension (included) that comes out near the cupholders.

I have followed people here's advice and wired it directly to the car battery so that it can be switched on, even if the car cannot be started.

Now I just need to figure out the antenna mounting as well. I want to do Rich's style in the track of the roof rail, but am still trying to find a base that can attach at 90degress to the coaxial cable. I don't know much about this topic, so don't know if there is any detrimental effects to a 90 degree mounting? I just know that it is not good to kink coax... It seems like the 90 degree mounting bases are for 27Mhz/AM, so I am wondering why it isn't available for CB frequency antennas?

[sniegy]

Something a little different.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/104077-aerial-install-d3-d4-tailgate.html

This is what I did with mine as I do not want a bar at present.

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[Rohan]

A little left field maybe, but I bought a "plug & play" GME TX3100 (?).
The unit suction mounts to the windscreen, or my now un-used nav screen, and plugs into the 12v socket, the ariel is magnet mounted to the roof, it's only tiny and probably not very good for long range stuff but for convoy or car to car work it works a treat.
No need to mount or drill anything and I just remove it when not needed:)

[eddomak]

Now I just need to figure out the antenna mounting as well. I want to do Rich's style in the track of the roof rail, but am still trying to find a base that can attach at 90degress to the coaxial cable. I don't know much about this topic, so don't know if there is any detrimental effects to a 90 degree mounting? I just know that it is not good to kink coax... It seems like the 90 degree mounting bases are for 27Mhz/AM, so I am wondering why it isn't available for CB frequency antennas?

Well, today I called MobileOne (http://mobileone.com.au) and spoke to Rochelle from tech support at length. It's actually the third time I have spoken to her and it is so helpful for someone like me who knows nothing about the technicalities. I highly recommend people call them for their excellent pre-sales service.

Apparently the cone shaped bases where the coax can be joined at a 90 degree angle underneath the cone will mean that antennae that come pre-tuned to the CB frequencies will then be "out of tune" as they are designed for the end of the co-ax to be right on top of the screw thread where the antenna attaches. By attaching the co-ax at the base of the cone, the extra 3-5 cms means the antenna is then effectively the wrong length, unless you tune it again using a SWR meter. Picture of the "wrong" type is below:

http://www.mobileone.com.au/antennas/images/cableimages/apn16_550.gif



Anyway, they have suggested an appropriate base that will fit on the track, and the coax is factory soldered and comes out at the right angle, but not underneath the cone. Picture below:
http://www.mobileone.com.au/antennas/images/cableimages/dm12c_550.gif



Anyway, hope this helps someone else out, and I very highly recommend MobileOne for their service. Now that I have the knowledge, I could buy everything else cheaper elsewhere, but MobileOne deserves my money for such an awesome experience and helpfulness.

[JamesH]

A little left field maybe, but I bought a "plug & play" GME TX3100 (?).
The unit suction mounts to the windscreen, or my now un-used nav screen, and plugs into the 12v socket, the ariel is magnet mounted to the roof, it's only tiny and probably not very good for long range stuff but for convoy or car to car work it works a treat.
No need to mount or drill anything and I just remove it when not needed:)

I just googled it and it does not appear that the model number is correct. I could not find model like the one you describe. It sounds like what I'm after for long trips and remove it out the rest of the time.

[Rohan]

I just googled it and it does not appear that the model number is correct. I could not find model like the one you describe. It sounds like what I'm after for long trips and remove it out the rest of the time.

Try TX3100 (plug & play) there's one on fleabay for $265.
I got mine from Autobarn for $295.:D

[Davehoos]

BaoFeng UV-5R PLUS +Original Speaker+USB Cable VHF/UHF Dual Band Ham 2-way Radio | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BaoFeng-UV-5R-PLUS-Original-Speaker-USB-Cable-VHF-UHF-Dual-Band-Ham-2-way-Radio-/251210871864?pt=AU_Electronics_Radio_Equipment&hash=item3a7d55b438)

local fire mobs are testing these as hand held fir ground radios.

i was wondering can they be hooked up to a exteral antenea.

we had some problems with the new replacment GME.we have loads of them in all our fleet and for us hiteck operators that can understand--how to program the chanells so that everone can here each other on the same chanell..

[Davehoos]

truck sales like gilbert and roach often sell GME for big discounts.

[MadJax]

Thanks for all the comments, most informative.
Looks like I will put the antenna on the roof and look at a uniden 7760 radio. At the same time I'll fit a triaxid duel battery, as I don't want to go through the firewall twice.

But it might have to wait a month or two as we are heading to the Land Rover Show at Melrose this Easter.

[AnD3rew]

DrJ put me onto these guys. Very cheap, great service and fast delivery, highly recommended.

Prestigecom.net.au Your No1 Australian Destination for Twoway Radio, UHF CB, GPS and Wireless Communiations (http://www.prestigecom.net.au/)

[elsey]

Just be careful in what you purchase in radios as all is not always as it seems. A lot of cheap radios, predominately Chinese, are not built to Australian standards and can cause interference with genuine communication frequencies when operated. Radios that are not built to Australian Standards cannot be legally operated and penalties for using such radios are quite severe. Please see below.

Say no to non-standard radio equipment (http://engage.acma.gov.au/say-no-to-non-standard-radio-equipment)

Lou...

[eddomak]

Thanks for all the comments, most informative.
Looks like I will put the antenna on the roof and look at a uniden 7760 radio. At the same time I'll fit a triaxid duel battery, as I don't want to go through the firewall twice.

But it might have to wait a month or two as we are heading to the Land Rover Show at Melrose this Easter.

OK, so who was the person who called MobileOne? :p The lady said she had someone calling about an install on the same car as mine and asked for some links because she likes the links of the photos I sent her. :D

To be honest it is not going through the firewall that is the hard part (that was quite easy with narrow power cables for the CB ). It's the routing of a cable around the door sill under the plastic steps that is the painful part. Those clips dropping into the body (despite my absolute best efforts) had me understanding why mechanics swear so much (I don't swear)! Last time I did it was for wiring a reverse camera.

My antenna & cable arrived today, so I am going to be digging around there again. Oh well...

PM me if you want any ideas or photos, as I have done the mounting of the UH7760NB.

[LRD414]

I decided to add my version to this old'ish thread. I picked up good advice along the way from this and a few other threads, so here's a link to another good thread just for reference of people searching in future.http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/137429-uhf-radio-set-up-d4.html

I went with a GME TX3100, which is a cheaper one with screen & controls on the main unit. This precluded the "under-the-seat" mounting options. Plus I wanted to be able to remove everything quickly and easily and for it to be easily used by the co-pilot.

Here it is ...
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/lrd414-albums-uhf-picture5362-uhf-installed-1.jpg

The power cable is run by splicing into the permanent feed cig plug in the back that was installed with the Traxide kit, with the cable running in door sill channel and then under driver seat mounting plastic covers. That way it is tucked out of the way when not in use. I just pop it and the aerial cable over the side of the cupholder when UHF is installed.

Looking down on it, you can see the hook/loom tape I used to attach it.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/lrd414-albums-uhf-picture5360-uhf-installed-2.jpg
Plus the piece of wood I made up to cover the cables. It's not pretty but does the job. The handpiece fits very neatly into the little storage pocket opposite EPB.

The tape is a 3M product and is completely removable. Below you can see how one half stays attached to console.
I've been leaving it like this but it also comes off easily without residue. It's called 3M Command Hanging Strip.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/lrd414-albums-uhf-picture5368-uhf-installed-3.jpg
So not the neatest install but I find it works well for the times we have the UHF in use on trips or 4WDing.

Aerial cable is run through the usual firewall grommet and I went with the LAB bonnet bracket, passenger side because entry into engine bay was easier that side.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/200.jpg

6dB Laser antenna was recommended by Olbis in Brisbane for general purpose use.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/06/177.jpg


Regards,
Scott

[Stuart02]

I saw recently that Oricom make a plug and play model too

Sent from my C6903 using AULRO mobile app

[ytt105]

Just a little idea for anyone going to the trouble of putting a cable through the firewall.

Whilst your doing all that hard work, push a couple of metres of trailer cable, 5 or 7 core, through at the same time. Then whenever you need some wire to operate a switch, say driving lights or whatever, you just need to connect to either end.

Very handy.

[RobA]

Put an iCom in with a remote head. Base unit under driver seat and head unattached to dash just below the push button start using a commercial grade double sided tape which so far has worked quite well

Rob

[Stuart02]

Put an iCom in with a remote head. Base unit under driver seat and head unattached to dash just below the push button start using a commercial grade double sided tape which so far has worked quite well

Rob

What's the speaker quality like?

Sent from my C6903 using AULRO mobile app

[VK3GJM]

I found this to be the best antenna.

http://www.mobileone.com.au/antennas/brochures/f477san2.png




This is the worst antenna for long gevity. I have seen so many of the black fibreglass whips break from vibration fatigue.

http://www.mobileone.com.au/antennas/brochures/f477san4.png

Also a good quality UHF is Uniden with a remote head, many people have complained about the audio quality from the hand mic speaker? Run a good external speaker, my speaker is placed on the plastic cover between your feet on the drivers seat plastic cover just below where you sit. Angle the audio up into the foot well and you will get good quality audio.

I have also devised a bracket that makes use of the ash tray to hold the remote head without damaging it and easy re-use.

I run the remote unit under the passenger seat, my D4 has plenty of room, also a chassis grommet near the seat allows for entry of antenna feed. Make sure it is a good quality cable that is well protected in flexible split conduit. I run dual braid Huber & Shuner 50 ohm cable. Make no mistake, this will make a big difference at those frequecies if the cable run is 5-7 metres or more. The cheap stuff is very lossy and often little to no braid covering the centre conductor and dielectric insulation.

Regards

Gerald
VK3GJM

[RobA]

What's the speaker quality like?

Sent from my C6903 using AULRO mobile app

Sound quality is excellent and I can almost use it hands free as the pickup from the microphone is sharp as well. We use two antenna; a stubby 6.5dB gain for most work and an RFI with around an 8.5dB gain (I think) when touring. Coax runs to the back and the antenna is mounted on the rearmost cross bar

Rob

[Fred Nerk]

An antenna option that is frequently considered as sub-optimal is a through glass aerial. I have one mounted on the driver's side window next to the third row seats and it works as well as anyone else in our 4WD club. (Real world experience over the last three years.)

No drilling. Easy to change to various antennas to suit terrain and gain required. It works well with my Icom at least. It will not work through a heated windscreen as the heater wires interfere with the signal passing though the glass, I know because we tried it. :angel:

[Stuart02]

Aerial cable is run through the usual firewall grommet and I went with the LAB bonnet bracket, passenger side because entry into engine bay was easier that side.


I think I'm missing something - I can't see how to get into the engine bay! Could someone please help?

I've also got no idea how to shove the coax through the firewall with traxide and brake controller wiring already there... any tips on that one??

Thanks!

[LRD414]

I think I'm missing something - I can't see how to get into the engine bay!
The first photo below shows the aerial cable following the windscreen washer hose along the bonnet hinge and then into the engine bay under the plastic cowling.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/241.jpg

It enters beside the battery box and I found it easiest to run the cable through the box and out the front.
Then followed the Traxide and TowPro cables across and down to the firewall grommet, driver's side.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/242.jpg


I've also got no idea how to shove the coax through the firewall with traxide and brake controller wiring already there... any tips on that one??
The cable fits along with the others but not with the coax plug attached.
I had a UHF store attached the plug after I had run it into the footwell area for mounting under passenger seat just as a bare cable with tape on the end to ease pushing through the grommet.
Took them 10min because they do it all the time.

Cheers,
Scott

[sctsprin]

Did you fix your speaker echo issue Scott?

[LRD414]

Did you fix your speaker echo issue Scott?
Strangely, it seemed to fix itself before I'd figured out how to turn off the speaker on the main unit.
We had no issues the whole 4 week trip using it every day.

Scott

[sctsprin]

Maybe it's just my voice :o

[Stuart02]

Thanks so much, that was literally going to keep me awake!