location of uhf radio and best antennae

[whisky_mac]

Can anyone show were they have fitted the uhf radio in a P38 or suggestions please as I have been given a uhf radio but am unsure were to fit it.

[p38arover]

What kind of radio? Single unit or remote head?

I have the remote head of mine double-sided taped to the panel above the radio. A very old pic below.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/10/230.jpg

The main unit is under a panel behind the rear seat (not a good photo as it wasn't taken to illustrate this:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/03/1084.jpg

See also rrcb (http://www.rangerovers.net/outfitting/cbradios/cb4.html)

[wayneg]

Similar in mine, Main unit and speaker is under the drivers seat. How have others fitted the aerial? that was my biggest headache when fitting the unit

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/03/1083.jpg

[Keithy P38]

I have mine fitted where Ron has his lpg switches fitted. The hand piece is mounted in front of the spare switch (next to the cruise control button).

[p38arover]

How have others fitted the aerial? that was my biggest headache when fitting the unit

I made a bracket which is attached to the bonnet slam panel.

I haven't taken any specific pix but I can tomorrow. These will give you an idea.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/03/1080.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/03/1081.jpg

[wayneg]

Thats pretty similar to mine. My bracket is more to the drivers side by the headlamp. Had to make it as could not find any thing off the shelf.
Only pic I have to hand of the front...
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/03/1079.jpg

[Craig_Keira]

I'm about to have the same questions. I like where Wayneg's got his (mine is the same model) but I really like that cubby hole too.

I went into Dick Smith today to buy a UHF mount and at the last minute realised the Rangie's bonnet isn't like most other cars (noob error #89). So I'm back to working it out.

Ah-HA!! http://www.rfi.com.au/downloads/wireless/mobile-antennas/UHF-band/AP454.pdf

[Hoges]

I have a GME TX-somethingorother..the one they decided not to provide an update for 80 channels...prob. why they were selling on special and were vague about the update:mad:
Anyway, I mounted it low on the B piller just behind the driver's seat. The antenna sits on the rear roof cross bar while the handpiece sits under the dash on the transmission tunnel panel. The hand piece has the display and controls etc. The speaker is in the radio.
It's not ideal ... but I didn't like the idea of an aerial sprouting in the vision field in the front... perhaps I'll get used to it if I shift it to the grill (à la P38arover design) ...then I won't have to keep lowering the aerial for low clearance...:eek:

[Keithy P38]

I used a commodore mount from supercheap and bent it to shape, mounted off the second rearmost right hand body panel fixing bolt below the bonnet. Wish I could upload a pic!

[p38arover]

The problem with the grille mount that I am using, Hoges, is that if I need to remove the grille, I have to unsolder the cable from the antenna.

At least it doesn't disturb my vision. I don't care if it disturbs the passenger's vision. :D

[DT-P38]

Hey Wayneg, with the a bar that you have there, did you use genuine studs to fit? I have one I want to fit up but no special studs... Hoping you (or someone else) may have worked out how to do it without the original bolts/studs before I get half arsed creative!

[Craig_Keira]

So what do we think of the glass mount? I'm not looking for 100km range, more vehicle to vehicle etc.

I was thinking neatly on the rear glass.

[wayneg]

Hey Wayneg, with the a bar that you have there, did you use genuine studs to fit? I have one I want to fit up but no special studs... Hoping you (or someone else) may have worked out how to do it without the original bolts/studs before I get half arsed creative!


Mine came with the bolts. From my recollection the only issue would be the two main fixing bolts for the existing bumper will be to short.

[whisky_mac]

Thanks for the replies.

P38arover - It is a single unit, probably one of those that will not upgrade to the 80 channel.

I have the bullbar that was supplied by Hardrange thanks Paul, they are a good unit.

The aerial will go on the bullbar, it was mainly were to bring the cable in under the dash as last year we did the Oodnadatta track and the Gibb River along with a few others in 15,000 trip. No dust at all in the cab of the rangie and we have been under the dash fixing some aircon pipes.

I have recently used my mechanic's Disco and he has his single unit mounted on the transmission tunnel alongside the left drivers knee with the hand piece sitting lose. I currently have trailer brake unit on the right of the steering column and am about to take it to gas so will have the gas gauges on the left of the steering column. This winter I plan to go up the Strzelecki track and on through Birdsville on the way to the gulf and I am trying to think of the best place to put it. So keep the ideas coming please.

[Craig_Keira]

I just sat in my P38 with my GME Tx3200 in hand.... I have no good ideas lol. I thought about against the transmission tunnel. Don't really like it there. Thought about the centre console near the clock... don't like where the mic lead will have to be. Even thought about roof mounting like my old Cruiser (which had an O/H console). Fail again.

Damn!!!

[ytt105]

You may have to update to a unit that is all controlled from the handpiece.

Then the main unit can go in the glovebox and you only have to worry about the handpiece!

Also, I don't know anyone who has used the glass mount type antenna, so your on your own there.

I've got mine mounted on the front like the other posts here, but WHEN I buy Paul's snorkel I'll mount it on one of the brackets on the side.

SWMBO complains the antenna ruins here photos when its in the front!

[Craig_Keira]

Update!? I've just shelled out for a Nanocom and will be getting the windows tinted on Tuesday. Slow down so my bank account gets time to breathe :)

[Hoges]

You may have to update to a unit that is all controlled from the handpiece.

Then the main unit can go in the glovebox and you only have to worry about the handpiece!

Also, I don't know anyone who has used the glass mount type antenna, so your on your own there.

I've got mine mounted on the front like the other posts here, but WHEN I buy Paul's snorkel I'll mount it on one of the brackets on the side.

SWMBO complains the antenna ruins here photos when its in the front!


P38arover has a solution for this...see post #10 above :twisted::wasntme:

[PaulP38a]

I have a GME 4440 (I think) which is all controlled through the handset. The body is tucked up under the dash out of site.
Of course my aerial is mounted on the Hard Range Roo Bar so that's not an issue either.
I keep a couple of battery operated handheld units in the glove box for spotters.

Cheers, Paul.

[Craig_Keira]

I'm throwing the Rangie at Watts Communications on Thursday.
They'll mount my UHF on the passenger side of the console.
There will be a glass mount aerial going in the top right of the windscreen. I'll get two tuned aerials - one for around town or convoy and one to put in if I want to get further.

They will leave it up to me to mount the mic bracket somewhere I like it, which will probably be done with double-sided tape.

And that's going to be my solution. There's not a lot else I can do without buying a new UHF - which I would do if I didn't own one or it was cactus. It's good enough for the job.

[PaulP38a]

Watts did a good job fitting the GME to my old, now gone, P38 a few years back, and devised a clever way of mounting the aerial on the nudge bar.

[p38driver]

Here is a couple of pics of mine the unit is a GME TX3200

[Keithy P38]

Have been meaning to put these pics up for a while... Here's my setup. Keep in mind i'm a long legged lad.

Cheers
Keithy

[PeterAllen]

Couldn't resist and bought an Aldi uhf 80 channel cb radio for $50 bucks on the weekend and now where to install. Is there room enough above the radio in the shelf if the back is cut out ( next to the clock)? other easy place is on the centre wall driver's side. Any suggestions.
Also need to get an antennae, probably mounted on front bar but open to suggestions for other better reception placement and recommended antennae brand/type etc.
As the unit only has two wires ( earth and active) is it best to feed off the radio live assuming I can find it? ( that's what I did in the old classic and other 4wds previously but they were simple machines and lacked all the new electronics)

[p38arover]

The lack of mounting locations was the reason I bought a remote head UHF CB. The main section is mounted under the trim panel behind the RH rear seat in the luggage compartment.

The head is stuck with double-sided tape to the switch fascia. I don't drill holes in any of my cars trim panels.

Here is a very old story and pic about it: rrcb (http://www.rangerovers.net/outfitting/cbradios/cb4.html#other2)

[mtb_gary]

I couldn't find a satisfactory neat location for the 2 way so I ended up getting a 5w handheld. I also have a fixed mount antenna on the car that I have the lead discretely coming out of the tray along side the clock if I need the extra boost in signal when traveling on the open road.

Gary

[Hoges]

What's the legal position of using a cb microphone vs mobile phone? I am looking to reinstall my cb and swmbo asked me... I had to admit I didn't know:( shock horror... !!!;)

[mtb_gary]

Hoges

You're not supposed to use it. Unless of course you are a police officer, or by the looks of it a taxi driver too. Interestingly I got booked several years ago for using the cb whilst driving in NSW. The person I was talking to turned out to be mr plod. I was the only occupant in my car and likewise mr plod. Apparently it's OK if you are a police officer but not a civilian?:mad:

Gary

[blindin]

I have mounted mine by my right knee. I had to cut the underside plastic cover to pieces though, and also some other trim. I done it as it was already broken, so didn't have to many concerns.
My 2 way is also a cheapish / large unit, but I am pretty happy with the location.
Even after all the cutting, it doesn't look to bad, but the underside panel would defiantly need replacing if I was to ever remove it.
My antenna is mounted on some brackets, which in turn are mounted to the back of the front bumper.
In wa, the legal side is that you can use it if it is a fixed unit. If it is a mobile / handheld unit, it is then classed as a mobile device which is illegal to use.

[finallyrangie]

I feel a bit rough now, I have got mine on top of the dash next to the instrument binnacle, it's as close to the edge as I could go and just screwed down into the dash, seems solid enough and easily accessible.

I have wired into the back of the stereo and there doesn't appear to be a problem with any of the computers throwing a hissy fit.

[mtb_gary]

I have mounted mine by my right knee. I had to cut the underside plastic cover to pieces though, and also some other trim. I done it as it was already broken, so didn't have to many concerns.
My 2 way is also a cheapish / large unit, but I am pretty happy with the location.
Even after all the cutting, it doesn't look to bad, but the underside panel would defiantly need replacing if I was to ever remove it.
My antenna is mounted on some brackets, which in turn are mounted to the back of the front bumper.
In wa, the legal side is that you can use it if it is a fixed unit. If it is a mobile / handheld unit, it is then classed as a mobile device which is illegal to use.

Simon,

If I use the external microphone (referred to as a car kit in the manual) does that make it legal? The bizarre bit about that is that thee is now an umbilical cord attached to the microphone that could possibly get in the way :angel:

Gary

[blindin]

In wa you are not allowed to use any mobile device for any purpose, if it is attached to the vehicle, it is no longer a mobile device. So yeah, if it has it's own holder it should be fine. I'm not 100% sure about how you would talk, if you still need to press the ptt button on the side of it,then that may be the dodgy part! but with an external mic I'm sure that is fine.
With regards to the power. I would go direct to the battery, with or without a relay for the ignition, but obviously with a fuse. Not for any computer reason, but just to get good power there. I once had an issue where my gme tx3100 worked for 6 mths, then stopped transmitting. After taking it to the manufactures twice, it turned out to be the power. It was wired from the stereo, but once wired to the battery, never a problem again. It lite up and I could here every one, just not transmit.
I also have to say, the tx3100 was great, and nice and small. I now have a oricom from repco which is nearly as big as the stereo.

[d2dave]

I don't exactly know the law but what I do know is that thousands of trucks every day traveling up and down the east coast are using them constantly.

Now having done a bit of interstate trucking myself, I know first hand how the law loves to pick on truckies.

If it was not legal to use a CB they could reign in nearly every tuck and make a fortune in fines.

[PeterAllen]

So what is the consensus on the type and brand of antenaee. Are they all about the same 6.5db gain fibreglass or steel any recommendation or ones ,types to avoid.

[nismine01]

This is the very question I asked Mr. Plod. The answer was, "A two way radio is considered a 'driving aid'". :confused:

It's stupid but that was the legal status here in SA. :o


Cheers

Mike

[Scouse]

In NSW, a CB radio is perfectly legal to use while driving:


ROAD RULES 2008 - REG 300 Use of mobile phones by drivers (except holders of learner or provisional P1 licences) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/rr2008104/s300.html)


Googling "road rule 300" indicates that it's fine in other states too.

[d2dave]

So what is the consensus on the type and brand of antenaee. Are they all about the same 6.5db gain fibreglass or steel any recommendation or ones ,types to avoid.

I purchased my UHF off ebay. I then went to a shop that specialized in communications to get my antenna.

It was a while ago and I can't remember the reasons why, but after asking what my needs were this is what they recommended.

It works well for my use which is generally in a trip convoy or talking to truckies.

I will be getting a new one for my D2 and will probably go with the same.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/11/911.jpg

[Hoges]

I'd like to mount my antenna as far as I can from the field of vision.. don't know if that's possible:( Was thinking about a side mount just near the EAS magic compressor box...

[d2dave]

Where mine is, once I got used to it, I don't even notice it there when driving.

[kogvos]

I've always been a fan of the ground independent antennas from ZCG. Similar to what d2dave says, I don't particularly notice it on the bull bar, even when I'm using a big bugger out in the open.

[blindin]

Yeah, ground independent I would prefer, the others are designed to be mounted on a car roof and use the roof panel as the ground. ( that's for an example ) I had one on my d1, it worked very well, but ground independent would be a better choice. As far as gain, the bigger the gain, 9db for example would be good for long distance on flat ground. The lower the gain, the shorter the distance, but better for less flat areas. Mounting place is important, it should be vertical, and not next to any other vertical parts. I have seen them mounted on the rear bumper, so that it runs up by the rear pillar, this work have effect on the how well it works. Perfect place would be in the centre of the roof, it's high, and not interrupted by any thing, but probably not the most convenient. The front of the vehicle is probably the best compromise. Depending on what you will be doing will depend on best option. PVC, & fibreglass can break it screaming through bushes and branches, stainless can crack if on corrugations, PVC not great for hot areas. Fibreglass is probably the cheapest, and best all rounder. I have got a gme antenna, it was only cheap, and the cable is pretty average quality, but it is only used in convey, so not need for great distances. I also have a screw on fitting, like most ground independents, I have a 6.5db for road, and then a 3db I think for when in the hills. I'm certainly not a professional, this is just stuff I found out when I was looking.

[Robsrod 58]

Hi Guys,

Not really radio savvy, again short distance comms my go, but anyway this is where I located my gear and NO HOLES to be seen.

Rob

[TheTree]

Hi Guys,

Not really radio savvy, again short distance comms my go, but anyway this is where I located my gear and NO HOLES to be seen.

Rob

Mate that is very neat, what else is on that little panel where you hang the mic?

Steve

[Robsrod 58]

Steve,

Thats the LPG switch and gauge, I didn't like where it was originally mounted so this is the only exception to the "no hole" philosophy that I've adopted. I think it looks like it should be there.:)

Rob

[FANTOM P38]

My plan also is not to clutter dash area so my solution was to make a very small roof console primarily for uhf but also doubled up as place to mount roof flip down dvd player. Will post up pics when i can get time to take a few.
ps I just removed that one to make new one for my newer DVD player (bigger better screen) and mood lighting, for when I sleep in back!

Well it is a RR;) gotta have all the creature comforts!

[blindin]

Fantom - be careful where you mount DVD screens, I believe it is illegal to have any tv / DVD pictures visible to the driver while in motion. ( this includes drivers of other vehicles ) so if it's for the kids to watch while driving, lower mounted ones are better. It maybe some thing worth checking out.

That is a nice install and looks like it's made to measure. If I had had some spare cash at the time of fitting mine, I would've bought a smaller unit.
Well done, it looks good.

[d2dave]

Fantom - be careful where you mount DVD screens, I believe it is illegal to have any tv / DVD pictures visible to the driver while in motion. ( this includes drivers of other vehicles )



This sounds a bit suss to me. My D2 has a factory fitted roof mounted DVD. Now how are rear seat passangers supposed to use it with out following or overtaking vehicles not been able to see it?

[TheTree]

A lot of these players seem to have an interlock which prevents DVD's from being played unless the handbrake is on, as long as you connect the cable that is :angel:

I think they allow the additional monitors to view the DVD however

Steve

[blindin]

A factory option would not play while driving. Having said that, I've never heard of any one being charged for it.

[FANTOM P38]

A factory option would not play while driving. Having said that, I've never heard of any one being charged for it.

This is true & these units come set up with warning screen which can be reset in options so you can view whilst driving. Not that I would do that:p

[d2dave]

A factory option would not play while driving. Having said that, I've never heard of any one being charged for it.

Just had a read of my owners manual and in the operating instruction it made no mention of it not working with the car moving. I have seen heaps of vehicles when traveling up the Hume highway with factory units operating.

I shall have to try mine when I get time.

[Keithy P38]

I've mounted my 2-way on the panel below the steering wheel to the far left.

See attached pic for Ariel mount. Purchased from supercheap for $4, it's a commodore Ariel mount, I bent it in a vice to flatten it out. Is bolted to the body panel. 4 years, a cape trip and millions of off road KM's and it's never budged.

Cheers
Keithy

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/p38a-range-rover/68595d1384310133-lifted-p38-air-questions-side-view.jpg

[p38arover]

I've mounted my 2-way on the panel below the steering wheel to the far left.

See attached pic for Ariel mount. Purchased from supercheap for $4, it's a commodore Ariel mount,

Where is the Ariel? :angel:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/11/185.jpg

[TheTree]

Square Four :D

[p38arover]

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