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Netorius
12th March 2023, 04:25 PM
My current little project is to install a UHF radio in my D4. I will install a remote unit under the front passenger seat where the GPS DVD unit goes for some vehicles. Mine was not specced with this unfortunately, so there is a great mounting plate and space already there.


I need a UHF radio with a remote speaker/Mic control, so had a look at the Uniden UH9060. Cost wise it is quite a bit more than other similar Uniden models. I am on a budget and not a high end user, and to be honest, by the time I get to use the radio in anger, I will need to read the manual again to figure out the fancy functions! I do like the Repeat button function, but again, more a want than need and adds an extra ~$200 to the cost. I am now considering the Uniden UH5060 or the UH8060S. From what I can see, besides changing display colours on the 8060, the radios seem pretty similar, so the 5060 looks like a good deal for me at ~$260 with a 3 yr warranty.


What I like about this is that I can unplug the mic from a standard RJ45 (computor LAN) socket that I can install at a suitable location and when I do not need the radio (like 95% of the time), I just store the mic in the cubby.


I now need to provide a switched power source to the radio. I thought there would be a spare connector under the seat, but there isn't. There is a spare 10 A unused connector in the centre console that is for the cooler that I also do not have. This is also a switched supply which suits me, so I think a great option to use for the UHF. My question is, how do I know what type of 2 pin electrical connector it is so I can order the male plug.


I had a look in my downloaded Discovery 4 manual (link to a copy of relevant extracted pages (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L1qjMqbBUlAsAJv3n11NMLFUl_zhsB0H/view?usp=sharing)) and it provides a list of about 40 different types of connectors that are used, but not sure how to work out which type the cooler connector is.


These are the photos of the connector. It seems the number "PBT-GF15" translate to "Poly Butylene Terephthalate" (resin) with a 15% Glass Fibre reinforement - nothing to do ith the connector type. Hopefully someone can help me identify what type of connector plugs into the cooler!
184355 184353 184354


If not, I will just need to get a generic M/F connector and modify the arrangement, but prefer not to mess with the OEM wiring if possible.

loanrangie
12th March 2023, 08:12 PM
I just piggybacked off one of the cigarette lighter sockets which is close to where my remote head gme base unit is.

Netorius
13th March 2023, 09:26 AM
I just piggybacked off one of the cigarette lighter sockets which is close to where my remote head gme base unit is.Thanks. I might just end up doing that on the cooler circuit. Not my first choice though.

Tombie
13th March 2023, 04:56 PM
Run a dedicated feed. UHFs are handy if you can leave them on in camp etc.

It’ll also be a cleaner power source.

RANDLOVER
14th March 2023, 05:22 PM
Run a dedicated feed. UHFs are handy if you can leave them on in camp etc.

It’ll also be a cleaner power source.

Especially to call for help when your battery goes flat, oh hang on....?[bigrolf]

Which is why a lot of modern CB's have a time out if unused function of about an hour or so.

l00kin4
14th March 2023, 06:44 PM
There are a couple of other threads on this but you might be interested in where we put our RJ45 microphone connectors:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/224534-icom-ic-450n-installation-plan-5.html#post2574489

184397184396

David

Netorius
14th March 2023, 09:42 PM
There are a couple of other threads on this but you might be interested in where we put our RJ45 microphone connectors:

I actually did see you post, but thanks for sharing. That is very neat and exactly what I want to do.

My next challenge will be antenna mounting as I have not seen anything that is 100% right for me. The closest is the roof rail mounted solution, but... my D4 doesn't have roof rails!

RANDLOVER
14th March 2023, 09:46 PM
I actually did see you post, but thanks for sharing. That is very neat and exactly what I want to do.

My next challenge will be antenna mounting as I have not seen anything that is 100% right for me. The closest is the roof rail mounted solution, but... my D4 doesn't have roof rails!

You could try screwing a bracket into the holes that secure the roof rails.

Netorius
14th March 2023, 10:01 PM
You could try screwing a bracket into the holes that secure the roof rails.
I looked at that option, but is just a single ~6mm bolt hole. I am actually looking out for a wrecked D4 that may sell off the roof rails as one option.

Alternatively I will install the antenna on a surfboard roof rack cross bar that I have and use a mag mount for the odd day trip. Seems that the mag mounts only support lower dB gain antennas (up to about 4dB). I would prefer ~6.6dB.

Early days - there is so much good information from so many on the forum.

l00kin4
15th March 2023, 10:33 AM
In case you haven't seen them, these threads might give you some inspiration too:
Aerial install for D3/D4 TailGate (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/104077-aerial-install-d3-d4-tailgate.html) and Show us the antennas on your D4/D3 (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/149036-show-us-antennas-your-d4-d3-4.html)

184409184410

Sniegy modified one of these: 027303 - Bracket Adjustable 2way Swivel "Lip" Mount - Benelec (https://benelec.au/027303-bracket-adjustable-2way-swivel-lip-mount/)


I actually did see you post, but thanks for sharing. That is very neat and exactly what I want to do.

My next challenge will be antenna mounting as I have not seen anything that is 100% right for me. The closest is the roof rail mounted solution, but... my D4 doesn't have roof rails!

Tombie
15th March 2023, 11:20 AM
Especially to call for help when your battery goes flat, oh hang on....?[bigrolf]

Which is why a lot of modern CB's have a time out if unused function of about an hour or so.

Hahaha..

I have 2x commercial UHFs in my D4, both are on 24/7, never had a flat battery from them - and you wont unless you sit there chatting for a couple of hours...

But it is handy to have them on whilst at camp, for things like kids off adventuring with a handheld, friends making their way to camp etc... or even just emergency where anyone knows to just pick it up and go - not find keys, power vehicle etc..

loanrangie
15th March 2023, 02:04 PM
Hahaha..

I have 2x commercial UHFs in my D4, both are on 24/7, never had a flat battery from them - and you wont unless you sit there chatting for a couple of hours...

But it is handy to have them on whilst at camp, for things like kids off adventuring with a handheld, friends making their way to camp etc... or even just emergency where anyone knows to just pick it up and go - not find keys, power vehicle etc..

Thats what hand helds are for so you don't have to sit in or near the vehicle.

Tombie
15th March 2023, 04:51 PM
Thats what hand helds are for so you don't have to sit in or near the vehicle.

Much better reception from my in-vehicle units compared to my commercial handhelds.

I do know what you’re saying though.

BMKal
16th March 2023, 06:24 PM
I have an older Uniden in my D4. It is very much like the 5060 but with an orange display and orange illuminated buttons on the handset rather than green. I've had it for years and it has always given me good performance with no issues. I run a stainless steel whip aerial mounted on a spring base on the left corner of the bullbar (base is on the actual channel of the bullbar rather than on the tube section).

Mine has a dedicated power supply so that I can leave it on when I want - but I have taken this supply from the aux. battery. I have left it running for days on end on more than one occasion, and it has never even looked like drawing the battery down (I have volt meters for both battery circuits on the console).

Netorius
18th March 2023, 06:35 PM
I now need to provide a switched power source to the radio. I thought there would be a spare connector under the seat, but there isn't. There is a spare 10A unused connector in the centre console that is for the cooler that I also do not have. This is also a switched supply which suits me, so I think a great option to use for the UHF. My question is, how do I know what type of 2 pin electrical connector it is so I can order the male plug.

I had a look in my downloaded Discovery 4 manual (link to a copy of relevant extracted pages (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L1qjMqbBUlAsAJv3n11NMLFUl_zhsB0H/view?usp=sharing)) and it provides a list of about 40 different types of connectors that are used, but not sure how to work out which type the cooler connector is.


I had some feedback that the connector make is a Yazaki, but haven't figured out the model from the online catalogue. Still digging!