Difficult Car Mounts

[ke0vh]

Finding a good location to mount a mobile rig in some smaller cars these days, or sometimes in older models can be nearly impossible. #While powering the rigs is not necessarily a problem, mounting them is. #I solved that problem in my Dodge Neon with this solution. #There literally is no room under the dash or on the “hump” to mount it without substantially damaging the interior of my practically brand new nice looking vehicle. #And, as I like to operate 10 meter mobile with my HTX 100, sitting in the seat doesn’t do well for tuning and being able to see the digital display on the radio. #The Neon has a rather sloping dash top and Velcro-ing the rig with sticky material to the dash was not appealing either.

With that said, here is a viable answer. #Take the mobile mounting bracket, turn it upside down, and put some vinyl or rubber feet in the corners of the bracket where it would meet the mounting surface, then put the mount on the radio upside down, and set the radio using the mounting bracket on the dash. #The rubber feet do not slide on the surface of the dash, even when stopping quickly. #And, you can hook the two rear feet in the dash air vent for further stability. #I mounted two more rubber feet on the rear corners of the radio, to further stabilize the radio depending on the angle that you turn the radio up in the mounting bracket. #And, to further increase the portability, and due to the low power of this radio, I do use the cigarette lighter for powering the radio, but a line out through the firewall to the battery would work well, especially for powering some of the more powerful small rigs out these days.

Jack KE0VH

[W5ATX]

I have to say, that is a nice looking idea, but I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the security of the rig. In the event of a crash, you will probably be unhappy as the rig flies in every direction. And let's face it, safety is paramount.

There are pedestal mounts out there that are VERY attractive. I suspect something could even be made to work in the tight quarters of your Neon. I've always had smaller cars myself, and somehow I managed to keep a rig or three in each.

w9iix.com is a place worth looking into. At least you may find ideas come to mind after looking. I happen to have a cheaper version of what he sells, and I don't use it. I ended up not needing it. But it's here, and perhaps someone will dream up a use for it.

Good luck, be safe.

73,

Chris

[kb9tyc]

In some states it is illegal to have items on the front or rear dash. In Wisconsin the fine is $126.00. You could get a good RAM mount for that price.

Paul KB9TYC

[AA8EK]

Jack, you would probably be OK with that set up as long as you did not keep an ice cold Budweiser on the dash beside the radio. But seriously, I don't think that radio is going to last very long in a parking lot someplace. And if I had a more expensive rig than an HTX-100, I bet it would stay on the dash even a shorter period of time. There are thieves amoungst us, you know. # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Keep trying, you will come up with something eventually.

[KC8PPO]

I have a 1994 Eagle Talon, and in the three plus months taht I've had it I have as yet not figured out a way to mount my 2m mobile in the car, as there is literally no room in the interior of the car for a radio. #They don't make sports cars with amateur radio in mind. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #If anybody has any bright ideas, post 'em!

[N7VUR]

I got lucky. My Kenwood TM-231A fits where the ashtray used to be. As a nonsmoker, it was just taking up space and in my blazer it has a nice 15 A power source very convenient. The scope showed this to be a very clean power source also (kind of hard to believe I know). I leave the mounting screws in on the side and a small bolt in the heat sink is used to secure the rear. This gives a clean in dash look while giving me the added security of being totally removable.

[KD5RFH]

Hi Jack,

Mounting stuff in vehicles is a real challenge :-)

I have a 1998 Dodge Ram and recently installed a Kenwood D700A.

The idea was to fabricate a mounting bracket that attached to some existing braces under the seat to hold the main unit so that the connector panel was visible (for GPS, TNC and Mic). Next, I went to a car stereo place and found a cellular phone mount that attached between the dash bezel and the dashboard. I had the car stereo shop mount the control head, ran the power and...I'm happy, no holes in the interior.

Everthing is wonderfully accessible.

You could try fabricating a bracket for an underseat installation --might work.

I agree with some of the other readers, you don't want to have that radio unsecure in a collision.

73,
Jim
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[k0uc]

Jack...you are lucky you have a flat dash. I think your idea is a good simple solution.

I wish there was a place where folks could trade ideas on mobile installations. It's always a new challenge, since they keep changing the vehicles!

Sometimes a good idea to get started would be helpful.
Just seeing some other ideas would be great.

Brady
K0UC

[k0kn]

Hello, all!

I found a way to install my Icom ic-207h into my 1991 Saturn SL1.. After remote mounting the radio in the trunk, I modified the center console ashtray so that the head of the radio would fit. I did have to buy the cable from Icom to remote mount the head.. I made the microphone and external speaker cables..

When I want to use the radio, I lift the ashtray up a couple of inches, and it will sit at approx. 45 degrees. I can see the display perfectly, even in bright light. Power on/off is on the head unit, and volume, squelch, memory up, down, etc are all controllable by the microphone or head.

Mounting the head in the ashtray offers two major advantages: One, the anti-theft aspect, it's out of sight when not in use... Two, the radio and head are away from direct sunlight....

The microphone and external speaker sit in the center console, and can be removed easily if I park in a bad area. The ashtray can be put back into the original position and lid closed.

The only clue that I may have radio gear in my car is the NMO mount on the trunk lid, and callsign license plate..

I have no digital photos, but take my word for it, it can be done.. Now if I can find a way to mount the head of my ic-706mk2g! hi hi

Kyle Yoksh, K0KN

[VE6VPD]

I own a Geo Tracker. #I needed to mount not only my Yaesu VX5R into it but a CB as well for off-roading use. #This would be in addition to my GPS mounting bracket and my cellphone's handsfree/booster kit.

Let's take an inventory of the lack of space shall we:
-Not ON the dash, unsafe for offroading -due to it's length, will protrude beyond the threshold of the dash and into the passenger area
-not UNDER the dash, bump knees
-not on the CEILING as you'll hit your head when offroading
-not on the side of the tranny hump as that's where the cellphone kit already is

My only option for the CB was in the ashtray slot. #I purchased a rig small enough (RadioShack is good for a few things...) and removed the ashtray. #I modified the bracket for the CB and mounted it inside. #As the radio is black, like my dash, when I remove the mic it's about invisible even to the odd passenger. #The mount lands up recessing it in about 3/4" into the dash. #The only thing that got buried under/inside the dash was the speaker and I worked around this by putting a 2.5" speaker inside one of the vents at the top centre of the console and running wiring back to the radio. #It is a stealth mounted speaker to be sure.

For the VX5R, I used an adjustable bracket from a cellphone kit, more like a hinge really (an extra leftover from a Motorola handsfree kit, ask any cellular installer... this one's plastic). #This was screwed directly to the top centre of the dash. #To this hingebracket I screwed in a conventional mobile mic bracket -the kind you'd hang your mic on. #On the back of the VX5R, I have mounted a Nokia Belt Clip button in place of the belt clip. #This button hangs very neatly into the mic holder. #Voila! #My HT is top centre and easily accessible.

[ke4pjw]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KC8PPO @ April 28 2002,20:19)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I have a 1994 Eagle Talon, and in the three plus months taht I've had it I have as yet not figured out a way to mount my 2m mobile in the car, as there is literally no room in the interior of the car for a radio. They don't make sports cars with amateur radio in mind. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif If anybody has any bright ideas, post 'em![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Here is the setup I had in my Geo Metro and now in my Jeep. I have a Kenwood TM-733 with the remote mount kit. I mounted the remote head using double side tape to the upper left hand part of the windshield. It provides me sort of a heads-up display. I can control the radio without taking my eyes off the road.

I have had concerns that if I were in an accident it _might_ hurt me, but as long as I have my seat belt on it should not be a problem.

I stole this idea from KC4WPS. I thought it was a great idea.

[ke0vh]

Yes, safety is always an issue, and as far as parking lots go, I either have a reflective winshield screen that I put up to keep the car interior cooler, which hides the radio nicely, or with the "mounting" the way it is, I simply set the radio on the floorboard if in parking lot for hours. Works well, and too, when the band is dead, I can too put the radio away in the trunk until I decide to use it again. Certainly not a "permanent" solution, but portable, and with the HTX 100, without a control face, the whole radio obviously must move. The Cushcraft mobile mag mount and this radio though have worked everywhere from Spain and Europe to a lot of South American stations, so the setup works well. Gotta always be safety and security conscious though.

73' de KE0VH

[n2zpy]

There are always solutions to be found. I drive a '95 Toyota pickup (regular cab) and have a very nice and clean looking install of my IC-706 MkIIG. This vehicle and many of the newer ones come with what is called a double din stereo mount. I installed my in dash CD player and had the empty space left below it. I simply made a metal filler plate and mouted the head of the 706 to that. The main body of the radio is secured to the back of the cab behind the seat. The display is easy to read in that location and the controls are right at your fingertips!

73
N2ZPY
Kevin

[n2zpy]

Here is the other closeup of the install and the url for my page Kevin's Truck (http://www.catskill.net/marc/Kevin.htm)

[n4aba]

I understand your pain! I have a company car (Grand Prix), which precludes making any major changes to the vehicle. I looked into several possible locations but decided on the center console, as the GM car's "box" just slides out, leaving lots of space for radios. A lip mount works to hold the 6/2/440 Comet, while the radios hide in the center console armrest, not visible from outside. As the Alinco DR570 has a bright display, no problem on reading it when necessary, but the DX70T was a problem. Solved it by mounting the head under the ashtray and leaving the body inside the armrest. Mikes are close, the 2/440 rig is programmed in such a way that I rarely have to glance at the display. Don't know about other vehicles; my previous company car was a Taurus, it was a pain!

[kb1iar]

I had some problems determining where to mount my Icom 2100 H in my 93 Intrepid. I finally settled on mounting it on the left side of the steering wheel on the sloping bottom part of the dash near my left knee.

Surprisingly, this has worked out well so far. In fact, the car has wrap around trim/air vents on the door and I was able to extend the left edge of the mounting bracked beyond the "end" of the actual dashboard...I've had no problems hitting it when closing the door.

This is only my 2 cents and what has worked for me. Granted the 2100H is a pretty small package. I also considered sawing a hole in the console and removing the built in ashtray/cig lighter.

73
James
KB1IAR

[AH7MI]

When I bought my car (2000 Focus), I was trying to figure out where I was going to put my Yaesu 8100R.

After looking over the interior of my car for a while, I decided to get the separation kit and I put the main body of the radio under the drivers seat (Screwed into the carpet) and I put the face plate on the rear-view mirror with zip ties. I was able to hide the cable in the panels around the doors and celing. I have the cable for the control head going to the left side panel going to the trunk and along the floor panels to the radio under the drivers seat. The power cable is also on the left side of the car, also hiding under the panel, going strait to the battery.

For the microphone, the radio uses an Ethernet/telephone type of connector. I got an extention cable from Radio Shack and connected it to the control head and routed the cable the same as I did for the control head cable, but instead on the right side of the car, and now I have the mic right in the middle console. The antenna I have is a window mount that is high in the middle of the back window. I also have the cable routed to the right side of the car, under the panels.

This is what I did for my VHF/UHF radio, maybe what I said will help someone with ideas, who knows.

Daniel AH7MI/W4
Fort Bragg, NC

[K6VB]

I used to have the same mounting troubles as have been mentioned in previous posts until I purchased a few Yaesu FT-100Ds.

I utilize the remote head mounting kit for each of my vehicles (car, truck, motorcycle). Yes, even a motorcycle. The radio is housed in the trunk of the bike while the head is mounted right above where my ignition switch is located. I work 440 down to 40 meters utilizing the Yaesu
ATAS-100 antenna on my Gold Wing.

The face plate is small and can be mounted in almost any vehicle without damaging the interior if serious thought is given to the mounting location.

For me the radio itself is the key. I would love to mount my Yeasu FT-1000D or my Kenwood TS-570S(G) in my vehicles, however, for an obvious number of reasons, this is infeasible.

If I can find a place on a motorcycle to mount a rig, surely most amateurs can get creative to mount a rig in just about any vehicle without compromising safety or interior asthetics.

Best of luck to everyone with your mobile installations. Hope to work you all mobile...

73,
Jim #K6VB

[k1vip]

Back to the original post---
A few things came to my mind after looking at the install:
1.The heat of the unit in direct sunlite(even in Wisconsin we can cook on our dash!)Im thinking about drift on freq. and the finals over heating..
2.Security of the radio
3.Safety of driver and passangers
4.Plugging the power into the lighter(he is running low power-but it might be a source of ignition noise into the radio ??)
5.HF mobiles sould have a good ground on the Radio
6.Attactive coax all over the dash.

Just my reasons for never doing it.........But if it works for him??? Then what the heck!!
K1VIP

[KB1HZU]

I had the fun of figureing out how to install my Kenwood TM-V7A in my Ford Ranger pickup (not an extra-cab). I finally decided on mounting the radio on the rear wall of the cab between the seats, and remote-mounted the control head to a modified rear-view mirror stalk mounted right above the factory mirror. The sound is not ideal, but I doubt I could do much better. The head-mount, however, works like a charm. No glare, no heat, and always pointed straight at me. Takes care of the display problems this model is known for.

[KC2JCA]

I would just like to say to the folks who are worried about theives and accidents, if those are your biggest concerns, having a radio sitting on your dash is the least of your worries.

Personally, in a crash, I would be less likely to think to myself, "Oh why did I put that 10 meter rig on the dash?" as the airbag came up to meet my face.

And if I was too dumb to take the radio along with me when I left the vehicle, especially with it being so obviously simple to remove, I would be deserving of losing it.


73, Jim - kc2jca

[N4DIA]

For those of you that have Alinco DX70's, Yaesu FT100's or Icom 706's, here is an easy, effective and cheap mounting system that will work in about any car. #Go to your local Rat Shack store and buy a microphone gooseneck, an extra flange, shielded speaker cable, external speaker (optional) and I have found CAT 5 computer cable to be the best Mic extension wire you can get. You can mount one flange to the hump (or a metal piece I added to my seat rail and the other to a piece of wood cut to fit the head. #I have a knurled nut to connect the head to the wood so the head can be removed quickly.

You can paint the gooseneck to match the interior. #In my case, black. You now can position the head in any configuration you want. #Even the passenger can move the rig toward himself and operate.

Total cost of this mounting? #About $17. #Labor, about 1 1/2 hours.

[stevencko]

For those of you putting a radio on the dash keep it away from the airbag for the passenger. It is not holes in the airbag you need to worry about it is the radio being sent toward your face at 200mph when the airbag goes off!

[W5ATX]

N4DIA has the mount exactly as I picture it for a rig/head that size and weight. Unfortunately, some cars have no place to attach the mount. BUt that's the idea I like.

Here's the way I think about mounting a rig in the car. If it's YOUR car, not a lease or company car, why did you buy it? To use and to enjoy. Is ham radio part of your enjoyment? If so, go for it. How many folks won't drill a hole in a car? LOTS!!! Why? Did you buy the car to sell or to use? That's a choice we have to make.

Personally, I have holes in my car. I have a 1990 Mazda 626. Yes, it's older now, but it had two holes in the trunk lid the week I got it. And power cable run from the battery into the passenger compartment. Power and antenna are the next biggest concern after safety.

The new (to ham radio) remote control head type rigs are very nice. THey make it almost impossible to say you couldn't mount the rig in the car. But things do need to be carefully thought out and again, you have to decide, just how important is doing this CORRECTLY. If you're going to do it, DO IT! And enjoy!

73,

Chris

[ke4cij]

I am sure everyone has already heard of this but here's what I did to a 95 Dodge Ram 4x4. As with you I didn't want to tare the dash apart to mount a radio. I mounted it on the dash much the same way you did except I used velcro under the radio itself. This gives the radio a low profile on the dash and does not impare vision at all. From a distance the radio can hardly be seen.
The velcro I used is called Super-Lock and can be had at Radio Shack for a few bucks.
This stuff is strong and very difficult to seperate once connected. You can pull the glued side off with some effort but to unlock the velcro itself is difficult to say the least and should only be used when your very certain that's the right spot. Clean the area with soap and water and let dry before using the Super-Lock for best results. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Try it...Works great ..I have my GPS and tiny tracker mounted in much the same way!

[N3GWZ]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Finding a good location to mount a mobile rig in some smaller cars these days, or sometimes in older models can be nearly impossible.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

Much agreed! #I fabricated a mount for my Yeasu FT-817 using the ashtray that fits in the cupholder as an anchor on my 2002 Explorer Sport Trac. #I cut some plywood to length and screwed the parts together. #The other parts came from a box of junk. #A couple pieces of velcro hold the rig in place.

http://www2.97vette.com/n3gwz/images/ft817andmount2.jpg

http://www2.97vette.com/n3gwz/images/ft817mount2.jpg

[N8PCA]

I am glad to see some one bringing this subject up! I have had many cars and trucks since I became licensed. There are many good post's here for suggestions. I have built several mounts for the different rigs and units over the years. My current mobile, a Grand Prix was a no brainer to install in as there is a flat suface on the centre console to bolt the mount bracket to. However, the unit is a lease so I had to settle on not hooking a dc cable to the battery for power. So, as a result, I usually run the rig on no more than medium power, it is a VHF/UHF rig. Sure, a cable could have been installed but I usually do not need more than medium power anyway. If you want to use an HF rig, A direct power cable would make a better choice. I guess it is just another part of Ham Radio that you must make the choice for your particular installation. I worked as an installation tech for a year installing two way mobile rigs, that were VERY simalar to Ham rigs. (The rigs were Buisness band) 73' from N8PCA

[KE4FQK]

If you have a vehicle that has a storage bin or pocket under the radio, then these can be easily removed to allow many options for installing your transceiver. #In my Porsche 944, this pocket under the radio simply slid out to reveal a lot of space to mount the whole radio inside it. #But, what I did was to go down to the local stereo shop and get a small sheet of black plastic a little larger than the new opening I had where the pocket once was. #Then I started cutting this panel to size.(I even molded it to the contour of the console by heating it with boiling water, then forming it around a large pot, which gave it the curved shape.) #I drilled holes in one side to make a speaker grill, mounted a small speaker behind it, and then attached a quick release mount to the piece. #The main unit was mounted on the side of the passenger footwell, out of the way. #This worked great; it was visible, audible, and easy to hide with that qiuck release mount. #Since I don't have that car any longer, I'm looking to sell this panel, with the speaker attached to it. It really made mobile operating a pleasure for me.

[n7iqv]

Another method for attaching a mount is to fashion a piece of flat stock to slip beneath the mounting rails for the passenger seat. This can extend forward enough to attach a gooseneck or hard mount near the hump, but not require drilling the vehicle floor. Bucket seats work best..just remove the bolts holding the seat in place..install the flat stock mount, and reinstall the seat bolts. The radio can then be arranged for best fit and ease of operation.

As mentioned earlier...be absolutely certain that the equipment you add is not in the air bag deployment zone(s). This is usually a simple thing, if the rig is placed no higher than knee level. If you have doubts, check with your local car dealership for clearance requirements.

One other hint..there is often space for a control head inside storage spaces on a center console between the seats. I have mounted many Midland Syntech and XTR heads in the boxes using velcro or small hardware, and remoted the RF section in the trunk or under the back seat. (and yes, I will admit to installing a Motrac head in one of my cars, years ago) This works wonders for concealing the radio from potential late-night raiders.

Where there's a will...there's usually SEVERAL ways...

John
N7IQV

[K9DRX]

Looks good - gotta do what you can when there isn't room. I'm one that's dead against seeing wires hanging especially accross a dash like that. If you can deal with it.. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Just tends to drive me nuts when I see wires.

BTW, isn't that baby going to melt in the sun up there like that?

Mike - K9DRX

[N9MVF]

I gotta tell you, one of the most difficult cars I've ever put a rig in is my '98 Pontiac Firebird. #Antenna mounting is next to impossible. #I ended up taking apart one of the Diamond fold overs and drilling two small holes. #
I remote mounted a Yaesu FT-7100 underneath the spare tire, and ran the power from my audio system amplifier distribution block. #Yeah, the whole set up wasn't easy or cheap, but it looks good and is completely stealth. #

Take a look at the pics:
Firebird Pics Link (http://www.bowmancs.com/firebird)

Later,
Ken

[k5ric]

I agree with those who are worried about safety. In Dec. I crashed my 1998 Chevy. Surburbon into a mountain because of black ice. I had a number of radios mounted in the vehicle when I crashed. All were mounted solidly, but the HF radio (the largest one) came loose from the mount, but the coax cable stopped it from flying away. Pulled the connector loose, but save me and the radio. Lots of force was applied as some keys on my console flew out the broken passinger window. I had been careful about the dual airbags when mounting the radios. I broke my colar bone, and am just now recovering well enought to return to work. It took two months of working a rubber ball to get my right hand to work well enough to type again.

Safety is first priority in a mobile radio installation, do not let the radio become a projectile and add to the problem. Do not mount the radio so that it changes the operation of the vehicle safety equipment, such as air bags. When you install a radio, mount it solidly in a location that will keep it and you safe.

I was lucky, but I did mount my radios where they became a part of the problem. I was out of cell phone range and my ham radio was the only communications I had to call for help. I had problems with it, as I was in a deep valley, but that turned out to be the magnet mount antenna had un-mounted and was on the side of the truck, you loose about 20 dB for cross polarization, and it was a 1/4 wave with no ground when used on a glass side window. HF antenna on rear of vehicle was torn off. Due to the bad road condisions I was not talking on any of my radios when it happened.

73 and keep it safe,

rick k5ric
Nogal, New Mexico

[N5RLR]

Since the subject of airbags has been broached (and I'm
surprised no one else has asked this)...has anyone here
had trouble with ham/any two-way radio equipment
interacting/interfering with the airbag electronics?
I'm contemplating installing a medium-power mobile
in my new (to me, anyway; SRS-equipped) car, and
am *very* concerned about keying the mike and possibly
having the airbag explode in my face. #

Any tips on wire/cable routing (obviously, *away* from
any harness(es) for the SRS), bypassing, grounding, etc.?

[n8emr]

Well, Aside from Security of the radio, heat damage to the radio and the fact that it
blocks the drivers view I guess its ok.

This is not a good mounting location and may be illegal in some states due to
blocking the drivers vision.

[n8emr]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KC8PPO @ April 29 2002,19:19)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I have a 1994 Eagle Talon, and in the three plus months taht I've had it I have as yet not figured out a way to mount my 2m mobile in the car, as there is literally no room in the interior of the car for a radio. #They don't make sports cars with amateur radio in mind. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #If anybody has any bright ideas, post 'em![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Change radio's. I doubt there is a car on the market you can sneak a Yeasu ft-90 into.

[n8emr]

I never liked small cars so its never been an issue for me. I was however very upset when
I saw the new chevy trucks are now putting center dash consoles. I want that space for my radio's.
Last thing I need is more cup holders.

http://www.k2bj.com/images/Photos/MOTM/sanders_1.jpg

[VE3TMT]

That is why I bought an Intrepid! My old HTX242 and now my Titan 10m mobile both fit under the dash radio in the accessory pocket perfectly. I did have to remove the pocket behind the dash itself, but the radio is in there so tight it will not move. I also have the faceplate of my Yaesu FT900 mounted there with perfect visibility (thanks Omni-Glow!!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Personally I wouldn't put anything up on the dash. Makes it to visible for thieves. Luckily up here in Canada we don't have as strict laws regarding window tinting.

[VE6BUD]

My 1996 Blazer seemed a perfect candidate for a 2M mobile Radio. I've had both a Yaesu FT-720R (Big Radio!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif and an Icom IC-229A mounted just beside the dual cigarette lighter plugs with just standard sheet metal screws. The underside of the dash has a metal plate behind the plastic that makes it perfect for mounting 2M mobile radios.

The big trick is figuring out how to mount my IC-730 into the vehicle. I've seen people using customized console mounts, so it's something to think about using... I wonder if there's a place I can buy them? (I don't have access to a workshop to custom build something.)

[kg4kkn]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Since the subject of airbags has been broached (and I'm
surprised no one else has asked this)...has anyone here
had trouble with ham/any two-way radio equipment
interacting/interfering with the airbag electronics?

I'm contemplating installing a medium-power mobile
in my new (to me, anyway; SRS-equipped) car, and
am *very* concerned about keying the mike and possibly
having the airbag explode in my face.

Any tips on wire/cable routing (obviously, *away* from
any harness(es) for the SRS), bypassing, grounding, etc.?
[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

Same concerns here. There are at least two parts to the airbag: the bag itself and the controller that deploys it. The bag won't detonate without a control signal. In most cars, the ignition has to be on for the SRS to work. For peak safety, park it, turn it off, and then talk.

In my Toyota, the controller is hidden under the front seat console, just behind the parking brake handle. Unfortunately, that's also the most direct route to the mag mount on my trunk. It did not seem really safe pumping 50 watts right by the controller even in shielded coax. :)

So, I got myself the factory service manuals for the car -these are the books used by dealers when working on the car, not the cheap book you can get at Autozone. Ebay is a great source for factory manuals, mine were under 20 bucks for the set. The dealer books include very detailed instructions on how to remove all the body trim, seats, carpet, complete wiring diagrams, and so on. It was a simple matter to pull out the back seat and front seats (having lots of room to work on this stuff is really nice), body trim panels, etc, and run my coax and power wires down the outside wiring channels, well away from the airbag system.

Tip: while you have the car half apart, go ahead and run an extra heavy-gauge fused power line from the battery back to the trunk/hatchback/whatever. May come in handy for future use. Leaving the fuse out will keep it safe until needed.

Tip 2: connect that remote power feed to a lighted switch mounted on the dash or console. Prevents leaving the remote power or rig running by accident.

RF is probably not an issue for a remote mount radio. The head wiring is usually just mic, control signals, and maybe speaker audio. Hope this has helped.

[kd6wdx]

Hello. #I am looking for some suggestions on the best solution to mount an FT-847 in a 95 explorer that has center console. #The antenna was the easy part! #hi hi # I am really wanting to mount it in there before I take a trip at the end of this month. #Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks es 73, Jeffrey KD6WDX

jdeaner@lcp2.net

Besides all the other negative comments, let me add one of my own. How about SUN heat load. No matter what the electronics is, it's always good to keep it cool. On the dash it will most certainly be prone to cooking from sun-up to sun-down. The reliability of the rig will most certainly suffer.
walt

Heat load from the sun will surely not help the longevity of this rig placement.

[kb5tuu]

As a place to get radio mounts here is what I think is a good source:

Galls (http://www.galls.com/shop/viewproduct.jsp?catcode=25)

[ke0vh]

All the comments about the sun heat load ! As I mentioned in the beginning, the idea is not to just leave it up there. This is a just a "make the best" of a bad situation type setup. I dont just leave the radio in the sun. I either cover it with the reflective windshield sunscreen or set it in the floorboard to ward off theft or overheating. I turn off the ignition, down it goes, or up goes the sunscreen, which I do anyway to protect the dash. As I drive too, the vent underneath the radio on the dash helps cool it if it gets too warm. And, the radio easily disconnects and goes in the trunk if it is not in use for a while. I have a friend who mounts the FT 100 in the same manner in his Jetta. Works well, is easy, and presents no problem.

KE0VH

[w0cbf]

Saturn car owners know the problem all too well. Maybe they are not any worse than other models but they fall into the "difficult to work with" catagory. One of the problems that I have run into is not only finding a good mount and location but staying away from the passenger air bag. You always need to be aware of what space the airbag is going to expand to if an accident occurs. If you don't you may end up being hurt by the explosion of the bag hitting the rig and blowing it into your face or body. Just my 2 cents worth!

[KB4FOS]

I have an HTX-100, too. It's a trusty little rig for mobile use and you hear quite a few of them on the 10 meter beacon frequencies. I have mine inside of a cardboard box with a cardboard shelf separating it from the 2 meter rig and a 6X9 speaker. It sits in the footwell of the passenger side but it can just as easily rest behind the passenger seat if someone is riding with me. I can disconnect it all in about 5 minutes and take it to my room when I'm traveling. I use a Wilson 1000 trunk-mounted whip that's trimmed for 28.400 mhz.

[AC7SS]

I drive a '82 Isuzu I-mark. (Diesel) There are a few plusses to this car. (no ignition noise, rear wheel drive, great milage, cheap car) but it seriously lacks inside space. I am 6-4.

I currently have an ICOM 223H and RS HTX100. I use the Icom for commuting, and the 10M on my work breaks (see below why.) currently they are placed on a piece of plywood on the passenger seat. (Having a 60 minute lone commute). This is easily moved to the back seat in the event of a passenger, and is covered with a towel when the car is un-occupied. I have read some of the suggestions and solutions here and find that the solutions are very limited.

1: Remove the stereo and install the ICOM there.
# #(the stereo doesn't work too well anyway.)
2: Place a radio on the passenger side of the Trannie hump. (with the HTX this is a major space issue, not so much with the ICOM)
3: Place them inside where the glovebox is. (Modify the box to accomodate both radios, however this places them a little far away for use.)

I am not too worried about resale issues. (I can easily get the same that I paid for the car.)

Has anyone had experience with glovebox mounting?

Also, when I run the 10M (even when just receiving) it seems to cause interferance with my GPS. (sole speedometer.) Would intermod cause this? it does seem to improve after about 15 minutes 10M time.

[W5ATX]

The view from the W5ATX driver's seat . . .

Here is an ugly installation in #my tired old Mazda 626. #This car has 248,330 miles on it right now, just in case anyone cares! #Nothing really to show with this pic, I just felt like putting it up! #hi hi hi. #Thanks for indulging me.

http://members.aol.com/chrisw5atx/image007a.jpg

The control head in the dash is for the 32 mode (channel) VHF hi-band Motorola Syntor X mounted in the trunk for 2m, and the Motorola HT600 in the MVA (convertacom) hanging on the side of the hump is for 440. #The antennas on the trunk are a Larsen NMO 5/8 for 2m, and a Motorola UHF collinear.

Good luck with all the mobile installs. I realise having an older car makes it easier for me. First, I have more room, second I have less worry about damaging my car. But I still say if you want to do it, do it right. You bought your vehicles to use, not to preserve for future sale.

73,

Chris

[n3ypa]

I also have a Dodge Neon, 1996 which I think is smaller
than the one you must own since you said it is new
meaning it is the second generation (2000+)? I had
a IC-2800H, the one with the color face mounted in
there. The only easy way I found was to put the radio
beneath the seat and the face was mounted below the
ash tray area in the slot on the center console forward of
the shifter and cup holders. It could still easily be seen
from the driver or passenger position but someone from
outside may not notice it right away. The reason why
I bypassed mounting even just the face of it on the dash
was not the advertising of it to possible theives but the
hot sun damaging the radio!! Maybe something to think
about. Otherwise, take out the car radio, hehe http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kd5sub]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KD5RFH @ April 29 2002,20:39)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Hi Jack,

Mounting stuff in vehicles is a real challenge :-)

I have a 1998 Dodge Ram and recently installed a Kenwood D700A. #

The idea was to fabricate a mounting bracket that attached to some existing braces under the seat to hold the main unit so that the connector panel was visible (for GPS, TNC and Mic). #Next, I went to a car stereo place and found a cellular phone mount that attached between the dash bezel and the dashboard. #I had the car stereo shop mount the control head, ran the power and...I'm happy, no holes in the interior.

Everthing is wonderfully accessible.

You could try fabricating a bracket for an underseat installation --might work.

I agree with some of the other readers, you don't want to have that radio unsecure in a collision.

73,
Jim
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I found a good method of mounting the control head for the d700. this may work for others as well.

I bought a rear view mirror and the appropriate adhesive. removed the mirror part and then attached the factory supplied mounting bracket to the rear view mirror mount. Then I glued the mount above my existing rear view mirror.

Now I have a nice heads up display. I can even turn it and operate when my wife drives. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[N2OPJ]

Running mobile in a Lexus RX300 became a problem.I was able to put a Yaseu FT 90 mounting the remote head on a cassette tape and placing the tape in the player partially the rig was under a seat the antenna mounted on the rear access door (SUV) posed a problem with the garage so I fashioned a mount from aluminum stock to mount on the frame
Pictures available at http://n2opj.tripod.com

[kzimmerm]

I have several problems with mounting things on top of the dash as you did. #First, it can become a distraction Second, as some of the previous comments mentioned, heaven forbid you are in an accident the rig now becomes another possible object that could cause harm. #Thirdly, as also indicated in previous comments it can be against the law. #

This is my spin on mobile installations. #I agree that most cars today don't have the room to mount a rig such as yours. #However, there is a bunch of rigs that allow you to separate the control head from the T/R unit. #ICOM IC706 MKII G and Yaesu FT-100D rigs are what I'm referring to...and of course there are a bunch of others. #Some VHF & UHF rigs also have the option to separate the control head from the T/R unit. #

I run the following bands mobile; 440, 2m, 6m, 10m, 15m, 17m, 20m & 40m. #I am using the Icom IC 706 MKII G & Yaesu FT90R with 2 separate antennas. #The reason I have the VHF/UHF rig is to allow me to operate locally as well as HF at the same time. #Most times I monitor the local repeaters whilst working DX. #I documented my installation and can be viewed at the following URL:
http://www.k2bj.com/MOTM_archive/0110MOTM.htm
My 2001 Nissan Altima has NO room to mount any "conventional" mobile radio so I had to utilize some of the newer technology. #I am glad I did. #The installation was very easy. #Engine noise is really not a factor since the T/R units are mounted in the trunk of my car.

Most important thing to keep in mind. #It is great fun to have the HF/VHF/UHF capabilities from the car. #Just make sure it doesn't compromise your driving. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Have fun and be safe.

Kurt Zimmerman – W2MW
Mobile of the Month 10/2001 (http://www.k2bj.com/MOTM_archive/0110MOTM.htm)

[N2QWR]

Mounting a radio in a vehicle can be a real dome scratcher. #I have a 96 Grand Cherokee and run both HF & 2M/440. #I've found that the rigs with a remote mounting for the control face to be a God send. #For HF I chose the Icom 706 and 2M/440 I use a Kenwood TM-707 dual bander. #Both rigs offer a remote mountable faceplate. #The rest of the rig is mounted in the rear of the vehicle. #Try this as an option. #73' Bob - N2QWR #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[KC8QDR]

I figured out a pretty good way of mounting things in a 1998 ford mustang. I mounted the head for my kenwood D-700 in an empty DIN stereo hole that was left over after I upgraded the factory unit (it had #seperate tape and CD units). It turns out that the unit will "friction fit" in the lip of the hole just about prefectly. I added a couple of adhesive mounting squares for good measure, and now it is in there very firmly. I mounted the main tranciever body in the trunk and used a CAT-5 ethernet cable as a mic extension cord back up to the front seats. I didn't need to extend the control head cable. Why kenwood made these 2 different lengths I will never know. I mounted a garmin GPS III to the dash and now I am ready to operate mustang mobile with APRS. The install looks neat and I plugged up an empty hole in the dash to boot!
73,
-Bill KC8QDR

[kc1ih]

I have a 2001 Subaru. In these cars (and many Toyotas, Nissans, etc.) there are two radio spaces in the dashboard, with the second space occupied by a plastic insert if your car does not have the optional CD player. The first step is to buy another insert from the the dealers parts dept, so that you can later restor the car to it's original condition. Then, remove the radio chassis from the car, and figure out how to mount your radio in the insert. Be sure to completely cut out the back of the insert so that you will have sufficient ventilation and can pass all the cables. If you are concerned about security, obtain the bolts of the proper length and thread to hold in the radio from the sides. When done, re-assemble the car, remembering to hook up all the cables while you can still access the back of the radio. Using an external speaker is a must with this set-up.

I have done this with several cars and several rigs, including my current Yaesu FT-7100. This puts the radio controls right where you want them, and does not take up any space in the passenger compartment, and is secure. As long as you make sure not to block any of the ventilation holes in your radio, you shold have no problems.

73,
Larry KC1ih

[KD7PEH]

Just bought a 2001 Ford F-150 and love the truck...only problem was figuring out how to mount my 2M radio (Yaesu 5100). Didn't want to cut up the dash or otherwise damage the interior, so was kind of in a quandry. Ran into a guy at a hamfest this weekend with the same truck who did some interesting things with plexiglass, and it got me thinking. Went by the local AutoZone this afteroon and picked up a 10.00 plastic floor console and mounted the radio on that. With the addition of a little velcro to make sure it doesn't move it works perfectly. Next step is to permentantly wire it to the battery instead of using the auxiliary power plug on the dash.

73
Brian
KD7PEH

[AC7RO]

I mount my removable faceplate from my IC-706MKll to the rearview mirror with tiewraps. The vehicle is
a small pickup truck which has side mirrors. The faceplate fits perfectly and is not noticeable to wouldby
thieves. I route the control cable across the visor and down the post. This arrangement puts the controls and display in plain sight, yet out of the way. Works for me. 73 AC7RO http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

The hot sun baking that rig day after day is not a good thing!

[kc8ttg]

Well a honda civic is what i have to work with. And i think I will be getting the Yaesu 7100. So small car. Not a big radio, but still you need ALL the room you can get. If the darn face detaching kit didn't cost $70 i'd get it. So if anyone might have an idea...

Also...the antenna. I was going to go with a magnet mount, but i don't realy want to scratch the roof too much, and i also have a moon roof. So any thoughts for a good antenna mount on my 98 civic?

Thanks to anyone who can help. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[kb7rqq]

I bought a heavy-duty cell phone handset mount. #One of the mounts with a flexible arm that can be tightened with an allen wrench. #I mounted the base to the floor close to the 'hump' and console and as close as I could to the seat. #I then attached the radio to the top of this allowing me to position the radio any way I want and tighten it down. #The radio faces me as I sit in the drivers seat and is out of the way of the passenger. #Also makes it easy to hide the radio by throwing a coat over it! #I then ran the antenna and power wires under the colsole and used the black wrap material to make it look clean where it comes between the console and carpet to the radio. #My Subaru doesn't have a non-rounded surface in it!! #This solved my problem and looks professional too. #I spent about $20.

Todd
KB7RQQ
Portland, Oregon.

My current mount for a handheld is a roll of ducttape on it's side. The roll is sticky enough not to slide around and when not holding my scanner makes for a third beverage holder. It does not leave a mark or require holes to be drilled into my truck. If for some reason the tape does slide around, a loop of tape to the bottom and it's stays put.

[kb7rqq]

Awyeah! The wonders of duct tape! The cell mount I got is strong enough to support my HR2510 10 meter radio also. I currently have an Icom IC2100H on it and it stays put. I can't find a model number or manufacturer but I bought it through a cell phone install place.

Todd
KB7RQQ
Portland, Oregon.

[K5KVJ]

I have a '96 Pontiac Grand AM and the first thing I did after deciding this was the car I wanted, was to ensure my (at that time) 2m Yaesu FT-212RH would fit. The sales rep looked at me rather strange as I slipped it into the compartment directly below the A/C controls. Yep, it fit. However, installing it was another matter. The first thing I had to do was remove the entire dash. Surprisingly, this wasn't nearly as difficult as I at first thought. So I removed the dash, installed the bracket and radio, then put the dash back on. The only thing that got in the way was the gear selector, but only when the car is in park. Then the knob blocks the display panel, making it a challenge to read. Of course, that really didn't bother me all that much because the car is usually in "Drive" when I'm using it. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I later replaced that Yaesu with an Alinco DR-605T, which fit just as easily, and eventually that, too, has since been replaced by a Yaesu FT-7100M. Like it's predecessors, it, too, fits in there just like a glove. The external speaker is mounted several inches in front of the drivers seat, directly onto the side of the center console. Ok, so my right leg is sorta over it when I'm driving, and yeah, the audio is somewhat muffled at times, but it does work. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I hope the attached picture helps others who also have a Grand AM, or a similar car, deciding where to install their radio.

BTW, in the picture the drive selector is all the way back, in the "1" position. That is why it cannot be seen.

[K5KVJ]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kc8ttg @ May 09 2002,14:19)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Also...the antenna. #I was going to go with a magnet mount, but i don't realy want to scratch the roof too much, and i also have a moon roof. #So #any thoughts for a good antenna mount on my 98 civic?

Thanks to anyone who can help. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Uncertain about mounting the antenna? Not for me. I got out my trusty, heavy duty drill and just drilled a nice, round hole right in the middle of my deck lid. Not a problem. (Hole saws are readily available at just about any hardware store.)

Although they do have their purposes, I personally don't like to use a magnet mount on a vehicle. Two reasons:

1.) Over time, moisture will accumulate between the mount and the surface of the vehicle and eventually it will rust. I knew someone this actually happened to. This is not a good thing. (Granted, you can always remove the antenna every time you get to where you're going, so as to "hide" the fact you have a radio in your car, but trust me, over time, you will grow tired of doing this. Been there, done that.)

2.) Grounding. A magnet mount does not have nearly as good a grounding as one mounted directly to the vehicle.

3.) I have actually had a magnet mount blow over while I was driving down the freeway. Very inconvenient.

For those who are advocates of the lip mount brackets, I made that mistake one time, and one time only. Many years ago, I came out one morning to get in my car and sometime during the night someone had literally cut the bracket right in two! I don't know what they used (probably bolt cutters as the metal is somewhat thick) but nonetheless my antenna was gone! Ever since then I have just drilled a hole and mounted the antenna directly to the deck lid. Except when I had a pickup. Then it went right smack dab in the middle of the roof of the cab. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #It sure was fun every time I'd drive into a parking garage, let me tell you. WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! LOL

As you can tell from the attached picture, the antenna looks "professional" where it is, and with the coax held in place using zip strips, that, too has a "professional" look to it. Handy things, those zip strips. Almost as handy as duct tape. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Well, good luck to you, whichever method you choose.

73's

Keith
K5KVJ

[K5KVJ]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (k5ric @ May 01 2002,08:36)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I agree with those who are worried about safety. #In Dec. I crashed my 1998 Chevy. Surburbon into a mountain because of black ice. #I had a number of radios mounted in the vehicle when I crashed. #All were mounted solidly, but the HF radio (the largest one) came loose from the mount, but the coax cable stopped it from flying away. #Pulled the connector loose, but save me and the radio.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Rick, I've known you since, when (?).... late '80's... early 90's.... at least. I've seen your Suburban. (Well, maybe not that one. Probably the one before that.) I am very familiar with the quality and workmanship you put into any installation. In fact, and you may not be aware of this but, you are one of a few individuals I've had the privilege of knowing over the years who have been an inspiration to me when it comes to installing radios. Among other things as well. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif So I know if that HF came loose in the accident, then there had to have been one heck of a lot of force involved. I'm just VERY relieved to have read you are doing OK.

Please, take care of yourself my friend, give your lovely wife a big "Hello" for me, and if you get the chance, an email would be more than welcomed. A friendship such as yours is a treasure indeed.

73's

Keith
K5KVJ

P.S. Gee, for anyone else reading this, I hope this doesn't sound too mushy or anything but I have a LOT of respect and admiration for Rick. He and his wife are almost like family to me.

[n4cv]

Hi all,

On the topic, does anyone have an idea for mounting an Iccom 2100 in a 1999 Plymouth Voyager. Please let me knoe if you have any ideas.

[ve5fn]

This dash top mount shows some good ingenuity in solving a difficult problem in small modern car. I suspect that the writer has arranged his mount so it sits firmly enough, hooked in the defroster vents, yet can be quickly lifted off and set on the floor covered with a coat or something when parked. I have done the same in a Toyota RAV4. Just leave enough slack in the power and antenna leads to allow the proper movement.

In the RAV4, there is a plastic pocket in the dash that fills a gap where the optional tape deck fits. I went to the local dealer and got one of these that was left from a tape deck installation so I could remove and save the original. Then I mounted my 2 meter Kenwood TM261 in the plastic pocket panel with a bit of cutting and shaping. Power and antenna leads are easily fished through the firewall to the back of the radio and there is lots of room for air circulation around the heat sink.Thus I have an in-dash installation that looks almost like factory issue and when I sell the car, I just swap the panels back and there is no sign that there was anything installed in the dash of the car.

I have installed a Yaesu FT5100 in the ashtray slot of a Toyota Camry in a similar fashion. A bit of thought and selection of an appropriate rig will solve many installation problems. The remote mount control heads are a big help in the extra crowded cabin of some vehicles. Cellphone or commercial two-way radio mounts can often be used to good advantage. Check out the inside of the glove compartment - sometimes a radio can be mounted in there if the inner shell is removed.

I have a bit of an advantage because I used to install mobile radios for fun and profit although that was back in the days of real metal dashboards that were strong enough to hold up a radio mounted on their lower edge.

73 and happy mobiling,

Bill - VE5FN

[AH2AZ]

After reading the installation horrors, I figured it was time to show mine. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I hope you like this.

The first Radio is the FT-100D, followed by a Directional arrow stick and then by two Icoms, the F320 and F420 commercial radios. To the right of the radios is a PA-300 PA/Siren module. Below the radios, I have a small SWR bridge, a remote switch for a BB3C antenna, and an FC20 antenna tuner along with three speakers. I also have a GPS mounted just right of the FT100D Mic.

There are other items that I have mounted in and on my car, such as High output LED emergency lights both in front and to the rear of the car, front and back headlight / tail light flashers, siren, as this is because I am a volunteer fire fighter, an American Red Cross Communications Officer (Santa Fe Chapter,) and Rio Arriba RACES/AREA Emergency Communications Officer and the Information Officer for the Local Emergency Planning Committee. I also work at A-1 Communications Supply Company in Santa Fe, New Mexico as their technician / and one of their installers.

These pictures were taken this morning (0300 Local MDT) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif after seeing all the neat pictures. I tried to included my cell phone in the picture as this is actually hanging from the ceiling of the car. The antennas (which there are 5 of them) are drilled and installed permanently to the chassis of the car.

Because I gave up smoking, I now could find a really neat reason to remove the ashtray and install more radios. This is only the 1000th mounting (or so it seems) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif I have done to my 94 Ford Taurus Stationwagon. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

One option that many overlook is to remove your stock AM/FM radio and replace it with an aftermarket radio. Most newer Ford and GM vehicles have what I refer to as "double height" radios. If you remove this radio and use an aftermarket "single height" radio, you will have a slot remaining to fit most of the smaller 2m radios available today. This is assuming you don't have one of those ultra-deluxe sound systems, of course.

[K5NIC]

Nice idea, except for one thing. #Radio's tend to melt
down when exposed to direct sunlight. #My LCD display
on my HTX-100 was destroyed by the heat of the
automobile, and it wasn't even in direct light. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

As for sports cars not having room, that's what they
made pickups for! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

James

[wa6jfk]

I am surprised that anyone would mount anything like that on top of ANY dashboard in a vehicle. It might look like an OK idea, but lets consider what would happen in the event of an accident. Looks like your car has airbags, can you imagine a mobile rig coming at your with the force of an airbag? Or can you imagine slamming your forehead into that radio? Under dash is not really very safe either if you consider your kneecaps in case of an accident. Not sure what the answer is, but for safety probably an investment in a remotable head rig is probably the safest one.