My mobile install... 2001 Grand Cherokee

[KF7MBK]

I have an ft857 and want to be able to move it from base station to mobile. I was trying to figure out where to mount the radio in my 2001 Grand Cherokee and couldn't really come up with a good place...then I finally realized/remembered the 857 has a detachable face so I didn't need to mount the radio, only the face. Much easier.

I already had a laptop mount installed for a previous job that I rarely use anymore so I figured why not utilize it. I made a little bracket that fits in the hole where the laptop "plate" normally goes. Works great. As an added bonus, while I was installing it, I found the face had a 3.5mm jack for headphones. I had never noticed that before. It just so happens I have an RF Modulator permanently installed that I used to connect to my laptop so the laptop sound would come over the car speakers. Well I can plug that into the headphone jack on the radio face now.

The radio itself just sits in the back seat footwell for now.

FT-857 Face Bracket.jpgFT-857 Face Bracket2.jpg

[K5AHH]

--Don't you love it when a plan comes together? Lol, you can't beat easy installs! Looks good.

[K0BG]

If there is but one thing a mobile operator should consider, it is his/her antenna selection! Look at it from this standpoint: The antenna establishes the least common denominator! In other words, the most expensive installation, it is no better than the antenna it is connected to.

[KB3VEW]

Real Nice Job. That Jotto Desk Mount made for a sweet install. And yet you can pop the Radio Mount out and go right back to the Laptop Tray. You did a nice job "whipping" that mount up on that pole BTW. Very cool job. I have a Jotto Desk in an unused car. It may be coming out!!