N4LS/M mobile ham radio installation - Kenwood TS480 and TM-D710A

[Cheekydaddyo]

You sure like radios. Nice job tho, cheers

[cdssheps]

nice set up mate..

[skhalidh]

Great setup, nice video

[Sueco66]

Asome???

[timmersbc]

Good explanation - great installation! Nice use of flat ground straps - looks like that was the hardest part of the whole install - removing interior body panels to run the straps. Great stuff. Thanks

[WA2JSG]

Nice video, thanks for posting.

[USmilitaryfan]

thank you for your service and video! :)

[KJ4FEQ]

I just finished mounting my radio's in the back of my truck and watching your video reminded me i need to run some ground straps. Nice installation.

[RadioN4LS]

The Kenwood HF radio is mounted over the floor vent which is under the seat. The air still flows from the vent and I've never had a problem since installing the radio in 2006.

[royalbrainwave]

If you tie one more ground strap from your rig to the top of your seat cushion you'll cut a lot of noise, but you would have to drive without pants on to make a good connection to the top-of-seat cushion ground strap.

[groovywim]

That's a very interesting video. It's good to know how other people do their wiring and other technical Ham radio stuff in their car.

I hope to be at the end of next year in Australia, and there I want to install a Ham radio setup in my SUV.

73,s from Belgium.

[RadioN4LS]

I've had several question regarding my installation. First, the cost. The current Ham Radio outlet prices are: Kenwood 480SAT $929, Kenwood TM-D710A $549, and a K400 antenna mount $73. You can pick up ham stick antennas from around $19 to $30 from a variety of places. Of course, add another $100 or so for ground straps and coax. To be safe, just budget $1800 to $2000.

Second, I've never had any problems with a lip or trunk mount antenna damaging/warping my vehicles.

[mamatalu]

Thanks for the video Helped alot. I am just a tech for now, and have a TH-F6A. I got a Diamond HT Antenna for it. It improved the talk, but not the best. I am thinking of going mobile. Lookin into various mounts. I first liked the lip mount concept, but I hear it can warp the trunk sheet metal. What's your experience with it?

[RadioN4LS]

@mamatalu

I have not had any problems with my lip mount and warping. I've had this mount on both my Toyota FJ Cruiser and a Honda Accord. The lip of a vehicle is usually a very strong and reinforced area.

[mamatalu]

@RadioN4LS Please see my comment above. I still haven't set up the mobile station. Could you make a video explaining the ground? Would I need one with a handheld in the car? Also, some pointers about lightening safety would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Mikes1000Toys]

How much would this system cost me to get , are the kenwoods available ? I wood like to get a system set up .

message me back

[mamatalu]

@Mikes1000Toys Check Kenwood site, or just Google it..check gigaparts..



[RadioN4LS]

@Mikes1000Toys

You can probably install a mobile system like mine for about $1500. I purchase my equipment from both Ham Radio Outlet and AES.

[Mikes1000Toys]

@RadioN4LS ,

Thank you for getting back to me .Thats good to know .Your right!!. Ham Radios is alot fun. I've been wanting to get in to it for a long time now ?. E-mail back when you can.

Thank you for your help,

Mike

[abcsolutions]

Great /m equipment! Hope to hear you soon! DL4OCE

[maurilucca]

Fantastic radiocar.

[RadioN4LS]

I was driving to the airport the other day in traffic and rain at 5am in the dark and with my 40m hamstick, worked Taiwan on CW. While sitting at a traffic light this week, worked Tokelau Island on 15m CW with a hamstick. And today, worked Crete and Central Africa Republic on 15m Phone with a hamstick. It's great to see some sunspots again! 73, N4LS

[bobbybouche123]

You're my hero...this rig is awesome!! I drive a Jeep Wrangler JK and looking to mobile ham. I have a feeling this hobby is addicting.  Nice video and 73!!

[RadioN4LS]

Thanks for the signal report. Yes, this was the rig and antenna. The pileup was huge and then a nice gentleman (you? if so, thanks!) told 4O3A that there was a mobile station calling from AZ. So, I got lucky and made the contact. I needed that contact to finish up 5BDXCC. I was very excited and it sounded like he was too. Then this afternoon, I worked a JA station who was mobile, as well. So, it was a good day of DX on 15m. Reminds me of the good ole DX days of the 70s. Thanks and 73.

[dllewiszz]

I'm guessing this is the rig and antenna I heard you talking from this morning on 15 meters. Good signal into my dipole in Tennessee.

[VO1GXG]

Fantastic OM! wish i could get a hf rig that has a removable head unfortunatly they are outta my price range. In my old car i used an IC-730 but the new car is smaller! so it does not work to well.

73

[2M0JAS]

Nice installation, thanks for sharing.