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

Purpose: how I installed my radios in my Toyota FJ Cruiser. I hope this helps you install your radios...I am not a technical expert, just an ham operator since 1978. Mobile ham radio is a lot of fun and essential for emergency ops and for some, the only way to conduct ham radio due to antenna restrictions. I have used all types of antennas including several expensive brands of screwdriver antennas. I settled on the $30 hamsticks since they perform just as well on 10-20m, they are easy to install and tune, and if you hit a tree, they are cheap to replace. I've had the best luck by parking next to salt water...awesome ground plane. I have lots of ground straps throughout the vehicle to mitigate engine noise. However, you can't completely eliminate it. Power line noise from electrical lines along highways are sometimes 59+. The best way to get around that is to go out into the middle of nowhere to conduct your ops. I enjoy 4-wheel driving to a remote area in the mountains for great views and ham radio performance. The noise is 0 there and the performance is outstanding. I also like the 480 since it is easy to use and has a built-in auto tuner that works well to refine your hamsticks. Have fun and 73, Ned N4LS

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• N4LS
• mobile ham radio
• mobile ham radio installation
• mobile ham radio setup
• Kenwood TS-480
• Kenwood TM-D710A
• APRS
• Diamond K400
• Ned Linch
• ham radio
• amateur radio
• mobile amateur radio
• hamstick antennas FJ Cruiser
• Toyota FJ Cruiser
• FJ cruiser ham radio station

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.