FlameRedJK

I want to install a ham radio in my jeep. I think I found the model I'm going to tinker with, but what else do I need to complete the install on my jeep? Is it best to wire directly to the better like with CB?




(Yes, I know I can find it cheaper. This was just the best picture I could find)

ShawnInPaso

Hey, nice radio - hard to beat a TM281.

Well of course you'll need coax (e.g. RG58) and some decent gauge DC wire (e.g. 12 AWG). Yes, it's best to connect directly to the battery. And while there may be an inline fuse close to the radio, you will want to add a fuse close to the battery connection.

No doubt you've looked through this thread about antennas. I'd always vote for a 1/2 wave antenna since it is not as reliant on an RF ground as other antennas (so your signal reception and transmissions will be better).

MrKenmore

Great radio. Search my name. I gave some good tips for antenna and radio placement. If you have an automatic, use the unused clutch hole in the firewall for your antenna coax. That's if your hood mounting of course. I use the Diamond 258NMO monoband antenna. My only complaint with the radio is it doesn't go down to 5 watts on low power. Just has high and low with low at 25 watts. I would love another power level!

MrKenmore

For power, use the hole accessible behind the side of the dash panel when the door is open. Use the passenger side and you come right out at the battery. Need to free up the foam insulation they used but its easy. I ran 10 gauge which powers my TM281A and my 10 meter radio. Overkill as I will never key down both but I had it in the house. 12 is more than adequate.

FlameRedJK

I was planning to run working through the firewall. That's how I powered my CB. Somewhere, a few years back, I did a decent install with pics through the firewall on here.

CB is easy, but ham seems like it has a lot going on.
I was planning on a hood mount. What is everyone using?

MiazTank

Diamond K400

MB_Pathfinder

I have both my CB and ham antennas on the tail gate with a dual mount from Arizona Rocky Road (www.arizonarockyroad.com). I didn't like the unicorn look with having an antenna on the front bumper and I didn't want my antenna(s) to get snagged by a bush on a narrow trail. I mainly just use a short 18" antenna for my ham (it'll fit in my parking garage at work) but it'll reach a repeater 50 miles away.

jnr0104

I have a 2014 Rubicon 4 dr, for antenna ( we talk over 90% 2m simplex down here where I live) I use Arizona Rocky Road mounts above the rear tire, and a diamond super gainer with NMO mount for the antenna, works very good on 2m simplex mounted above spare.I use this antenna mainly when traveling. For around here I use a Diamond NR 22L 2m 98"tall whip, mounted on an L bracket driver side tail gate, with that antenna we have talked 22miles simplex vehicle to vehicle,Really good,but TALL. For a radio I use either a Yeasu FT 2900 75 watt 2m or an Alinco DR-B185 2m 85 watt.

One more thing, Don't use any of the mounts that have the tiny coax, you would be surprised at the loss you get from those things .
Merry Christmas !!!

KF5WTB

spadgett3015

What type of antenna do you have?

vonhef

Here is my set-up. Both my CB & Ham antennas are mounted on front bumper (orange jeep). Both are wired directly to battery, and have little RFI noise induced........................................... .................................................. .................................................. ...................................