I cant provide a pic at this time. The GearKeeper's velcro is strapped over the rear view mirror and hangs down about 6-8" in front of the good time radio within easy reach and if is swings it doesnt effect the driver. If you tried that set up closer to the driver I expect it would be an issue. I like the GearKeeper retractable feature because if I need to let go of the mic quickly I can without having to look for a connector.

 

Ok sounds good the gear keeper is exactly what I'm looking for. Then I'll work on hanging! Hope maybe to run to the truck stop today to look for antenna and cable so I'll look for one of those too!

 

So how has your experience been with the Midland? Is it all installed? Have you tried it on the trails (Rausch ?). Looking for a radio for the same reasons you stated.

akk

 

I got my mounting bracket made today so hopefully Monday I will hook it all up! I went with a mount for the back of the third brake light so I will let you know how that goes.
Only thing I need yet is a damn SWR meter...

 

So here is what I am looking to accomplish Monday. Finally found a picture of one like I have made. This guy posted on a different forum, only thing I didn't plan on was painting it cause of grounding it. But I do like the look of it black...

 

My setup is an ORB-FAB Jerry Can/Spare tire rack and I mounted to the paint antenna mount on the rack. I used Firestik FireRing with a truck stop (Loves) generic antenna mount with a FireStik spring (to prevent breaking antenna when it hits top of my garage) to a 4' Firestik II antenna. I didn't experience any grounding issues and verified with a multi-meter. The initial setup was within acceptable tolerances but using a SWR meter from Radio Shack I tuned the antenna with a couple of full turns to lengthen. I think a 3' Firestik II might be the ideal antenna for me so I wouldn't have to take it off going into the garage. Good luck.

 

I realize that CB is what is mostly talked about but have to pitch HAM simply because of the advantages. First of all, the equipment is far more robust and has greater output potential than most of the CB market. While I do have a couple CB radios including some handhelds my HAM radio is my primary 2 way when ever possible. I fabricated a 5 port antenna mount that bolts on using the engine panel bolts so I have plenty of room for all sorts of mounted antennas. While magnet mounted antennas are great for highway I find them unreliable for offroad (perhaps I take the road less traveled and therefore more bumpy). While I can install or remove my HAM radio within 15 minutes it's solid and doesn't move during use. Granted you could just as easily mount a CB radio, the benefit is actually from the increased output privileges you have on HAM that make it better. I hope this isn't too far off base and proves at least helpful for some one. Get off road and have fun!

 

It sounds like great info and I'm sure some will find it useful. I think those guys looking at handhelds or at least in my case I needed/wanted a basic CB which is required to do most group runs but other than that have no use for it. I honestly rather spend the $100 buck on other stuff but when a CB is required to do organized rides ya pony up and put one in.

 

Trouty - Did you get set up ?

 

This is what I did with mine. As long as you paint it with the antenna in situ you'll be fine with the ground.

Third Brake Light Bracket