My wife just ordered us the books and we'll be taking our HAM radio tests soon, so I got the go-ahead to plan a HAM radio install in our Jeep. This is a little un-expected. I'd always planned for a CB radio, but not a HAM radio. So, just like my CB install, I have to figure out where to put it. I'm using a Tuffy Overhead console for the CB, but I've no idea where to put the HAM radio, or it's antenna.

Here's my CB radio location...



js.

 

I like your CB mount.

Welcome to the world of HAM. I mounted my dual band Icom under the drivers seat and placed the remote head control on the center dash. I use a license plate mount for the antenna.







73,

de KI4RQV

 

DO they not make a multi-band radio to include ham frequencies as well as CB? I know I've seen 10 meter rigs with 11 meter (CB) as well. Not sure if you can monitor multiple frequencies simultaneously but it would be easier to mount one rig as opposed to multiple.

BTW: The overhead console looks great! How close is it in relation to your head? I mean on a rough trail would you hit your head on it?

 

You can get 2m / HF mobiles but if he is just starting a Technician class licensee can not transmit above 6 meters on HF. Transmitting form an non-typed radio in the US could cost you your license. Using 11 meters on a 10 meter rig would be considered out-of-band which is fround apound by the FCC.

 

If you're wearing your seat-belt, then no worries. :-D

js.

 

Well I'll be...

I never thought you could buy a 2 piece radio! :-)

Thanks for the suggestion!

js.

 

Here's where my CB is mounted.

 

What about replacing the CB with a Cobra 75, and then mounting the ham in the overhead console?

 

Yep, Icom and Kenwood radios have remote head units. I think Yeasu does too. I have seen people mount CBs under the glove box which means you can use the same place for a HAM rig.

 

Heres my thoughts. A basic 2 meter radio will cost you about $150.00 which is probably more than the CB. I would relocate the CB to the side of the center console and put the more expensive radio in the overhead. Trust me, you'll use the ham radio more than the CB. You'll want it easily accessable.

If you go with a 2 piece ham radio the price doubles but you get the advantage of removing the head unit from the vehicle.

For antenna mounts I used a Comet RS730 mount on the tailgate with a SBB25 5/8ths wave antenna and it works great. I hit a repeater about 40 miles away today on my ride home from work.