I was looking at the Yaesu FT-7900R radio which CAN be MARS moded to broadcast on the GMRS and FRS frequencies for emergency use.



It and it's predecessor the FT-7800R gets excellent reviews on eHAM. I plan to couple that with a Comit CA-2x4SR antenna. This antenna is make to be extremely rugged as well as able to broadcast on all EMS/GMRS/FRS bands as it's designed for S.A.R. work.



What is the expert opinion on here? Is this a good setup?

 

I have the same radio, not antenna. Solid and reliable. Take some time with the manual to get the hang of the Yaesu menu system.

 

I'm having good luck with my 7900R so far, can't help on the Comet..

 

Where are you guys mounting your displays? I've been thinking about the remote display mount and trying to mount it above the rear view mirror.

 

Do you know if the FT8800 and FT8900 can be MARS modded in the same way? Some of the additional features (being able to monitor two channels) might be a big plus in the sort of SAR/emergency situation that you're talking about.

Something like monitoring a VHF repeater or public safety channel on one half of the radio while keep comms open with a volunteer SAR team on the other half.



As far as mounting goes, all of these heads are remotable. I've seen installs that go on the plastic at the top edge of the windshield, but I'm not 100% sold on that.

One possibility that occured to my would be mounting it on the portion of the Daystar "top of the dash" panel that sticks up. There's very little clearance on the bottom of the panel, but the part that sticks up is hollow.

 

If it can be I've not seen a site on the net for how to do it and personally I'm not comfortable taking apart my own equipment to modify it. I've got butterfingers when it comes to a soldering iron and the last thing I need to do is brick a brand new radio.

That being said, the FT-8800R is a VERY nice radio indeed.

 

Lido cup holder mount from cheapham dot com..

 

Another consideration is the mount from Arizona Rocky Road.
I v seen a couple of Jeepers that have his with two radios on it and it seems to work fairly well.
Im thinking about going this way when I do the 8800 install on mine.
Personally, I feel the same way skippman does.
I would nt want to atempt making changes to a brand new rig.
Ill leave it to the pros.
Like was mentioned, The idea of a 8800 with the MARS mod would be a good idea if it can be done.

 

Anyone who has both a HAM AND a 1911 is ok in my book.

That Arizona rack is pretty interesting but I don't know if I like having that extra bar up there.

 

x2 on the cup holder mount for now. I really liked the daystar too, but would rather have the option of tossing the whole thing in the console. Out of sight, out of theiving hands.