VHF Radio Install

Hey folks..just got my new H3..very cool...quite an upgrade from my 92 Cherokee!
 
I need to install a small Kenwood VHF radio and a slightly larger Bearcat scanner somewhere. Has anyone done/seen a clean install of two-way radios in an H3?
 
Thanks for any advice you may have

Sorry... Not much help...
But I am a guy that last year traded in my 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the H3. Best thing I've ever done!
Also took out my 2mtr/440mhz Kenwood and RS Scanner out of the Jeep and need to place it in my H3. There doesn't look like too many places to put them. I did go to Larsen "through glass" type antennas for both units. Easy to install and they work and look great.
Good Luck with the radios and H3. I'll be watching to see what people say.
By the way.... When you have them installed, take pictures and add them to your post!
TNX....

Sorry don't know nothing about that..but someone on here just might be able to help you out..good luck.

Hope you have a license! (Actaully, nobody ever checks but.... ) Most important thing is your antenna mount and getting them tuned just right. Beaware that any stuff you add on later....roof rack, bushguard...etc can all change the tuning. You can readjust them later. I personally like Sailor VHF equipment, not much of a cobra or uniden guy. And I've never even seen a Midland on a vessel before.

This might help. I used a flex mount for my Cobra CB. Mounted on the base of the seat. Works good and is not in the way.


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I've seen a couple of folks that have mounted them on the dash..  They kinda seem in the way as far as looking out the window IMHO..  There's also a RAM laptop mount for the H3 that works very good for mounting a radio on..  It's not as "in your line of view" as putting it on the dash, but it still looks very in the way of either you or a passenger..
 
Depending on how think the radio and scanner are you might be able to make a thin storage bin above the front window and mount electronics in there..  It'll get into your visability some I'd imagine though..   If you don't have a sunroof an overhead center console would work pretty well...

quote:

ORIGINAL: crank

Sorry... Not much help...
But I am a guy that last year traded in my 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the H3. Best thing I've ever done!
Also took out my 2mtr/440mhz Kenwood and RS Scanner out of the Jeep and need to place it in my H3. There doesn't look like too many places to put them. I did go to Larsen "through glass" type antennas for both units. Easy to install and they work and look great.
Good Luck with the radios and H3. I'll be watching to see what people say.
By the way.... When you have them installed, take pictures and add them to your post!
TNX....

 
Thx Crank...I do use the Larsen thru glass antennas for both the VHF and the scanner..they say they are the least efficient type of antenna but they work well enough for me.
 
Is it possible to remove a glass-mount antenna and then reuse it?  I seem to remember someone selling a "re-mount" kit. That would beat having to buy 2 new antennas

quote:

ORIGINAL: A CarMan

This might help. I used a flex mount for my Cobra CB. Mounted on the base of the seat. Works good and is not in the way.


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Excellent idea using the flex mount for the mic.  I have the same CB and need to install that radio too.  The under the seat solution is great for the Cobra, which has the display and controls in the mic head. Unfortunately, the VHF and scanner have their controls in the head unit. The heads have to be visable and accessible.
Thanks for mic idea

I know JDrew has his mounted on the passanger side of the center console.  Doesn't look like it takes up any significant amount of room from the front passager so that may be an option for you as well. 

Best place for a VHF install would be on the dash. Question though, why not just get an icom or some other portable unit? I regularly get from 4-5 miles with mine.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Wu Jen

Best place for a VHF install would be on the dash. Question though, why not just get an icom or some other portable unit? I regularly get from 4-5 miles with mine.

 
WJ
 
Already have the Kenwood mobile unit and don't want to buy an HT (cuz now I have a Hummer payment!)  Also need every bit of the 25 watts the Kenwood puts out. Most HT's are only 4 or 5 watts.
 
Thanks for your input...still considering some options and I'll post pictures when I figure this thing out
 
SaRGuy33

quote:

ORIGINAL: Crash

I've seen a couple of folks that have mounted them on the dash..  They kinda seem in the way as far as looking out the window IMHO..  There's also a RAM laptop mount for the H3 that works very good for mounting a radio on..  It's not as "in your line of view" as putting it on the dash, but it still looks very in the way of either you or a passenger..

Depending on how think the radio and scanner are you might be able to make a thin storage bin above the front window and mount electronics in there..  It'll get into your visability some I'd imagine though..   If you don't have a sunroof an overhead center console would work pretty well...

 
Thanks for tip on RAM. I think I'll try to piece together some of their components to create a less obtrusive system. That laptop mount looks to be too much in your face for my taste.  This could take a while, but I'll post some pics when done.
 
SaRGuy33

Any updates on the radio install?  I am planning to install a Yaesu 7800 in my H3, but having a hard time finding a good spot.  Since the radio head comes off with a kit, I may have more options.  Maybe if there is any space I wll mount/place the base of the radio under the seat and the head somewhere??? 
 
I am also installing some LED dash/deck lights on my H3 as I am a local volunteer for homeland security and ARES.  I will post some pics soon. 

Hey everyone...sorry it took so long to update this thread...
 
After looking at the choices for mounting 2 radios (and there aren't many), I settled on using RAM Mounts for both.  The VHF two-way is mounted to the passenger seat frame via some articulating brackets and an up-tube.  The scanner is suction cup mounted as low as possible to the windshield. It appears that it is mounted to the dash but it's not. It just rests gently on top of the dash.  Here's a couple of photos to help describe what I came up with..


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Looks pretty good to me.  Not many places in an H3 to stuff 2 radios like that!