VHF Radio Install

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VHF Radio Install

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VHF Radio Install - 3/25/2007 4:32:03 PM

SarGuy33

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From: Chino Hills, CA
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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

_____________________________

2007 H3, White with Adv Pkg, Nav, Sunroof, trailer pkg, on-board air, Ready-lift torsion keys, Kenwood VHF Radio, Bearcat scanner, RR Rails, Hilljob light bar w/ 4 PIAAs, TD Fuel Can mount, Bellvis custom roof rack

Post #: 1

RE: VHF Radio Install - 3/25/2007 6:41:12 PM

crank

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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....

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CRANKIT!

(in reply to SarGuy33)

Post #: 2

RE: VHF Radio Install - 3/25/2007 7:39:55 PM

H34 pleasure

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

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{ Tina }

2007 H3 Lux package ( Slate Blue Metallic )
2002 Honda Goldwing ( Burnt Orange )

BAD A$$ GIRLS..DRIVE BAD A$$ TOYS

(in reply to crank)

Post #: 3

RE: VHF Radio Install - 3/25/2007 7:44:04 PM

Wu Jen

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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.

_____________________________

'07 H3 Adventure Package, with optional Llama holder!
Shop Smart! Shot S-Mart!
I wish I had a Kryptonite cross, because then you could keep both Dracula AND Superman away.

(in reply to crank)

Post #: 4

RE: VHF Radio Install - 3/25/2007 8:22:17 PM

A CarMan

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From: Clifton, NJ
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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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Attachment (2)

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2006 H3, XM Radio, Monsoon Sound, Navigation, CB Radio

(in reply to SarGuy33)

Post #: 5

RE: VHF Radio Install - 3/26/2007 3:21:50 AM

Crash

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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...

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(in reply to A CarMan)

Post #: 6

RE: VHF Radio Install - 3/26/2007 7:33:05 PM

SarGuy33

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Joined: 3/25/2007
From: Chino Hills, CA
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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

(in reply to crank)

Post #: 7

RE: VHF Radio Install - 3/26/2007 7:37:44 PM

SarGuy33

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Joined: 3/25/2007
From: Chino Hills, CA
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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.

Thumbnail Image

Thumbnail Image

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

(in reply to A CarMan)

Post #: 8

RE: VHF Radio Install - 3/27/2007 10:35:16 AM

ZYNE

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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.

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(in reply to SarGuy33)

Post #: 9

RE: VHF Radio Install - 3/28/2007 9:49:42 PM

Wu Jen

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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.

_____________________________

'07 H3 Adventure Package, with optional Llama holder!
Shop Smart! Shot S-Mart!
I wish I had a Kryptonite cross, because then you could keep both Dracula AND Superman away.

(in reply to ZYNE)

Post #: 10

RE: VHF Radio Install - 3/30/2007 2:46:24 PM

SarGuy33

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Joined: 3/25/2007
From: Chino Hills, CA
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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

(in reply to Wu Jen)

Post #: 11

RE: VHF Radio Install - 3/30/2007 2:53:42 PM

SarGuy33

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From: Chino Hills, CA
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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

(in reply to Crash)

Post #: 12

RE: VHF Radio Install - 5/30/2007 11:17:16 AM

ultimatesecurity

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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.

_____________________________

Phil

07' Blk H3; Auto,Adv Pkg,Chrome Accents & Wheels, Tubular Steps,Rubber Mats,Homelink,Sunroof,trailer hitch,LED Emergency Lights,two way radio.

2005 TL Nighthawk Black Pearl, Auto, Navi, Leather, Wing Spoiler, Full Underbody Kit, Escort 850

(in reply to SarGuy33)

Post #: 13

RE: VHF Radio Install - 6/15/2007 3:58:01 PM

SarGuy33

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From: Chino Hills, CA
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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..

Thumbnail Image

Thumbnail Image

Attachment (4)

_____________________________

2007 H3, White with Adv Pkg, Nav, Sunroof, trailer pkg, on-board air, Ready-lift torsion keys, Kenwood VHF Radio, Bearcat scanner, RR Rails, Hilljob light bar w/ 4 PIAAs, TD Fuel Can mount, Bellvis custom roof rack

(in reply to ultimatesecurity)

Post #: 14

RE: VHF Radio Install - 6/15/2007 4:19:29 PM

littlehummerboy

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

(in reply to SarGuy33)

Post #: 15