HAM/FRS/GMRS/CB Radio Install

[ianmcall]

Anyone out there installing a Radio?

Have a Baofeng UV-50X2 that I'd like to install in my GX. Debating where to mount the unit, mic, and antenna. Hard wire or just use the available 12v port?

KC3ARJ

 

[dhargus]

Anyone out there installing a Radio?

Have a Baofeng UV-50X2 that I'd like to install in my GX. Debating where to mount the unit, mic, and antenna. Hard wire or just use the available 12v port?

KC3ARJ

I would be tempted to get a 2 piece unit like a Kenwood TM-D710As and mount the base under the drivers seat and mount the head unit on the console. Hardwire the base. Mag mount the antenna or use a Diamond clip mount to the rear hatch. Use a quality 2m/440 antenna like the Diamond or similar. But my GX is still on order so that is only a suggestion!

Dave K6DMH

 

[ianmcall]

Temp setup using a Lido cupholder mount and magnet antenna.

Will do a permanent antenna mount once someone develops a solution or I invest the time in making one. I like the idea of using the rear most front passenger fender bolt and a bracket like Gamiviti.

 

[cilles]

What about the warning in the manuals that you should not install any kind of 2 way radio as it may interfere with the cars operation? They sound pretty serious about it but I can't believe that you cant' do such a thing.

 

[panda]

I would be tempted to get a 2 piece unit like a Kenwood TM-D710As and mount the base under the drivers seat and mount the head unit on the console. Hardwire the base. Mag mount the antenna or use a Diamond clip mount to the rear hatch. Use a quality 2m/440 antenna like the Diamond or similar. But my GX is still on order so that is only a suggestion!

Dave K6DMH

Looking at doing somethin similar with a remote head, unfortunately mounting location seems to be a bit tight with either under the drivers seat or rear compartment in the boot. Have you had much luck installing underneath the driver's seat?

 

[JustinB]

Looking at doing somethin similar with a remote head, unfortunately mounting location seems to be a bit tight with either under the drivers seat or rear compartment in the boot. Have you had much luck installing underneath the driver's seat?

I’m going to try this with my ID-5100. It worked great on my FJ62. The tricky thing is where to mount the antenna. I have a Diamond lip mount which worked great clipped to the upper hatch on the 62. I’m a little hesitant to clip it to the GX.

 

[panda]

I’m going to try this with my ID-5100. It worked great on my FJ62. The tricky thing is where to mount the antenna. I have a Diamond lip mount which worked great clipped to the upper hatch on the 62. I’m a little hesitant to clip it to the GX.

Let us know how you go!

Had a look last week but it looks a bit too tight with the seat cable harness and some sort of plastic vent under the seat?

 

[JustinB]

Let us know how you go!

Had a look last week but it looks a bit too tight with the seat cable harness and some sort of plastic vent under the seat?

Thanks, Panda. I hadn’t done any real world test under the seat yet. Suffice to say Lexus probably doesn’t prioritize radio placement in their vehicles. I’ll reply when I have a closer look.

 

[JustinB]

What about the warning in the manuals that you should not install any kind of 2 way radio as it may interfere with the cars operation? They sound pretty serious about it but I can't believe that you cant' do such a thing.

Is that really in the manual?

 

[cilles]

Is that really in the manual?

Yep. Maybe too much electronics in the car. And they are likely being paranoid. I’ve used handheld gmrs inside cab with no issues.

 

[JustinB]

I would be tempted to get a 2 piece unit like a Kenwood TM-D710As and mount the base under the drivers seat and mount the head unit on the console. Hardwire the base. Mag mount the antenna or use a Diamond clip mount to the rear hatch. Use a quality 2m/440 antenna like the Diamond or similar. But my GX is still on order so that is only a suggestion!

Dave K6DMH

I had my icom set up like this in my old FJ 62, but there is very little room under the seats of the GX. I’m still not sure where I will mount the base unit for my radio in the GX

 

[Kennedyusmc]

I’m gonna start with the Cobra 75 all road.

Amazon.com

Really smart design. No need to run a wire through the cabin, just mount the transceiver under hood and ext ed the antenna. The handheld controller just power off usb-c and speaks to the transceiver over another band.
The YouTube reviews show it’s very powerful, if you power the handheld up to yards away it still works, like a gmrs handheld.

Just gotta get an antenna/mount sorted.

 

[dhargus]

I had my icom set up like this in my old FJ 62, but there is very little room under the seats of the GX. I’m still not sure where I will mount the base unit for my radio in the GX

You could always mount it in one of those semi-empty panels in the back. I would want to modify the panel cover to get ventilation with vents or a fan (maybe 3d Print one). Easy short run up to the rear hatch for Diamond hatch mount and antenna. Using the two piece unit, find a place up front for the head and run CAT5/6 cable from the base unit to the head unit. I did this in an old 2004 4Runner. Worked fine.

 

[JustinB]

You could always mount it in one of those semi-empty panels in the back. I would want to modify the panel cover to get ventilation with vents or a fan (maybe 3d Print one). Easy short run up to the rear hatch for Diamond hatch mount and antenna. Using the two piece unit, find a place up front for the head and run CAT5/6 cable from the base unit to the head unit. I did this in an old 2004 4Runner. Worked fine.

Oh I like this plan. That with a small speaker up front would be great. n the Icom 5100, the speaker is in the base unit.