I installed an Icom IC2730B radio. It is a reasonably small radio with a very easy to read display. It looks funny in the photo because it was scanning when I took the photo. The radio can also be modified to work outside the amateur bands which I need to work on business band radio systems I work on. I I used a hood mount for the antenna to allow me to drive into my garage. I just attached the radio to the dash with velcro and also used a piece to attach the mike to the radio. I needed to use some flat black aluminum foil (Cinefoil) to reduce reflections from the heatsink and power connector. I might also repaint the top of the radio with flat black paint to reduce the reflections from the slightly shiny radio. I used the AUX connector under the dash to get a 15A circuit controlled by the AUX 3 switch. I didn't find a mating connector online, so I just used a couple of 0.25" female disconnects to connect to the two large tabs in the connector.
Ham Radio installation on 2025 Overtrail
- Thread starter Wayne
- Start date
This is helpful. I’Ve been wondering how I’ll mount mine. I’m really picky about the aesthetics of it. I had my iCom 5100 mounted really nicely in my FJ 62 but pulled it out when I sold the truck. I’ve been too scared to use that mount that you have on your hood. I have one of those as well, but didn’t want to risk bending or denting the aluminum hood. I’ve seen some nice ditch light mounts. Thought maybe I could get one of those and use it for an antenna.
With a nee car the hardest thing is probably running wires. Good to know that your set up works and you can just run it through the door gap like that. Does any water get in when it rains?
What plug did you use for power? Where is that located?
Also need to see if there’s a seat bracket mount that will work well for the GX.
Thank you for sharing!
With a nee car the hardest thing is probably running wires. Good to know that your set up works and you can just run it through the door gap like that. Does any water get in when it rains?
What plug did you use for power? Where is that located?
Also need to see if there’s a seat bracket mount that will work well for the GX.
Thank you for sharing!
- Thread starter
- #3
I live in Southern California, so I have not experienced rain since I installed it, but the mount has a very thin wire, only 0.097" diameter so the redundant door seals should work well with it.
I have removed and reinstalled the antenna and did not see any damage to the hood when I removed it, but I am not that fussy about looks.
The power is from the Aux connector under the dash on the drivers side, as described in my original post. The 0.25" female disconnect lugs seem to be working fine. There might be an available connector from E-bay which is sold for Toyota trucks, but I have not tried one.
I covered the wires from the radio with black cloth tape that is frequently used to cover automotive wire harnesses. I did find some super flat black paint that I used on the top of the radio and the heat sink and connector so I don't need the black foil any more. The paint is called Mosou and it typically used for telescopes. It is not at all tough, but very low reflection. I will see how it holds up. Now the only reflection from the radio I see on the windshield is from the microphone, so I may need to move the microphone if it bothers me.
I have removed and reinstalled the antenna and did not see any damage to the hood when I removed it, but I am not that fussy about looks.
The power is from the Aux connector under the dash on the drivers side, as described in my original post. The 0.25" female disconnect lugs seem to be working fine. There might be an available connector from E-bay which is sold for Toyota trucks, but I have not tried one.
I covered the wires from the radio with black cloth tape that is frequently used to cover automotive wire harnesses. I did find some super flat black paint that I used on the top of the radio and the heat sink and connector so I don't need the black foil any more. The paint is called Mosou and it typically used for telescopes. It is not at all tough, but very low reflection. I will see how it holds up. Now the only reflection from the radio I see on the windshield is from the microphone, so I may need to move the microphone if it bothers me.
Has anyone tried the Antenna Brackets — Gamiviti hood bracket/mounts and run the cable thru the factory grommets? We have the handheld Quangshen UV-K6 and programmed in the GMRS bands (we have both HAM and GMRS licenses). The goal is to use a passenger side hood mount for the antenna and run off the cigarette lighter.
I was wondering the same thing. I was also looking at using a ditch light bracket that mounts in the area directly in front of the a pillar. Seems like a nice stable mounting point, but I don’t know if it will interfere with the signal and whether the bracket would work for an antenna without modification.
mainlineoverland.com
Rago Fabrication A-Pillar Light Mount for 2024+ Toyota Land Cruiser 25
Overview: Easily identify dangerous off-road obstacles with Rago’s Land Cruiser A-Pillar Light Mounts. You can angle the brackets forward to light the path ahead or towards the side to function as ditch lights. Their low-profile design positions the lights out of the cabin sightline for an...
mainlineoverland.com
Yes, I have one on my Land Cruiser and will likely go the same route with the GX.
Using a "Comet Mobile VHF/UHF Vertical Antennas SS-680SB" on the passenger fender. Seems to work well and is low clearance friendly. I'm a "drill a hole in the center of the roof" MNO fan, but this is working surprising well for me.
JIm
real hams will drill through anything! wondering if anyone tried these bracket from Rago-
Added a ram mount to the console. Used high strength double sided tape to test location, then glue and short screws into plastic. Slide still works for cig plug. Strong as plastic trim its mounts to, so far good enough.
Pretty basic wiring but may not be for the faint of heart. I need to get some better pictures. This is combined with a few other mods. Specifically a DIY power station in the second row seat area. The 100AH aux battery and freezer/fridge come out easily and the second row seats can be replaced with everything else (including the radio main unit) in place. The Vitron charges the aux battery or acts as power supply for loads, including radio. Works great with or without battery, very happy with both modes.
Pulled coaxial antenna through firewall and under door well trim. Pretty easy as those things go. Made it more challenging pulling two 6awg welding cables for power supply (obviously could have been much smaller for just the radio.) Pulled Ethernet cable from main radio to remote head location. Same door well, kick panel and behind glove box. Mic plugs into head unit. Magnets on mic and behind glove box trim make slick alternative to old fashion mic clip.
Pretty basic wiring but may not be for the faint of heart. I need to get some better pictures. This is combined with a few other mods. Specifically a DIY power station in the second row seat area. The 100AH aux battery and freezer/fridge come out easily and the second row seats can be replaced with everything else (including the radio main unit) in place. The Vitron charges the aux battery or acts as power supply for loads, including radio. Works great with or without battery, very happy with both modes.
Pulled coaxial antenna through firewall and under door well trim. Pretty easy as those things go. Made it more challenging pulling two 6awg welding cables for power supply (obviously could have been much smaller for just the radio.) Pulled Ethernet cable from main radio to remote head location. Same door well, kick panel and behind glove box. Mic plugs into head unit. Magnets on mic and behind glove box trim make slick alternative to old fashion mic clip.
Hi , with the Ditch light mount not being part of the hood ... is the ground plane useable? is that an SBB5?
@BoostedGX the NYTOP parts are all stainless steel and bolted into the same metal chassis the aluminum hood bolts into. It's definitely a compromised location being below the metal roof and at the side. But that's ham radio isn't ii? I'm currently using a taller multi-band antenna that seems to work best. I think because it goes higher than the roof.
📷 Lexus GX 550 Random Images
📷 Lexus GX 550 Random Images
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