Ham Radio installation on 2025 Overtrail

[Wayne]

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.

 

[JustinB]

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!

 

[Wayne]

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.