Jeeps & Radios

[mbrun]

Just testing out Tapatalk with the same pics in my original post.....

 

And I didn't specify in my original post I'm using above the taillight mounts for both antennas.

 

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Success!

 

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

[wqxq281]

I think 5 years from now, when GMRS has supplanted AM based CB radio, we'll look back at Midland and Jeep(Jamboree) as a catalyst for the change. It's marketing genius. Jeep enthusiasts come from varied backgrounds, and they'll end up using GMRS outside of Jeep related activities.

[Sbsyncro]

I just ordered a KG-1000G and wondering where to put it in the Jeep (JKUR). I have an amp/sub under the passenger seat, a Tuffy lockbox under the driver’s seat, and an Appollointech light switch controller above the rear view mirror so none of the traditional options will work. I also have a Sunrider top so mounting it on an overhead panel isn’t an option either....

 

For antenna I’m debating whether to go fender mount or on the rear most Rhino rack crossbar (which I assume would be superior) using a folding mount of some sort (or an antenna with folding base).

 

 

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[kfblackz28]

Just testing out Tapatalk with the same pics in my original post.....

 

And I didn't specify in my original post I'm using above the taillight mounts for both antennas.

 

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

what brand and where did you get the tail light mounts? TJ or JK?

[enidpd804]

Excuse the mess. We are under construction.

 

 

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[SkylinesSuck]

what brand and where did you get the tail light mounts? TJ or JK?

I have a TJ and both sides are Teraflex mounts. They make them for both sides.

 

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[Sbsyncro]

Here's a question with those with more radio experience than I.  For  typical (GMRS only) Jeep usage scenarios (10 vehicle freeway convoys, trail runs through mixed open desert or in and out of arroyos, and traversing mountain trails in the Sierras) would you rather have:

 

1.  1/4, 1/2, or 5/8 wave antenna (no ground plane)

 

2. Fender mount or center roof rack mount

 

 

If I go center roof rack mount, I will use either a fold-over antenna base or a tilt-down mount like the Comet RS-660U.  If I go fold-over I haven't figured out which antenna yet (or even if there is a good option).

 

The radio will be a Wouxun KG-1000G.  I don't park in a garage, so height restrictions are a non-issue.   For traveling through heavy brush, I will probably get a 1/4 wave or "stubby" antenna to swap to while on that particular section of trail.

[axorlov]

If no ground plane, the answer is simple: 1/2 wave. 5/8 will work with reduced efficiency, 1/4 will also work but your SWR will be high.

[kfblackz28]

I have a TJ and both sides are Teraflex mounts. They make them for both sides.

 

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Thanks for the info. I need to relocate my firestik.

[Sbsyncro]

If no ground plane, the answer is simple: 1/2 wave. 5/8 will work with reduced efficiency, 1/4 will also work but your SWR will be high.

Any idea if the Midland  6db antenna is a 1/2 wave?  It seems like the right size to be...

[axorlov]

Any idea if the Midland  6db antenna is a 1/2 wave?  It seems like the right size to be...

I don't have one. Judging by photos (post 29), it has two radiating elements with a phasing/loading coil between them. Upper element is probably 1/2 wave. But hard to tell.

[SkylinesSuck]

Midland says it's a 5/8 according to the website. Anybody know of a good 1/2 wave antenna?

[axorlov]

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=191_192_196_215

But I don't have personal experience with any of them.

[gdeemer]

MXT400 (will upgrade to MXT500 when released). Mounted with a JCR Off-road overhead Molle panel in my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.

 

6db antenna mounted at the bolt forward of the radio antenna.

 

I also have a Kenwood D710GA with the antenna mounted on the opposite side (but likely moving to rear tailgate when I upgrade the Midland).

[Extreme]

Whew. Done deal. Works as advertised. Programmed for area repeaters and simplex 'wheelin' channels + ham repeaters scan.- 3 zones. Clears the seat slide & I don't ford rivers so should be good. Kenwood TK-8180 with remote kit.

 

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[Extreme]

1/4-20 nutserts/rivnuts, 1" bolts to attach bracket to bracket.

 

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[SkylinesSuck]

Enjoyed probably a few to many adult beverages last night and decided to knock this out in the wee hours. Paying for it this morning, and things aren't exactly how I wanted (crooked) but the KG1000 is in. I'm glad I didn't just cut a hole and and mount the CAT5 port for the mic without checking first. That cord would have been ripping leg hairs out non stop come shorts weather. Pretty happy with the location I decided upon. Might replace my tired CB and put the mic in that location as well.

 

Now I just need to tidy up the cables a bit.

 

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[RIPPER238]

I just installed a MXT275 with the standard antenna and the Midland 6db nmo antenna for when i off road on my 4Runner. I had to use some of my Sons old erector-set parts to mount the mic and the smaller antenna. lol

 

 

 

I just cant fit in the garage with the 6db antenna since i have it on the mag mount dead center of the roof. So i use the small one that came with the unit for my daily driving. 

 

 

 

[SkylinesSuck]

More of a general tech question, but should I be grounding the radio power at the battery or is a chassis ground sufficient?

[SteveC7010]

More of a general tech question, but should I be grounding the radio power at the battery or is a chassis ground sufficient?

Chassis! Modern vehicles have sensors linked to the PCM or BCM on the battery ground side. Use a factory grounding point on the body/chassis. There should be one or more near the battery. They’re easy to spot.

[kfblackz28]

Just completed a GMRS test between my Jeep and the significant other. We both have Midland MXT400 w/ 6db antenna mounted on her JK and my TJ.

Over 40 miles from Northern Colorado into Wyoming just south of Cheyenne.

My standing elevation was at 5K' and hers traveling maxed at 6.1K' with some moderate terrain signal shadowing along the way. Clear voice typically and 3 to 5 on RX.

[brasda91]

Hey Skyline, does the NASA sticker represent anything particular, or just a sticker?

[SkylinesSuck]

Hey Skyline, does the NASA sticker represent anything particular, or just a sticker?

My grandfather worked for NASA.

[brasda91]

That's awesome!

[SkylinesSuck]

He worked at several places in the states and around the world, but most of the time he was at Plum Brook research facility west of Cleveland. If you have ever seen the movie Armageddon, the scene where they are in a giant vacuum chamber and the female astronaut asks Bear what would happen if she kicked him in the balls, that's the world's largest vacuum chamber and it's located at Plum Brook. My kids have a tent on their bed made from cloth used in some sort of rocket humidity test that was inside that chamber.