Ham Radio Install - Antenna Placement

[a_mac]

I've done some quick research, and haven't seen a definite answer yet.

I am slowly installing my ham radio (Kenwood TM-V71) in my 2019 FiST. The hangup being the routing of the antenna line.

I will not be drilling a hole im the roof or using a through-glass mount antenna, or mag mount. I have a Diamond K400 series lip mount that I intend to mount on the lip of the hatch. The trick is safely routing the RF line back into the car.

Does anyone have any experience with this or suggestions on getting the cable back into the cab of the car?

 

[XR650R]

If you're using a separate antenna, you'll just have to look at how to route it. Run it from the radio, through the A pillar, and see where you can go.

I don't know, but I suspect you can route it over the doors, and run it out through one of the two holes at the hatch.

 

[a_mac]

It's definitely a separate amtenna. AM/FM/XM antennas are not compatible with amateur radio bands.

Shouldn't need to use A-pillars, as the radio body will likely be sitting under the driver or passenger seat. The faceplate, known as control head, is already remotely mounted on a bracket in the front passenger area and angled into the center console area (I can provide pics later).

Knowing there are holes in the hatch, this may help immensely! Any pics of these holes so I can continue planning? I'll be sure to take another hard look tomorrow as I continue the project.

 

[XR650R]

It's definitely a separate amtenna. AM/FM/XM antennas are not compatible with amateur radio bands.

Shouldn't need to use A-pillars, as the radio body will likely be sitting under the driver or passenger seat. The faceplate, known as control head, is already remotely mounted on a bracket in the front passenger area and angled into the center console area (I can provide pics later).

Knowing there are holes in the hatch, this may help immensely! Any pics of these holes so I can continue planning? I'll be sure to take another hard look tomorrow as I continue the project.

Just open the hatch. There are 2 holes running wires and hoses to the hatch from the roof.

I'd pull up the rubber and see what runs where.

 

[maestromaestro]

Ham radio in a FiST. Just no. Just say no. It IS wrong. Even if you were a convoy of FiSTs.

 

[XR650R]

Ham radio in a FiST. Just no. Just say no. It IS wrong. Even if you were a convoy of FiSTs.

Some people just like their ham radios. No reason you couldn't put one in a FiST.

 

[TyphoonFiST]

I want to see pics of this when done....

 

[XR650R]

I want to see pics of this when done....

Me, too.

 

[maestromaestro]

Some people just like their ham radios. No reason you couldn't put one in a FiST.

Some people wear polka dot shirts with striped pants. And press their jeans, if I staying with this analogy. Just because one likes to do certain things, it doesn't mean that we, as a society, should condone such behaviors. So, just like Nancy said: "Just say no"!

 

[MRX330]

Ham radio 📻 is an important tool and more people should learn how to use it. When the shit hits the fan, you’ll be glad to know a ham operator.

 

[maestromaestro]

Ham radio 📻 is an important tool and more people should learn how to use it. When the shit hits the fan, you’ll be glad to know a ham operator.

When the 12 foot man lizards from Bilderburg come for your guns? Or the horde liberates them aliens from Area 51? Or zombies? My money is on the Morse code and smoke signals.

 

[MRX330]

When the 12 foot man lizards from Bilderburg come for your guns? Or the horde liberates them aliens from Area 51? Or zombies?

There is hope for you yet kid

 

[maestromaestro]

There is hope for you yet kid

Uff-da.,. You might as well start following me, don't ya know?

 

[MRX330]

Uff-da.,. You might as well start following me, don't ya know?

You know a lot of big words so I’ll think about following YOU

 

[maestromaestro]

You know a lot of big words so I’ll think about following YOU

Youbetcha,

 

[MRX330]

Youbetcha,

That is a nonword

 

[TyphoonFiST]

The Kyle's are hoping to storm Area 51 and free the aliens....its already been planned!

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

 

[MRX330]

The Kyle's are hoping to storm Area 51 and free the aliens....its already been planned!

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

I can’t wait to take a spin in a UFO 🛸

 

[maestromaestro]

That is a nonword

It is onomatopoeia specific to Minnesooohtah.

 

[Clint Beastwood]

I've done some quick research, and haven't seen a definite answer yet.

I am slowly installing my ham radio (Kenwood TM-V71) in my 2019 FiST. The hangup being the routing of the antenna line.

I will not be drilling a hole im the roof or using a through-glass mount antenna, or mag mount. I have a Diamond K400 series lip mount that I intend to mount on the lip of the hatch. The trick is safely routing the RF line back into the car.

Does anyone have any experience with this or suggestions on getting the cable back into the cab of the car?

What's the HAM use-case here? Just hobbyist, or with a specific purpose (if you don't mind my asking)?

For people knocking it - it's a hobby just like looking at boobs on instagram, different strokes for different folks. (and lots of strokes for those boobie lookers)