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mootruck98

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I've been working on my mobile amateur radio install for a few weeks now. Its been slowly evolving as I've been collecting pieces and trying a few different things. I am pretty happy with what I have as of today. Here is what I've come up with.

50 watt Mobile Dual Band Radio install - FTM-400XDR.


Comet SS680SB NMO dual band antenna with lip mount on hood. (mount and cable "borrowed") from my Motorola GMRS kit. The antenna is halve wave on the 2meter band so less dependent on a ground plane. Also this antenna includes a spring so a bit more trail friendly.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_133156

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_133126


Power:
10 gauge cable with inline 40amp fuses connected directly to battery terminals on both positive and negative. Left a little slack in case I decide to add a breaker or relay to control off a switch or anything.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_133240

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_133318

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_133302



Power cable comes in through firewall grommet on driver side then runs behind infotainment system to the passenger side.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211023_141822

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211023_141815


Tucked behind glovebox and infotainment system I mounted a small fuse box that the incoming power cable is connected to.
I used Anderson power pole connectors to to connect the incoming power cable and a pigtail on the fuse box. This will allow for the fuse box to be somewhat easily removed if additional connections are needed to be added to it.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_113536


In addition there are 2 pig tails coming off 15amp fuses from the box for radio use. This FTM-400XDR install and a midland GMRS mobile coming soon.
Ram Ball mount (C size ball with M6 bolt end) fits in the bronco bolt holes from the removed center console grip. Aram arm that goes from C size to B size tucks the radio out of the way.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_113545


Before I put the glove box back on I ran the control cable that connects the base unit to the screen unit. It runs behind the glove box up the A pillar then across the dash to the center accessory mount point.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_114850

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_114902

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_114917


With the glove box back in place the radio could be installed and extra cables cleaned up a bit.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_120622


Not too bad once the floormat covers up the extras.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_120717


This install does block quick access to the glove box, but the ram arm can be easily loosened and rotated to allow access to the glove box.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_120911


It does eat up some leg room on the passenger side, but not horrible for a quick trip around town. Here is my big 6' 1" ~300lb self sitting in the passenger seat for reference. Seat not all the way back.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_121705


Here are some other shots, you will notice another ram ball is available for mounting a midland GMRS radio. This will probably be more of an occasional use radio for out on the trail and will most likely be with an ram arm holding the radio up. as opposed to tucked away as the controls are on the base unit of that radio.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_121231

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_121744

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics 20211113_121818



As for APRS, the pickup truck icon isn't accurate, and neither is the jeep icon obviously. So I went with horse "/e" icon.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome


This is my first real mobile radio install, just been using an HT with an external antenna up until now on my old truck. Let me know if I missed something or you have any suggestions. Hope this helps some people out planning their comm installs.

73 de KI5JCL
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mootruck98

mootruck98

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mootruck98

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For the record Mississippi State was down 28-3 at one point to Auburn. WHO DAT! #FTF
They were able to came back to win 43-34! Clanga Clanga! #HailState
 

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I've been working on my mobile amateur radio install for a few weeks now. Its been slowly evolving as I've been collecting pieces and trying a few different things. I am pretty happy with what I have as of today. Here is what I've come up with.

50 watt Mobile Dual Band Radio install - FTM-400XDR.


Comet SS680SB NMO dual band antenna with lip mount on hood. (mount and cable "borrowed") from my Motorola GMRS kit. The antenna is halve wave on the 2meter band so less dependent on a ground plane. Also this antenna includes a spring so a bit more trail friendly.
20211113_133156.jpg

20211113_133126.jpg


Power:
10 gauge cable with inline 40amp fuses connected directly to battery terminals on both positive and negative. Left a little slack in case I decide to add a breaker or relay to control off a switch or anything.
20211113_133240.jpg

20211113_133318.jpg

20211113_133302.jpg



Power cable comes in through firewall grommet on driver side then runs behind infotainment system to the passenger side.
20211023_141822.jpg

20211023_141815.jpg


Tucked behind glovebox and infotainment system I mounted a small fuse box that the incoming power cable is connected to.
I used Anderson power pole connectors to to connect the incoming power cable and a pigtail on the fuse box. This will allow for the fuse box to be somewhat easily removed if additional connections are needed to be added to it.
20211113_113536.jpg


In addition there are 2 pig tails coming off 15amp fuses from the box for radio use. This FTM-400XDR install and a midland GMRS mobile coming soon.
Ram Ball mount (C size ball with M6 bolt end) fits in the bronco bolt holes from the removed center console grip. Aram arm that goes from C size to B size tucks the radio out of the way.
20211113_113545.jpg


Before I put the glove box back on I ran the control cable that connects the base unit to the screen unit. It runs behind the glove box up the A pillar then across the dash to the center accessory mount point.
20211113_114850.jpg

20211113_114902.jpg

20211113_114917.jpg


With the glove box back in place the radio could be installed and extra cables cleaned up a bit.
20211113_120622.jpg


Not too bad once the floormat covers up the extras.
20211113_120717.jpg


This install does block quick access to the glove box, but the ram arm can be easily loosened and rotated to allow access to the glove box.
20211113_120911.jpg


It does eat up some leg room on the passenger side, but not horrible for a quick trip around town. Here is my big 6' 1" ~300lb self sitting in the passenger seat for reference. Seat not all the way back.
20211113_121705.jpg


Here are some other shots, you will notice another ram ball is available for mounting a midland GMRS radio. This will probably be more of an occasional use radio for out on the trail and will most likely be with an ram arm holding the radio up. as opposed to tucked away as the controls are on the base unit of that radio.
20211113_121231.jpg

20211113_121744.jpg

20211113_121818.jpg



As for APRS, the pickup truck icon isn't accurate, and neither is the jeep icon obviously. So I went with horse "/e" icon.
Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome.jpg


This is my first real mobile radio install, just been using an HT with an external antenna up until now on my old truck. Let me know if I missed something or you have any suggestions. Hope this helps some people out planning their comm installs.

73 de KI5JCL
Very cool! So many hobbies and avocations this vehicle inspires and supports!
 

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BroncoDude

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What mount system did you use for the dash top
 
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mootruck98

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What mount system did you use for the dash top
RAM Mounts Tough-Ball with 1/4"-20 x .25" Threaded Stud RAP-B-379U-252025 with B Size 1" Ball

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AHCUNG2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

RAM Mounts RAP-B-201U Composite Double Socket Arm with Medium Arm Compatible with RAM B Size 1" Ball Components

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074WMQLS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

HuddExpo Yaesu FTM-400 or FTM-300 1 Ball Mount for Ram Mount Systems
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X6KNQFW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
 

ChrisSd

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I've been working on my mobile amateur radio install for a few weeks now. Its been slowly evolving as I've been collecting pieces and trying a few different things. I am pretty happy with what I have as of today. Here is what I've come up with.

50 watt Mobile Dual Band Radio install - FTM-400XDR.


Comet SS680SB NMO dual band antenna with lip mount on hood. (mount and cable "borrowed") from my Motorola GMRS kit. The antenna is halve wave on the 2meter band so less dependent on a ground plane. Also this antenna includes a spring so a bit more trail friendly.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome


Power:
10 gauge cable with inline 40amp fuses connected directly to battery terminals on both positive and negative. Left a little slack in case I decide to add a breaker or relay to control off a switch or anything.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome



Power cable comes in through firewall grommet on driver side then runs behind infotainment system to the passenger side.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome


Tucked behind glovebox and infotainment system I mounted a small fuse box that the incoming power cable is connected to.
I used Anderson power pole connectors to to connect the incoming power cable and a pigtail on the fuse box. This will allow for the fuse box to be somewhat easily removed if additional connections are needed to be added to it.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome


In addition there are 2 pig tails coming off 15amp fuses from the box for radio use. This FTM-400XDR install and a midland GMRS mobile coming soon.
Ram Ball mount (C size ball with M6 bolt end) fits in the bronco bolt holes from the removed center console grip. Aram arm that goes from C size to B size tucks the radio out of the way.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome


Before I put the glove box back on I ran the control cable that connects the base unit to the screen unit. It runs behind the glove box up the A pillar then across the dash to the center accessory mount point.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome


With the glove box back in place the radio could be installed and extra cables cleaned up a bit.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome


Not too bad once the floormat covers up the extras.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome


This install does block quick access to the glove box, but the ram arm can be easily loosened and rotated to allow access to the glove box.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome


It does eat up some leg room on the passenger side, but not horrible for a quick trip around town. Here is my big 6' 1" ~300lb self sitting in the passenger seat for reference. Seat not all the way back.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome


Here are some other shots, you will notice another ram ball is available for mounting a midland GMRS radio. This will probably be more of an occasional use radio for out on the trail and will most likely be with an ram arm holding the radio up. as opposed to tucked away as the controls are on the base unit of that radio.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome

Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome



As for APRS, the pickup truck icon isn't accurate, and neither is the jeep icon obviously. So I went with horse "/e" icon.
Ford Bronco Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics Screenshot_20211113-131053_Chrome


This is my first real mobile radio install, just been using an HT with an external antenna up until now on my old truck. Let me know if I missed something or you have any suggestions. Hope this helps some people out planning their comm installs.

73 de KI5JCL
What adapter did you use for dashboard mounting on the dashboard
 

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Now that you have the lengths and routing figured out, protect your conductors with some split loom for a trouble free service life. Also, that's the first time I have seen both positive and negative circuits fuse protected, is that a radio specific requirement?
 

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Is there a reason to put a fuse on the negative side? Is this ham radio specific? Novice asking, thx!
edit: you beat me
 

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Radios typically have the negative grounded. Not likely anymore but if the negative battery terminal became disconnected, and presumably the radio was still connected to it, the entire electrical system could ground through the radio. Not as likely anymore because of how the battery connections are done now, but it's still typical practise.
 
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mootruck98

mootruck98

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What adapter did you use for dashboard mounting on the dashboard
RAM Mounts Tough-Ball with 1/4"-20 x .25" Threaded Stud RAP-B-379U-252025 with B Size 1" Ball

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AHCUNG2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

RAM Mounts RAP-B-201U Composite Double Socket Arm with Medium Arm Compatible with RAM B Size 1" Ball Components

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074WMQLS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

HuddExpo Yaesu FTM-400 or FTM-300 1 Ball Mount for Ram Mount Systems
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X6KNQFW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
20211114_103655.jpg
 

RotorOver

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Awesome! I did FTM-400XDR & Midland MTX-275 installs on my 2021 Raptor recently (documented here) and used the RAM components on the dual band, but installed in different locations. It's great to get ideas on threads like this, so thanks for sharing. Maybe one day I'll get my Bronco!
 
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mootruck98

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Now that you have the lengths and routing figured out, protect your conductors with some split loom for a trouble free service life. Also, that's the first time I have seen both positive and negative circuits fuse protected, is that a radio specific requirement?
Radios typically have the negative grounded. Not likely anymore but if the negative battery terminal became disconnected, and presumably the radio was still connected to it, the entire electrical system could ground through the radio. Not as likely anymore because of how the battery connections are done now, but it's still typical practise.
Basically this ^

The manual says to run directly to battery fused on both lines near battery. I modified a little to accommodate multiple radios in future via fuse box.
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