Super Clean GMRS Radio Install!

[crzyhawk]

Just finished reading this thread while waiting on my MXT275 kit to show up.
Couple questions - what aux switches is everyone using?
I've got 1 & 2 available currently, without having to rewire something.
Planning on installing this & a pair of Diode SS5 pod lights - thinking switch 2 for the radio?

And how long is the cat5e extension cable that comes with the radio from Midland?
I'm hoping to mount my radio in the spot under the steering wheel as I've seen in the thread, but I want to run my mic from the area above the aux switches & have it be on a magnet to my overhead molle panel - I found that worked really well for the extra mic I added onto my handheld radios previously.

I didn't put mine on a switch. I wanted clean power all the way into the radio. They don't give you an extension; just the mic cable that's about 3 ft or so off the top of my head. I had to get my own extensions.

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[crzyhawk]

Thanks to everyone here for the advice & tips.
I installed my MXT275 last evening, opting to mount under the steering column & use a fuse tap to fuse 35 for accessory power.
For those that were debating - mine is turning on with the vehicle.
For now I just ran my mic over to the passenger side of my center console, but I plan on moving it to my overhead molle panel when I install a light bar next week & have all the trim removed for that wiring.

I'm not 100% sold on the antenna location I chose - I used my ditch light brackets drop mount to install beside the drivers side A-Pillar with the ghost antenna.

Anyone else utilize this location & have any feedback on antenna issues?

I have mine on the passengers side on a ditch light bracket. I was originally going to put it on the driver's side as you did but the SWR was better on the passenger side for some reason, by a significant amount.

 

[jtgensler]

I didn't put mine on a switch. I wanted clean power all the way into the radio. They don't give you an extension; just the mic cable that's about 3 ft or so off the top of my head. I had to get my own extensions.

Must just be how you order it.
I got the "kit" that came with the ghost antenna & the extension for the mic cable.

I have mine on the passengers side on a ditch light bracket. I was originally going to put it on the driver's side as you did but the SWR was better on the passenger side for some reason, by a significant amount.

Hmm. I'm gonna try mine out & then I might end up switching to the pass. side.

 

[crzyhawk]

Ah, I had to get the ghost antenna also. Mine came with the small 1/4 wave antenna.

EDIT: This is how I currently have mine set up. The groundplane could be much better, but reception's ok. I haven't had the opportunity to test transmitting in an "operational" environment.

 

[Oldhippie]

Nearly finished with my install (just mic mount and external speaker to finish)….mounted mxt275 under console on a mount I made to move it back a little…made a mount for antenna to get it above ditch light…wired to fuse 35 switched power and battery power if I want it on all the time with a on/off/on switch…also added a light showing power on….mounted cat45 “pass through“ for the mic cable…only took this old guy 3 days…

 

[Tye]

I was going to do this method but in the 25+ models with rear AC vents, the new ducts take up almost all the empty space in the center console.

Do you have a picture showing how much space you lose in the center console?

 

[Stillwater35]

So kinda. I highlighted the center hvac chute (you can see 3) and then where the tube is when it’s there. It’s removed here because I was doing a different project. (Sound deadening)

 

[Tye]

Thanks I'm curious in the console storage itself how much less room is in there versus vehicles that don't have beer AC

 

[autouniontech]

Thanks I'm curious in the console storage itself how much less room is in there versus vehicles that don't have beer AC

The radio is installed in a dead space under the center console, so you don't lose any functionality to the given front storage, or inside the armrest....If I'm reading your question correctly.

 

[Tye]

The radio is installed in a dead space under the center console, so you don't lose any functionality to the given front storage, or inside the armrest....If I'm reading your question correctly.

sorry no i meant that in general does the center console storage have more space inside of it for non rear ac vehicles vs those that do have it

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