Sleeker Dual Band Radio Install (UHF/VHF) ICOM-2730A

[Dimitar]

In preparation for the upcoming @EXO Bronco expedition, I decided to install a dual band radio which can work on both GMRS and HAM frequencies. Most of the content out there is focused on GMRS only or compact radios so I figured I'd post this and maybe this will inspire somebody.

The neat thing about this radio is that the controller unit detaches which allowed me to mount the radio above the glove box and disperse the remaining components (controller, speaker, microphone + antenna).

Let me know if you have any questions.

Main Parts:
Radio: ICOM-2730A (50 Watts) + MARS Mod
Antenna: Comet SBB-5NMO 2M/70cm Dual Band
Antenna Cable: Midland NMO Antenna Cable
Antenna Mount: LOD Offroad Spare Tire Mount
Controller Mount: M2M Overhead Basket
Mic Extension: DONG 3 Meter Mic Extension
Speaker: 5W HAM Radio Speaker

Optional:
Center Console Mount: 1" Ball Mounting Plate
NOTE: I don't really love the center console mount. I didn't want to pay $100+ for Archetype Racing's mount so I grabbed some Amazon off brand one and made it work. You don't need it for this set up but I wanted to also have a ball for mounting an iPad in the future. Looks like there's some good options lately, maybe I'll 3D print one.

Total cost was about $650.

The main radio unit is mounted above the glove box. It doesn't interfere with the glove box and it doesn't block the air filter. I mounted it using some basic $3 corner brackets from Home Depot (M2M does make a bracket but it's $50 and I don't think it will actually do the job because the unit is so much bigger).

Pictures:
YT Short: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E1CqnVO0ucw

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[EOSeabee]

How did you run power to the unit in the roof? I also have that basket.

 

[Dimitar]

How did you run power to the unit in the roof? I also have that basket.

It’s a single data/power cable from the main unit. I ran it behind the trim in the A-Pillar.

 

[murphtron]

Nice setup. I didn’t realize dual band radios are available. That simplifies things. Baja is all HAM. Been many times. Enjoy that EXO trip. That’s a bucket list thing for me.

for the antenna cable I assume you had to remove the interior panels and run that through the tailgate. Is that accurate? I just did that for a compressor.

just gotta figure out where to locate the controller. I have a j-top so can’t use the M2M basket.

just curious why you don’t have a dash rail to mount things to.

 

[Arokcrwlr]

Looks good! Good use of the Squatch basket...

I mounted my Kenwood TM-V17A to a Lobo overhead mount system. The transceiver and external speaker is mounted at the rear, and the front panel is mounted to the SwitchPros mounting plate. I have it wired to Aux1 using the factory wiring in the roof/kick panel. I'm using a Larsen NMO2/70B dual band antenna on a MTM pod light mount.

 

[CalvinT]

Looks good! Good use of the Squatch basket...

I mounted my Kenwood TM-V17A to a Lobo overhead mount system. The transceiver and external speaker is mounted at the rear, and the front panel is mounted to the SwitchPros mounting plate. I have it wired to Aux1 using the factory wiring in the roof/kick panel. I'm using a Larsen NMO2/70B dual band antenna on a MTM pod light mount.

Mounting a radio is one reason I"m thinking about getting the Lobo system. How do you like it?

 

[projectbadlands]

Looks good! Good use of the Squatch basket...

I mounted my Kenwood TM-V17A to a Lobo overhead mount system. The transceiver and external speaker is mounted at the rear, and the front panel is mounted to the SwitchPros mounting plate. I have it wired to Aux1 using the factory wiring in the roof/kick panel. I'm using a Larsen NMO2/70B dual band antenna on a MTM pod light mount.

I use a TM-v17A on my Colorado ZR2 and love how easy it is to use. On my Bronco I did decide to switch it up a bit and went with a Yaesu FTM - 400XDR

 

[Arokcrwlr]

Mounting a radio is one reason I"m thinking about getting the Lobo system. How do you like it?

Love it - very clean solution for mounting whatever...

 

[Arokcrwlr]

I use a TM-v17A on my Colorado ZR2 and love how easy it is to use. On my Bronco I did decide to switch it up a bit and went with a Yaesu FTM - 400XDR

I almost bought a FTM-400XDR, but couldn't justify another mobile rig at the time. How do you like it? The Kenwood is a great radio.

 

[Dimitar]

Nice setup. I didn’t realize dual band radios are available. That simplifies things. Baja is all HAM. Been many times. Enjoy that EXO trip. That’s a bucket list thing for me.

for the antenna cable I assume you had to remove the interior panels and run that through the tailgate. Is that accurate? I just did that for a compressor.

just gotta figure out where to locate the controller. I have a j-top so can’t use the M2M basket.

just curious why you don’t have a dash rail to mount things to.

I wanted to keep the dash clean. Can definitely be done with a rail and some attachments.

 

[CalvinT]

Looks good! Good use of the Squatch basket...

I mounted my Kenwood TM-V17A to a Lobo overhead mount system. The transceiver and external speaker is mounted at the rear, and the front panel is mounted to the SwitchPros mounting plate. I have it wired to Aux1 using the factory wiring in the roof/kick panel. I'm using a Larsen NMO2/70B dual band antenna on a MTM pod light mount.

Which finish did you order for your Lobo rack?

 

[Arokcrwlr]

Which finish did you order for your Lobo rack?

I actually got the raw aluminum and got it powder coated locally.

 

[CalvinT]

Any

I actually got the raw aluminum and got it powder coated locally.

Any reason why? Their prices for finishing seem very reasonable.

 

[Arokcrwlr]

Any
Any reason why? Their prices for finishing seem very reasonable.

Yeah, I wanted to try it out unfinished, but the wifesaurus didn't like it.

 

[Shrek27]

In preparation for the upcoming @EXO Bronco expedition, I decided to install a dual band radio which can work on both GMRS and HAM frequencies. Most of the content out there is focused on GMRS only or compact radios so I figured I'd post this and maybe this will inspire somebody.

The neat thing about this radio is that the controller unit detaches which allowed me to mount the radio above the glove box and disperse the remaining components (controller, speaker, microphone + antenna).

Let me know if you have any questions.

Main Parts:
Radio: ICOM-2730A (50 Watts) + MARS Mod
Antenna: Comet SBB-5NMO 2M/70cm Dual Band
Antenna Cable: Midland NMO Antenna Cable
Antenna Mount: LOD Offroad Spare Tire Mount
Controller Mount: M2M Overhead Basket
Mic Extension: DONG 3 Meter Mic Extension
Speaker: 5W HAM Radio Speaker

Optional:
Center Console Mount: 1" Ball Mounting Plate
NOTE: I don't really love the center console mount. I didn't want to pay $100+ for Archetype Racing's mount so I grabbed some Amazon off brand one and made it work. You don't need it for this set up but I wanted to also have a ball for mounting an iPad in the future. Looks like there's some good options lately, maybe I'll 3D print one.

Total cost was about $650.

The main radio unit is mounted above the glove box. It doesn't interfere with the glove box and it doesn't block the air filter. I mounted it using some basic $3 corner brackets from Home Depot (M2M does make a bracket but it's $50 and I don't think it will actually do the job because the unit is so much bigger).

Pictures:
YT Short: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E1CqnVO0ucw

This is a great setup! Not a radio guy so was curious...

Was the MARS mod needed for the radio to work for this trip? Or are you just a radio guy? I googled the mod and still don't understand if needed to run HAM and GMRS.

Also is the speaker needed because you put the unit inside the dash? Would you need it if mounted in open cab?

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