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

[sdtwist]

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

Thank you for this great idea on how to mount your ic-2730a head unit. Would you be willing to show additional angles on how your head unit is connected to the basket? I’m having a hard time ascertaining this from the posts photos. Thank you in advance!

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[HPNQ420]

Thank you for this great idea on how to mount your ic-2730a head unit. Would you be willing to show additional angles on how your head unit is connected to the basket? I’m having a hard time ascertaining this from the posts photos. Thank you in advance!

Alternate idea: ProClip USA center mount with a Lido bracket. Pictured is a Yaesu FTM-6000 but Lido makes them for Icom as well. As a bonus if I make an extension I have enough space for the head unit for an HF radio.

Microphone pictured above is for a GMRS radio that predated the Yaesu. If I did it over I would skip the GMRS and mars mod the Yaesu. (Yes, I know, technically against regulations but I have both licenses, so no one would know.) For the Yaesu I popped off the steering column cover and attached a magnetic mic holder. Instead of attaching the mic end with the adapter over the button, I countersunk the adapter and screwed it to the mic instead of the button.

 

[DaveInSA]

Just a note.
Using a Ham radio that's been modified to transmit on GMRS and actually transmitting on GMRS is illegal per FCC regulations and can lead to fines and penalties.

 

[sdtwist]

Alternate idea: ProClip USA center mount with a Lido bracket. Pictured is a Yaesu FTM-6000 but Lido makes them for Icom as well. As a bonus if I make an extension I have enough space for the head unit for an HF radio.

Microphone pictured above is for a GMRS radio that predated the Yaesu. If I did it over I would skip the GMRS and mars mod the Yaesu. (Yes, I know, technically against regulations but I have both licenses, so no one would know.) For the Yaesu I popped off the steering column cover and attached a magnetic mic holder. Instead of attaching the mic end with the adapter over the button, I countersunk the adapter and screwed it to the mic instead of the button.

This the current setup I’m trying to sort out, see attached photos below:

I don’t feel I have enough bite for the magnets on the head unit to stay in place on really rough roads

 

[HPNQ420]

This the current setup I’m trying to sort out, see attached photos below:
I don’t feel I have enough bite for the magnets on the head unit to stay in place on really rough roads

You should be able to adapt a mount from these guys. The swivel heads are quick to disconnect if you need to remove the control head because of an imminent rain storm or you are worried about theft:

https://www.lidoradio.com/

 

[Shrek27]

This the current setup I’m trying to sort out, see attached photos below:

I don’t feel I have enough bite for the magnets on the head unit to stay in place on really rough roads

Wouldn’t the plate mount to the basket and the magnets to the head unit? That way when it it stuck on the magnets seat into the plate in the recessed indents? Should prevent it from sliding and stay put

 

[sdtwist]

Wouldn’t the plate mount to the basket and the magnets to the head unit? That way when it it stuck on the magnets seat into the plate in the recessed indents? Should prevent it from sliding and stay put

I'm going to look at the face plate and basket again to double check, but I remember the basket wholes are space a little wider than the face plate mounting holes.

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