Transceiver Install Complete

[Lej512]

I finished my transceiver install on my 2023 Black Diamond Sasquatch today. HUGE shout out to Rugged Radio. The design and quality of their radio and NMO antenna mount is excellent. Drilling a 3/4" hole in a new vehicle is not for the faint of heart. I've done it but only when I couldn't find an acceptable alternative. I used a Bulletproof Diesel third brake light mount on my 2018 Raptor. A little pricey but it did the job, looked great and worked great.

On the Bronco, I used the radio and NMO antenna mount. Very straightforward installation and there are some great YouTube videos to make the install even easier. Anyway, it's done and I'm very pleased.

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[MtnTopComms]

Yes those mounts make it super convenient to install! I have a couple of them planned for my multi-radio install when mine arrives.

 

[Johnny Rebel]

Really like that Rugged mount. Just ordered one for mine.

 

[BroncoDave24]

Looks like a neat install and a really well made mount. Not the best location for a good omni radiation pattern, but there are no holes drilled in the roof either! What type of transceiver did you put in? How did you mount it? And finally, how did you run the feedline to the NMO mount? I'm guessing you used a double shielded cable to help keep the RF from hashing out any of the computers? Thanks in Advance AC4JF

 

[Lej512]

Looks like a neat install and a really well made mount. Not the best location for a good omni radiation pattern, but there are no holes drilled in the roof either! What type of transceiver did you put in? How did you mount it? And finally, how did you run the feedline to the NMO mount? I'm guessing you used a double shielded cable to help keep the RF from hashing out any of the computers? Thanks in Advance AC4JF

You are correct. Center of the roof would have been best but it's a fiberglass roof and the roof is removable. I'm happy with this set up. Offsets the stubby AM/FM antenna on the other side.

The transceiver is a Kenwood TK-7180H with a remote head kit. I use it 99.9% of the time as a scanner. I got interested in HAM radio after I retired but quickly lost interest. There is a "HAM Bank", the mic is in the glove box and the VHF repeaters I use I can see from my house. So, should I ever have the need to call out, I still can.

There is a large factory grommet through the firewall right below the hood hinge and could not have been easier to route the power and antenna cable. Antenna is double shielded. So far, no issues.

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