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Another FTM-400 Ham Radio Install - Pic heavy

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Bilymac

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Did you avoid the OEM-T connector because of the different gauge? It looks like you cut off and replaced the radio factory power connector with powerpole connectors.
 
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Bilymac

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Did you avoid the OEM-T connector because of the different gauge? It looks like you cut off and replaced the radio factory power connector with powerpole connectors.
Thats exactly what I did. I wanted to use a larger gauge wire to the battery, and I also wanted to be able to move the radio from the Jeep to the House/Shack, and the PowerPoles allow that with ease.
 

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Absolutely awesome thread Bilymac. Thanks for taking the time and sharing.
I have plans to put a similar HAM in my JL in the near future and this will help a ton.
 
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Bilymac

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Absolutely awesome thread Bilymac. Thanks for taking the time and sharing.
I have plans to put a similar HAM in my JL in the near future and this will help a ton.
You're welcome, I hope it gave you some ideas.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

Bill
 

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Thanks for the write-up. It's nice to see so many different ways to do this.

Question: is the air outlet directly pointed at the unit only a fresh air vent? If no and it has the potential to blow heat, I don't think I would feel comfortable installing the unit down there.
 
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Bilymac

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Thanks for the write-up. It's nice to see so many different ways to do this.

Question: is the air outlet directly pointed at the unit only a fresh air vent? If no and it has the potential to blow heat, I don't think I would feel comfortable installing the unit down there.
I assume that’s a regular AC/heater vent, and considered that during install. I would much rather be cool than hot, so if I run my heat, it’s usually not for very long, but it is something I need to be aware of. I’m not opposed to another mounting location, and will move it once I find one I really like.
 

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Nice install! Can you tell me where you got the adapter that connects the controller to the 67 designs arm? that looks clean.
another 67 designs option to check out can be found here: https://www.67d.com/products/series-55-track-ball. It uses a 5mm screw that fits perfectly into the back of the FTM-400 controller. Here are a couple pictures showing the mount and final installation.

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The BT55 has a small shoulder that is intended to nest in the track groove, similar to the track ball that comes with the JL rail, but it provides plenty of flat surface for a solid connection.
 

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Bilymac and MandKM, you both rock! Great info here which helped a ton as I’m in process of installing my 400. Just ordered the BT55 and I think that *may* be the final component I needed to figure out. Thanks for posting such a detailed install!!
 

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Bilymac

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Bilymac and MandKM, you both rock! Great info here which helped a ton as I’m in process of installing my 400. Just ordered the BT55 and I think that *may* be the final component I needed to figure out. Thanks for posting such a detailed install!!
Pointnshoot, you are welcome Sir. As an update, I’m not happy with the antenna placement. It will contact the rear window wiper if the wiper is turned on. I’ve ordered the new mount from @CoolTech, and I have another mount to try, that was made by another member here.

Bill
 

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I am trying an NMO mount from Rugged Radios which locates the antenna at the a-pillar. Still have occasional need for a cb and since I already had one going to mount it with the Cooltech CB Antenna mount in the back. If I was only doing HAM I would use the Cooltech NMO Mount for sure.
 

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I went with Maximus-3 cube light mounts. They mount just behind the front fender. I like how they turned out, plus I have a place to mount some cube lights in the future if I decide to go that route. Win win.

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7CF1226C-6A81-45EE-AD5A-63DD70153BF6.jpeg
 

Pointnshoot

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I went with Maximus-3 cube light mounts. They mount just behind the front fender. I like how they turned out, plus I have a place to mount some cube lights in the future if I decide to go that route. Win win.

2E9B50B9-7540-4C56-A7A3-F43321268573.jpeg
7CF1226C-6A81-45EE-AD5A-63DD70153BF6.jpeg
Those look like a great option. I have some ditch lights I could mount there too. They look rock solid. Did you have to drill the hole for the NMO mount at all?
 

MandKM

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Those look like a great option. I have some ditch lights I could mount there too. They look rock solid. Did you have to drill the hole for the NMO mount at all?
I’ve been quite happy with them. It did not require drilling.
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