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Another FTM-400 Ham Radio Install - Pic heavy

Bilymac

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Started by puling the right-front fender. It really makes accessing the passenger-side grommet in the firewall a breeze. In addition to the power wires, I also ran another short section of wire, just in case I install something in the future.

I pre-purchased the little white fender clips, and I'm glad I did. 3 of the originals broke in the removal process. Even so, removal/re-installation is a snap.
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Power comes directly from the battery, via a Powerwerx harness, and Power Pole connectors. The Powerwerx harness has fuse holders on both the pos & neg wires. (The other harness is for an RVi Toad Battery Charger).
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I folded the windshield, and ran the Controller cable through the weatherstripping, to access above the dash, then into the kick panel area of the passenger-side footwell.
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I then ran the power wire and Controller wire along existing wire bundles, to terminate under the passenger front seat.
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I mounted a Diamond Antenna via a Diamond Mount to the spare tire carrier, running the coax through a grommet in the rear tailgate. The coax then followes existing wire bundles to the passenger front seat.
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I added a little braided sheathing here to protect the coax, then ran it into the existing protective sheathing of the tailgate wiring.
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I mounted the Transceiver to a thick rubber flooring material, using the stock Yaesu mount. The rubber is dense/heavy, and the texture keeps it from sliding on the carpet.
I usually run a little warm, even during the winter, so I always like a little cool air blowing. Since the Transceiver is adjacent to the vent, I hope air flow won't be an issue.
(The blue towels are just protecting the carpet from the front seat fame. I removed the 4 frame bolts, and tilted the seat back for better access).
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The Controller is mounted using an adapted 67 Designs mount.
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Everything is working okay so far. Haven't taken any SWR reading yet. I also have a mount that @Bobby Boucher made for me. I'll do a little testing with different antenna placements in the future.
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Bilymac

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Did you use 14 AWG - Trying to figure out my own and feel like 14 will be what works best.
I went overboard and used 10 AWG. The Powerwerx Fuse Holder I bought was 10, so I figured i'd use the same gauge all the way to the Transceiver.

Bill
 

PhoenixM3

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Very nicely done! Pictures with embedded text really help people who'd like to perform a similar installation......
 
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Bilymac

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I have read that 14AWG is a minimum.
 

StinGray Rubi

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What is the dash mount called that you are using for your phone? That's the nicest one that I have seen yet!
 
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Bilymac

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What is the dash mount called that you are using for your phone? That's the nicest one that I have seen yet!
The whole system is by 67Designs. Phone holder near the driver, GoPro mount in the middle, and Ham Radio control head on the passenger side.
 

tanner

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Clean install!
  • Where did you mount your mic? Any pics of this?
  • Did you mount an external speaker?
 
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Bilymac

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I have yet to decide on a permanent location for either my Mic or my external speaker. I bought the Mic extension, so it will go pretty much anywhere, once I can make up my mind. Right now it lives in the cup holder.

Bill
 

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apettit7

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Great write-up and pics! Do you have the link for the white fender clips?
 

jeepdriver99

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I have yet to decide on a permanent location for either my Mic or my external speaker. I bought the Mic extension, so it will go pretty much anywhere, once I can make up my mind. Right now it lives in the cup holder.

Bill
I used a Magnetic Mic to mount mine on the console. It gives me easy access without taking my eyes off the road or trail.

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mbinzayed

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Great work ...

Any ideas for mounting Radio's Control Panels, I am looking for a solution without any drilling ... and looks nice ...
 

Cali-JeepJL

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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.
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