UHF mounting locations

[Alex86]

Thought Id ask here to be a bit more Gen 2 specific, but instead of a din size (i like the blank spot currently for storage) I'm considering one of the little units hidden away with the controls on the microphone...

http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/141274758512?nav=SEARCH

that's the kind of thing i have in mind...

now my real question is where is a good spot to mount the box, and how should it be secured? Knock up my own brackets???
has anyone done this and have pics?

[ptflea]

Hey Alex

I installed one of that model just before easter, agree with you on the preference for a hidden install.

Surprisingly enough there's bugger all room behind the dash, it's mostly HVAC and a shed load of pipes!
I managed to find a space above the glove box that fit reasonably easily, just used the bracket that comes with it and cable-tied it to the main dash support bar that runs across the top.

This gave easy access to run the antenna cable in through the existing firewall grommet (passenger side, about half way down).

It was easy enough to take off power from the back of the dash ciggy lighter, and run the mic across to come out just down and left of the steering column.

I'll see if I can duck out tonight and take a couple photos if it's not clear.

[GHendo]

Hi Alex

I used to have a Gen 2 and can't really remember the difference to that with my Gen 3 as far as centre consoles are concerned, but seem to remember they are pretty similar. I just bought a Uniden UHF with the controls on the mic and fitted my radio under the centre console - I actually bolted it to the bottom of the plastic console. The console is pretty easy to get out in the Gen 3 and you can run all the wires and cables straight up past the gear stick. I brought a separate 12v. line through with the aerial from the front so the radio can stay on even if the ignition is off.

Cheers

Geoff

[TristanNL]

Hi Alex,

In my NL (now no longer mine) I had a gme remote head unit - TX3520 from memory. Had remote head mounted just below the blank spot and the main unit (which has the speaker) mounted on the side of the armrest console. Worked well - screen in a good spot to see and speaker close also.
Cheers
Tristan

[Downunder35m]

Get a unit with remote head or all funtions in the microphone.
Put the unit behind the covers for the rear lamps and the connecting cable for the head/micro goeas under the carpet.
Leaves only a small ethernet socket to place where you plug the mic in.
In case you don't want the antenna in the back of the car (roofrack for example) I suggest to dig deep under the steering wheel.
After removing the air vents you will see there is plenty of room to secure a unit with long cable ties.

[days95]

put my uhf head under radio and the other unit under drivers seat

[Bundyk]

Thought Id ask here to be a bit more Gen 2 specific, but instead of a din size (i like the blank spot currently for storage) I'm considering one of the little units hidden away with the controls on the microphone...

http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/141274758512?nav=SEARCH

that's the kind of thing i have in mind...

I would look at this one instead. The icom IMO is the superior unit. Cheaper too.

I use icom radios at work, great units. (granted, they are air band radios, but they are all built to the same standard)

[LordMayhem]

build a roof console and put it in there. also opens things up to have more storage

[Alex86]

Thanks all.

ptflea - I hadn't considered behind the glove box. A place for me to go investigating.

GHendo - centre console isn't too hard to open up. It's a place that I thought I could quite possibly get it into somewhere. I'll be pulling it up one day to have a gander.

TristanNL - thought of this same spot for the unit, but I like the idea of the remote unit being hidden away; still an option though.

Downunder35m - it'll be up front, not getting antennas up on the roofrack. don't like the idea of removing air vents, sounds like too much hard work!!!!

days95 - that's where I put one in the Shorty. Subsequently, I've realised how much I use this slot for other things and would prefer to keep it for storage. If I do fill it with a radio, I'm looking for a DIN size with speaker on the face of it.

Bundyk - have used Icom's before. Yes they seem to be very good radios. When I actually start looking to buy, they are on the list.

LordMayhem - had a roof console, didn't like it, sold it. There's probably better consoles available than what I had, but I havn't been sold on roof consoles yet. See above re airvents; making a console sounds like too much hard work, and my workmanship on it would look incredibly ugly!!!!

[Day VG]

Just one more potential solution to add to your list - I found a bit of space up under the dash on the inside of the plastic panel that is flush with the driver's door when it's closed. Screwed it in from the outside with a flathead screw using the supplied bracket. I've got the GME one with the speaker built in to the unit, so having it close to the driver's seat means I can hear it clearly.

Dave

[njpd875prv]

I fitted mine to the front of the centre console on passenger side looks tidy and easy to get to.

[MIJT]

I have got one similar to that and found there wasnt enough room behind the dash, so I fit it between the bottom of the heater unit and the gearbox well/arch, which is also away from anything that will interfer with the signal.
Oh and I found the inbuilt speaker to be crap and could hardly hear it, so fittied an external speaker.

[SWB95_2.8TD]

Did anyone thing of installing the UHF unit, up, in the place of the sun shade?
I think there is enough clearance...