I can’t imagine I am the only one looking to mount some radios in my new rig but can’t for the life of me figure out some good locations. Would love to have a thread to see who has done this or any thoughts.

 

Hi Adam, Did you go through an install? I didn't receive my Defender yet but I am planning on installing a 2 unit in it. I am looking into a Yeasu FTM-300DR and FT-891. I did some research and looks like remote head install is the way to go. I found these things that might be of interest.

HD Dash Clamp System it is a 1 inch Ram standard mount. So you can use any Ram mount arms.
Then Lido Radio has different mounts for ham radios and an AMPS adapter plate. So again easy mounting on any Ram arm.

Will probably also mount some tablet to run APRS.

As for antennas, did you figure it out? I will have to see the car for some ideas of where to mount that.

 

Why go with the 300DR vs the 400XDR?

 

I try to keep things small and neat. The 300 is smaller, cheaper and does everything the 400 can do minus the touchscreen. Especially if I mount everything with a Tablet and the 891, it's going to be busy on that dash.

On another note, will probably hide a little raspberry pi with 2 rtl-sdr, GPS and WIFI dongle. The Defender will become a full on mobile station with all kind of possibilities. looking forward to these projects.

 

I just ordered the 300DR for mine. Did anyone else get one installed?

 

congrats on your new acquisition. Share some pictures once mounted. Where do you plan on mounting the antenna?

 

My initial thought is a lip mount on the hood, similar to the Midland installs that I have seen on FB groups. I like the mount option because I can keep a low profile NMO mount antenna on for most days and swap for an extended antenna when needed without much effort.

 

It has been a journey. I actually went with antennas mounted on the expedition package side storage unit. I also mounted antennas on the roof rack. As for radios, I have Motorola MTX handheld for GMRS and a Cobra unit for CB. Also, Icom Headless for UHF/VHF. Running the antenna lines is still rudimentary as I am running them through the rear door. Still need a better path for that.

I also bought a rear cargo rack which ended up a nice place to mount radios underneath.

More to do for sure!

 

@Adam Pellegrini - Please post pics!