HAM/FRS/GMRS/CB Radio Install

[ianmcall]

Anyone out there installing a Radio?

Have a Baofeng UV-50X2 that I'd like to install in my GX. Debating where to mount the unit, mic, and antenna. Hard wire or just use the available 12v port?

KC3ARJ

 

[dhargus]

Anyone out there installing a Radio?

Have a Baofeng UV-50X2 that I'd like to install in my GX. Debating where to mount the unit, mic, and antenna. Hard wire or just use the available 12v port?

KC3ARJ

I would be tempted to get a 2 piece unit like a Kenwood TM-D710As and mount the base under the drivers seat and mount the head unit on the console. Hardwire the base. Mag mount the antenna or use a Diamond clip mount to the rear hatch. Use a quality 2m/440 antenna like the Diamond or similar. But my GX is still on order so that is only a suggestion!

Dave K6DMH

 

[ianmcall]

Temp setup using a Lido cupholder mount and magnet antenna.

Will do a permanent antenna mount once someone develops a solution or I invest the time in making one. I like the idea of using the rear most front passenger fender bolt and a bracket like Gamiviti.

 

[cilles]

What about the warning in the manuals that you should not install any kind of 2 way radio as it may interfere with the cars operation? They sound pretty serious about it but I can't believe that you cant' do such a thing.

 

[panda]

I would be tempted to get a 2 piece unit like a Kenwood TM-D710As and mount the base under the drivers seat and mount the head unit on the console. Hardwire the base. Mag mount the antenna or use a Diamond clip mount to the rear hatch. Use a quality 2m/440 antenna like the Diamond or similar. But my GX is still on order so that is only a suggestion!

Dave K6DMH

Looking at doing somethin similar with a remote head, unfortunately mounting location seems to be a bit tight with either under the drivers seat or rear compartment in the boot. Have you had much luck installing underneath the driver's seat?

 

[JustinB]

Looking at doing somethin similar with a remote head, unfortunately mounting location seems to be a bit tight with either under the drivers seat or rear compartment in the boot. Have you had much luck installing underneath the driver's seat?

I’m going to try this with my ID-5100. It worked great on my FJ62. The tricky thing is where to mount the antenna. I have a Diamond lip mount which worked great clipped to the upper hatch on the 62. I’m a little hesitant to clip it to the GX.

 

[panda]

I’m going to try this with my ID-5100. It worked great on my FJ62. The tricky thing is where to mount the antenna. I have a Diamond lip mount which worked great clipped to the upper hatch on the 62. I’m a little hesitant to clip it to the GX.

Let us know how you go!

Had a look last week but it looks a bit too tight with the seat cable harness and some sort of plastic vent under the seat?

 

[JustinB]

Let us know how you go!

Had a look last week but it looks a bit too tight with the seat cable harness and some sort of plastic vent under the seat?

Thanks, Panda. I hadn’t done any real world test under the seat yet. Suffice to say Lexus probably doesn’t prioritize radio placement in their vehicles. I’ll reply when I have a closer look.

 

[JustinB]

What about the warning in the manuals that you should not install any kind of 2 way radio as it may interfere with the cars operation? They sound pretty serious about it but I can't believe that you cant' do such a thing.

Is that really in the manual?

 

[cilles]

Is that really in the manual?

Yep. Maybe too much electronics in the car. And they are likely being paranoid. I’ve used handheld gmrs inside cab with no issues.