HAM radio install.

[spiritwalker]

Installed a kenwood tm-v71a into the 2018 LTZ. I'm really happy with how it turned out.

 

Mounted the remote head in the card holder area. Did some trimming of the rubber insert to set in the head. Used the kenwood remote mount kit to stick the bracket to the console under the rubber card holder. Wires run under the console to under the passenger seat.

 

The radio is under the passenger seat. Power is supplied by direct connection to the battery.

 

I routed the mic cable through a hole I drilled in the access panel at the bottom of the console. The mic will be stowed in the console until I want to use it. Then I can pull it out and route the cable through the notch and close the console on it.

 

I also installed a remote speaker at the front of the passenger seat.

 

The antenna is mounted on a bracket I made that fits in the stake pocket. Wire runs in through the vent and makes it's way under the to the radio under the passenger seat.

 

Cheers!

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

 

[rocnrol]

Very nice

Sent from my BBD100-2 using Tapatalk

[Patrick S Kelley Jr.]

How did you connect to the battery? 

[CRApex]

Looks like a  great install.  Since I have no clue about HAM radios, what is the purpose? Or is it related to your work? 

[spiritwalker]

Looks like a  great install.  Since I have no clue about HAM radios, what is the purpose? Or is it related to your work? 

Just a form of communication. Works great when in remote areas that dont have cell service.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[spiritwalker]

How did you connect to the battery? 

Direct connect to the terminal.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[CRApex]

13 minutes ago, spiritwalker said:

Just a form of communication. Works great when in remote areas that dont have cell service.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 

Got it..That's cool

[joedekock]

On 3/29/2018 at 12:24 AM, spiritwalker said:

 

Installed a kenwood tm-v71a into the 2018 LTZ. I'm really happy with how it turned out.

 

Mounted the remote head in the card holder area. Did some trimming of the rubber insert to set in the head. Used the kenwood remote mount kit to stick the bracket to the console under the rubber card holder. Wires run under the console to under the passenger seat.

 

The radio is under the passenger seat. Power is supplied by direct connection to the battery.

 

I routed the mic cable through a hole I drilled in the access panel at the bottom of the console. The mic will be stowed in the console until I want to use it. Then I can pull it out and route the cable through the notch and close the console on it.

 

I also installed a remote speaker at the front of the passenger seat.

 

The antenna is mounted on a bracket I made that fits in the stake pocket. Wire runs in through the vent and makes it's way under the to the radio under the passenger seat.

 

Cheers!

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

 

 

Beautiful install!  Im looking for ideas to install my 2m/44 in my 2019 Silverado. 

[MojoTexas]

On 6/12/2019 at 12:09 PM, spiritwalker said:

Direct connect to the terminal.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 

I found this post, because I'm getting ready to install the same radio (Kenwood TM-V71A) into my 2016 GMC Sierra. 

 

Did you connect both positive AND negative directly to the battery? If so, have you had any issues?

 

According to an article by Alan Applegate (K0BG) in the May 2015 issue of QST, as well as his website, he recommends NOT connecting the negative lead directly to the battery, because of the ELD (Electronic Load Detector). According to him, you should connect the negative wire to the transceiver to the common ground point, after the battery monitoring unit. I have not yet taken a look to see if my truck has such a thing, although I assume that it does. I'm planning to run power into the cab, with Anderson PowerPole connectors, so that later I can swap out the radio for something like an Icom IC-7100 if I want to add HF. 

 

For instance, see:  http://www.k0bg.com/wiring.html

Or check out the May 2015 issue of QST magazine from the ARRL archives. However, his website has much more detail than the short QST article. 

 

Thanks, MojoTexas (N5MAJ)

[spiritwalker]

I found this post, because I'm getting ready to install the same radio (Kenwood TM-V71A) into my 2016 GMC Sierra. 
 
Did you connect both positive AND negative directly to the battery? If so, have you had any issues?
 
According to an article by Alan Applegate (K0BG) in the May 2015 issue of QST, as well as his website, he recommends NOT connecting the negative lead directly to the battery, because of the ELD (Electronic Load Detector). According to him, you should connect the negative wire to the transceiver to the common ground point, after the battery monitoring unit. I have not yet taken a look to see if my truck has such a thing, although I assume that it does. I'm planning to run power into the cab, with Anderson PowerPole connectors, so that later I can swap out the radio for something like an Icom IC-7100 if I want to add HF. 
 
For instance, see:  http://www.k0bg.com/wiring.html
Or check out the May 2015 issue of QST magazine from the ARRL archives. However, his website has much more detail than the short QST article. 
 
Thanks, MojoTexas (N5MAJ)

Direct connect to the battery terminals . Working great.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[sell01fatboy]

Looks great, Mojo. I like the mic in console. Thanks.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[dplarson]

Nice clean install pictured above.
I had something similar with the same model radio in a 2006 Suburban.
I had + straight to the battery and - to a ground point under the hood near the relays for 10 years and no trouble.
I'm now looking for ideas to install that same radio in my 2017 Sierra W/T with center armrest / no center console.


Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[MojoTexas]

5 hours ago, dplarson said:

Nice clean install pictured above.
I had something similar with the same model radio in a 2006 Suburban.
I had + straight to the battery and - to a ground point under the hood near the relays for 10 years and no trouble.
I'm now looking for ideas to install that same radio in my 2017 Sierra W/T with center armrest / no center console.


Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
 

 

I purchased a seat bolt mount from Lido Mounts, and it was delivered yesterday. 

 

However, I still haven't figured out how to mount it, since my 2016 Sierra has power seats. Once I get it all done, I will post a photo of my install. 

 

https://www.lidomounts.com/kenwood-ham-radio-mounts/LM-300-Kenwood.html

 

[dplarson]

Say, I have one of those from a previous install in another car. That's a good idea! And I have a base model with no power seats. Thanks for the idea, I may just do that.

Now for the antenna. I'm tossing my mag mount and not looking back. I loved the through the roof NMO mount on my wagon but I'd never get into my garage with anything on the roof.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[JoeGilkey]

I found this post searching for how to mount an antenna in the bed of my 2019 Silverado. I like the way you mounted your antenna. Could you provide some info Or pictures on how you routed the antenna cable from inside the cab to the bed?

 

Thanks,

Joe, KC2YSI