Ham & GMRS Install

[Twg1]

Wanted to start a thread on ideas, parts, antenna and mic mounting options

Credit to @Slappy McGee for a fantastic YouTube vid. Hard to imagine a more informative, well though out video; thanks!



I don't have my truck yet, but I plan on essentially copying @Slappy McGee methods with slight deviations:
-Running 1/0 wire to a distribution block under rear seat. Will use that as a 12v hub for the radio. Will also send additional 1/0 to rear bumper from distro block to connect my trailer winch, terminating in Anderson connectors.
- Using a Bulletpoint mount on center dash to remote-mount Kenwood VM-71a faceplate.
-Mic mount: considering a mount inside the console, and a second mount point outside somewhere. Idea would be that the mic will be out of sight in the console when not in use, and I’d use ‘external mic mount’ when actually in use. (Kenwood mic goes to main radio, not faceplate)

if you’ve got a radio setup, please share! Pics encouraged!

This was my install in my last truck

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[quo155]

Thanks for sharing this video...and hopefully, as I await (patiently, I think) my '22...some will post their installs here, in time.

 

[BHunted1]

Thanks for sharing this video...and hopefully, as I await (patiently, I think) my '22...some will post their installs here, in time.

IF your new truck is getting Copilot360 and BC, you do not want to mount anything near the vents. It will block the sensors that monitors your attention and eye movement, etc. One also on left pillar.

 

[quo155]

IF your new truck is getting Copilot360 and BC, you do not want to mount anything near the vents. It will block the sensors that monitors your attention and eye movement, etc. One also on left pillar.

Good points...thanks! I'll have all of that, so I expect any radio install will be challenging.

 

[K0RQ]

I just completed an install in my 2021 F-150 XLT Sport Powerboost.

Radio is a Yaesu FTM-400
Mount is a Comet FO4ANT (the FO3ANT that fits the 13th Gen F-150 will not work, so don't bother)
Antenna is a Signal Stuff Signal Stalk (NMO style that's about 20" tall, so perfect if you have a clearance issue in the garage like I do)

Install was pretty straight forward. As always, getting through the firewall is a nightmare. I offer you no tips there other than to have lots of patience. Ford clearly does not want customers adding wiring through the firewall, they made it incredibly tough.

Wiring to the battery was done with 10 AWG zip cord with Anderson Powerpole connectors. The run from the battery to the cab is just a hair too long for 12 AWG if you account for voltage drop, so I went with 10 AWG. Power cable is run under the door trim and to under the driver's seat where the radio base is located.

Due to the BMS (Battery Monitoring System) on the newer Fords, you CANNOT install the negative DC lead to the battery (well, you can but you might not like the results!). That said, there is a ground point on the frame that the battery is connected to. Install your negative lead to that, as it's on the correct side of the BMS.

Since I have the Powerboost, extra care had to be made to not accidently interfere with the orange wires for the hybrid system. Those have 450V on them. You don't want to nic those; you will have a really bad day.

For the remote head I went with the Lido LoPro-AD-1. It's a low profile mount that fits in the front cubby of the center console. Since mine is an XLT and does not have a wireless charger, this is perfect. Remote head cables were snaked under the console and run to under the drivers seat.

External speaker is mounted under the dash just above the pedals. Another cubby on the left side of the center console provides a hiding spot for the microphone.

I hope this helps anyone wanting to do an Amateur Radio/GMRS/CB/Commerical Two-Way install on a 21/22 F-150.

73

Jake K0RQ

 

[quo155]

I just completed an install in my 2021 F-150 XLT Sport Powerboost.

Radio is a Yaesu FTM-400...
...
73
Jake K0RQ

Jake, wow...very helpful information...all the way around. Thank you for taking the time to write this up and sharing some tips. They will prove to be helpful for me, some day!

73 de KA5SUG
Tommy

 

[Twg1]

Jake-

SUPER clean install. I assume the radio body is under rear seat?

 

[K0RQ]

SUPER clean install. I assume the radio body is under rear seat?

Yep, that's correct. Body is under the drivers seat. I use a little bit of velcro on the bottom of the mounting bracket to keep it from sliding around, and it works great.

I should also note that in this case, the cable for the microphone isn't long enough so I made an extension cable. On the FTM-400, the connection is an RJ45, so I took a 6 foot Cat 5e cable and put a keystone on one end. I think Yaesu makes a mic extension cable, but this was quicker

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