[ICOM] Mobile installations, Ford F-150's ?

[Michael P. Olbrisch]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Phil Atchley
> Sent: Saturday, December 24, 2005 9:18 AM
> To: Icom List
> Subject: [ICOM] Mobile installations, Ford F-150's ?
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> I'm considering installing a rig, probably a 2M/440 dual 
> bander in my 2005  Ford F-150XLT "Super Crewcab" 
> 
> 1.  Some sort of dual band rig with the radio proper mounted 
> either behind or under the rear seat.
> 
> 2.  The control head mounted in one of the following locations.
> 
>     A.  On the face of the lower consol 
> 
>     B.  The top of the large fold-down center armrest
> 
>     C.  Possibly on TOP of the dash 

I just got an ICOM IC-208H.  I was very impressed by the small (quite small
really) size of the control head.  It might open up some other options for
you just because it IS so small.  Universal Radio is selling them with the
remote kit and a free speaker plus a $20 rebate.  I like my old GE speaker
better though.
 
> 3.  Antenna.  Even though they lose some efficiency, MOST 
> LIKELY a glass mount one, either in the top center of the windshield OR
top 
> Center of the  rear window. Is there much difference in the two locations 
> (remember, this crewcab has a LOT of roof area)?

I have had GREAT success in previous vehicles using these antennas.
However, in the wife's new Ford E-350 1 ton van it wasn't working out.  It
seems that the tinted windows might use some sort of metalized film that
blocks RF.  Some also have the radio antenna or other wires in the glass.
The SWR would NOT tune.  So I punched two holes in the roof for 144 and 440.
If you buy some 1/4 wave antennas for this purpose, get the plugs for the
holes at the same time.  If you are keeping it, the holes are not much off
on the resale anyway.  Paint the caps to match the vehicle and pop them in.

If you do it on the glass, the front is a better choice - the sloping glass
allows the base of the antenna a larger gap between the radiating element
and the vehicle roof.

> Now the REAL questions.
> 1. Does anybody here know of any RFI issues with the 2005 
> F-150 (4.6L V8)? 
> Either from the engine to the radio, or from the radio 
> affecting engine 
> performance?  Again, we're talking 2M/440 here.

We have the 330 CID Triton V-8 gasoline engine.  No issues at ALL.  No
noises or interference in either direction - 144 and 440.  We hope to add
220 and 1200 later.

> 2.  What if any dual band (or even single band) radios with 
> detachable 
> control panels should I avoid like the plague? Ones with know 
> reliability 
> problems, keep in mind I'll probably be trying to get one used.

We are using ICOM 901A in both my jeep 28-1200 MHz and her van (144/440 for
now).  They are just fine.  As I mentioned - I am very pleased with the
IC-208H.

Good luck - hope this helps.

Merry Christmas everyone.  Enjoy your holiday in peace and safety.  And say
a prayer for the lonely homesick soldiers providing that peace and safety
this year.


Mike.  KD9KC

My E-mail address: mike2004 at elp dot rr dot com
Ham Radio page: http://www.qsl.net/kd9kc/
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Member:
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U.S. Army Retired.

Freedom is expensive.  Those who are not willing to
pay the price ultimately lose everything.