[ICOM] 2006 Toyota Tacoma Radio installation suggestions ?

[Paul Gates, KD3JF]

How about grounding the exhaust pipe forward and aft of the muffler?
 
 
Paul Gates, KD3JF 
Elecraft Kits:
K1 #0231
KX1 #1186
XG1: Signal Generator 


----- Original Message ----
From: "Davies, Doug A FOR:EX" <Doug.Davies at gov.bc.ca>
To: ICOM Reflector <icom at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 12:29:02 PM
Subject: RE: [ICOM] 2006 Toyota Tacoma Radio installation suggestions ?


Hi Eric,

I have a 2001 Tacoma and have a MKIIG installed and run a Hi-Q
"screwdriver" antenna mounted on the right-rear leg of a Kargo Master
roof rack.  I have the MKIIG main frame installed under the driver's
seat and grounded to the frame.  I use the remote cable hooked to the
face plate which I have mounted to a hard foam mold that fits inside of
the ashtray.  Everything is grounded (bonded) to everything and I have
used ferrite beads on all interconnecting cables and the battery leads.
The battery leads go directly from the battery to the rig and both lines
are fused.

Having said all of this, I have a huge noise problem I have not been
able to eliminate.  I have no idea what's causing it but it is a
continuous hash at an S-5 to 7 level.  Many people have looked at this
problem and none have been able to locate it.  I even had the Toyota
service guys check it and they can't find it either.  I have put noise
filters on the fuel pump at the entrance to the gas tank, I have
shielded all of the spark plug and ignition wires and have even put
filters on the fuel injection system.  None of these things has quieted
the noise.  The noise is definitely entering via the antenna 'cause when
the the antenna is disconnected, the noise disappears. 

I have noticed that, on occasion, for whatever reason, the noise seems
to drop down in level significantly.  It will stay that way for a period
of time (not the same period all the time) and then return to its normal
level.  I can't explain why it does this.

This has been one of the most perplexing problems I have ever run into
in my 30+ years as a ham.  I love mobiling and this simply pisses me off
<g>.  Please let me know if you run into anything similar to what I've
explained here.  I need to know if this is peculiar to my vehicle or
common to all Toyotas.  I have yet to run into anyone else with a
similar installation so I have nothing to compare mine against.

Looking forward to hearing from you and good luck with your
installation.

Doug  VE7DRF


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