The main problem in my opinion these days is installing a mobile rig in the car without it standing out like a sore thumb.Mag mount aerials are good because they can be easily removed but this can be inconvenient. The alternatives are hatch mounts or drill mounts.Hatch mounting was not possible for me, due to plastic spoiler-trim on the upper side of the hatchback.
This is my solution: remove the broadcast AM/FM factory fitted aerial and fit a PMR type mount in the same position . This saves drilling any new holes. Onto this mount is a Garex electronics dual band whip which is painted satin black to blend in (normally shiny stainless steel).No one has even noticed, including XYL !!
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| Garex whip on Pmr base |
For the broadcast radio I installed a window mount active aerial onto the back window which is powered by the original DC feed to the factory broadcast band aerial.
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| Active window AM/FM antenna |
To power the Radio in the car I fitted a direct (Fused) feed to the vehicle battery (supplied with radio). This meant drilling a hole into the bulkhead from inside the car ( carefully checking other side of hole) and feeding the wires through a sturdy grommet . These were then carefully routed around the car, under trim panels etc making sure nothing could rub causing damage to the cables. **12v dc car batteries carry high current and can melt cables easily if shorted out causing a potential fire risk ** see here for advice on mobile installations http://highfields-arc.co.uk/vehicles/vehindex.htm
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| Battery feed in engine bay |
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| DC feed through under dashboard (passenger side) |
The control head was mounted on the main console in front of the gear change and under the heater controls for the car.
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| Remote head in centre console |
Just need to look for a hands free arrangement, now. I have a couple of ideas , more to follow..
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