Well made video. To avoid fire, make sure you put a fuse (and maybe also a breaker) on the electrical wires very close to the battery. If the wiring gets pinched or the insulation rubs through the fuse will cut the power. I saw another overland RUclipsr burn up his off-road rig because he fused inside the passenger area of his vehicle. He even used his fire extinguisher. He was left stranded in the middle of nowhere. And food for thought: A 50 watt GMRS radio gets REALLY HOT with extended talking, so it should be mounted in a well ventilated location.
Finally someone who actually shows you the “install” part in a video! I’ve seen countless videos that claim “install” in title but all the show if the unboxing and then the radio turning on and it’s feature!! Thumbs up for you sir!
40 yr trucker offering my 2 cents here: you can get 'em in a pack, but very short bungee's are nice for hanging the mic from above. The metal hooks on either end are good for affixing one end from somewhere on the ceiling/roof or maybe sun visor (wherever) and then the other end (usually) at the point where the cord spirals. If you get your placement right, it can swing all day long without hitting anything (or anyone!) but it's always within reach, even for on-going conversations. DOT pulled me in at the St George Utah Port of Entry a few years ago for a level 3 safety check. When he opened my door he said, " Oh. I see you have a CB. You're Old School. Don't see CB's very often anymore." No wonder it got so quiet out there! Lol! Thanks for all the great videos. Now... where to put everything in my '59 Willy Wagon!
A tip on the double sided tape in a vehicle. If you are using 3M VHB tape there are many different varieties for different purposes. You want to make sure you get a heat resistant version. Otherwise on a hot day in the summer the tape will fail. Learned this one the hard way. You want 3M VHB 4991 it's gray in color it is what is on the go pro mounts and it works great. Some of the other variations will fall right off as soon as it gets hot.
THANKS for this tip! We live in San Antonio and it gets very hot here! I just received my GMRS license (Callsign: WSAG549) so I’m in the market for both HH and mobile GMRS radios, which is what brought me here! Cheers, 73! KG1USA - USN, Radioman, Retired.
Nice 👍. I believe S. Cal. has a linked GMRS repeater network which can extend the range of your comms. For those willing to study for the Ham Tech exam , the Winsystem ( UHF/VHF) allows you to link to a 100+ repeaters including international coverage. 73!
Cool vid! Thank you! I got my GMRS license a month ago and very happy that I talk with many users from all over the place. I got a Wouxun KG-SX20G 20W and has been serving me well. Reaching repeaters 50+ miles out while indoors. I just ordered the Wouxun UV9 Pro for my HT.
Great video, in my Bronco I used an ARB tire plug ream to puncture the same grommet and used the plug pusher to insert the wire. I know I sacrifice an inch or so of wire, but I know it’s water tight.
Great video. Both jeeps and Broncos have some limited spaces for radios. The good thing about this particular radio is that is completely remote-mounted. Which is just that, “remote”. If you are having trouble finding a place to mount this radio in the spaces you were suggesting in the video, or perhaps you want the radio mounted in a completely different location, you are only limited to how long you can run an Ethernet cable and power cable with a coupler on the microphone end to connect the male end of the microphone connector. All my radios in my Jeep are mounted under the my cargo area in my Jeep. Tucked away, and all you see is the control head in the cab area. I’m not a fan of mounting a radio on the side near the driver’s legs. Locations as to where you can mount this radio are endless with just a few feet of power cable and an extended Ethernet cable and coupler to extend from the radio’s physical location to the microphone.
I just got this same Midland set up with the 6db antenna for both my son and I. Works awesome and the range is way better than I expected. Great set up Brad and clean install👍🏻
Great video. Just thought of a con of the hard mounted radio. If your battery dies, your radio dies. Like you have said many times though, carry both. Pretty neat stuff!
I just used Mountain2metal adapter to install my Midland radio in my 2022 Bronco. It puts it right above the glove box. I also used their antenna mount and Molle panel on passenger side. Worked great.
Don't know if anyone else has heard anything, but here(Idaho) they are asking all ham radio operators to monitor for any transmission coming out of Tonga. Not sure who you'd report to but may be something to keep an ear out. Prayers and hope for the people there.
I used to use only handhelds before I realized the convenience of a mounted radio. In my opinion mounted is the only way to go. I use Midland MXT400s in the Jeeps, and have a few handheld GMRS radios I can grab when getting out and still want comms.
Midland has great customer service. Installed the same base unit and it was perfect for 2 months. Starting cutting itself off, sent them an email and proof of date of purchase, they sent me a new one no questions asked! We also have a couple of the handhelds for spotting other drivers.
Hello: Brad covered that very well. I had a C B Radio sales and service shop for 10 years. I got a Ham License some years ago, I do not see any Ham antennas on Jeeps. In this day in time GRMS seems the way to go. I see C. B. Antennas on Jeeps and Trucks in Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. I do Not like mounting any antenna to back tire mount. Best location on Wrangler I think second 10 MM bolt from back under hood. I put a Star Washer under 10 MM bolt to get Ground for Antenna. Ground is most important thing for SWR. I mount all antennas with hight on drivers side away from tree limbs. His short antenna if fine on right side. Brad did a Clean install !!!! Firestck makes a great stainless steel flat mount to go under that 10 MM bolt on Wrangler. When screwing coax PL 259 ends to antenna fittings I put Vaseline on threads to help keep moisture out.
@@iffykidmn8170 I assume you mean best location on a Vehicle. That will be center of roof. My Wrangler Unlimited Sahara has plastic roof. I am not building a internal Ground plane system for it. I will never mount it on the Tire Carrier next to the Body. I did install a Smittybilt front bumper. I drilled and tapped stainless bolts for stainless mount. going to use a coax with eyes from Frame to back of Antenna Mount for sure ground. Bumper is powder coat, bolts have coating so I bet No ground. It's cold no hurry have not put ohm meter on it yet. Interest changed, getting 210 Mig welder, Plasma Cutter, welding table. Going crazy I guess.
Got my GMRS license (that is nothing difficult at all as you just fill out an online form, the Feds just want their fee $$$) a while ago and passed the FCC test for my HAM license yesterday. Now if only I could get my dang BRONCO!!! I'm probably going to follow your lead and install the radios in my old Raptor in the meantime. Thanks for the video!
Cool setup. In the past, when I couldn't get through a firewall, I've gone through the floor and along the frame to the engine compartment/ battery. Use grommets and spiral wire wraps to protect the cable. Maybe not the best approach, but the floor is thinner than the firewall.
Anytime I run wiring under a vehicle or trailer, I use Flex Aluminum conduit. Paranoid maybe but I've had wires damaged or cut more than once even when running though plastic wire loom.
Very timely! I’m struggling to decide a final position for a Yaesu 400 HAM radio and hadn’t considered the glove box. Right now I’ve been trying to use double sided tape to the side of the center console but it keeps falling off. I’m waiting on the JCR molle panels to come in to really attack the problem again. That midland integrating everything into the microphone is quite clutch
Great video as always. You might want to rethink the suggestion about modifying the power wire with a cigarette lighter plug, a 50-watt unit draws a ton of power. That would work for 20 watts but not 50 watts. @nd suggestion, you need a bigger USN emblem for the garage wall, Go Navy!
You have to exercise some caution when powering something that transmits through a cigarette lighter. If the radio draws more power on transmit than the lighter plug is able to handle, you risk overheating the wires that power it and potentially starting a fire. This may not be an issue with a GMRS radio that only puts out 15 watts, but if your goal is to install a 50 watt VHF/UHF ham radio or a something for HF that does 100 watts, directly to the battery, with the power cable that comes with the radio is the safest way to go.
Have the Micro now... BUT upgrading to the Icom 2730A. You should look into this. It's 2m/440/GMRS/MURS. Best of both worlds! Had part is finding the right antenna vs SWRs...
Original I was only looking into this to have a clean reliable way to talk to a spotter while backing in my camper but now I'm thinking about putting a mobile unit in the camper as well so we have a second option to communicate while someone is hiking or whatever. I've always been into radios but never wanted to go through the process of getting my ham license. This seems way more obtainable for me.
Keep in mind that legal power output is limited based on the channel (frequency) you use. This applies to both FRS and GMRS. In GMRS some channels are for simplex (direct frequency radio-to-radio) operation and others are for repeater operation. In addition, different radio models will have different power output levels. Just about all GMRS handhelds will be limited to 5 watts or less (the same with handheld HAM radios). Hard mount (mobile) units will have more power, up to the 50 watt legal maximum. Lastly, antenna choice can have a huge effect on transmit/receive range. Generally, small stubby antennas provide little to no benefit over the built in antenna on HT (hand-held transceiver) GMRS radios, though that is not always the case. The nice thing about GMRS frequencies is they don't require really long antennas to get up to 6db gain!
Great video but it would have been nice to see how you connect the wires to the battery and ground for those of us newbies who have never done that before. Also, if you close the glove box, won't that close on the mic cable? Just curious...Love your videos and adventures.
Thanks for the video! I am going to use this when I am ready to install a radio. Great size. Unfortunately, my firewall grommet is occupied by clutch plumbing. I know of one other place though.
@@theCoronabronco there is a factory-provided rubber pass through just above the main harness on the driver’s side. It’s pretty thick rubber, but it works.
Just thinking that the switches have wiring going around the glove box. You could(if the wire is properly rated) run from the battery with a fused line tie into that wire that goes near the glove box for power instead of running your own wires.
Just a quick question. If I mount the head unit inside an area with no ventilation, such as inside the console, will there be any overheating issues? Thanks.
Very nice setup. My only concern is whether or not the passenger airbag could throw the control unit into the driver when deployed? Hopefully an unlikely scenario.
A couple of details that looked to be left out were around the wires in the glove box. Can you really just drop in the power wires to the radio unit? Will they not be affected when the glovebox is closed? What about the handheld speaker part? How does that come out of the glovebox?
My biggest concern with putting it inside the console or glovebox would be overheating. Not to mention both of those locations are pretty well used for storage already.
GMRS is making strides. I would have opted for the new Midland MXT550 which is the same concept of mic controls, but gives you 50W out plus weather channels
great video!! one thing that power cable to battery is not included with MXT275VP4 just the cigarette lighter cable? the one on Midland sight is for the MXT575…. thoughts? link for that power cable?
One reason for wiring that radio to a switch is the fact that the USB charger on it pulls power and will charge a device even when the radio itself is off. That said, I have the older model that doesn't have split tones...don't know if the new one does the same thing.
My radio came with a round metal plate with 3m tape, that way the magnetic antenna would stick. Also the antenna base was a lot more small then the one you showed.
Could of done wire loom to dampen vibrations from the cabling. That cable from the antenna mount is microsopic! Surprised its not RG58 or something similar
I have a question.. do you need to tune your antenna? I bought one that's about the same length as my stereo antenna. Keep up the videos man... we want more!
I personally avoid body mounts like that. I recommend using ditch light brackets that bolt to the underside of the hood hinge and mount there OR if you have a roof rack, mount it to that to keep any potential paint damage and rust/corrosion at bay. But to each their own!
I really like the Nite Ize Steelie mount. Nice secure mount and a strong magnet to allow you to place your device on any steel surface. Worth checking out.
I have a 2016 jk you said in the video that you had used the antenna mount on your JK. Where did you have it mounted? Not looking like it will fit on my hood based on the hood curving down and not flat like on your jL
good video, thanks for not overcomplicating it like so many people do! I'm curious how the double sided tape has held up in the glovebox - also, how' the mic mount working out now that it's been a while?
Great video. Curious if there is space behind he glove box when it is opened fully to mount the base unit? I have a Bronco and didn't know the glove box even did that!
Could you use something like a Garmin Rino (if you wanted a dual purpose 2 way radio and mobile GPS device) with a hand mic in the vehicle to "replace" a hard wired vehicle unit? then take it with you when needed?
I've been watching your videos for years, evolving from the JK to the JL and now a Bronco. The antenna mount used here might be "fine" but the coaxial cable leaves a ton to be desired. the RG174 loses a lot of signal, especially at higher frequencies, like UHF, which GMRS uses. CB would likely work fine in this arrangement however.
Great video! I just purchased one but how did you run the antenna wire? I was trying to figure out a way to go strait to the glove box but don’t see a route. What am I missing?
Antenna question I've seen Marco mount his GMRS radio antenna to the front bumper you seem to like to mount it to the hood and I still see some people mounting it to the spare tire rack in the back.... I just received by MXT 575 and need to get antenna done right the first time. I really like how Marco has his set up now to get to the front bumper. Back in the day that would be a not good because it creates a blind spot on one side so everyone was trying to get as high as they could or getting longer antennas to be above the roofline. HELP Please??
I purchased and installed this radio. I like your approach and essentially copied what you did. The issues I ran into was the radio in the glovebox lasted about two days and fell off. The same happened with the mic mount (although I installed mine above the Start button just behind the steering wheel. I am considering drilling a couple of holes in the side of the glovebox (where I tried using automotive double-sided tape) and installing a couple of small screws/nuts to secure the radio mount. Has your installation held up? PS: Great radio and I love it being installed.
Well made video. To avoid fire, make sure you put a fuse (and maybe also a breaker) on the electrical wires very close to the battery. If the wiring gets pinched or the insulation rubs through the fuse will cut the power. I saw another overland RUclipsr burn up his off-road rig because he fused inside the passenger area of his vehicle. He even used his fire extinguisher. He was left stranded in the middle of nowhere.
And food for thought: A 50 watt GMRS radio gets REALLY HOT with extended talking, so it should be mounted in a well ventilated location.
Finally someone who actually shows you the “install” part in a video! I’ve seen countless videos that claim “install” in title but all the show if the unboxing and then the radio turning on and it’s feature!! Thumbs up for you sir!
Glad you enjoyed the video!
40 yr trucker offering my 2 cents here: you can get 'em in a pack, but very short bungee's are nice for hanging the mic from above. The metal hooks on either end are good for affixing one end from somewhere on the ceiling/roof or maybe sun visor (wherever) and then the other end (usually) at the point where the cord spirals. If you get your placement right, it can swing all day long without hitting anything (or anyone!) but it's always within reach, even for on-going conversations. DOT pulled me in at the St George Utah Port of Entry a few years ago for a level 3 safety check. When he opened my door he said, " Oh. I see you have a CB. You're Old School. Don't see CB's very often anymore." No wonder it got so quiet out there! Lol! Thanks for all the great videos. Now... where to put everything in my '59 Willy Wagon!
A tip on the double sided tape in a vehicle. If you are using 3M VHB tape there are many different varieties for different purposes. You want to make sure you get a heat resistant version. Otherwise on a hot day in the summer the tape will fail. Learned this one the hard way. You want 3M VHB 4991 it's gray in color it is what is on the go pro mounts and it works great. Some of the other variations will fall right off as soon as it gets hot.
THANKS for this tip! We live in San Antonio and it gets very hot here! I just received my GMRS license (Callsign: WSAG549) so I’m in the market for both HH and mobile GMRS radios, which is what brought me here! Cheers, 73! KG1USA - USN, Radioman, Retired.
"Learned this one the hard way." You are not the only one. Great tip on the tape
Nice 👍. I believe S. Cal. has a linked GMRS repeater network which can extend the range of your comms. For those willing to study for the Ham Tech exam , the Winsystem ( UHF/VHF) allows you to link to a 100+ repeaters including international coverage. 73!
These are my favorite type of Trail Recon videos!!
Cool vid! Thank you! I got my GMRS license a month ago and very happy that I talk with many users from all over the place. I got a Wouxun KG-SX20G 20W and has been serving me well. Reaching repeaters 50+ miles out while indoors. I just ordered the Wouxun UV9 Pro for my HT.
Nice clean install. The midlands with the controls on speaker mics open up a lot of options.
So excited to wake up and see another TR video! Amazing way to start the weekend
By far the best Midland install video I’ve seen
Great video, in my Bronco I used an ARB tire plug ream to puncture the same grommet and used the plug pusher to insert the wire. I know I sacrifice an inch or so of wire, but I know it’s water tight.
Great video. Been mulling around in my head on how to mount my GMRS in my 2016 Wrangler. This video helped. Thanks.
Great video. Both jeeps and Broncos have some limited spaces for radios. The good thing about this particular radio is that is completely remote-mounted. Which is just that, “remote”. If you are having trouble finding a place to mount this radio in the spaces you were suggesting in the video, or perhaps you want the radio mounted in a completely different location, you are only limited to how long you can run an Ethernet cable and power cable with a coupler on the microphone end to connect the male end of the microphone connector. All my radios in my Jeep are mounted under the my cargo area in my Jeep. Tucked away, and all you see is the control head in the cab area. I’m not a fan of mounting a radio on the side near the driver’s legs. Locations as to where you can mount this radio are endless with just a few feet of power cable and an extended Ethernet cable and coupler to extend from the radio’s physical location to the microphone.
I just got this same Midland set up with the 6db antenna for both my son and I. Works awesome and the range is way better than I expected. Great set up Brad and clean install👍🏻
Great video. Just thought of a con of the hard mounted radio. If your battery dies, your radio dies. Like you have said many times though, carry both. Pretty neat stuff!
I just used Mountain2metal adapter to install my Midland radio in my 2022 Bronco. It puts it right above the glove box. I also used their antenna mount and Molle panel on passenger side. Worked great.
Don't know if anyone else has heard anything, but here(Idaho) they are asking all ham radio operators to monitor for any transmission coming out of Tonga. Not sure who you'd report to but may be something to keep an ear out. Prayers and hope for the people there.
Nicely done, my fellow military retiree. Appreciate your guidance and tips!
I used to use only handhelds before I realized the convenience of a mounted radio. In my opinion mounted is the only way to go. I use Midland MXT400s in the Jeeps, and have a few handheld GMRS radios I can grab when getting out and still want comms.
Me and my wife use the micro mobile and we love it. Whether wheeling or long trips it is a tool we have grown very fond of.
Midland has great customer service. Installed the same base unit and it was perfect for 2 months. Starting cutting itself off, sent them an email and proof of date of purchase, they sent me a new one no questions asked! We also have a couple of the handhelds for spotting other drivers.
Hello: Brad covered that very well. I had a C B Radio sales and service shop for 10 years. I got a Ham License some years ago, I do not see any Ham antennas on Jeeps. In this day in time GRMS seems the way to go. I see C. B. Antennas on Jeeps and Trucks in Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. I do Not like mounting any antenna to back tire mount. Best location on Wrangler I think second 10 MM bolt from back under hood. I put a Star Washer under 10 MM bolt to get Ground for Antenna. Ground is most important thing for SWR. I mount all antennas with hight on drivers side away from tree limbs. His short antenna if fine on right side. Brad did a Clean install !!!! Firestck makes a great stainless steel flat mount to go under that 10 MM bolt on Wrangler. When screwing coax PL 259 ends to antenna fittings I put Vaseline on threads to help keep moisture out.
Do you consider radiation pattern when selecting a spot for antenna location?
@@iffykidmn8170 I assume you mean best location on a Vehicle. That will be center of roof. My Wrangler Unlimited Sahara has plastic roof. I am not building a internal Ground plane system for it. I will never mount it on the Tire Carrier next to the Body. I did install a Smittybilt front bumper. I drilled and tapped stainless bolts for stainless mount. going to use a coax with eyes from Frame to back of Antenna Mount for sure ground. Bumper is powder coat, bolts have coating so I bet No ground. It's cold no hurry have not put ohm meter on it yet. Interest changed, getting 210 Mig welder, Plasma Cutter, welding table. Going crazy I guess.
Good comments, why do you not like the tire mount for cb antenna?
@@BK-ju6rb From his above comments, I am assuming poor ground plane and negative ground plus contact with the body.
@Iffykid Mn Sounds like a bonding strap or two might fix that, as long as the back door is steel.
Great show. Those new broncos are nice
The Gromit hole is for the clutch - Nice video
Got my GMRS license (that is nothing difficult at all as you just fill out an online form, the Feds just want their fee $$$) a while ago and passed the FCC test for my HAM license yesterday. Now if only I could get my dang BRONCO!!! I'm probably going to follow your lead and install the radios in my old Raptor in the meantime. Thanks for the video!
Cool setup. In the past, when I couldn't get through a firewall, I've gone through the floor and along the frame to the engine compartment/ battery. Use grommets and spiral wire wraps to protect the cable. Maybe not the best approach, but the floor is thinner than the firewall.
Anytime I run wiring under a vehicle or trailer, I use Flex Aluminum conduit. Paranoid maybe but I've had wires damaged or cut more than once even when running though plastic wire loom.
Mounting my Midland GMRS is my next project. Thanks for the ideas!
Use 3M adhesion promoter when using the double-sided tape. It makes a HUGE difference on how well it sticks.
Thank you!
Been told this but first time i actually used it i was shocked i use promoter on almost all attachments now were a glue is used
My double sided 3m tape came unglued from my truck sitting in the sun I'll have to retry with the adhesive promoter
ordering some now, did not know this existed! THANKS!!
Very timely! I’m struggling to decide a final position for a Yaesu 400 HAM radio and hadn’t considered the glove box. Right now I’ve been trying to use double sided tape to the side of the center console but it keeps falling off. I’m waiting on the JCR molle panels to come in to really attack the problem again. That midland integrating everything into the microphone is quite clutch
What about heat build up in the glove box?
On a metal hood I'd suggest leaving the aluminum bar out and putting the set screws directly into the hood. Makes for a better ground.
And or remove the 'seam sealer' the factories install, under the small plate. My HAM antenna needed ground to complete the signal.
Some handhelds have adaptors the connect them to the vehicles battery and to an external antenna, and also have handheld like the mounted ones.
Very timely video. I was just thinking about these options a few days ago. Thanks Brad!
Great video as always. You might want to rethink the suggestion about modifying the power wire with a cigarette lighter plug, a 50-watt unit draws a ton of power. That would work for 20 watts but not 50 watts.
@nd suggestion, you need a bigger USN emblem for the garage wall, Go Navy!
Just put the midland in my jeep ❤️ still learning the repeaters in my area
You have to exercise some caution when powering something that transmits through a cigarette lighter. If the radio draws more power on transmit than the lighter plug is able to handle, you risk overheating the wires that power it and potentially starting a fire. This may not be an issue with a GMRS radio that only puts out 15 watts, but if your goal is to install a 50 watt VHF/UHF ham radio or a something for HF that does 100 watts, directly to the battery, with the power cable that comes with the radio is the safest way to go.
Have the Micro now... BUT upgrading to the Icom 2730A. You should look into this. It's 2m/440/GMRS/MURS. Best of both worlds! Had part is finding the right antenna vs SWRs...
Original I was only looking into this to have a clean reliable way to talk to a spotter while backing in my camper but now I'm thinking about putting a mobile unit in the camper as well so we have a second option to communicate while someone is hiking or whatever. I've always been into radios but never wanted to go through the process of getting my ham license. This seems way more obtainable for me.
Keep in mind that legal power output is limited based on the channel (frequency) you use. This applies to both FRS and GMRS. In GMRS some channels are for simplex (direct frequency radio-to-radio) operation and others are for repeater operation. In addition, different radio models will have different power output levels. Just about all GMRS handhelds will be limited to 5 watts or less (the same with handheld HAM radios). Hard mount (mobile) units will have more power, up to the 50 watt legal maximum. Lastly, antenna choice can have a huge effect on transmit/receive range. Generally, small stubby antennas provide little to no benefit over the built in antenna on HT (hand-held transceiver) GMRS radios, though that is not always the case. The nice thing about GMRS frequencies is they don't require really long antennas to get up to 6db gain!
Nice, what timing! I have two midland units that just showed up yesterday for the Jeep’s. I’m switching from cb to gmrs 👍
Great quality video, install, and presentation. Enjoy that 275 and Bronco!
Thank you!
Great video but it would have been nice to see how you connect the wires to the battery and ground for those of us newbies who have never done that before. Also, if you close the glove box, won't that close on the mic cable? Just curious...Love your videos and adventures.
Thank you for another great video. Very informative (as always). Greetings from UAE ;)
First mistake is it's a Ford, nice video and great information
Thanks for the video! I am going to use this when I am ready to install a radio. Great size. Unfortunately, my firewall grommet is occupied by clutch plumbing. I know of one other place though.
What is it
@@theCoronabronco there is a factory-provided rubber pass through just above the main harness on the driver’s side. It’s pretty thick rubber, but it works.
Nice video Brad! Loving the Bronco content
Just thinking that the switches have wiring going around the glove box. You could(if the wire is properly rated) run from the battery with a fused line tie into that wire that goes near the glove box for power instead of running your own wires.
You could use the super velcro used to mount toll road transponders to windshields.
I'm using a comet ca2x4srnmo antenna with the optional spring and man is it great with my btech GMRS50x1 radio.
Love the antenna mount, it really works great for my ham antenna. Until next time.... Travel Safe.
Just a quick question. If I mount the head unit inside an area with no ventilation, such as inside the console, will there be any overheating issues? Thanks.
I'm fairly certain those antenna work off a ground plane. So the a-pillar probably won't affect much since it's using the hood as a ground plane.
Hey Brad it's a timely video for me got GMRS license yesterday...
Very nice setup. My only concern is whether or not the passenger airbag could throw the control unit into the driver when deployed? Hopefully an unlikely scenario.
I have the same gmrs and I love it
Great video (as always Brad). Good overview of communication options available for going on adventures. 73 KK7BDW (Las Vegas, NV).
A couple of details that looked to be left out were around the wires in the glove box. Can you really just drop in the power wires to the radio unit? Will they not be affected when the glovebox is closed? What about the handheld speaker part? How does that come out of the glovebox?
I’ve seen guys mount them behind the dash and add a RJ45 port in a covered button
My biggest concern with putting it inside the console or glovebox would be overheating. Not to mention both of those locations are pretty well used for storage already.
GMRS is making strides. I would have opted for the new Midland MXT550 which is the same concept of mic controls, but gives you 50W out plus weather channels
great video!! one thing that power cable to battery is not included with MXT275VP4 just the cigarette lighter cable? the one on Midland sight is for the MXT575….
thoughts? link for that power cable?
Thanks, I am very new to this. Your video helps. Also, see your Masterchief plaque. Go Navy!
One reason for wiring that radio to a switch is the fact that the USB charger on it pulls power and will charge a device even when the radio itself is off. That said, I have the older model that doesn't have split tones...don't know if the new one does the same thing.
I just noticed... Is that Pyromania? I can definitely see 1984. You ol' rocker, you.
Great video CMC!
My radio came with a round metal plate with 3m tape, that way the magnetic antenna would stick. Also the antenna base was a lot more small then the one you showed.
Could of done wire loom to dampen vibrations from the cabling. That cable from the antenna mount is microsopic! Surprised its not RG58 or something similar
I have a question.. do you need to tune your antenna? I bought one that's about the same length as my stereo antenna. Keep up the videos man... we want more!
Could you run an AUX line from under the hood into the glove box cable for power?
Thanks for the great content HMCM!
I personally avoid body mounts like that. I recommend using ditch light brackets that bolt to the underside of the hood hinge and mount there OR if you have a roof rack, mount it to that to keep any potential paint damage and rust/corrosion at bay. But to each their own!
Outstanding info! Subscribed.
I really like the Nite Ize Steelie mount. Nice secure mount and a strong magnet to allow you to place your device on any steel surface. Worth checking out.
U can also stick magnet plate to your phone casing and then just stick it to the mount..that way,you dont have to buy those big phone holder
Well done, will be saving this for future reference.
Great install. I always try to seperate my radio power from my antenna wire just to make sure there is no interferance between them.
Nice install, Brad
Good timing I just got the same Midland to put in my JK
18:26 Newby here, I don’t understand the short length antenna, doesn’t that cut your range or was that the purpose??
I have a 2016 jk you said in the video that you had used the antenna mount on your JK. Where did you have it mounted?
Not looking like it will fit on my hood based on the hood curving down and not flat like on your jL
Can I wire this to my Aux Beam Switch Panel?
I just ordered this bundle. Thx
good video, thanks for not overcomplicating it like so many people do! I'm curious how the double sided tape has held up in the glovebox - also, how' the mic mount working out now that it's been a while?
Great video. Curious if there is space behind he glove box when it is opened fully to mount the base unit? I have a Bronco and didn't know the glove box even did that!
did you purchase a separate cable that connected the power to the battery? can you provide the link to that cable if possible? thanks
after some time now, are you happy with this model or would you have thought about the MTX500 radio with 50 watts vs the 15 watts? thank you
I didn’t see a link to that antenna mount on the hood. Did I miss it?
Amazing video. I learned a lot. Question about the antenna. Will that hit gmrs repeaters?
Could you use something like a Garmin Rino (if you wanted a dual purpose 2 way radio and mobile GPS device) with a hand mic in the vehicle to "replace" a hard wired vehicle unit? then take it with you when needed?
I've been watching your videos for years, evolving from the JK to the JL and now a Bronco. The antenna mount used here might be "fine" but the coaxial cable leaves a ton to be desired. the RG174 loses a lot of signal, especially at higher frequencies, like UHF, which GMRS uses. CB would likely work fine in this arrangement however.
Great video! I just purchased one but how did you run the antenna wire? I was trying to figure out a way to go strait to the glove box but don’t see a route. What am I missing?
I used VHB tape for mine and still holding great (passenger side). I don't like drilling holes in my plastic.
How did you route the handheld to the glovebox? Doesn’t it plug into the home base?
Nicely done thanks for your information sir
Antenna question I've seen Marco mount his GMRS radio antenna to the front bumper you seem to like to mount it to the hood and I still see some people mounting it to the spare tire rack in the back.... I just received by MXT 575 and need to get antenna done right the first time. I really like how Marco has his set up now to get to the front bumper. Back in the day that would be a not good because it creates a blind spot on one side so everyone was trying to get as high as they could or getting longer antennas to be above the roofline. HELP Please??
Lot's of love from Maharashtra India
Just wondering why you have chosen a 15watt unit? You talked about more power than a HT. GMRS can go up to 50 watts on a mobile unit. Just curious.
So I already have a CB antenna wired through my jeep, can I use that same wire with a GMSR antenna? Or do I need to run specific wire?
Thanks Brad... FCC site is not super intuitive but I'm going to try and get the license.
3m heavy duty Velcro!!!!! Use it for my dual sport licsene plate lol
Where can the mounting bracket used on the hood be found?
i understand that the radio can be used as gmrs and frs, have any experience with using handheld frs with this radio?
I purchased and installed this radio. I like your approach and essentially copied what you did. The issues I ran into was the radio in the glovebox lasted about two days and fell off. The same happened with the mic mount (although I installed mine above the Start button just behind the steering wheel. I am considering drilling a couple of holes in the side of the glovebox (where I tried using automotive double-sided tape) and installing a couple of small screws/nuts to secure the radio mount.
Has your installation held up? PS: Great radio and I love it being installed.