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Jeep XJ ham radio storage box

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by Prerunner1982, Apr 30, 2019.

  1. Apr 30, 2019 at 6:26 AM
    #1
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It's not easy to find a place to mount 3 ham radios in an SUV type vehicle. I previously had one under each seat and one in the glove box but after moving into my other XJ I wanted to redo them and not run 3 power/ground wires. I still wanted them accessible for computer programming and to hook up extension cables to operate the radio from a table at camp.
    This is what I came up with, it's not done but with a ham radio camping trip coming up this weekend I buttoned most of it up and got it installed. So far I like how it has turned out.

     
    TJ_abuser, chris4x4 and aggrex like this.
  2. Apr 30, 2019 at 6:22 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    Not to sound too stupid here, but is there an advantage to having more than 1 radio?
     
  3. Apr 30, 2019 at 7:16 PM
    #3
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    They all serve a different purpose.
    One is a dual band (VHF 2 meter/UHF 70cm) for voice.
    One is a 2 meter mono band for APRS (vehicle tracking, text message, email)
    And one is for voice and digital on HF+6m (really 6m is also VHF) - 160 meter.
    Multiple radios = multiple antennas = a lot of capability.

    Most off roaders need one maybe 2 radios, but it's also one of my hobbies and I like to setup radio at camp and/or work contest.
     
    Last edited: May 14, 2019
    chris4x4 likes this.
  4. Apr 30, 2019 at 7:35 PM
    #4
    JKBob 25

    JKBob 25 Well-Known Member

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    Huh????

    Nice set up @Prerunner1982 . Couldn't imagine the work that took. I got frustrated running the anntena wire for my CB. Lolll. Nice set up.
     
    TJ_abuser and Prerunner1982[OP] like this.
  5. May 3, 2019 at 8:35 AM
    #5
    TJ_abuser

    TJ_abuser Well-Known Member

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    That is cool is the box water proof? Looks like it would be splash proof at the least.
     
  6. May 3, 2019 at 8:35 AM
    #6
    TJ_abuser

    TJ_abuser Well-Known Member

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    Ikr bob lol I absolutely half assed my cb antenna cable install I'm ashamed
     
  7. May 3, 2019 at 8:39 AM
    #7
    TJ_abuser

    TJ_abuser Well-Known Member

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    Hey @Prerunner1982 I wanna watch you fabricate sometime .....hey my Jeep needs a box I'll come see you then I can watch you fabricate lol maybe put some red dirt on my Jeep
     
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  8. May 3, 2019 at 8:41 AM
    #8
    TJ_abuser

    TJ_abuser Well-Known Member

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    Seriously tho we definitely need to go Wheeling some time ...were are neighbors after all. I can show you where Terry Bradshaw lives lol
     
  9. May 14, 2019 at 12:14 PM
    #9
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Sorry Todd, I remember seeing your replies but was trying to get on the road to McGee Creek for my camping weekend.

    No it's not waterproof, likely splash proof but hopefully there won't be that much water in the back of my XJ. :rain: I thought about getting an ammo crate utility box like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T4XL4H...olid=2UUJF0X50SZKL&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
    but was concerned about air flow. My "box" is not perfectly sealed up so there is some air flow possible, it also has a hole in the front that I can put a fan in if I need to. It's currently covered with plexiglass as that is what all the radios are mounted to. The plexi is then mounted on stand offs. I didn't want any bolts showing through the box however I ended up having to have a few as the JBweld/Quick steel couldn't hold up to the rough roads.

    Thank you but I am far from a fabricator.

    Where in TX are you?
     
  10. May 14, 2019 at 8:38 PM
    #10
    TJ_abuser

    TJ_abuser Well-Known Member

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    Just north of Denton about 25 miles into Texas on I35
     
    Prerunner1982[OP] likes this.
  11. May 15, 2019 at 7:57 AM
    #11
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Not too far at all. Not sure if I had invited you previously but I admin a couple local off road ham groups, Texas Off Road Amateur Radio, and Oklahoma Off Road Amateur Radio if you are interest in joining either one.
    A couple of the guys are trying to get together for ham radio Field Day (June 22-23), they are thinking somewhere in Southern Oklahoma.
     
    TJ_abuser likes this.
  12. May 15, 2019 at 8:29 AM
    #12
    TJ_abuser

    TJ_abuser Well-Known Member

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    Yes I will join bothi will be getting my ham license while I'm laid up from surgery
     
    Prerunner1982[OP] likes this.

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