For You Ham Operators Out There - Radio Installation
 

It's better than 50 degrees here in Syracuse, NY - I just HAD to do something on the car this weekend............

So far I cleaned the tail-lights - and installed new high output back-up bulbs.
Finally replaced all the fuses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND - Drum Roll Please - Installed the Kenwood TM-733 Dual Bander.
What a great weekend this was...............

Stephen
WA2FDU

Very nice installation. Where did you get/run the DC power? Did you put the radio in the trunk?

I have a D-700A, and will try your mounting when I get the rest of the console sorted out. I'd love to put the 'brick' in the trunk, but I'd need to get a microphone extension long enough to reach back into the cabin.


EDIT: Oh, yeah, swapped #1 injector with #4, didnt make any difference in 'nailing' sound. So, I'll live with it until I get the time/nerve to play with the injector delivery seals.

Lubed the hood latches with ATF, just because it was open. Wiped a lot of oil off of everywhere, because I had a roll of paper towels. Got inconlusive readings on vacuum to transmission, will have to play more.

The Grand Marquis has a miss, I think one or more spark plug boots have developed carbon tracking, and the low wiper fluid warning is always on, annoying the **** out of me.

I just keep adding to the list of automotive stuff to do!


73 de n8qmd

Well, I had nowhere near as much fun.

I took the passenger side footwell down and removed the sampler motor. Cleaned and oiled it up and put it back in place. No more squeal.

I chased down the reason that the washers don't work. Chased it all the way back to the combination switch. Had to remove the cluster to find the plug buried deep in the back.

I chased down the reason that the rear defogger does not work. After some jury rigged tests, it is confirmed that the combination relay is NG.

Replaced the passenger side sun visor with one without the cracked cover.
Still lights up!!

Confirmed that replacement seat trim pieces will fit on the outside of the seats. Unfortunately, the pieces cannot be installed unless the seat is removed. :(

Wanted to replace the CCU but never got around to it.



What does that unit that you added do, anyway, Stephen?

Everything is in the trunk, up high on the right side of the divider panel for the Fuel Tank. Velcro does work on the carpeting. Ran 12 gauge wire direct from the battery back there. I did purchase another Coin Tray to do this installation, so I could cut a hole for the cabling and still keep the original one in storage for later. FYI - You can use an Ethernet Cable as a Microphone Extenion, using a double female connector. I just happened to buy numerous remote mounting kits over the years so I used a Kenwood cable for this one.


This is a piece of Amatuer Radio (Ham Radio) equipment. Basically a much more elevated and controlled version of CB. A license is required to operate it. Through some newer technology called 'EchoLink', we can actually talk around the world from the car. If you are familiar with what a Repeater is - we have ours connected to the Internet and do VOIP (Voice Over IP) for far reaching communications.

Stephen (Enginerd)

Anyone interested in getting a license...

http://www.arrl.org/catalog/lm/

Ham?
 

If I reapply for my license can I keep my old call sign? Or just use it anyway. If they come looking for me I don't live there anymore (Bakersfield CA. for ex-felons and people in the secret witness program) :eek:

Haha DUDE you put that exactly where I put my VM-V7A Dual Bander.
Its a bit taller so it interferes with the cig. box but I never use that anyway.
I put my unit in the back by the trunk and ran all the wires under the carpet on the drivers side inside the wire/vac line channel thingy.
It actually turned out nice and the worst thing I had to do was take out the drivers seat (4 bolts).

I will take a pic of my install..it looks exactly like yours.
I ran all the mic and speaker wires up into that tray and then put the mic mount on the side and the speaker is in the center concole under the arm rest. This setup seems to work good so far, now I just need to figure out why my unit keeps remembering the memories but forgetting what settings I had last time it shut off :)

KD7INF

What does it do?
 

That unit is the remote control head for a VHF/UHF two-way radio. If you have a well-rounded personality, it allows you to converse within line-of-sight range. If there are defects in your character, it will take over your entire life, and you end up like me. :eek:

Q: What does it cost to be involved in Amateur Radio?
A: Everything you have, plus a little.

I'm planning a similar install in my 300CD, except I don't have the coin tray. I got a spare ashtray, unscrewed the handle so that I have a flat surface to work with. Now I'm tracing the control head outline, and I plan to use my router to carve out the wood. Then I'll drill a hole for the control head cable, and mount the slightly recessed control head. The TM-D700A goes in the trunk.

73, (ancient telegrapher's code for "Best Regards")

Its not so ancient...I use it daily...emails,etc....as do most everyone on the low ends of the band :D

- - . . . :o . . . - -
 

I am wondering when I will ever find time to reinstall the 6-sweep tube HF linear in the trunk. Or the six meter Rangr in the wagon, or the 900 MHz FM gear (Motorola GTX) in the W124. I have a big Leece Neville alternator for the '72 220 to run the 8877 linear in that car. Darned too many projects!!!!!!!
I was raised on rf!
1971 220 (gas) 4-spd manual 106441
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 296650
1983 300D 243280
1985 300TD 223470
1987 300D 262300 :o

Just don't give me no 88's and we'll get along just fine good buddy!

I've been partial to thru-the-glass antennas lately, although I had a 10 meter 1/4 wave whip on the side of the Escort and a Hy-gain whip on the side of the Aerostar. I just haven't been able to get myself to drill a hole in any Benz yet.

FineOlBenz,

I think if your old call is available, you can request it. Maybe only after you get a new call though. I got my Dads callsign as soon as they opened up the vanity callsign access about 10 years ago.

-K8QKJ

I am a future ham. I bought a TenTec radio and am planning an antenna system. It has been a while since I studied for licensing tests and will have to pretty much start over. I have been eyeballing local elmer lists but haven't called anyone yet.

I can hear it now...
"DAMN I just lost a rare DX becuase the friggen engine stalled when I went to key..."

LOL...those Leece Nevilles are serious stuff though...I loved working on them...:)

KD7INF de N7CEU
 

Go into the menu, and set PM AutoSave back on. You must have done a reset; the default setting is off.