My 2001 Chevy Tahoe

USCGTC · Post by **USCGTC** » Thu Sep 26, 2002 7:08 pm

I have a 2001 white tahoe and i plan on puting in
1) syntor 9000 110wat vhf
2) spectra 50watt
3) pa300,
4) federal signal switch box.
5) yeasu ft90(uhf/vhf)
6) Uniden truck tracker 780xlt or the newer digital one

I am unsure of what kind of antennas to use. I'm familar with motorola spectrum antennas but they are over priced. I did find comtelco quarter wave antennas resonably priced and will consider them.

As far as lighting i already have hideaways in the low and highbeams in the front and hide aways in the reverse and yellows in the back. i also have red and white single unit dash misers in the rear.

I trying to work with my factory center console right now however if it has to go, what would be a good brand or model to replace this?

ill post pics very soon

Post by **Code3Response** » Thu Sep 26, 2002 7:18 pm

PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Post pics. Thinking about getting a 2003 Tahoe and decking it out. Thanks

ptemplin · Post by **ptemplin** » Fri Sep 27, 2002 6:01 am

I've had excellent luck with Maxrad antennas. Great selection (at least in my opinion) to allow me to pick the amount of gain desired and pay for it appropriately. They've got some really neat "low profile" antennas that are less than 3" tall, but offer 2.4dB gain in the 800MHz and up bands. I've got the low-profile unit that is 2.4dB gain on 800 AND 1900, for cell/PCS. It works fantastic. http://www.maxrad.com

Console-wise, my personal, hands-down, don't-look-at-another-brand recommendation is Troy consoles. You may need to do some measuring to determine what exactly will fit, but they will impress everyone. They have little consoles that might fit in front of your factory console, and they've got big consoles to take the place of your factory console. I started little and got big. They have faceplates to perfectly fit most radios, which is what gives them their fantastic appearance. Security fasteners mean it's impossible to remove the radios without the right tool or a lot of force - screwdrivers aren't enough to get the job done. http://www.troyproducts.com

See my somewhat recent post in the Bat Lounge forum (I think) "about your personal vehicle" for pictures and descriptions of what I've got in it. I'm obviously a very satisfied customer.[/url]

YoChief · Post by **YoChief** » Fri Sep 27, 2002 9:10 am

I recently went to an emergency management seminar and a member of the Civil Air Patrol was also there with his mini-van. Now count them, 16 (I repeat 16) antennas on the roof. Thing looked like a porcupine on drugs. He was the mobile ground communications van for the CAP when they do their searches for missing airplanes, people, etc. I asked what radios he had in there and he said "If you can listen, I can talk to you".

He used the Motorola NMO mounts and installed 16 of them spaced out as equally as he could on the roof. He ran the 16 leads into the van. Now he has complete interchangeability. He just screws the correct antenna to the mount on the roof and plugs the coax into the radio inside. If he changes radios down the line, he just replaces the antenna on the roof.

Do the same thing. Then if you ever want to swap from a 1/4 wave whip to a pancake, or change bands, etc. you'd have the flexability. So buy your first go round of antennas with the MNO's, then if you switch in the future, all you have to buy is the antenna.

I've always found Tessco (http://www.tessco.com) to be the cheapest

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Fri Sep 27, 2002 10:29 am

You know you have a lot of antennas in your vehicle when you need a patch bay for all the coax.

USCGTC · Post by **USCGTC** » Sun Sep 29, 2002 5:50 am

ptemplin,

Thanks for the links, i checked out troy products and the consoles are very appealing. Around how much should i expect to pay for one?

Post by **Code3Response** » Sun Sep 29, 2002 4:12 pm

PICS! PICS!

ptemplin · Post by **ptemplin** » Mon Sep 30, 2002 7:23 am

Contact Troy and ask for a catalog - it'll have list prices in there. Your local distributor will have varying levels of discount I'm sure.

My little 10" console was around $200. My current setup was about $750 plus shipping, but that included lots of extras (Excursion/SuperDuty floor mount, two sets of cup holders, two map lights, etc.), not to mention it was 32" of console space! Each console includes enough faceplates (that you specify!!!) to fill up the front of it. They've got faceplates for a lot of stuff, but it might make sense to carefully go through their catalog/website or call a dealer to make sure that they can cover what you're hoping to mount.

I don't think any one console is any more than $400, but don't quote me on that.

smcrae · Post by **smcrae** » Mon Sep 30, 2002 1:54 pm

I have a 2002 Yukon and am also looking for something from Troy or comparable quality to replace the front part of the factory console.

For antennas, I went with the Maxrad's and NMO mounts. Drilled / punched four holes in the roof and ran LMR-240 Ultraflex for everything.

So far I have a Yaesu 8100 and MTVA for Motorola HT's installed. The Yaesu is installed in the opening for the factory cassette player - perfect fit - but no room for more radios.

2wayguy · Post by **2wayguy** » Mon Sep 30, 2002 6:21 pm

Look at the consolidator http://www.havis.com. I use them in all my installs and they work out nice. Seem to be somewhat cheaper than the Troy as well. Let me know if you need more info or pricing..

USCGTC · Post by **USCGTC** » Tue Oct 01, 2002 12:18 pm

Pic's are comming!!! What i ended up doing was just installing the remote heads (vhf and uhf) right by the three cigarette lighters. the switch panel and siren are mounted in the center arm set console and hidden from view unless i open it.

For antenna's i went with motorola spectum vhf and uhf antenna. I have toyed with the idea of getting low profile ones but freq ranges was too restrictive.

I will have pic's by the end of the week. But without the antenna or the scanner installed

USCGTC · Post by **USCGTC** » Fri Oct 04, 2002 2:37 pm

Here is the progress of my installation. Check out the link below. Comments are encourged...i'm new at this!!!

http://photos.yahoo.com/rcarlyle

YoChief · Post by **YoChief** » Fri Oct 04, 2002 2:46 pm

If you're new at this, you're gonna be awsum in a few years......

Issa lookin good, Dude!

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Fri Oct 04, 2002 9:15 pm

Hey USCGTC

You did the same thing as me, with putting that Sirenbox in the Factory console, what a small world lol.

USCGTC · Post by **USCGTC** » Sat Oct 05, 2002 1:31 am

Do you have pics of your tahoe? Maybe i can use some of your ideas

wa2zdy · Post by **wa2zdy** » Sat Oct 05, 2002 5:34 am

Why is this board so against Larsen antennas? I've never heard any complaints about them, I've had them for over 20 years, and a lot of places swear by them. And yet I never hear them recommended here. What gives???

Thanks,

Flametamer · Post by **Flametamer** » Sat Oct 05, 2002 10:59 am

How did you mount the siren and switch box? I have a 2000 Silverado and I am thinking about doing the same thing.

darrin

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Sat Oct 05, 2002 11:50 am

I was finally finished like 1 week ago on installing the radios in, it took awhile to think how I ws gonna do it. Didnt want to put a new console in there, wanted to keep the Factory one.

And oh yeah, my aint a Tahoe, its a Suburban, but who gives, almost same thing lol.

Trying to get some more radios in one day, right now I have on the side of that console in the front, a Astro Convertacom, and all the rest is in the console, Code 3-vcon, a Icom IC-F621, a stupid Bearcat scanner, that needs to go and try to get a BC780XLT lol.

I will post up some pics in a few, or try to post it lol

Hey US, where did you mount your PA speaker?

As for Darrin Question, well am not sure about him, but I didnt had to deal with taking out the whole console, putting bolts, so I can mount each radio and siren, soo what I done myself, I used some tiewraps, i know what you guys are thinking, but sure make it it look good though.

I will post pics.

KG6EAQ · Post by **KG6EAQ** » Sat Oct 05, 2002 5:45 pm

The tiewrap method works good

You know that Dale!

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Sat Oct 05, 2002 9:08 pm

Yes I know Robert lol

Your a proof of it lol

KG6EAQ · Post by **KG6EAQ** » Sat Oct 05, 2002 9:48 pm

Just so everyone else knows, my siren speaker is mounted in totally with tiewraps. I had a helluva time trying to find an actual mount for a '92 Explorer so I just dropped it in behind the grill with tiewraps, it has steel underneath it so it's not going anywhere!

USCGTC · Post by **USCGTC** » Mon Oct 07, 2002 6:54 am

Thats what i used for my speaker!

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Mon Oct 07, 2002 11:26 am

just a test link, let me know if it works, if it does, I will start up loading the pics from my so so amature install lol

http://www.geocities.com/bobby4482/radio_page.html

USCGTC · Post by **USCGTC** » Mon Oct 07, 2002 11:53 am

it works!

Post by **alex** » Mon Oct 07, 2002 11:54 am

Dale,

If you want, I can put some pictures up for you... that way you don't hit a restriction limit with Geocities, or other stupid restrictions.

PM if interested.

-Alex

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Mon Oct 07, 2002 8:30 pm

Hey everybody,

Thanks for the offer Alex, I had no problems putting it up on geocities.

I just basicly throw it on there lol. And I applogize, if anybody gets dizzy looking at some of the pics, its not easy taking a pic with those mini digital cam.

But anyways, still working on the suburban, soo its alittle messy alittle, but getting there........ soooner or latter lol

http://www.geocities.com/bobby4482/index.html

Post by **Code3Response** » Mon Oct 07, 2002 8:36 pm

Dale, why do you have lights in your vehicle? Green ...? Not great colors for non LEO in CA - its frowned upon. What do you use your lights for?

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Mon Oct 07, 2002 8:38 pm

Used for Security patrol.And usually directing traffic and other related traffic

LASO, Didnt mind at all when helping them block intersection for them lol.

USCGTC · Post by **USCGTC** » Tue Oct 08, 2002 3:10 pm

F.Y.I add a few more pic's........found a nice place to mount the ft90

wa2zdy · Post by **wa2zdy** » Tue Oct 08, 2002 5:19 pm

Dale,

For you in southern California it may not be an issue, but to others I'd suggest using caution mounting stuff near the heat vents. It looks to me (I'm not familiar with the layout of things in your type of vehicle, so just going by your pics - which look great by the way!) like that MVA is right in the blowing path of air from the vent. Hot air will NOT be healthy for any such electronic stuff. I ran into that issue with my lil ole Mazda 626. In fact, I'll not be 100% sure of my MVA installation until I'm using the heat this winter.

Good luck to all,

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Tue Oct 08, 2002 5:28 pm

Hey USCGTC,

What kind of up close pics do u want me to take? just let me know and I will take some and e-mail some to you or post it up for you.

And Chris,

Thanks for that info, I will check, I dont think its near the heat vent at all, maybe that speaker is, I will check, only heat problem with the equipment is the sun lol. Cant do much there......

But thanks for the info though, I will probally check latter, and see if it is or not, dont want to start have warp speakers lol

Search · Post by **Search** » Tue Oct 08, 2002 9:50 pm

Just a FYI:

When I was using my code3 vcon siren in my explorer, I mounted it inside my center console, and one night going to a call, it blew out after about 15 min from use. The console was open, but the vent holes on the top and side must have been blocked cause this puppy was burnin hot...... I'm sure you dont use your siren much, but wanted to let you know from experience. If you have the $$$ a federal signal smartsiren or a code 3 RLS would be a great remote mount unit.
-Take Care,

USCGTC · Post by **USCGTC** » Wed Oct 09, 2002 1:22 pm

Dale Earnhardt

I'm affraid to drill into the roof for the antenna installation, can you offer me some advise? was is easy to find the wires or did you have a hard time with the entire process?

The police intercepter sticker was a really nice touch

...i have to get that!

Thanks

KG6EAQ · Post by **KG6EAQ** » Wed Oct 09, 2002 3:36 pm

Drill Drill Drill! It was the best thing I ever did! Spend the few bucks and get the right bit and it's a breeze! Just be extra careful about the headliner

wa2zdy · Post by **wa2zdy** » Wed Oct 09, 2002 4:06 pm

The permanent antenna mount will make the thing work so much better, and that mag mount is just going to tear up the paint anyway, so drill, or pay someone to do it.

Good luck,

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Wed Oct 09, 2002 7:22 pm

Hmmm, I think I have aleast a good half of inch gap behind the code 3 v-con for air to get into it, but yes, dont use much of the siren though, only airhorn right now hehehe. Only if I had the money, would go with Federal Signal remote mount, that was nice, when I first seen it

Hey USCGTC, Drilling is the best, its clean, radiates better, and like everybody say, and from experince too, dont chip off the paint or like usual, leave rust stain, ugh, that is the worse. BUt if you dont really want to go that way, just go ahead and use a magmount, I used that for at least a year, but finally drill, and looks so much better, dont have to slam on the coax everytime I Close the door. As for finding the wires, it was pretty easy, u can just stick it through, so it can reach the side, if not, use a hanger to snag it.

If not, pay somebody to help you drill, its well worth it.
Hehehe, yeahhh I like that Police Interceptor stickers, its nice. Offical PI Suburban.

But the major thing is, take your time doing it, dont rush it. and it will come out perfect

TOday we were tuning the 2 quaterwave antenna, almost 0SWR, dosent even move on the meter.

POVoutfitters · Post by **POVoutfitters** » Wed Oct 09, 2002 7:25 pm

After seeing all the other nice installs in late model Chevys......

Here are a few pictures of my 2001 Tahoe

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/n_alscan/lst ... yahoo.com/

Spectra VHF 110watt A-9 with control head sunk into the dash
Motorola Siren (under back seat)
Yaesu FT-90 (main body hidden under the dash)
(NEXTEL) I-700 hands free hard mount kit
Whelen LED Slimliter on Winshield
Pair of Whelen LED Deckblasters in rear window
Strobes in Headlights and Taillights
Traffic Backer on Taillights and Back-up lights
Multipattern Wig-Wag/Traffic Runner on High Beams

I have a piece of velcro to pop the factory cover over the Spectra A-9 control head in the center console...

Next on the install list is probably going to be a Motorola PP1000, as I don't really know where I can easily mount an 800Mhz radio....

I hope you like my setup....

Robert
[email protected]

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Wed Oct 09, 2002 7:53 pm

OMG lol that is so funnyh, we all so think alike on here, people that owns suburban or tahoe, because where you have your strobe supply, I have it at the same area too, you can open it, and lower down the back seat down and it wont harm the strobe supply at all

As for the spectra Control head, was thinking the same to, with my ICOM, might think of that setup next time when I get a spectra in the future.

But looks great though!!! I was thinking about buying that Whelen LED light too from a guy on ebay name awseomestrobes or something. Wanting ot buy one soon, what are you thoughts about that LED Light?

And I applogize for my spelling... as I usually dont check it or read it or my wording lol.

SmartZone · Post by **SmartZone** » Thu Oct 10, 2002 11:55 am

I purchased an LED Slimliner from Awseomestrobes or whatever his name was... came well packed and just as described... if that helps... The light is a VERY quiet light... I sometimes wonder if its 'on'.... but it does well...

I like it.

USCGTC · Post by **USCGTC** » Thu Oct 10, 2002 1:53 pm

Looks good Smartzone,

Check out this guys tahoe, nice custom console!
http://www.installer.com/z71/

cranbiz · Post by **cranbiz** » Thu Oct 10, 2002 6:11 pm

Smartzone,

SWEEEEEET!

The one with the most toys, Wins. I think you won.

Very nice setup.

Bob

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Mon Oct 14, 2002 9:08 pm

Hey everybody

Just an updated pic of my other car I have Its a Ford Crown Vic 1999, finally got to borroww my cousin Digital Cam that cost him a leg and a arm,

This car I baby, nobody drives except me!!!! lol
I think I should take the Cage out oneday

http://www.geocities.com/bobby4482/index.html

KG6EAQ · Post by **KG6EAQ** » Tue Oct 15, 2002 1:36 pm

Oooh man... the cage is great! I don't know any car thief that would touch a car that has a cage in it.... that just SCREAMS police. What's the roof look like on it? How many antennas?

Post by **vcaruso** » Tue Oct 15, 2002 2:01 pm

What no shotgun?

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:22 pm

noo, its only in there when I have to drive through South Central and pick up some Grocery......

USCGTC · Post by **USCGTC** » Thu Oct 17, 2002 12:04 pm

Nice job !!!!

USCGTC · Post by **USCGTC** » Thu Oct 17, 2002 12:11 pm

POVoutfitters

Does the Larsen Dual-band work pretty?

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Thu Oct 17, 2002 5:48 pm

hehehe... let me get my Yukon GT finished - it will put all you guys to shame....

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 11:18 am

ooooooo really, I wanna see some pics after you finish

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 5:12 pm

Right now a major engine replacement is going on (upgrades!) so that is the big project to deal with. I've got about half the gear in the vehicle now that I need. Once the engine replacement is done I'll re-do the stewart console for a bigger one, get the warning system finished and probably add a couple more antennas. Truck already has 8!
Everything is System 9000 Spectra stuff VHF, UHF, 800, Siren/PA, 2 VRS units, Lo-band Maxtrac, MTVA, laptop and mount etc etc.

My 2001 Chevy Tahoe

My 2001 Chevy Tahoe

Troy Consoles

Tahoe / Yukon

Consoles

PIC'S

PIC's

POVoutfitters' 2001 Tahoe