Communications Consoles

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 7:12 am

Ok, I am researching a console for the iminent re-chassis of our rescue truck. The truck will be a Ford F-450 with bucket seats and NO factory console.

I am looking for recommendations and suggestions for consoles to use in this truck. It would need to hold 3 mobile radios (not big ones like an A9 head, just a normal head), switches for all the lights, a whelen siren, and 2 cupholders.

I have looked into the Havis ones as they are the only ones with literiture I have right now. It seems to have everything I need but it doesn't say how much space each faceplate takes up. I want to make a diagram to show where each device will go in the console and in relation to the seats. I also don't see anything indicating how far up the console goes.

Ok guys, hit me with your thoughts.

2wayguy · Post by **2wayguy** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 8:41 am

Let me know what radios and siren you want to install and I can give you info on the faceplates....

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 9:14 am

90 Series Kenwood x2
80 Series Kenwood x1
Whelen 295HFSA1 Siren

I know, I know. It isn't /\/\ but it is what our dept. uses

fire-medic8104 · Post by **fire-medic8104** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 9:24 am

My suggestion would be a Gall's Modular Console. I just installed one in a F-350, whose interior is the same as the F-450, and it worked out great. The console is high enough that it comes to the bottom of the seats and it will hold ALOT of equipment, if you order all 3 sections. I recently put in 5 radios and a switching system/siren into one, very easy to install. Just a suggestion but make sure whatever you get that it is a stable platform so your radios don't shake from side to side. I would try to get something that bolts to the floor not a "stand straight up, self tap to the floor" job they never work as good as they claim.

2wayguy · Post by **2wayguy** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 9:26 am

The Siren can use either the EB25-131 which uses 2.5 inches of space or a one piece faceplate EB30-MGC-1P which uses 3 inches

The Kenwoods use a EB15-156 for the *80 series which uses 1.5 inches and a EB25-081 for the *90 series which uses 2.5 inches.

As a side note if you use their custom switch panel which is quite nice, it uses 3 inches of space...

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 9:37 am

Oh, I thought those dimentions on their parts list were the size of the opening for the radio. Now that I look at it agian... DUH.

At first I put down their full 7 switch panel kit, then I realized I don't need all the other stuff that panel comes with. I changed it to the open switch panel and seperate switches. Saves about $100 in useless stuff for me.

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 10:34 am

fire-medic8104 wrote:My suggestion would be a Gall's Modular Console.

http://www.galls.com/shop/viewProductDe ... item=VE135

You mean this one, not one of those plastic POS ones, I hope? Do you need to cut the holes for each device as needed or do they have pre-made face pieces? It looks nice but it lacks the ability to customize where things go, plus there is only ONE CUP HOLDER

jim · Post by **jim** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 10:39 am

As a professional, I wouldn't put ANYTHING that says Gall's on a lawnmower. It's just plain junk-period. End of story. After Gall's, the Pro Copper is in second place for the biggest piece of $%&*

Gall's consoles WILL fall apart in no time at all. As for lighting and sirens, sure, it's made by other companies but to GALL'S SPECS!!
Just take apart one of their new "blue front" siren or light controllers that are "Made in China" and look at the 18 gauge wire used throughout. Take apart their $99.00 strobe power supply and sit it side by side with the equivalent Sound-Off (which makes Galls' units to Gall's specs) and you will see why it's on 99 bucks. This company has no business selling this type of equipment to be used in an emergency vehicle. It is good, however, for a volunteer fireman that needs something CHEAP.

If you want something that wil last and doesn't fall apart, go for Havis Shields' Consolidator series or the Gamber Johnson line.

A custom built one is the best, if done properly by a competent cabinet shop. They look better, are sturdier and will outlast them all. If done properly, they will build it to look like it was there from the factory.

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 12:07 pm

Why worry about the plastic Gall's stuff---he already noted that they were using Kenwoods, as opposed to the Big M...

Larry

jim · Post by **jim** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 1:17 pm

Oh, how true! The Gall's console would fall apart causing the Kenwod to fall on the floor. At this point in time, the radio would break from dropping a mere eight inches. It would need about $300.00 worth of repairs to make it work again. Hmmm. If the $300 were spent on a good console, this wouldn't have happened. Or........

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 1:50 pm

I suppose the whelen siren is made by Sound-Off too, right Jim?

Our doofus captain bought one of those crap box street thunder sirens for our utility truck. When you key the radio, the siren shuts off. You have to turn it completely off then on again for it to work again. Needless to say, I have a new Whelen one on order to replace that POS.

I am liking the Havis console the best so far. I am waiting for the literature on Troy and Gamber. We have some time before we need to make a decision so I am in no hurry.

Post by Pj » Sun Nov 24, 2002 2:07 pm

We placed a havis shields console in our new duty officer F250/350. Looks nice. The only thing that I do not like is all the screws that the console uses. I'll take a pic and email it to you within the next couple of days.

Personally I own a Gamber Johnson console and love it. They by far were the most helpful in putting it together (the package) and returning calls/email. They use velco strips (with the industrial strenght stuff) and a two top mounted rails with three screws apiece. The stuff DOES NOT MOVE, and now little screws to worry about. What is also nice is all the rounded edges, and large knockout panels around the box if you need to use them.

I do like how the HS face plates go all the way around the heads, but if you have a lot of equipment to mount, they do take up valuabe space.

KG6EAQ · Post by **KG6EAQ** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 2:20 pm

I have a Troy console and am extremely happy with it. They have just as many faceplates as the GJ or HS have. It's a very strong console that so far has taken quite a bit of abuse, plus I have two cupholders

fire-medic8104 · Post by **fire-medic8104** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 2:40 pm

Man, I didn't know Gall's would cause such a heated conversation. First, the link posted by nmfire10 is the one I am talking about. Second, I have been in the install business for 6 years and have installed numerous products including Gall's. I will agree their lighting and sirens are junk and would steer clear of them, if at all possible. The only consoles they have that are worth anything are the procopper and the modular console. Everyone has different opinions on their preference, this is just mine. From an installer's view and from a emergency apparatus operator's view these are good consoles for the money. They are durable and rugged and look good if done right. My volunteer fire department uses the modulars for all one-ton trucks and pro-coppers for the crown vics. Just my 2cents that's all.

911radio · Post by **911radio** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 5:04 pm

I was fortunate enough to have distributors of Havis-Shields, Gamber Johnson, and Troy consoles in my area. I got to look at them all and got to look at some Galls consoles that are in some local apparatus. Hands down, the Troy consoles are the way to go. Very neat install. Versatile and rugged. I just ordered one last Wed. Can't wait to get it installed. Just my $0.02 worth.

David

PS - If anyone wants pics after I install it, let me know and I will post them.

007 · Post by **007** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 5:35 pm

Show us the pic's when done

jim · Post by **jim** » Sun Nov 24, 2002 6:21 pm

I don't know who makes the Gall's sirens. It's not Sound-Off.
Their old lighting controllers were Federal and the old siren/controllers were Code 3. Whomever build this new generation mustn't have ever measured the current that lights can draw. Their "slim-line" siren speaker sucks too- I jsut installed one in a customer's vehicle and it's terrible! A local PD just bought 6 new Impalas and used these speakers. The cars were built in the spring and all 6 cars had new speakers so far- another high quality Gall's POS.

In my opinion, Pro-Copper is too hard to use- there is no room whatsoever inside of it. Try to install a lowband Maxtrac in one. It will stick out 5". There is no room in them for junction blocks, ground blocks or much room for any wiring in general. As for durability, they DO stay together okay. I just don't like the fact that there's no room in them. The armrests are the only thing that will break...usually within a week. They are also hard to bottom-feed the wiring harness, too.

Troy is another good quality console to consider. I forgot that one!
The Jotto-Desk Contour Console works great in a passenger car. It's built like a tank and has room to spare inside. It also frees up alot of room in the car's interior.

fire-medic8104 · Post by **fire-medic8104** » Mon Nov 25, 2002 5:15 pm

When you say "slim-line" which speaker are you talking about? I have customers that buy the Federal Signal Dynamax from Gall's and have not had a single one returned yet.

jim · Post by **jim** » Mon Nov 25, 2002 7:14 pm

Nope. Gall's is now selling one with their name on it. It's round- not square like the Federal. I don't know who makes it, but it sure isn't a Federal.

The Federal Dynamax is a nice unit when a standard speaker doens't fit. Small size comes with a series degradation of performance, however. I use the Dynamax in some vehicles where space is the factor and have never once experienced a failure with one.

fire-medic8104 · Post by **fire-medic8104** » Mon Nov 25, 2002 8:01 pm

Ok, I know which one you are talking about and I would agree it is junk. I have installed a small number of these and ALL of them have come back. I use the Dynamax on almost all of the undercover type vehicles because they are in generic american built automobiles with NO room for a regular speaker. Also, I have not had any Dynamax speakers have to be replaced.

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Mon Nov 25, 2002 8:09 pm

For the 2003 Crown Vic, is the thin Dynamax the only behind the grill speaker that will fit? It sounds a bit tinny to me.

Larry

007 · Post by **007** » Mon Nov 25, 2002 8:38 pm

Just about anything will fit behind the '03 Vic grill....FS BP100, various whelen products, etc.

Our state fleet uses some weird looking housing that has a FS driver and a rectangular shaped cone, with the horrible Code 3 V-Con siren/light panel. We have to replace amp units damn near every week.

Our city fleet uses the Dynamax with SmartSirens...I've heard better, but it is still effective for the size of the speaker.

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Mon Nov 25, 2002 10:52 pm

Hand down these are the good console companies

Troy Products
Stewart Products
Gamber-Johnson
Scientic Dimensions (SDI)
Jotto desk
Havis-Shields

http://www.troyproducts.com http://www.stewartproducts.com http://www.sdi.com

I own a Stewart console and am 100% pleased with it. Troy is also top noctch. In fact they are related companies (same family split up) so they have similar high quality designs. Stewart and Troy will also custom make parts for you if need be. Stewart will do direct factory sales

Any of these companies make professional tough, high grade consoles and mounts.

Stay well away from GALLS or Pro-Copper. COMPLETE JUNK!

jim · Post by **jim** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 7:50 am

I won't install a Dynamax in a Crown Vic. There is enough room to put TWO conventional speakers behind the grille firing straight fowrard. Why spend an extra $30 for something that you don't need (and doesn't perform as well) ?The Dynamax is nice when you need room, otherwise use a real speaker. They are louder and ARE $$$$CHEAPER$$$$

Post by Pj » Mon Dec 02, 2002 1:49 pm

Sorry for the delay Matt, but this is how ours is setup. I believe the upper midland was in the console at one time, but this is how it is setup now. At the very end of the console is the battery charger for the portable.

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Mon Dec 02, 2002 3:20 pm

Forgive me, in advance, Pj and please take no offense, but in M2CHO "What a mess!" Looks like a bunch of miscellaneous, Cheesie, Radio Shack type low bidders won multiple contracts for a hogpog of non-Motorola, and worse still, non-integrated 2-Way equipment. Looks like one of the mics is mounted backwards---geez!

If this is the case, I say "Let's raise local taxes!" Or, find a way to tap into the Billions of $s in the new Homeland Security Department. Seriously, our fire depts deserve better!

As a lot of folks have pointed out on this site, The Big M ain't cheap, but they sure look professional and integrate well. There is a reason for the cost---it ain't free to do the work of designing and supporting a fully integrated product. If you don't believe this, check out how much money it costs GM or Ford to re-design a dashboard. Everything has to look neat and professional, and be coordinated.

I'd think the Motorola sales guys would want to use this photo as a sales tool as to why to go Motorola!

Larry

P.S. On the other hand, who cares about the radio gear? The Suburban looks GREAT!

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Mon Dec 02, 2002 3:58 pm

You think that is a mess. HA. I'll have to take a picture of our recue and utility trucks for you. Granted neither of them use consoles, but they exemplify why you SHOULD have a console and what a "Mess" really is. I get a headache just looking at them.

Luckily, I have been told by the cheif to re-do the entire utility truck and we are re-chassising the rescue soon to. The new rescue chassis will be using the console I was wondering about in this thread and will be a whole new world for us.

Post by Pj » Mon Dec 02, 2002 5:39 pm

ACtually its a bad angle. When you are in the front seat, its very organized, and everything is at your finger tips. If I remember correctly, most of that stuff was mounted flat, but people were complaining that they couldn't use the siren/radio controls very well while responding to the calls, and this is what we ended up with, and the people are happy so far.

I personally would have done it a little differently, however to each their own. Our dept uses Midlands because at the time the Motorola were (still are) fairly expensive. Our funds come from our tax district, and not the town...that way we can buy the nicer stuff that we really need.. better hose, EMS equipment etc etc. I have heard we are looking at new radio's, but I don't know who we are going to go with. The fire service in town does not use MDC or any of that stuff...yet.

Communications Consoles

Communications Consoles

Havis Consoles

Faceplates

THE REAL ANSWER the poster was looking for