Custom Consoles - Check it out!

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Mon Nov 25, 2002 11:04 pm

Check out this custom console we built for a 91 Chevy Ambulance chassis which as converted to a mobile communications center. This is just the driver compartment - will post the rear radio console later when its done.

Truck has 24 antennas and can communicate on anything from HF through 900 Mhz, commerical, public safety, ham and MIL. Truck will include its own telephone switch and mobile repeaters.

The console is custome made from furniture grade plywood, color matched carpet and custome made stainless steel face plate. Notice no visible welds! We owe big thanks to custom design shop who made the faceplate out of one piece!

Holds 800 and VHF A9 Spectra
VHF/UHF Yaseu ham rig
Federal Signal PA300 Siren (lights run through the ambulance package)
Airhorn actuators
Hour Meter
10x12 storage pocket (just visible in pics)

Speakers and converta-com are mounted on the back wall between the seats.

http://my.voyager.net/~k9amt/radioinstall006.jpg
http://my.voyager.net/~k9amt/radioinstall007.jpg
http://my.voyager.net/~k9amt/radioinstall008.jpg

ENJOY!

KG6EAQ · Post by **KG6EAQ** » Mon Nov 25, 2002 11:29 pm

Nice looking setup! You do owe a big one to that metal shop, looks like they did a great job on it! The converta com seems to be in an uncomfortable spot, but it doesn't look like you had a choice. Again, good job!

JAYMZ · Post by **JAYMZ** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 12:29 am

A Horton Ambulance?! I beleive you wrote it's 91......have you had any fires in it yet? I had a friend who's squad bought 2 94 Hortons.....both of them within 3 monthes of each other had fires. I have heard of several other similar complaints. All with the on board "computer". But then again at least they aren't Road Rescue.

Actually the project sounds like quite the undertaking...I am interested to see the final layout.

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 7:20 am

NICE! That metal console looks great and I would imagine it is rather bullet proof. Does that master turn off the whole rig or just the console gear?

I can't wait to see the back!

Post by Pj » Tue Nov 26, 2002 9:22 am

I just hope that the sun doesn't hit it at the right angle and blinds the driver... Other than that, looks sharp!

gws · Post by **gws** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 12:12 pm

Do you have any photos of the construction? mounting and power routing?

Iwould love to see the backside.

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 9:43 pm

yeah that stainless is mighty shiny. You should see the brackets the shop custom made and welded to the back side of the console. Talk about neat. I do construction pics, just not with me right now. I'll dig them up and post them.

We haven't had any fires that I am aware of. Horton's wiring is kinda wacky especially since we took a lot out of the rig. O2, suction and half of the original interior body work in the box area are completely gone. I'll post interior pics at some point.

Our city had a whole fleet of these as rescue units over the last ten years. I think the newest are 94's with 2 still in daily service plus a spare rig. All the other rescues have been upgraded to International heavy duty chassis with horton boxes which are VERY nice.

The Master key panel was a horton item that is reinstalled in the new console and yes it cuts out the whole rig. Only thing I have left to do is wire up the Tap 2 fuction to the horn ring circuit. For some reason this rig never had it.

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 9:54 pm

The Converta-com was left over from its rescue days. I just remounted it. I'm not too worried about getting to its since its really just a mobile charger for a VHF portable although it is fully functional. At some point it will be replaced with an HT1000 MTVA. What you don't see behind the seats are the 2 spectras and the VRM module.

motor59 · Post by **motor59** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 10:26 pm

Nice - but I have one question, wiseass that I am....

When you say color-matched carpeting, are you referring to a match with some other vehicle in the fleet? Unless I'm more tired than I thought, we're talking WAY off here!

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 10:43 pm

It matches the floor carpet, not the seats! Besides i noticed the flash on the camera give different shades to the material that to the naked eye looks damn close.

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 10:44 pm

That and someone didn't remember to clean that cab this month. All the dust! Time to go rip on the guys!

KitN1MCC · Post by **KitN1MCC** » Thu Nov 28, 2002 8:55 am

well it is nice just see an Chevy ambulance.

Has any body seen the chevy heavy duty chassis

elkbow · Post by **elkbow** » Thu Nov 28, 2002 12:09 pm

Looks great. Only one thing I would change that I don't see in the pics....You're running the mic cables through the side of the console, I would drill the holes larger and put rubber grommets in the holes as not to rub the steel against the mic cable. Looks good.

Jonathan KC8RYW · Post by **Jonathan KC8RYW** » Sun Dec 01, 2002 5:37 pm

Hmm. The drivers side window looks like a piece of plastic. Hmm.

Post by **vcaruso** » Sun Dec 01, 2002 6:42 pm

That plastic looks to be beyond the mirror.

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Tue Dec 03, 2002 9:33 am

The plastic you see is a golf cart ambulance package with a rain shield on it. We use it for special events, fairs, carnivals etc. its NOT the window on the rig!