OK - lets try this again!

Post by **Code3Response** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 8:04 pm

A couple of months ago I thought about this - I had some interest but no one ever sent me their stuff. PLEASE send me some stuff as well as pics if your interested and I will compile it up! Thanks

What about a compilation of vehicle makes and models with installation tips, tricks, problems, solutions, etc? I would be willing to compile such a thing and put it on the web, etc. You could do some sort of write up with the type of vehicle you have, with tip, tricks, etc. Equipment you have mounted, mounting placement, power tap, wiring, etc. What do you guys think? You could email it or post with your year, vehicle make and model in the subject, and do some sort of writeup on the subject. Ill convert it into a webpage with HTML, etc. Ill compile a table of contents so it would make it more user friendly. I, as im sure others would love to have something like this for reference or even out on the field with installs! So what do you guys think? Start sending em!

007 · Post by **007** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:49 pm

I'm off at the end of the week. After I ship some ebay stuff, I'll send my Impala stuff to you.

kens · Post by **kens** » Tue Dec 24, 2002 6:14 pm

Great! Since I just started on my 3rd 02 Expedition, I'll complile my notes and send them to you!

elkbow · Post by **elkbow** » Tue Dec 24, 2002 6:51 pm

Matt,
When I finish up my truck, I'll do a write-up and send you the pics. Basically waiting on some parts and since its that time of year, money is needed for all parts

My final configuration will be a CDM1250 UHF, Spectra VHF and a Kenwood TM-D700A, all remote mounted. Main units behind rear seat. Power will be 4 Gauge running from the battery to a Stinger Digital AGU Fused Distribution Box. Ground will be a Stinger Ground Distribution Block. Will be installing a Audiopipe Dual 4 Guage Terminal block on the battery. I just messed up my VHF Antenna, so looking for another one of those (broke the little tab that presses against the NMO mount, don't ask how). Trying to figure final config in the front for the control heads, then you go and make the other post about the Superduties, now I need to think again.

jim · Post by **jim** » Wed Dec 25, 2002 1:19 pm

Sounds like this would be too "generic", since each vehicle is a different application. Everyone wants a different console, radios antennas. Each power feed requirement is different (do you really need a #4 power feed for a pair a Maxtracs just because somebody else said so?). Experience and product research is the key to any installation- not looking at what somebody else has done. Just because somebody else found that the rear of an '02 Explorer's roof is a good place to mount a UHF antenna, that doesn't mean that your lowband antenna will tune on the edge of the body if in the same place. If one department thinks a Troy console is the greatest thing, another might swear by a Consolidator or a custom built. Another thing to look at is duty/service. If you are doing a "vollie" or a police install, it might only have to work for a year or two. If you are building a squad truck for a small town VFD, you better damn well know what will last for 20 years- and how to install it and perform connections that will last for 20 years, also (can we say junk butt-splice???).
Although not an entirely bad idea FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES, I would hope that somebody wouldn't take what gets posted as the only or best way to do it.
Put though into YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS, discuss with the department, do product research, engineer the project and build it for the OWNER'S needs. If you can't figure out where to put an antenna, drill the firewall or calculate the power feed size, then maybe you aren't qualified to really be equipping a vehicle, which lives will depend on and needs to be reliable.

Jim's two cents...that probably doesn't matter.

Post by **Code3Response** » Wed Dec 25, 2002 2:26 pm

Jim - you are EXACTLY correct! This thng is mainly for things like as places to run through the firewall, mounting areas, "secret" spots, tips,tricks, etc. Pictures would help accompany it!

jim · Post by **jim** » Wed Dec 25, 2002 9:08 pm

Well, as soon as it's up, I have some pics!

Post by **Code3Response** » Wed Dec 25, 2002 10:30 pm

Its up! Well - almost. Anyways - I got a VERY detailed email about some awesome stuff. If you have things to contribute - email them to me at the addy in my sig. Thanks!

elkbow · Post by **elkbow** » Thu Dec 26, 2002 9:07 am

[quote="jim"] Each power feed requirement is different (do you really need a #4 power feed for a pair a Maxtracs just because somebody else said so?). quote]

Nobody said so, I said so. I have a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering, even though my speciality is Air-to-Ground Radar, I've done elecrtical design for over 15 years, mainly TTL, DC stuff, so I'm very aware of power loss, etc. I am currently the Operations Manager for the largest Aerospace Company in the world, we have over $1B worth of electrical equipment where I work.

Anyways, every heard of the saying 'bigger is better'. When you are running a 110 watt Spectra, best having some good power feeding it, then filtering that you have at least two other radio's drawing from the same power source.....Why run 3 power cords through the firewall to the battery....NOT.

Well, to each their own.

jim · Post by **jim** » Thu Dec 26, 2002 8:23 pm

I did not say anything about anything you said! What I was saying was just general and not referring to anything. Bigger IS better. Only one power cable should be used- not 2, not 4, not 12. My point is that just because somebody reads that a #4 (or whatever) was used for a certain installation, that doesn't necessarily mean that everybody needs the same. Same goes for firewall holes or anything. Just 'cause they did it, we should do it. Not.

elkbow · Post by **elkbow** » Thu Dec 26, 2002 9:03 pm

Ah, got it, sorry. Thought you were shooting at me. You are exactly right. I go off of my own knowledge, but learn much of that knowledge on places like here, from you and others that have learned through experience.

My installation will be totally different than anything I have done before. The Stinger Digital Fused AGU Distribution block is often used on Car Audio installations with alot of equipment. It has a digital readout to tell you how may volts you have at the block. It can take one 4 guage or one 8 guage input with 3 8 guage or 1 4 guage output. That way I can see what I'm pulling/dropping, not too pricey either.

Cheers...
Dave.