Batboard

(for those who may be confused, the updated picture is below - not the URL posted here - just figured i'd keep everything in one thread as opposed to multiple so I can track my progress)

Alrighty, a week or so ago with the aid of some friends, I got my radios installed in my truck. This replaced my two CDM's I had stacked on top of eachother for a month or two while I was waiting to get some stuff straightened out with the equipment.

Here's a link to the photo

http://radio.the161.net/consolefront.jpg
(the image is kinda big, though I thought I resized it.... oh well)

The Spectra is a W9 VHF 136-162 110w unit, the CDM is a 403-470 1550.

I'm thinking about going with another vendor to get a remote mount Low Band, and 800 setup going in there... that's more of a project for when the right equipment comes barking at my door for the right price.

There is a full siren unit connected to the spectra, however, the Wail, Yelp, Hi-Lo tones are not activated due to the fact I'd prob. get castrated for playing. But the Air Horn/PA/Ext. Radio are working nicely. Speaker is a Federal Signal Dynamax.

I ended up mounting the radio in the rear right quarter panel. TONS of space in there. I could prob. fit a family of 4. No really, lots of space. In my explorer (and prob. most of them) if you look under the plastic that runs along the outside of the vehicle, there are small cableways that have snap off tops you can run cables in. These made it very easy to hide several power cables and control head wiring for the Spectra. Infact, I have space to spare.

Besides it taking me a while to track down some of the crimp connectors I needed (and yes bob, i should have just gone to best buy like you said...) it took longer than anticipated to do the install. However, it came out quite nice.

To mount the stuff in the dash, there is a CDM mounting bracket screwed to the console, and then two of those racks with the holes in them (used to stand on transmission humps) that are placed hoizontaly on the bracket. Between this, and the devices mounted within, it makes a very good, damage free install.

-Alex

Looks nice alex, good luck with the setup.

alex wrote:and yes bob, i should have just gone to best buy like you said...

Well at least he didn't send you looking for a left handed smoke shifter. Or a skyhook.....

Well,

I've done some upgrades since last posting. Here's a current picture of my setup in my explorer. I figured I'd use the same topic so people could see how it's progressed.



Currently I have:

VHF Astro Spectra W9 136-162mhz 110w drawer (w/S9000 Siren)
UHF MCS2000 (model 2, range 403-470)
800 MCS2000 (model 3)

There's also a Whelen PSC9 controler whcih controls my current lighting setup:

2 Dual Dashmisers (one on dash, one in rear at top left of tail gate)
4 Corner Strobes (2 Green in front corners, 2 clear in amber turn signals)

All powered by a whelen ISP188. Very nice power supply.

If people have install questions, fire away. My hope is to find a cheap console to buy at dayton and replace the stock one.

I don't have a huge desire to shell out 400-500 for all the pieces to get one with a laptop mount and such, and I've heard people have some pretty good luck finding stuff there, so who knows.

-Alex

Alex....you need to get a havis for that puppy, all your radios and switchbox would fit perfect. If you have any questions regarding my setup, let me know!!

-Chris

Hmm... very nice. It seems to end at the stock console.

Did you do some dremeling? Or did that console fit around it.

I'm going to be poking around at dayton to see what I can find. A full length with armrest, and hopefully a laptop mount would put the icing on the cake, but as usual, we'll see what jumps out.

-Alex

Alex,

I didnt have to do any modification to the vehicle whatsoever, thats the great part. You would need to remove all parts of the black console that snap in (including the drink holders). Then from there, you just need to make some custom brackets and slide them over the existing console. I think mine was a 14" consolidator, i'd have to check. This will lay right on top of the remaining beige plastic, and will fit like a charm. When your ready to sell the car, simply take the console off the top, and snap in the old plastic console parts, and they'll never know it was there in the first place. If you have any other ??? let me know. I also sell havis stuff, so if you decide you want to go with something new, I can help you out as well. Cya

-Chris

Interesting - that looks kinda nice...

Can you shoot a couple photos at an angle so I can see how it all fits in there? Or even an empty console over the stock setup?

I must have missed looking for that one when I was origionally looking.

How much would one set me bacK?

I have the PSC9 controler, 1 model 2 mcs2000, 1 model 3 mcs2000, astro spectra w9 + dek...

-Alex

Alex, the consolidators are really nice. I just bought a 30 inch loaded. 12 inch storage console, cupholders, (2) MCS2000 model 2/3 faceplates, a 9000 series head faceplate(fits all syntor, spectra, astro 9000 heads) and my smartsiren controller faceplate. Ill fits in there perfect. Also has a nice armrest that covers the storage area that flips up. Includes the tranny hump plate that mounts to the front seat bolts of the seats - no hole drilling and is VERY secure. Ill ahve to take some pics today. Ran me $500 or so new from Havis completely custom to my specs.

Here's an update to this thread. I have a 22" Troy console that will be going in the truck sometime in the next 2 weeks, but for now, the antenna's are done.

I cross posted this thread from a discussion on antenna spacing:

Here's what I ended up doing on the truck:

UHF Comtelco Antenna


VHF and Dual Band Antenna (VHF has the large coil at the bottom of it.)


(from Back to front):

DUAL BAND -------------------VHF

-------------------800

-------------------UHF

(dash's are just stupid place holders since it won't insert spaces where I want them )




Part No's:

VHF - A1511A
UHF - A1842
800 - A1183B
DB - 1131B


Sorry for the poor Image Quality, but whatcha goon do with a crappy camera at 12:30am after finishing the install...



The Antenna's came from:

Electrocomm West
Larry Feiggee
1-800-262-3478

Mention Stan (USPSS)'s name to Larry, and he'll take good care of you.

Thanks to both Stan and Larry (and the guy with insurance who did the drilling for me...).

-Alex

Very nice, looks good. I do agree though and get the Havis explorer half console.

I'd have ordered the half console they make for the Suburban, but I wouldn't have been able to fit everything in it and have a laptop mount.

It just didn't have enough space - so I'm going for the whole shabang.

-Alex

Alex, looking at the radio display, it looks like MCSO? Is that Monroe County Sheriff? Where are you located upstate?

If I'm not mistaken the quickie colsole solution that's been mentioned here a few times will only work on the 2002 explorer. the '97-'01 factory console is too narrow for it.

I'm sort of in a bind because I would just go and buy a replacement console for my '01 sporttrac, but the wife says the armrest, and rear controls have to stay.

I guess I'll be building something.

Glenn wrote:Alex, looking at the radio display, it looks like MCSO? Is that Monroe County Sheriff? Where are you located upstate?

Actually yes.

RX only.

That radio is used for GMRS/HAM for the most part, but other than that, it's a glorified scanner.

With that in mind, I'm in Monroe County

-Alex

As the project continues...

Still need to neaten some cabling, and waiting on some parts for one of the MCS2000's...

This is a 22" Troy Console. Mounted in the console is:

VHF W9 Astro Spectra (136-162)
800mhz Mod 3 MCS2000
Street Pilot (first color version... not the III)
Radio Shack scanner (thanks to PJ's garage)
UHF MCS2000 Model 2 403-470
XM Radio
Switches were purchased locally, and went into a precut switch panel.






However, I need a better armrest. Suggestions?

Coming soon when the budget allows: laptop mount.

-Alex

looks nice alex

hell, I'd do a console liek that in ym s-10, but the room between seats just isn't wide nough


Seth

Looks good dude.

And you know I would have something to say but... The switches... Put them closer to the top of the console... this way you can see if they were accidentally turned on. Also a scanner? Why? You've got just about everything covered in there for your area.

Otherwise looks great... good luck with it.

I just wanted something to listen to lowband (45.88 intercounty for those of you who aren't in NY) and something frequency agile for trips.

-Alex

That looks sweet.


Thats the only thing my mobile scanner gets used for... Monitoring low band. The CDM covers UHF and the only 3 VHF channels I infrequenctly want to hear, the Icom can handle. Actaully, I have an old Low Band TK-620 that doesn't TX sitting in my garage. I've been thinking about using that instead, probably do better than the scanner.

Nice, looks to be a bit low for my tastes overall but very nice. Check out Gamber-Johnson and Jotto Desk for arm rests that will work better for you.

Call Troy directly, they have made customs for some depts. they won't sell direct but will tell you the number of the product and send you a drawing.

Alex,

Looks Great!!!!

Some more updated photos:

I have to say - I have a new found respect for LED's - espically for 911ep's stuff.

Installed one last night thanks to a friend of mine who aquired a couple.




...and of course Some video footage:

http://radio.the161.net/MOV00375.MPG

The rear now has 2 dual dashmisers mounted at the top, and corner strobes in the tail lights.

I really shouldn't have gotten that other power supply

-Alex

Ooooooooooohhhhhh - I betcha you can't wait til it gets dark out! (story of my life...)

First it looks great!! Second what is the make of the rear led stick. I have a 96 explorer i just got and need to Radiofi it. What are my options with consels. What do i do with the computer screen for the system check and all that BS that is under the heat and AC controls. Thanks

Motoman221 wrote:First it looks great!! Second what is the make of the rear led stick.

911ep TD28

http://www.911ep.com

Motoman221 wrote:First it looks great!! Second what is the make of the rear led stick. I have a 96 explorer i just got and need to Radiofi it. What are my options with consels. What do i do with the computer screen for the system check and all that BS that is under the heat and AC controls. Thanks

I didn't have the computer setup in my explorer. I pulled the full console out (0139483092842304898 screws later) and just dropped in the Troy.

It really wasn't bad. At the advice of a friend, and I'll even say the same thing:

TAKE THE SEATS OUT!

Jedi_Saber is correct.... maybe that's cuz I baught it from him... 911EP TD28.

Very very nice toy. It's so nice just to watch the thing go.

-Alex

looks nice with the 911EP installed

Very sweet install Alex!

How much did the LED bar set you back?

Looks smokin' I think next time the Impala chariot of justice needs some custom work I know who to call.

I just started selling 911Ep, they have some sweet lookin stuff, especially that light you have there!

That is the WL28, which probably set him back $440 if he bought it new.

Actually, while it might look like a WL28... it's a TD28. Fits perfectly on the back there, and I think I paid $200 for it.

I wouldn't mind figuring out how to get the firmware updated so it can do the newer flash patterns, but I hear that's next to impossible.

-Alex

alex wrote:I wouldn't mind figuring out how to get the firmware updated so it can do the newer flash patterns, but I hear that's next to impossible.

Per the tech guru at 911EP that I just got off the phone with about a different matter, not gonna happen. Reportedly, there were actual hardware changes between the two revisions - not just firmware.

We've been handling 911EP products for a couple years now. They have some really cool stuff; I just wish they'd market it a little better.

whats the model number on that console?

Good question.

It is kinda a combo unit between the MC16 and a flat console that follows.

Part of the problem that I had with the two consoles was that they weren't flush mounted -- you would have to add an inch in height between them. I'm not exactly sure what the model number of the console is - i don't think it's a stock build. However, if I had to make any suggestion, it would be to have another 2-3" in height so that it wasn't so flush with the seats. It would probably block the a/c controls at that point, but, it would have been a bit higher for my liking. Other than that, it's a great console - i'm very pleased with it, and some of the compliments I've gotten from others have been great on the install job... even better: "who installed i?" I did.

-Alex

Are you using the 911EP control box for the TD28?

I hope he's not. all it is, is a glorified rocker switch box. all the TD28's take to control them is 3 switches, used in combination with eachother. Add a 4th switch if you want to use the low power night time option.

kc0jar wrote:I hope he's not. all it is, is a glorified rocker switch box. all the TD28's take to control them is 3 switches, used in combination with eachother. Add a 4th switch if you want to use the low power night time option.

That's what I was thinking, the install manual showed a very rudimentary setup, which I was surprised to see. But from the video I see that alex posted, those patterns don't look like that simple little box would do that, that's why I asked.

If that is the control box doing it, I'm surprised as heck.

all the patterns are generated inside the stick. there are 6 wires coming out of it:

Black and Red for juice
4 colored control wires. Any single wire or combination of wires that you apply juice to will generate a new pattern (arrow left, right, center, tracer, flash, warning etc).

I used to have powerapplied on my unitrol with the first slide position and use 4 accessory switches to control the patterns as needed.

that was such a sweeeeet setup.... Your Unitrol was the perfect solution for controlling the light