ATV Radio

radiotekk · Post by **radiotekk** » Sat May 17, 2003 4:19 pm

I'm looking for ideas on installing a VHF high band radio on an four wheeler. The ATV will be used in rugged mountain terrain for law enforcement applications. My main concern is ruggednest, water resistant, and battery power consumption. I was leaning towards a Spectra Motorcycle setup, but I am flexible. The nearest repeater is over thirty miles away, but it is on a high moutain, with great coverage, so something with 20 watts or so should cover it well. I was also ponder the idea of a vehicluar repeater mounted in the patrol pickup, which would be relatively close.

Thanks,
Mark

Julian · Post by **Julian** » Sat May 17, 2003 5:54 pm

For the harsh mountain conditions, and the dust/rain, vibrations and overall abuse of the radio, i'd go with a Railroad Spectra. They seem to be durable to the max, and were designed for harsh climate, and rough abuse.

Zaputil · Post by **Zaputil** » Sat May 17, 2003 6:52 pm

If you looking to buy new, a CDM1250 or 1550 with a remote mount kit would be nice. Otherwise a GM300 or a Maxtrac with the remote kit would be good also. The xcvr could be mounted in a waterproof ruggedized box on the back of the ATV, like a Hoffman equipent box. The control head can be mounted up front, but I'd tie a plastic bag around it. You are going to get it wet sooner or later. You would also want some sort of brush guard aroud it. Should you destroy the control head, it is a cheaper replacement than a Spectra head. The CDM VHF will also put out 50watts. (useful when you get the ATV stuck in the mud).

Good luck!

SZ

Macon Sparks · Post by **Macon Sparks** » Sat May 17, 2003 7:22 pm

Consider antenna selection also.

You'll need one that doesn't require a ground plane and is mounted far enough away so it doesn't desense the radio.

The old style police motor fiberglass antennas might be the ticket.

Also consider one of the amplified speakers to overcome the ambient noise when you're underway.

A Spectra Motorcycle remote setup might be just the ticket because it would be water resistant, etc., but they are $.

Cowthief · Post by **Cowthief** » Sat May 17, 2003 7:40 pm

Hello.

Most ATVs have a very small electrical system, not enough for a mobile radio.
Police motorcycles were at one time equipped with larger electrics than a standard bike, however all the dress bikes, like the gold wing, have enough juice for a M/C radio.
Electrical noise is another problem, Magneto ignition noise will give you a big problem, in part due to the 30+ volt spikes on a 12volt nominal elecrical system.
Motorola motorcycle radios have an accepted platform sheet for this very reason.

n5tbu · Post by **n5tbu** » Sun May 18, 2003 10:39 am

I have a Honda 300 atv with a Maxtrac on a mount I made for the handlebars,been going strong for 2 years,I put a trashbag over it when the weather is wet.I am using an ASP 450 5db gain ant mounted where the flag goes.

RKG · Post by **RKG** » Sun May 18, 2003 5:23 pm

If you can find one, a GE Delta SX with the S825 control head. Provided that the gasket is carefully put in its gutter when the cover on the cable connector is installed, the S825 is rain-proof and vibration-proof.

Wes · Post by **Wes** » Mon May 19, 2003 5:18 am

I have had a Kenwood TK-760H on my Suzuki going strong now for about 4 years. I had it on my Quadrunner 250 first, and after upgrading to a Quadrunner 500 2 years ago, I re-mounted it. The radio is mounted on a custom bracket and sets just above the speedometer and instrument cluster. The radio had been splashed and muddy and has never missed a beat. I use a 1/4 wave mounted on the rear rack through a hole where the flag would mount. This radio only pulls about 10 amps @ 45 watts.

Wes

radiotekk · Post by **radiotekk** » Tue May 20, 2003 7:19 am

Thanks guys....I'm still leaning towards the Motorcycle Spectra. I'm leary about draining the battery....and the RF is a concern for the rider.

Mark

ATV Radio

ATV Radio

ATV radio