Batboard

Here's one as I try to decide if I'm going to put my Syntor X in my Ranger.

Can the control cable be run in the weather for a couple of feet? I don't know the weather resistant qualities of this cable, so before I do it. I want to put the drawer in the bed (covered with a cap) if possible.

Thoughts?

How are you going to route the cable? We'll need to start a SyntorX/Ranger club here ;)

I remember the install manual suggestions...

mount the radio with the connectors facing down if possible if in a semi exposide environment.

Run the cable in automotive loom for protection and you should be fine.

That's along the lines of a topic I was going to post. I'm in the process of receiving a Syntor X from W7com (Thanks Joe) and was curious about the same set up.

My biggest question was about putting it into a truck toolbox. One of those sealed, diamond plated aluminum ones. I'm concerned whether or not dust particles in the truck box, etc. would cause problems with the trunk pack? I've never really had my own trunk pack radio before now and the ones I've used have always been installed in dusty trunks of cars with no problems. Obviously the toolbox is pretty tight for a seal but I have noticed dust in it from time to time after running on gravel roads in Iowa.

Sealing the cables from head to trunk pack via the rear cab wall into the truck box, etc. shouldn't be bad with sealant and protective loom. The overall distance won't leave much exposed. I was concerned that dust could get into the trunk pack itself though and wreak havoc.

I'm really toying with safely putting it on the floor behind the rear set of my 2000 Chevy Extended Cab Silverado. Can the trunk portion be mounted sideways, vertically? Any heat issues to worry about like this? I know that this would get warm over time with a lot of transmitting....? At least the dust won't get to it, that way.

Thanks.

Blaze.

I have done the truck toolbox install before. Usually what we had set up was to drill a hole between the back wall, the bed and the toolbox. One straight hole all the way through. Then we got a section of stiff rubber tubing from the auto shop and put it in the hole.

we then siliconed around the tube inside the toolbox, and on the inside of the truck. That way all moisture stayed outside of the vehicle between the truck and the tool box.

It worked good and when we did the removal 2 years later the dust was at a minimum and no moisture whatsoever.

Alot of trucks have a carpet or plastic on the back wall so it will be hidden after you are done running your wires.

You really shouldn't have any dust migration into a Syntor X drawer unit. They are EXTREMELY rugged with the external connectors, lid and bottom plate well sealed.

I wouldn't worry about it.

Those radios were built literally like a tank.

I would go through the bed floor and the up front the floor pan of the cab. A lot easier to drill, prime and seal the holes properly than drilling between the bed and rear cab wall.

Thanks for all the replies. I'm still toying with the best way to do this. I really don't want to take the connectors off the cable either if I can avoid it. I'm lazy like that.

As for the dust in the drawer, not a concern. Remember, these things were made for trunks and they are often disgusting. Mine in my car was. Leaked, and all. The radio was never immersed in water, but it got plenty damp back there. The drawer will be fine as long as it's not just out in the open. My truck has a cap, so it won't be out in the open either.

I just wanted to know how weather resistant the cable might be so I'd have another option.

Thanks again to all, and Joe, yes, we'll have to work on this. As of now, I have the Syntor X on 2m, the GM300 on 440, and my "new" Kenwood TS140 for HF going in. I'm putting the 2m and 440 antennas on the roof of the cab (standard, not extended) and the HF ball will be on the left rear quarter.

Ok, more as it comes together.