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Help Choosing a console and scanner antenna
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 3:40 pm
by davkenrem
Can anyone reccomend a console for a 1999 Tahoe. I would like it to fit under the dash, Have a slanted face and hold 3 Dash mount size radios (780xlt, C9 Spectra and Maxtrac) ? It would need to use Troy/Jotto Desk sized face pales which I already have. And if anyone has any photos of this type of install I would love to see it.
Also, I will be using Larsen NMO800 for the Spectra and Maxtrac, I would really love if someone could reccomend a Low-Profile or combo AM/FM Scanner Factory style disguise antenna. I would like to have no whips but the factory AM/FM on the truck.
The less "wacker-esque" the truck looks, the happier wife.com will be.

Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 3:44 pm
by BNBEquipement
Look at a Maxrad MAXSCAN1000 scanner antenna. Excellent performance, and only about 26" tall, get a black one and they dissappear.
Tim
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 4:47 pm
by va3wxm
Larsen makes the NMO150/450/800 that's a low-profile scanner antenna. Roughly the length of a 1/4 wave 2 meter whip. Painted black and very stealthy. I use one and it's fantastic!
..
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 5:11 pm
by batdude
having moved out of a tahoe in the last 2 months - let me recommend that you NOT mount your radios that way.
it is very distracting to do anything with your radios - change channels, grab a mic, hit scan - whatever - the distance your eyes move is too great and is pretty darn dangerous - not to mention that it requires you to completely bend down to reach the console.
buy a center console - something from havis or whoever - as after a while reaching down becomes second nature - barely requiring any thought or eye movement.
just my .02 - you may have a requirement that drives you into this type of console...
doug
Re: ..
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 5:24 pm
by davkenrem
Thanks, this is exactly the type of info I'm looking for, the been there done that.
I was wondering if it would be too low. I don't get the truck until November.
What about this type of console.
batdude wrote:having moved out of a tahoe in the last 2 months - let me recommend that you NOT mount your radios that way.
it is very distracting to do anything with your radios - change channels, grab a mic, hit scan - whatever - the distance your eyes move is too great and is pretty darn dangerous - not to mention that it requires you to completely bend down to reach the console.
buy a center console - something from havis or whoever - as after a while reaching down becomes second nature - barely requiring any thought or eye movement.
just my .02 - you may have a requirement that drives you into this type of console...
doug
Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 8:18 pm
by KitN1MCC
i liek the hustler antennas alot
Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 4:33 am
by apco25
trust me ,you want the console between the seats and not all the way in front of them
You'll end up with the same reach problem if you keep the console to close the dash.
Back when I had my 95 Yukon (same interior) I had a steward console directly between the seats with the entire area below the dash clear.
Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 6:39 am
by c17loadsmasher
Those red consoles must be a new product

I think the lower one would be the best choice, more room, easier to reach...you could even build your own and carpet it and it'd look nearly factory. Your limitations are only what you want them to be in that case. Some of the commercial ones look real nice too...
Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 8:12 am
by davkenrem
Do you have any photos of your old install?
apco25 wrote:trust me ,you want the console between the seats and not all the way in front of them
You'll end up with the same reach problem if you keep the console to close the dash.
Back when I had my 95 Yukon (same interior) I had a steward console directly between the seats with the entire area below the dash clear.
Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 9:54 am
by GroundRat
davkenrem wrote:Do you have any photos of your old install?
apco25 wrote:trust me ,you want the console between the seats and not all the way in front of them
You'll end up with the same reach problem if you keep the console to close the dash.
Back when I had my 95 Yukon (same interior) I had a steward console directly between the seats with the entire area below the dash clear.
Yeah, I'd love to see pics of your install and hear any advice you may have to give.
I just got my hands on a '95 Yukon 4-door SLT.
I'm in the process of planning out a console install for multiple mobile mount radios.
I'm also trying to figure out a way to build a small center console in the backseat for charging portables.
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 7:15 pm
by Lord Windeshmere
I agree. Don't put the heads too low and in front of the seats. Changing channels, volume, MPL, etc, is a PITA when you've gotta reach while driving......especially over bumpy roadways.

Not to mention, it's also unsafe. I'd mount it right in front of your center armrest. You could easily make something out of wood. Build it, get everything where you want it, then stain it. I'm good with metalworking and only OK with woodworking. I saved a bundle building my console outta wood. Looked even better than I thought it would, too. Whatever you do, DON'T get a Galls brand mount! Gamber Johson is the cat's ass.

Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 3:15 pm
by ROSDJS
For a scanner antenna you can always consider a glass mount. I know there's alot of controversy over them but I've had good luck. Might keep your wife happy too...
Matt
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 3:43 pm
by Pj
What everyone said above is true about the reach. As everyone knows, I have a full Gamber Johnson setup in my 1997 Suburban. The console is right at your fingertips.
If Troy offers it for that year, their angled console would be a nice fit...however, it will still be a good reach if you put anything that you need to play with in the angled portion.
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 4:00 pm
by apco25
I'll repost pics of both my vehicles.
Re: ..
Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 8:03 am
by nypdcar1
davkenrem wrote: don't get the truck until November.
Can u post pics when its all done?
Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 12:30 pm
by davkenrem
Will do, I got the antennas on and I just got the brackets to mount the console yesterday. Once I get a day warm enought to mount them I will.
Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 1:26 pm
by thebigphish
you need a heated bay.
Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 1:27 pm
by nypdcar1
Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 5:52 pm
by davkenrem
thebigphish wrote:you need a heated bay.
Absolutely !!!