Batboard

Is anyone familiar with using security screws or some form of secure mount to keep the head from being removed by thieves? I know it's a lot better to lose the head than the trunk mount but regardless.

I'm not going to have too much gear installed otherwise I'd probably try a console. Cheaper is better for me.

-Wayne

In my experience, when my car got broken into - they left everything they didn't know, or understand - or for that matter looked to belong to a police department...

I had two maxtracs and a couple of portables at the time, all of which seemed to have been "looked" at during the robbery, but weren't taken. the guy was trying to do 3 cars at once.

I think most theives are looking for specific devices, and won't waste time looking at your control head. It might get yanked out of the mount but probably not stolen.

Just my $0.02.

-Alex

Thats true, mostly these days, its those MP3 CD player, they want to get, or jewlery, and DVD players with screen

Simply buy tamper-resistant screws to secure the head to the mount and the mount to the vehicle. Most thieves don't carry special tools to remove these!

The mounting screws are 10-32- the same size as the mounting screws used in 19" equipment racks.

Any number of manufactures sell security rack screws. Just be sure to cut them down to the right length first.

I have bins of rack screws in my shop, and cheerfully substitue them all the time. The only problem was the day I learned about cutting them down...

Twisted_Pear wrote:Is anyone familiar with using security screws or some form of secure mount to keep the head from being removed by thieves? I know it's a lot better to lose the head than the trunk mount but regardless.

I'm not going to have too much gear installed otherwise I'd probably try a console. Cheaper is better for me.

-Wayne

Yes, I've done this on my heads. Use 10-32 thread, about 1/2 to 3/4 length, depending on if you've got accessories stacked up under the regular mounting holes.

I found Torx security screws at a local hardware store. It's possible that Lowe's may have them as well. I know Home Despot does not.

73 de KC7GR

Got that right. No security screws Or bits at Home Depot.
And actually Sears Hardware drew a blank as well.

I'm lucky like Humhead, Got a small drawer full of rack mount screws
with all types of heads on them from round to square, stars with
marshmellows in them, etc.....all 10-32 tpi.

I've welded a few Amplifiers and radios to the vehicle upon
occaision as well. That will hold it real good. Plus it gets a good ground.

Sam Ash Music stores have the security screws (star w/ hole) in stock.

And the best way I know how to mount a Secure Systems 9000
head would be in a KNOX BOX, or something exactly resembling one.

Thats what I did. It looks really cool as the console too. And when
you open it (with a key silly rabbit, no remote K- DTMF on this one- LOL)
inside are all the heads and DEKs stacked up.
Did I mention it looks really cool?
I Really need to get a darn camera. I'm about to use the polaroid,
and scan it in.......

I'm drawing a blank on that Knox Box version. Pics would be helpful.

-Wayne

If you draw a blank on the screws from Lowes or Home Depot, give McMaster-Carr a look see. In most every vehicle installation I'd recommend using stainless steel security head screws. Price is rather reasonable, too...they do have the tool for those screws...If you were to look at the Tessco cataloge you'd be paying up the wazzoo for them, simply because they labled the screws "Technician Installation Supplies"...
Just don't do like some installation teams I've seen do...mount the sucker in real nice then use drywall screws in plastic! Cripes. Another note too, use the nylon insert nuts as well,with a flat and a lock washer. I know it's overkill, but, that puppy won't vibrate off the dash or what ever surface you're installing the device to.
Cat
my 2 cents.
mear