Dash vs. Trunk-mounted mobiles?

GP-38 · Post by **GP-38** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 3:14 pm

I see Spectras like this a lot. You can either buy them with a remote control head and the transceiver located wherever feasable, or you can buy an all-in-one unit like the GM300. Which setup is generally more accepted, and why? What are the circumstances that neccessitate each type of mounting option? I know this could bring about as many answers as "Which portable is best?" but it would make more sense to me to have a radio that you can just mount to the dash or underside thereof, route power, antenna and mic, and call it good. All IMHO, though. Thanks guys!
~Billy Myers,
GP-38

John · Post by **John** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 4:25 pm

I think one of the main considerations is how much room there is under the dash/in the vehicle cab for the complete radio vs. just a control head.

A couple of other considerations include what other accessories may be used. For example a Spectra Siren/PA or Vehicle Repeater System only work with the remote configuration. Also, though it is probably negligible a trunk mount may also allow a much shorter coax cable run and therefore less signal loss.

Another thing to possibly consider is security of the equipment. If someone breaks into the car, they are somewhat less likely to steal a trunk mounted radio since it requires removal of both pieces (and cables to be functional) and therefore is harder/takes more time.

Just some thoughts......

John

RKG · Post by **RKG** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 5:10 pm

Trunk mounting of mobile radios is usually done: 1) to avoid consuming limited cockpit space with the transceivers, 2) to get the RF of the transceivers away from the dashboard, and 3) to simply antenna feedline runs. In most cases it will make a better installation.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 5:19 pm

And to expand upon John's input, it also depends on how you want to mount the radio. There are as many ways to mount a radio as there are people to do it. I just installed a dashmount Spectra in an open rack in a friend's truck. Because of the rack he used, he had plenty of room for the whole unit. In my car, however, everything is in a modified Troy console. Because of the mods I had to make to the console, it's not deep enough to accomodate the depth of the radio. I had to remote-mount all of my radios. Other considerations could include:

-How far and where to run antenna lines
-How far and where to run power lines
-Dual-band or dual-head radio setups
-Location of radio for programming
-Installation of multiple units or other devices
-The skills of your installer

Among many others. There are positive aspects and negative aspects to each type of installation. If none of the above are issues to you, then it comes down to an issue of personal preference. In my case, I prefer to remote-mount all of my radios. In my opinion, it generally makes for a cleaner install.

kf4sqb · Post by **kf4sqb** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 6:22 pm

Can't beleive everyone left out this consideration: I don't think you can get a "high power (100 watt)" dash-mount! If high power is a "must", the high power trunk mount version is the only way to go.

mikerabbit · Post by **mikerabbit** » Tue Aug 05, 2003 8:49 pm

Personally, I like dash mount radios better. I find it harder to run the control cable, & pwr leads from the dash to the rear of a veh then to run antenna coax.
Mike

Will · Post by **Will** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 1:15 am

Three of my four radios in my work truck are remote or "trunk mount" mounted. In a van one needs to consider access to the engine cover for mtce. and repairs.
The 105 watt UHF Maratrac chassis is just behind the drivers seat but is out of the way, the 50 watt VHF Spectra is behind the drivers seat on a plywood board between the side posts and mounted vertically with the heat sink UP for better cooling!!
Oh, yes one U400 (ICOM) and either a Maxtrac or Radius are in there too!!
Yes, running the "control" cable is a factor in any remote mounting instalation.