Sorry I didn't see this post earlier Charles, but I think it works out better that I see it now as I am about 85% done with my HF radio install. Functionality and future plans were the key components in choosing my radios. I wanted an HT to have in each vehicle so I could grab one take take it with me when I am away from my them, to that I end I went with a pair of Baofeng radios. I wanted the same UHF/VHF radio in my Ford Ranger and in my Jeep, but it had to be able to function as a repeater (preferably crossband). After I did a bit of research I eventually settled on one that I found you posted that you use, the Kenwood TM-V71A, I even found a forum post by you elsewhere talking about doing a DIY remote mount kit. I ordered a TM-V71A, did several mock ups in the Jeep and Ranger while I waited to take my test before finally installing it in the Ranger and ordering a second for the Jeep.Charles L. Cotton wrote: ↑Sat Jul 21, 2018 1:54 pm What radios and antennas do you have at this point? Whatever you have, you'll have much more soon! This hobby is as addicting as guns.
Chas.
While talking to a customer about taking my test he informed me he had a TM-V71A but sold it about six months before to make room to move into Texas. Two days later he brings me a complete remote mount kit (Both the mic extension and face plate extension) for the radio and tells me he had no use for it and to consider it a gift as long as I got my ticket! While I waited to get my callsign the Ranger's radio made for a very nice police scanner. Today I moved my HF install in my Jeep from 70% to 90% or so by routing my coax under the rollbar padding back to the tailgate and running a mic extension cable for that radio. The problem is I used all my ground strap (braided flat strap on a 25ft roll), gave it out, or lost it. Last time I saw it I was using it to bond the grounds for the body, frame, engine, and battery together about two years ago. I had a few small pieces in my toolbox I used to bond the antenna for the Kenwood, but not enough for the HF rig, and I would like to improve the bonding job for the Kenwood radio as well. No big box parts store within 60 miles has any appreciable lengths of the stuff so I am going to order it online if I can't find it locally in the morning. The HF radio I am installing is a Yaesu FT-891.
As for Antennas the Ranger has a generic Tram 1185 magnetic mount setup, once I figure out how I want to fab up a mount for it I plan to install a better antenna for the it. The Jeep has a Diamond SG7900 (NMO mount) for the Kenwood and the Antenna for the Jeep's HF radio is a Yaesu ATAS-120A (My research showed this was the best choice for my application at this time). I have a Arizona Rocky Road dual antenna mount for my jeep, and after a little persuasion with the drill both antenna's fit nicely.
The jeep is getting the HF radio because if I find myself in a situation where I need help I will likely be in that vehicle. Aside the HF radio the two vehicles are equipped in a very similar fashion to simplify maintenance, programming, and familiarity. One thing about both vehicles is that I can remove everything and return both vehicles to stock configuration without any extra holes that were not already there.