Has anyone installed a non-magnetic option (NMO) antenna base...

[jdc28va]

by punching or drilling a hole in the roof of your Ex? If so, where did you do it, and how did you get access from the inside and run the cables? Was it a PIA? Any tips / recommendations / suggestions?

Thanks,
JDC

 

[Jon04CTSV]

What antenna are you talking about? My '08's Sirius/GPS antenna goes through the roof. It's not magnetic.

 

[n2epv]

I have an NMO mount in the center of the roof on by 97 and 04 X's. I start by popping out the dome light first to get a look at things behind the headliner, that way you can miss any wires or roof support stringers. Find a safe location either slightly ahead or behind the dome light (avoid going directly above the dome light as the bottom of the NMO will be in the way of the light housing). Put a small wood block between the headliner and the roof where you are drilling to make sure you don't poke a hole in the headliner.

Pop off the trim panels on one side to snake the antenna wire down. Both my vehicles have nice big channels along the door sills to run wires, so it was an easy job.

 

[n2epv]

Thought of more to add ... I was able to find NMO mounts that used a 3/8" hole instead of the larger, more common hole. Forgot the manufacturer now. That way, it's a lot smaller hole and it can be done neatly with a regular drill bit.

Also, I'm using a 50/35 watt dual-band radio and always have in the back of my mind the danger of setting off an airbag if the antenna ground gets corroded or something else goes wrong with the antenna system. My Ex has the side-curtain bags and there's all manner of electronics near the 'C' pillar on the passenger side. I ran the antenna cable down the 'C' pillar on the other side, as far away from electronics as I could get it. All the interior trim pieces snap off without using tools (and snap right back on, if you are careful).

 

[jdc28va]

Good stuff n2epv, thanks!

73

 

[jdc28va]

Thought of more to add ... I was able to find NMO mounts that used a 3/8" hole instead of the larger, more common hole. Forgot the manufacturer now. That way, it's a lot smaller hole and it can be done neatly with a regular drill bit.

Also, I'm using a 50/35 watt dual-band radio and always have in the back of my mind the danger of setting off an airbag if the antenna ground gets corroded or something else goes wrong with the antenna system. My Ex has the side-curtain bags and there's all manner of electronics near the 'C' pillar on the passenger side. I ran the antenna cable down the 'C' pillar on the other side, as far away from electronics as I could get it. All the interior trim pieces snap off without using tools (and snap right back on, if you are careful).

n2epv,

How did you wire your mobile for power? Did you go to the fuse box or straight to the battery through the firewall? Are you using a relay with switched power to make sure the radio doesn't stay on when the ignition is off, or do you prefer to have constant power so you can use the mobile as a repeater?

 

[vipersinu2]

I install these in all the sheriff's and fire rescue

antenna

tool cuts perfect hole for attenna

relay

wiring diagram of relay (where it says fan put to your radio)

tap into the fuse so no cutting any factory wires (on 2006-10 imodels it is fuse #25 for switched)

this is the tool I use to cut the hole, Fyi make sure you drill a flat piece of sheet metal and that you do not drill in to the roof supports, you can pry down the headliner to look before you drill and use a snake to fish wire , then just run the wire down the inside of plastic pillar. I run the radio on a relay so it is switched, I put the relay under the hood nexted to the fuse panel, run one hot and ground from the battery, the take fuse #25 I believe for you switched, that is an safe accessory to tap into. from there you can run power into the truck, there are rubber gromets on the driver side firewall,

 

[jdc28va]

Thanks vipersinu2.

So, you wire directly from the battery to a relay next to the power distribution box, and use fuse #25 (20A) as the relay trigger? #25 looks to be the "Front power point / Cigar Lighter", so that should be a good one.

How do you get through the firewall? Is there a preexisting hole with grommet or rubber cover that you use, or do you snake it next to some existing cables passing through?

Finally, do you put an inline fuse between the battery and the relay, or between the relay and the mobile radio?

Thanks for the help!

 

[vipersinu2]

Thanks vipersinu2.

So, you wire directly from the battery to a relay next to the power distribution box, and use fuse #25 (20A) as the relay trigger? #25 looks to be the "Front power point / Cigar Lighter", so that should be a good one.

How do you get through the firewall? Is there a preexisting hole with grommet or rubber cover that you use, or do you snake it next to some existing cables passing through?

Finally, do you put an inline fuse between the battery and the relay, or between the relay and the mobile radio?

Thanks for the help!

the relay is so close to the battery you will not need a fuse, after the relay to your radio you will need a fuse, I also put a 2amp fuse after the tap to the relay just in case. I use the gromet for the hood release, you might have to cut some rubber matting out of the way. I push the snake from inside the truck to the engine comparment it is easier that way.

 

[jdc28va]

Well, after almost a year delay I finally bought the radio (Yaesu FT-8800R) and an NMO mount.

Does anyone know how to get the headliner down without destroying it? Is it clipped somehow or glued? I took the cover of the rear passenger dome light off, and I don't see how to remove the light assembly to get to the inside of the roof.