Amateur Radio (Ham/Two-Way) Install in a 2020 Limited Eco-Diesel

[lhn]

I'd like to thank the help and docs I've received here from people. I'm about 95% done with this, and happy with how it came out. There's still some work to be done on mounting the mics holders, my audio mixer and of course programing everything.

I mounted the radios behind the rear seat, there's tons of room back there and chassis ground!

I documented the complete install with pics on my wiki.

I hope this gives people some ideas on making this work with multiple radios.

 

[RunsWithBeer]

Any thoughts on extended transmission times and heat build-up in that enclosed space? Those heat syncs can get mighty hot if you're running anywhere near full wattage during transmit.
I'm also curious about the run length and gauge of your DC power cable to the radios.

 

[lhn]

Any thoughts on extended transmission times and heat build-up in that enclosed space? Those heat syncs can get mighty hot if you're running anywhere near full wattage during transmit.

They will fold back if they get too warm and shut down. I've not seen it yet, after several 30 min + conversations. I'm sure they get warm, but there is space around them. Don't forget the factory audio amp is on the passenger side back there. The radios will do 45w out and I run them at 30w.

I'm also curious about the run length and gauge of your DC power cable to the radios.

About 17' of #4 welding (105c) wire. This goes into the bus bars and then a #8 wire from that to the 40a power pole fuse block on the board.

 

[Sonybash]

Just had to reply to this old post because I could totally relate! I recently worked on setting up my own audio system, and I remember how satisfying it is to see everything come together. I mounted my Kenwood radios in my car, too, and the space behind the rear seat was a perfect fit.
I thought I’d run into issues with wiring, but it all turned out smoother than expected. Just make sure you’ve got everything grounded well—definitely learned that the hard way! Once I programmed everything, it felt like I’d built something really cool.