CB Install Done and Navigation Upgrade.

[rodster]

Thanks to assistance received in another thread, my new CB is performing better than expected.

While I had the dash apart to install the radio box and mic connector () I also upgraded the navigation touch screen PC mounting. It was previously situated so that only the right seat (which is generally occupied by a woman that dislikes technology) could see it. It now faces left (or right if needed) thanks to a mount that still allows full access to all dash controls, cup holders and vents and does not enroach on either the driver or passenger's space.

The PC runs WinXP tablet edition and is loaded with both Garmin and DeLorme topo maps, which operate with a Garmin USB18 antenna. Add to that built-in 802.11b and a Sierra Wireless Aircard for GSM/GPRS web access.

Here's the old mount and no CB:



Here's the new mount with CB installed:

[rodster]

Thanks to assistance received in another thread, my new CB is performing better than expected.

While I had the dash apart to install the radio box and mic connector () I also upgraded the navigation touch screen PC mounting. It was previously situated so that only the right seat (which is generally occupied by a woman that dislikes technology) could see it. It now faces left (or right if needed) thanks to a mount that still allows full access to all dash controls, cup holders and vents and does not enroach on either the driver or passenger's space.

The PC runs WinXP tablet edition and is loaded with both Garmin and DeLorme topo maps, which operate with a Garmin USB18 antenna. Add to that built-in 802.11b and a Sierra Wireless Aircard for GSM/GPRS web access.

Here's the old mount and no CB:



Here's the new mount with CB installed:

[Bondage]

All that hard work and technical wizardry and I have a stupid question.

How'd you secure the mic mount for the CB to the dash panel? I've tried every kind of double-sided tape I can find, and they all end up dropping the mic on the floor halfway through a run. I've hesitated to put holes in the dash but......

Sean

[rodster]

Drill a hole in the mic mount and back that area of the mount with two-sided foam tape to keep it from rotating. The dash screw is plenty long enough.

[ree]

rodster,
Looks great! That "before" picture is certainly a good argument for getting the sunroof

Do you like having the coax come out the air-ride blank? I'm sure it makes hooking it up easier, looks cool, and I suppose allows you to get the handheld to more places in the cab.

One more question, what goose next are you using to mount the navigation? Is it one of those Arkon mounts or is it custom?

[Bondage]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
Drill a hole in the mic mount and back that area of the mount with two-sided foam tape to keep it from rotating. The dash screw is plenty long enough. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Oh well hell that's easy. Sometimes the obvious avoids me....
Thanks.
Sean

[KenP]

I'm buying all the same stuff, then I'm taking it to Moab and you can put it all in one morning, right?

Did you run the antenna through the marker light?

[Dewi2005]

Nice setup Rodster!! My next (after my XM install) upgrade will be that Cobra CB...

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ree:
Do you like having the coax come out the air-ride blank? I'm sure it makes hooking it up easier, looks cool, and I suppose allows you to get the handheld to more places in the cab. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks, Ree. I do like having the mic connector in the dash. I previously installed the Cobra box under the dash but didn't care for the cord hanging the way it did plus, disconnecting the head wasn't easy. And yes, IMO, it does look cool.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">One more question, what goose next are you using to mount the navigation? Is it one of those Arkon mounts or is it custom? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I built the goose neck. I'll take pictures of the mount later today and post those and a parts list.

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
I'm buying all the same stuff, then I'm taking it to Moab and you can put it all in one morning, right? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If you come to Vegas now while everything is fresh in my head, I could do it in a morning. You on your way yet? Heck, I'd even meet you a day early in Moab and do it there but darn, at that exact time I'll be suffering through an extended stay on a remote Hawaiian beach.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Did you run the antenna through the marker light? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, through the passenger side front marker light.

[Racer-X]

Thanks for posting the ideas Rodster. I was wondering where I would mount the mic. Mine should be here in a day or two.

[dochummer]

Looks great! That's a big screen!

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by dochummer:
That's a big screen! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

10.4". The onboard nav won't do topo maps and my Garmin PDA/GPS sreen is way too small to be practical. I think it looks bigger in the pictures than it actually is though. The computer is only installed when going off-road.

It found our upstairs router just long enough to load a web page for this poser shot.

[rodster]

The mount is built around two PanaVise Low Profile Base - Model 305 vises. [link] One vise is on the right side of the center console and it's the only part that remains in the truck when the computer is removed. Vises tilt, turn and rotate.

The console is strengthened by backing it with a small piece of one half inch plywood. The vise is mounted with 3 14x3/4 screws that pass through the console and are fully seated in the plywood.

[rodster]

The other vise is riveted to a 5x6" piece of metal which is then affixed to the computer with a 4x6 piece of Velcro. The computer can be removed from the vise. That's necessary to put the computer in its docking station at my desk. I build maps and routes on my desktop computer then transfer them to the tablet.

The two vises are joined with a bent piece of 5/8 OD pipe, which is covered with flex tube.

[rodster]

Yes, I am a geek.