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BrianM
Dodge Dakota
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1/29/2004
03:54:10
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 Subject: How to route coax?
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Message:
I am in the process of installing a ham radio in my truck. I have an antenna mounted near the rear bumper. The radio is behind the drivers seat (may eventually be moved to under the drivers seat).
I am looking for a way to run the coax from the radio to the antenna at the rear of the truck. I'm trying to find existing holes, grommets, etc. to use, but haven't had any luck. I have considered going forward through the firewall, then down and back, but would prefer a more direct route if possible. Any suggestions?
I'm willing to drill if I have to, but could use some tips on how to go about it.
It's a 97 extended cab 4x4, BTW.
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RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
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1/29/2004
06:48:34
|  RE: How to route coax?
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Message:
I used to have a Kenwood TS-50 with antenna on
the back bumper. I ran the coax through the
firewall then followed the frame to the rear of
the truck. I tied the coax along the frame using
plastic wire ties. I removed everything later due
to I was not in the truck enough to justify
leaving it installed.
I do however still have a two meter rig installed
under the dash. I installed the antenna through
the roof twords the back. If you remove the dome
and third brake light, you have plenty of room to
fish your coax in and install the antenna.
Good luck... 73 Bill N8FIS in Fremont, OH.
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Jeff
Dodge Dakota
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1/29/2004
15:02:00
| RE: How to route coax?
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Message:
i have a '99, with a cb radio, and theres a popout under the carpet in the drivers side floor, right in the middle. have to cut the little popout bugger a hole for the coax, then put it back into the hole. dont let the coax bend too much! you have to remove the popout from under the truck, if you locate the drivers side floor from under the truck, you should see the "popout" i'm talking about.
actually, i think there was also one in the middle of the driver side back seat floor.
i ran the coax along the frame, thru a hole here or there, or used cable ties if no nearby holes.
hope this helps with your '97 truck! :)
or you could also drill a big hole in the back of the cab, run your coax thru and down, and fill it back in with waterproof/bathroom caulk.
jeff
ps- just got the arrl Now You're Talking book to study for a tech license! woohoo! :)
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BrianM
Dodge Dakota
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1/29/2004
20:33:17
| RE: How to route coax?
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Message:
Thanks Jeff, that's really useful info. I've found a popout under the rear seat that I'll attack this weekend - I'll need to take the storage tray out from under the rear seat. I haven't found the other popout you mention - it's either not there on my model year, or it's hiding behind the transfer case. No problem, the rear one should do just fine.
BTW, it's actually a '98, not a '97 - that was a typo.
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BrianM
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/29/2004
20:41:32
| RE: How to route coax?
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Message:
Almost forgot - good luck with the tech licence Jeff!
Since you're interested in ham radio, I thought you might be interested in the antenna I'm installing. It's what's known as a screwdriver antenna - a center-loaded vertical with an electric motor to move the coil up and down, allowing it to be remotely tuned to the frequency of operation (called a screwdriver because the guy who came up with the idea used a motor from an electric screwdriver). It covers 3.5 MHz to 30 MHz.
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Jeff
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/29/2004
20:49:33
| RE: How to route coax?
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Message:
thanks!
thats a cool idea for the antenna!
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BrianM
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/01/2004
00:06:11
| RE: How to route coax?
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Message:
After a second look, I found there are small openings with popout panels all over the place - don't know how I missed them all!
I picked the best one for my needs (there was one right where I wanted it, in fact), and it popped right out, leaving me a nice hole to run my coax through.
Thanks for the help! Problem solved! :-)
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