WU7X
Snow on the Roof
Several months ago I picked up an Icom IC-7100. This is a great little radio! Much better than the old IC-707MKIIG I owned looooong ago. I am planning on removing my IC-207H from my 5th Gen 4Runner and installing the new Icom in its place. I also just picked up a nice used Little Tarheel II. I used to have a Tarheel 100 on my 2000 Tacoma. It was mount on a Stout steel rear bumper. It worked O.K., but nothing impressive. Probably because the antenna body was next to the right rear of the Tacoma's box.
So, I was first thinking of installing the little Tarheel on the front of my rig; either on my ARB bumper in one of the two light mounts on top of the bar, or on the right side near the headlight. But now I'm thinking of installing it just in front of the windshield at the center/rear of the hood. I've checked and there would be no problems with opening or closing the hood. There may be some issues with coax and control cable to the radio (radio mounted under passenger seat). Has anyone else tried that location? Any positive or negative thoughts about it?
I would use a Diamond Antenna K400-3/8C mobile mount for this process. I have used a Diamond mount for my Comet 2m/70cm antenna for over a decade with no issues. I realize the Little Tarheel II is heavier, but I have never heard of anyone having issues using the Diamond mount on overlanding rigs with the Little Tarheel antennas. One last point, I will be using a 56" whip antenna.
Pros:
1. Much better ground plane than a front or rear bumper mount.
2. Much better protection in wooded areas
3. Much better take-off angle.
4. Less interference from large metal body panels in that location.
Cons:
1. Possible ignition noise issues due to its location directly above the engine.
2. Some conflict with frontal visibility, but no worse than antennas mounted on a ARB front bumper.
Do we have any great radio installation gurus out there that can give me some guidance?
So, I was first thinking of installing the little Tarheel on the front of my rig; either on my ARB bumper in one of the two light mounts on top of the bar, or on the right side near the headlight. But now I'm thinking of installing it just in front of the windshield at the center/rear of the hood. I've checked and there would be no problems with opening or closing the hood. There may be some issues with coax and control cable to the radio (radio mounted under passenger seat). Has anyone else tried that location? Any positive or negative thoughts about it?
I would use a Diamond Antenna K400-3/8C mobile mount for this process. I have used a Diamond mount for my Comet 2m/70cm antenna for over a decade with no issues. I realize the Little Tarheel II is heavier, but I have never heard of anyone having issues using the Diamond mount on overlanding rigs with the Little Tarheel antennas. One last point, I will be using a 56" whip antenna.
Pros:
1. Much better ground plane than a front or rear bumper mount.
2. Much better protection in wooded areas
3. Much better take-off angle.
4. Less interference from large metal body panels in that location.
Cons:
1. Possible ignition noise issues due to its location directly above the engine.
2. Some conflict with frontal visibility, but no worse than antennas mounted on a ARB front bumper.
Do we have any great radio installation gurus out there that can give me some guidance?
