Pre-Installation
Prior to installing the
HF radio you need to consider where you will mount the head unit, the transceiver and the antenna. This is the most time consuming and complicated part of the job.
A few things to think about are:
- The head unit should be accessible and the microphone within reach whilst driving.
- The control box should be mounted as high within the vehicle as possible to avoid it getting wet if you do not make it through a river crossing.
- Antenna mounting needs to be VERY strong. Light steel mounts will not hold it.
- The antenna works best if the the area above the join is mounted above surrounding metal, ie., try to mount the unit so that the join in the antenna is above the level of the bonnet - for front mounting. This is a little difficult if mounting on the rear wheel carrier as the height to get the join above the vehicle will make the top of the antenna stick out a lot higher and affect your height clearance. So generally make the top of the antenna screw the same height as the roof of the vehicle.
Take your time and look at every option a few times. After you think you know exactly where everything will go then and only then look at the installation issues such as:
- How to get the cables where the equipment will be installed. Don't worry too much about getting wires from front to back, the side channels are usually easily accessible. Look at the firewall and determine how you will get the power & antenna cables through.
- Will you need to drill holes in the dash or plastic parts?
If you think you have it all under control then it is time to start the installation.
Head Unit Installation
When you open your radio packaging, check to see if everything has been provided for you to install the radio, from the wiring looms right through to the cable ties and holders. Check out the packing details and make sure that you have all the parts.
The basic requirements for the installation are:
- Mount all of the parts. ie. Antenna, Control unit, Head unit and speaker.
- Run a power cable from the Main battery - Not the Aux battery to the control box. (The radio is useless if the fridge has drained the Aux battery and you have an emergency - NOTE: no cold beer because the Aux battery's flat is not classified as an emergency).
- Run the Antenna cable from the Antenna to the contol box.
- Run the Head cable from the Control box to the Head unit.
- Run the speaker cable from the head box to the speaker.
Should be easy enough however, a few special items to pay attention to:
- Use high quality electrical connections for every part of the installation - The radio will draw 20+ Amps during transmission. Always, always, always additionally solder crimp type connections you install. i.e.. Crimp it and then hit it with solder until the wires and connector are making excellent contact.
- Make sure that any earth points you use are good earth points.
- If front mounting the Antenna run the cables down the rear of the bull bar and through under the lights, secure them with the supplied self adhesive pads. Do not poke the wires through the grill - It becomes impossible to use a radiator blind if you have wires running through the front grill. Do not connect the Antenna's earth cable (little black) to the bull bar, take it with the main cable and secure it to a good earth point on the vehicle (if necessary make it longer and connect it where the battery lead connects to the chassis).
- If rear carrier mounting the Antenna do not connect the earth cable to the carrier or the rear door as these hinged items do not provide a very good earth. Make the cable longer (if necessary) and connect it to a good reliable earth point.
- Make the installation as neat and tidy as possible.
- When installing the power cable start from the radio control box and work towards the battery. It is a lot easier to pull a wire that does not have connector attached. If possible do not cut this cable and join it. It is better to go from the radio to the bonnet located fuses in one piece.
- The Antenna main cable is the most difficult to run as it has large connectors already installed. If you are not proficient at the re-termination of one of these connectors do not cut them off. It is better to enlarge a current or make a new hole in one of the standard rubber grommets that go through the firewall. If you make a new hole ensure that you seal up around the cable with some silicon after the install. NOTE: put some vasoline or similar lube on the cable and connector prior to pushing or pulling through the firewall.
When we installed the unit in our Field research vehicle we additionally installed a new fuse holder (available from most parts shops) to take care of all the wiring that we anticipated installing. This was mounted under the bonnet in a convenient location. All high current wiring for the vehicle must be fused prior to going from the engine compartment through the firewall. We made provision for UHF radios,
fridge,
driving lights,
GPS, and a line to the back where another fuse holder will be installed to handle water pumps, lighting and accessory connections. Take your time with your wiring. It will save you a lot of trouble getting it right at home before you travel.
Mounting the Antenna Base
Front Mount - Bull Bar
We have initially installed the Antenna on the bull bar at the front. As you can see the cables are run down the back of the bull bar and secured using the supplied self adhesive blocks. NOTE: Before you apply the self adhesive give the area a good clean with some form of spirit (metho, turps, etc). Then use a small cable tie to hold the wires in place.
We will soon be moving the antenna to the rear of the vehicle and will provide you with details of this install also. NOW DONE - GO TO REAR MOUNT.
Rear Mount - Spare Wheel Carrier
The reason we didn't initially mount the HF antenna base to the rear was because at the time we didn't have a spare wheel carrier fixed to the vehicle. The 80 series cruiser does not come with a spare wheel carrier fixed to the back doors like some other vehicles. Instead, the spare wheel is carried in a bay underneath the body of the vehicle. This is fine for the urban driver, but pretty useless for offroad or beach driving as it affects the ground clearance significantly.
Within this
Vehicle Setup Feature we have already detailed how we used the spare wheel bay for fitting an extended range fuel tank. For the time being the spare has been carried on the roof rack.
In selecting a spare wheel carrier, we opted for a swing out bar on the driver's side. This doesn't actually interfere with roadside parking anymore than an open car door. We chose the Kaymar, K1110, which retails for around $789 (fitted).
Due the added weight on the driver's side of our vehicle (
fridge,
water tank and wheel carrier) we had our
suspension specially setup to account for the added load on this side.
Antenna Bracket
The antenna bracket we received for our 80 series was simple to fit and slid right on perfectly. Our travelling companion also received the bracket for his GQ Patrol, for which he found the pin needed to be replaced as it wasn't long enough. We have since given this
feedback to the manufacturer and they are investigating this model for improvement.
Constructing the Console
We also custom made a roof console to house our radio units so the head unit was mounted with the speaker inside the roof console. These consoles are not that difficult to build. We may put a feature together showing the basics of making your own... stay tuned!
Do not be nervous about taking all the plastic parts off your vehicle. It is so much easier to remove the door trims, roof trims and lower dash panels when you are trying to install equipment in your vehicle. Also your car dealer will be able to replace any little plastic clips if you break them, they do not cost much if you happen to break them.
The Transceiver Unit
The transceiver unit comes with a very nice bracket so make sure you use it. Every time I have installed one of these radios I have had to remove it again from the vehicle so make sure it is accessible and as mentioned earlier mounted as high in the vehicle as possible. This is the expensive bit so look after it. Do not pack it in and cover every part of control box as it does get hot and needs some air. We have only temporarily installed ours at the moment due to the pending installation of the rear storage system however it will end up being attached to the cargo barrier up near the roof lining. If you have a cargo barrier installed then this is an excellent location for the control box.
Remember it is not hard if you take your time and do it right the first time. We would expect that it would take the best part of a full day to install one of these radio systems. Good luck and we will catch you in the bush Selcall ID 2455 VKS-737.
If you would like more information on these radios, then feel free to read our
HF Radio article.
Portable Fridges
The debate over which fridge is the best on the market is one of the most contested discussions in the camping recreation. In this article we look at the range of features and the major issues to consider when comparing brands and models.
[Feature Story]
Snorkel
Although significantly different, both petrol and diesel engines require a steady flow of air to operate. If the vehicle is not fitted with a snorkel, they do this by sucking air through the inner guard of the bonnet or just behind the grill. These open airways will also allow water to enter the engine if submerged - with disastrous results!
UHF Radio
If you are considering a trip into Australia’s vast outback, then a UHF Radio is an important communications device to have. Besides the entertainment value, such as chatting with other travellers, this radio can be a valuable part of your contingency list.
Recovery Gear Needs
The majority of situations that will stop a 4WD from moving are tyre punctures or getting yourself bogged in mud or sand - and these can happen in the simplest of situations, and for no real fault of the driver.
Suspension
There is an unfortunate but realistic fact about purchasing a new 4WD - it won't come fitted with a suspension system designed to carry the kind of load you'll pack for a serious outback trip. In this article we explain why it is important to consider fitting a new suspension system and what is involved.
Bull Bars, Rails & Steps
A vehicle's bull bar, sides steps and rails are known as its "bar work". Some critics might suggest that bar work is not necessary but for people actually using their vehicles for offroad touring, the bar work provides critical strength and protection and should therefore be considered as essentials.
Accessories
This topic contains detailed articles on the complete list of vehicle accessories and equipment on today's market - includes basic essentials for weekend camping and must-have gear for setting up a 4WD for serious offroad use.
Aftermarket Seats
Unfortunately, car manufacturers don't always expect us to actually take our vehicles offroad - so when it comes to fitting out your vehicle for a major trip you replace your suspension to improve the ride so ... why not replace your seats?
Winches
All travellers should be capable and equipped for winching so in this article we will discuss the various winching methods and equipment on the market. Written in conjunction with one of Australia's most noted experts in winch gear, we will also discuss some important safety issues along with providing some practical tips to suit everyone from traveller to competitor.
HF Radio
HF Radios are a wise consideration if you intend to travel throughout remote regions of Australia. In this article we discuss the usefulness of HF radio in practical situations and explain the many features and services available to enhance your use of the equipment including links to suppliers and manufacturers.
Long Range Fuel Tanks
A large number of outback treks involve long distances between fuel outlets. Jerry cans are dangerous, difficult to store and not as convenient as a long range fuel tank. Fitting a long range fuel tank is a common modification and there are many good manufacturers.
Driving Lights
If you plan to do any night driving in the outback then a strong reliable light source is a must. Bad weather, night driving and the possibility of stray animals all demand the need for a clear view of the road and the standard vehicle high beam is not enough.
Topics Index
Each Topic contains a range of detailed and useful articles on products, services and issues. This section is full of practical tips, ideas, photos and factual information. Each topic has links to relevant Manufacturers, Retailers and Operators that can be found in our Directory; plus links to relevant Posts in our Forum; and links to related Trader listings.
Water Tank
Water storage is a critical issue for all four wheel drivers. Not only do you need to carry large amounts of fresh water, you also need 2 alternate supplies in case of contamination from one source. We suggest a couple of small plastic jerry cans for backup but for the main supply, the best water carrying solution is a stainless steel water tank.
Roof Racks, Luggage Trays & Boxes
In this article we look at the pros and cons of using the roof of your vehicle for storage when travelling; discuss what not to carry on your roof; provide some helpful packing hints and finally some useful buying tips.
Bike Carriers
Using a recreational vehicle such as a 4WD is all about exploring places and enjoying yourself. Taking a push bike can provide you with the added advantage of exercise and exploring that little further in the nice open air.
Vehicle Shower
Water is the single most precious commodity you need to carry for your trip. Although heavy, we need to carry it for drinking, cooking and washing. When it comes to personal hygiene during remote travels, we often scrimp on the luxuries and make do with a quick wash of the arm pits and other spots. It's this sort of roughing it that puts off some travel partners, but there is a solution.
Cargo Drawers
This Article looks at gearing up for a 4WD camping trip and the need to find a sturdy, compact storage solution that won't rattle, break or allow loose items to fly around the cabin. We look at cargo drawers and list the features you should look for.
