GMRS Radio install? Antenna and mic location

[mountainbronco]

Here is my mount

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[Tippydp]

I have antenna mounted next to ditch lights. When lights off-all works great. When lights are on-no reception. So you should be good without lights.
Need to scratch off that paint just enough to have connectivity to the body.

Thanks. Appreciate the info. Just so I’m understanding right, by “need to scratch off that paint enough to have connectivity to the body” you’re just referring to the mount right?

 

[Krazed]

@mtap had a good solution at https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...-you-have-vhf-gmrs-frs-etc.34238/post-1141169

I have contacted a company local to me to see about having some laser cut & powder coated. If it works out, they could sell them on Amazon.

 

[nineagel]

Thanks. Appreciate the info. Just so I’m understanding right, by “need to scratch off that paint enough to have connectivity to the body” you’re just referring to the mount right?

Correct. On my mount I scratched places where mounting screws touching the plate and where antenna base touching it. Then using multimiter made sure antenna cable shield have continuity with battery’s “-“

 

[Tippydp]

Correct. On my mount I scratched places where mounting screws touching the plate and where antenna base touching it. Then using multimiter made sure antenna cable shield have continuity with battery’s “-“

Gotcha. Totally appreciate it. Thanks again.

 

[Happy]

We have used a good copper tape with glue that conducts electric in order to get a ground.
Amazon sells a bunch. The last one we used is I think, 3 mil thickness. It does not work any better than scratching the pain...and we still do this....but it is a alternative that works. It is actual copper sheeting and can slice your fingers if careless.

 

[Baja71]

The whole bronco is the ground plane if you scratch off a bit of paint from the holes. worked for me on the same brackets

I think you are confusing “ground plane” with an electrical ground. The ground plane is a reflector for the radio waves, like the hood for instance. It’s part of the antenna system.

 

[gizmohd]

I wrote up my installation here...
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/gmrs-wouxon-kg1000g-installation.33535/#post-1206111

 

[ne2000]

that is true, the roll cage is steel though, I was gonna see if I can fit it there somewhere. Easy if the roof is open. Not ideal but should work for my purposes. Otherwise I've seen mounts for the trail sights on the hood as well as some that mount with the tire carrier in back somehow. Mostly self made things so far, I'm sure someone will offer it soon enough. Trail sight would be ideal I think, also for a flag mount.

I have the Midland mxt275, unit zip tied under bottom of drivers seat and magnetic atteneae on top of rear roll cage as pictured, no interference with soft top, speakers or seats. Will post full install later. Antenna wire routed behind panels and comes out in the gap for seat belt by drivers seat.

 

[nineagel]

I think you are confusing “ground plane” with an electrical ground. The ground plane is a reflector for the radio waves, like the hood for instance. It’s part of the antenna system.

Here you go https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_plane
In other word the hood is not going to reflect anything useful unless it is electrically connected to antenna system.

BTW I might be wrong about scratching paint for antenna connection. At least on my radio Ground wire is electrically connected to the shield int the radio itself (see photo bellow.)

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

The simple solution for the lack of a ground plane on the Bronco is to get an NGP antenna. There are a whole lot of mobile antennas that don't require it.

 

[hellahella]

The simple solution for the lack of a ground plane on the Bronco is to get an NGP antenna. There are a whole lot of mobile antennas that don't require it.

Have you found a good NGP mount yet? I tried getting the same as TrailRecon but it was out in Amazon

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

Have you found a good NGP mount yet? I tried getting the same as TrailRecon but it was out in Amazon

I bought a couple of these: https://www.trailrax.com/collection...ducts/ford-bronco-trail-sight-accessory-mount

One for ham and one for GMRS theoretically. I haven't installed anything yet, and it will be a while until I do so.

I realize that antennas on the trail sights won't be for everyone, but it's an option at least. And the signal will be best up front.

 

[broadicustomworks]

I bought a couple of these: https://www.trailrax.com/collection...ducts/ford-bronco-trail-sight-accessory-mount

One for ham and one for GMRS theoretically. I haven't installed anything yet, and it will be a while until I do so.

I realize that antennas on the trail sights won't be for everyone, but it's an option at least. And the signal will be best up front.

I bought these as well. But have decided since I’ll be going with a dual-pod bracket at the cowl and going with the stubby Midland (technical name escapes me at the moment).
I’ll sell the set of 2 brackets and hardware for $20 shipped.

 

[AzGoat]

Have you found a good NGP mount yet? I tried getting the same as TrailRecon but it was out in Amazon

Maybe this?

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/gmrs-ham-cb-murs-etc-rear-antenna-mount.38817/

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