2017+ Cascadia Evolution Antenna Mount

Sitting while unloading NE of OKC.

The joy of zip-ties. First configuration of TAC-COMM TRC-2 Radio Carrier.

Was glad to see that all the power and coax slips thru the dash panel handpull (to remove access cover to circuit/fuse box normally).

Have coax still thru Palomar Common Mode Noise Filter.

But Palomar 12V Noise Filter (identical box), RM-203 amp, and MFJ Mobile tuner just along for the ride until I can swing back thru FTW for the tall radio bracket and still more LMR400 jumpers from Bells CB.

Have to also go past house to get the tackle box I use for CB hardware. 12V disconnect for BATT end, termination fuse and some 18-ga wire to extend box power. Etc.

Will be ordering the fused West Mountain Radio RigRunner 405A to mount on a TRC panel not shown.

Power for

Transceiver
Speaker
Tuner Meter Light

And may isolate the 12V DC filter to/from panel to make bypass easier in future (as some gear won’t stay in big truck).

Ideally, I’ll just have power/coax peeking out of dash panel cover at bottom so that when I leave the truck for the usual two days, all is out of sight and out of the way of anyone else.

Jumpers from TRC2 to coax/power at dash, IOW. Anderson Power Poles for 12V.

A pair of 7’ Skipshooters on the list. May use quick disconnects; own some still new Hustler stainless pieces (to leave truck, enter Penske washbay or to pull into receiver facility). I may also order a pair from Breedlove.

Was reading up on the Rig Expert various Antenna Analyzer models. Boy, can that get expensive in a hurry. But reviews and threads are emphatically positive.

The only real hurry is to get the rest of this done so I can try that device. The 54A is what I’m thinking for now.

Keep forgetting to order RAM mount for the Garmin 760. Already have ball mount and extension on side of dash from a Qualcomm that was in here three days.

Then, some clean-up of phone charger, etc.

Unlike Craigsez, I’ll have a clean dashtop heading down the road instead of a mobile rummage sale.

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I agree with it, though. Clean dash top means easy to clean that plus windshield. Looks better at scale house or to the LEO passing the other way.

And keeps prying eyes moving along.

True, a pair of seven foot antennas means something is afoot, but it could just be a 29 tucked away in the overhead. Not worthwhile to check if the door is unlocked.

At present am still using the dash curtains. But the solar gain in the SW USA is too high for summer (April - October) so an errand tomorrow is to bobtail to Homers Depot for some Reflectix insulation. Cut to pressfit the glass. Faster than curtains. And option to use only windshield. I’ll use that when unloading sometimes, not just the 10-your break.

For that matter, a two hour nap mid-afternoon.

Back to clean dash: privacy always easier to arrange. Otherwise, a boring company truck. Anonymous. White.

Haven’t yet figured how to do chargers (two phones plus portable battery and GPS and cable phone to radio for music), but in this Freightliner I’ll likely just get all the cables to the right side of the dash extension. (No passengers).

 

Summer heat is no picnic. I was going to have to come up with a cover.

Agreed about placement. The big meter on a Galaxy makes reading a transmission part of determining distance. Habit.

However, with an old school radio like this the controls don’t need me to look at them to operate (as opposed to a menu-driven screen).

Best placement of this TRC-2 would be alongside dash extension. Make it a “continuation” of the dashboard.

Something to hold it at an angle and a couple of feet off the floor. (Placing it on passenger seat is simply best first step).

 

You’ll want a right angle drill and hole saw to modify overhead cabinetry. Can’t get past without pinch points otherwise.

Plus, can’t read radio while driving.

Lower dash panel on same plane as access to both mirrors AND to circuit fuse box with BATT common power cables. Studs available and long enough to double nut.

Take another look.

There’s no reason to go above or below the lower dash panel (below steer column) to route and connect coax OR power.

Both can come out of dash at floor. Cover with split-loom.

A wooden box, an open-ended case, would suffice for sun protection. And look clean. Be easy to read radio while underway. (Plus provide protection in a move). Speaker can be mounted flush with dash top alongside AM/FM.