Detailed Radio Install Project - Midland MXT575 GMRS & Icom IC-2730A Ham Radio

[lugmoretreble]

@SEOverlandAdventures I'm curious about the SPST Switch you added. I read through your original instal over on southeast4x4 and see that it is so you can override the shutdown timer when the ignition is off. I couldn't tell from your photos but if you have the factory AUX Switches, would those provide the same capability?

Appreciate the write up, I am following it closely and have nearly accumulated all the necessary parts to put in the truck.

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[SEOverlandAdventures]

@SEOverlandAdventures I'm curious about the SPST Switch you added. I read through your original instal over on southeast4x4 and see that it is so you can override the shutdown timer when the ignition is off. I couldn't tell from your photos but if you have the factory AUX Switches, would those provide the same capability?

Appreciate the write up, I am following it closely and have nearly accumulated all the necessary parts to put in the truck.

@lugmoretreble My JT does not have the factory aux switches, but it does have an sPOD BantamX switch panel. I used one of the switches on the panel in place of a single SPST switch and it works perfectly.

From a few searches it looks like the factory aux switches may work (I'm basing this on what I just read so please keep that in mind) and the functionality of the switches can be changed via UConnect settings (to function like a SPST switch possibly).

Assuming the switches are powered by the battery (if they have direct 12V battery power you should be able to use the switch as an override when the ignition is in the OFF position), I would try wiring one of the 15A switches wires to the IGN terminal on the Lind shutdown timer.

You could test to see if this works using a multi-meter. When the ignition is in the OFF position, press the switch and use the multi-meter to see if it reads 12V DC at the end of the switch wire. If it does, that should trigger the override on the shutdown timer.

To test it after you wire it up, make sure enough time has elapsed based on what shutdown interval the timer is set to, then press the aux switch. If it works the radios should turn on.

I made videos of this entire install but haven't gotten around to editing them yet. Hopefully I will by end the end of the year. I hope this helps!

 

[Gvsukids]

I decided to record video of this install project vs. do a write up as I mentioned in my original post. I'll post those videos as I edit and finish them them, but would like to share some photos as I progress in case anyone would like to follow along.

Do you have these videos completed?

 

[SEOverlandAdventures]

Do you have these videos completed?

I never got around to editing the videos but I’m happy to answer any questions you have on the install.

 

[Gvsukids]

I never got around to editing the videos but I’m happy to answer any questions you have on the install.

Did you tape the pass-through hole at the firewall?

 

[Gvsukids]

Also, can you run the antenna wire through the same hole as the power to the battery?

 

[SEOverlandAdventures]

Also, can you run the antenna wire through the same hole as the power to the battery?

There is a grommet to the right of the brake master cylinder. I passed the wires through the firewall there but I didn’t add any tape. Just cut an opening in the grommet large enough to pull the wires through. I did run the antenna wires thought there as well.

It is hard to see in the photos, but this is where the grommet is located -

 

[Gvsukids]

There is a grommet to the right of the brake master cylinder. I passed the wires through the firewall there but I didn’t add any tape. Just cut an opening in the grommet large enough to pull the wires through. I did run the antenna wires thought there as well.

It is hard to see in the photos, but this is where the grommet is located -

Any interference or buzzing?

 

[SEOverlandAdventures]

Any interference or buzzing?

No, haven't had any issues with buzzing, interference or RF interference as well.

 

[thekbad]

Doesn’t the SPOD have built in circuit shutdown timer functionality?

 

[SD Rider]

Nice install!

I'm only running the MXT575 so installed a GMRS band 3dB gain antenna.

Word of caution to those wanting to use there Aux switches or the live feed to power radios; you may and or will have power issues and noise.

I tried to use the aux lines and could not, had to run direct grounds and power from the batt on my Mid-275.

I ran the power for my GMRS directly to an aux switch. I do have the aftermarket Lasfit switches, so don't know if they provide more isolation than factory...maybe so.
I also left the 15A fuse in place as the Lasfit switches are 30A protected.

 

[SEOverlandAdventures]

Doesn’t the SPOD have built in circuit shutdown timer functionality?

I just looked at the sPod page and it looks like the model I have (Bantam X) does have circuit timer functionality but it requires their Pro-Series mobile app.

I honestly didn't even think about that. I had the shutdown timer and the rest of the equipment in my TJ so I moved it all over to the JT and made a couple of changes. If someone is running an sPod it might be an option to program the circuit that the radio is on switch off after a specified amount of time like the shutdown timer does.

 

[SEOverlandAdventures]

Nice install!

I'm only running the MXT575 so installed a GMRS band 3dB gain antenna.

I ran the power for my GMRS directly to an aux switch. I do have the aftermarket Lasfit switches, so don't know if they provide more isolation than factory...maybe so.
I also left the 15A fuse in place as the Lasfit switches are 30A protected.

Thanks! Which antenna did you go with?

Good to hear on the aux switch wiring. Chasing down power line noise or RF interference can be a hassle sometimes.

 

[SD Rider]

Thanks! Which antenna did you go with?

Good to hear on the aux switch wiring. Chasing down power line noise or RF interference can be a hassle sometimes.

Used this one. Same specs as another install that I watched. Range seems great and clear. Looks like it would work with Ham also...

I'm curious to test my TX/RX range. Sent my boy about half mile away with a handheld and comms were good.

Bingfu Ham Radio Mobile Radio Antenna Dual Band VHF UHF 136-174MHz 400-470MHz https://a.co/d/7xkCbe0

Handhelds
BAOFENG UV-5G (UV-5X) GMRS Radio, Long Range Handheld https://a.co/d/aFFVrYE

 

[SEOverlandAdventures]

Good to hear. That looks like a wideband antenna for VHF/UHF. If you do find that RX/TX is limited (usually when you are not in line-of-sight to the person you are talking to) try elevating the antenna so the base is above the hood panel and sits where there is a open path between the antenna and the door mirror mount.

The GRMS frequencies are between 462-467 Mhz and the 70cm ham band is a bit lower at 420-450 Mhz.

I keep an UV-5R also in the bag as a space in case someone needs a radio. I programmed the GMRS frequencies like this so "GMRS1" and so for the channels displays on the radio instead of the frequency to make it a bit easier for folks new to GRMS or radio in general.

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