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So I finally got around to installing a mobile radio in my 2011 Toyota Tacoma and figured I'd share.
All said and done the finished setup was around ~$500. The first picture shows everything that was purchased from Amazon.com the last picture is the items purchased at my local AutoZone to complete the install.
To power the radio I installed a power wire to the battery with an inline fuse. That line runs to a relay than to the radio. The relay is energized by an "add a circuit" tied into the fuse for my backup lights. By installing the relay like this it is disabled by the ignition preventing the radio from being left on killing the truck battery.
Surprisingly, everything worked on the first try and after a little driving around to find a decent location I was able to ping one of the local repeaters. This radio will primarily be used for Search and Rescue but I have my Amateur band ticket as well so I can always use it on those frequency bands as well. KI7CHL
All said and done the finished setup was around ~$500. The first picture shows everything that was purchased from Amazon.com the last picture is the items purchased at my local AutoZone to complete the install.
To power the radio I installed a power wire to the battery with an inline fuse. That line runs to a relay than to the radio. The relay is energized by an "add a circuit" tied into the fuse for my backup lights. By installing the relay like this it is disabled by the ignition preventing the radio from being left on killing the truck battery.
Surprisingly, everything worked on the first try and after a little driving around to find a decent location I was able to ping one of the local repeaters. This radio will primarily be used for Search and Rescue but I have my Amateur band ticket as well so I can always use it on those frequency bands as well. KI7CHL
