Equipment

 and 

Stations

Primary Station:  My Truck has always been my Primary Station.  Being Active duty I have always been in Barracks or renting from strangers!  In addition I do most of my emergency communications in the field.

2004 F250 XLT Super Crew Cab

Truck special ordered

• 5.7 liter V8
• 5 Speed Automatic
• 4X4 
• Limited Slip Differential
• Towing package with largest Available stock Alternator
• Captain's chair with console in the center

Customization

Radios and console

• Icom 706 MK III
• Icom 2800H
• Kenwood D700; connected to a Garmin Streetpiolet III.
  •   Used for complete APRS system.  GPS unit receives location data and saves it as waypoints.  
  • Note many individuals having difficulty with data flow to the GPS.  Need to replace Kenwood's supplied wire and jack with a good jack into the radio and good wire from the radio to GPS 
• Speakers are mounted to be heard well by everyone in the front seat
• 9 pin computer plug; 
  • Provides a connection from a computer into the data functions of the Kenwood D700 and GPS
  •  Laptop to the Kenwood D700 
    • APRS primary
    • Packet
• The speakers wire harness allows me to run accessories off pigtail.
• Have a male female plugs for my unique wiring system.
•  110 Plug with switched is hooked up to Voltage converter.

Battery

• Commercial grade extra battery
• Extra Battery disconnects from Truck's Electrical system when Ignition is off!
• Easily disconnected by pulling the control relay.
• All connections are doubled fused
  • The connection between the truck battery and the accessories are fused!
  • the secondary battery is fused!
• Second battery is contained in a plastic container.
  • Insure the container will contain the acid in the battery if a leak!
• Used approve battery box whenever possible!
• Insure plastic Box has ventilation near the top, and bottom  part of the box sealed incase of battery leak.
• all connections in the box should be soldiered  to approved battery terminal connector, and covered with a protecting.  Axle, cup grease if nothing else is available!
•  

Rear accessory power box.

• Speaker connectors for large pigtails
• Cigarette adaptor plug
• Have a male female plugs for my unique wiring system.
• Switches to control up to two items

HF Antenna

• The luggage rack and antenna bracket built from 1/2 inch water pipe.

• If the antenna is hit the water pipe bends or twists at joints before the antenna is damage.  

• The coils are above the metal of the bed and at least 6" from bracketing or truck.

• HF antenna starts on the passenger then is wrapped around the back to the rear, to insure a long enough wire

Setup tips

• Ford trucks have built in Grummet holes in the firewall and floor!
• 8 to 10 gauge wire is used for high amp application!
• 18 to 20 gage wire for low amp applications.
•  Wire junctions and control relays are contained in project boxes.
• Wire separation.
  • Power and control wires on Driver side with the thruck wirein
  • Antenna coaxial on the passenger. 
• When accessories are removed vehicle will look showroom fresh!

Cost 

Past Stations