HF Ham Radio In My Ford F-150

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

that Board under the Carpet tip was Brillant.

[@joshuabarraza]

Gonna need an update on that sick roly poly habitat, thanks!

[@Chris_KS5KY]

That first shot of the "engine compartment" showing the battery location, I was trying to figure out how you'd easily get to that around the motor, then I wondered, where's the motor. That's when I remembered it was an electric truck (thus Lightning). I'm old enough to remember when a Ford F-150 Lightning wasn't electric. Great install and thanks for sharing, I've picked up some tips for my upcoming HF mobile install. Love the board under the carpet most of all. 73, KS5KY

[@kevinb4783]

i like the board under the carpet idea for mounting the radio

[@bmoorear]

Hey Josh just wanted to take a second to say thanks for all the informative videos. I am down in east San Diego county. I hunt, fish, fly RC planes and I am always on youtube channels/forums pertaining to those hobbies. I'm not sure I have ever come across a channel as informative as yours in any hobby. I got involved with GMRS and got my license after using some radios to stay in contact with my son out quail hunting. That kind of sent me down the rabbit hole and after learning how to program and listen in on the ham repeaters I was all in. I passed my technician test this morning and your video's were a monumental help. Be well, Brian.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Congrats! Thanks for your kind words!!

[@amateursandairwaves]

Timely video for me. Picking up a new to me truck on Saturday

[@W5CSM-Dave]

Excellent idea using a board under the carpet. After seeing this, my installation plan in my 2024 Tundra now incudes mounting the main body of my iCom 7000 under my seat using a 1/4 inch sheet of ABS plastic under the carpet. After trimming and heat molding if needed, I will use flat head screws countersunk up through the plastic, then carpet, then the mount with washers and nylock nuts. I also use the crap put of 3M Dual Lock for mic mounts etc.

[@M0RMY]

Great video Josh and Shane. I have an IC7000 and a Yaesu FTM400 with both radio faces mounted on a Lido L-Max (plus a Target tuner for the Tarheel) in my Ineos Grenadier. Radio bodies are mounted to homebrew mounts tucked behind each front seat with power distribution from a RigRunner board. Routing coax from roof lines on each side was a doozy! It needs a lot of planning and as you showed is very satisfying at the end when it all comes together.

[@VE6LK]

Excellent video - another template that I can use for my F-150 EcoBoost install later this week. Thanks Josh!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Glad to help!

[@KD9YY]

WTH? Why tease us with a Roly Poly habitat just to make us sit through another mobile radio install??? Give us what we want Josh! :)

[@jakep5121]

For the firewall grommet (boot) pass thru... I used a 12" garden hose, cut down the middle, with a flat ish point to push the 1st cable thru. after that just tape to what's going thru already and pull it.

[@dougdaniels]

I've had a half dozen F-150s. Always easier to go out from the cab through that rear vent than trying to go in through the vent. Mount a Rigrunner inside the drivers compartment next to that grommet. Run all your electronics off of that, each one is fused separately.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Shane is AWESOME!

[@michaelt.9372]

Im gonna be doing this on my lightning with the same antenna. Thanks for the walk through

[@javierpolendok5mhc]

I did a similar install on my 2020 silverado but I placed the radios under the front seats and yes I used velcro for the install. I also used the breelove mounts. I installed my ft857d 2 years ago and still rockikn. 73.

[@waakca]

Breedlove mounts are certainly sturdy!

[@Hank_W6IR]

Nice job. I'm getting ready to install my FT-857D in my F-350 once the weather warms up. You guys gave me some ideas.

[@georgeaclosew4gne655]

I did almost the exact set up you did to my 2017, Breedlove mount,tarheel antenna, the same lido mount up front, I did however, drill holes in my floor, passenger side has nothing below it, wish i would have thought of the board! Great idea! Nice job!

[@evanduffy1015]

Just passed my tech and general test yesterday! Excited to get on the air and maybe I’ll catch you in your truck on HF some day :)

[@SouthCarolinaSirens]

What a clean install! I would do my mobile setups that clean but i dont wanna tear out the insides of my tahoe cause i dont know how long they are gonna be setup in there for. You inspired me to get my ham liscence and i got my tech in January of this year. Ive been on the nets on my local repeater and am already in the process of putting up my own repeater!

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Shane does nice work!

[@Niteskate1]

Nice clean install Josh, and best of all, no magic smoke was released during this video.

[@N6BFGAmateurRadio]

This video popped up at the right time! I was just looking at installing my radios into my Ram 1500 a few days ago.

[@KO4AFL]

Great install. I have seen shane's work in person its amazing what he can do.

[@StealthGTI]

Hidden cables are a thing of beauty! Nice work! -Scott, KE4WMF

[@oz1iom]

There is nothing like a good friend to have fun with

[@BurtonChristmasLites]

Robert KD4YDC here. Josh I love the Breedlove mounts. I have the one that is a bar where as you had to drill two holes in the front bed panel and then it "L 's" back toward the back of the bed (#313) then I also have the Stud Mount with a SO 239 (#207). That way when I hopefully add a Baby Tarheel, it will hold it. I can shake my whole truck when pulling on that mount. Not going anywhere. I do have some concerns about going through that vent. It is a flap type of vent that can introduce moisture into that area. I have seen that happen in other installs. For that reason, I just put some zip tie blocks on the truck and brought the coax in through the door bottom. Using Wireman RG58 coax.

[@marktorigian5647]

I just bought a f150 last week and planning the exact same install.. could not have been better timing. I am using Breedlove mounts one ATAS and one vhf/uhf!!! 😊

[@kb8m203]

Nice video. Great install.

[@_onthemike_]

*rubs hands* been waiting for this. My F-150 needs an HF radio in it.

[@HelloNotMe9999]

Having just bought a new (to me) 2021 F150, this could not have been better timing. Now to get my hands on an ICOM-705…

[@PrecisionGroupYT]

The Yaesu Ft-891 with the ATAS-120a is a very nice and easy HF Mobile setup! And the DNR on the 891 is awesome! I had this setup in my Dodge RAM 2500 and now in my VW TDI (Diesel) Jetta Wagon! 73

[@dave-wk4t]

Glad the word on Breedlove mounts is getting out! Running two; each side of the truck bed. HF and V/UHF.

[@andrewfiertek5937]

What did you wrap on the toroid, coax or power.. thanks for all the ideas, especially the board under the carpet. Only problem with that is snow in the winter.

[@KG6NLW]

Shane did a great job!! Enjoy the HF!

[@AZREDFERN]

At least it’s not the Cybertruck where EVERYTHING is a capacitive touch display or button. I’m still waiting to see how that goes. I have a DAC that’s all capacitive buttons, and it would go crazy every time I transmitted.

[@kroberts2812]

Nice install Josh, now clean that truck!!!

[@k2cjbradio]

Good idea adding the toroid on the power cable. I wouldn’t assume the ground from the bed to the cab is good. Maybe add some braiding to bond the bed to the cab. I also added braiding to the exhaust system on my 2015 F250. Are you picking up ignition noise from the coil-on-plug system? A good NB will filter that. Have fun!

[@revadan]

I had a problem with noise on my tacoma, when driving, engine running and fuel pump emits noise. I cant hear anyone until i added FT 240-31 ferrite cores close to the ATAS 120A antenna, and also close to the the 891 radio and 1 to the DC line next to the radio. Now i enjoy listening to any band while driving. Yey!

[@Kody10538]

Now we need an install video on that ram mount post

[@arbez7k]

Now you need to bond and ground the engine, doors, tailgate, exhaust, cab, and bed. One inch wide ground straps as short as possible onto bare metal surfaces then covered with clear Krylon, non metallic paint to protect each joint. I've done tons of mobile HF, VHF, and UHF installs over my 30+ years as an Armature Radio Operator. You may be doing great in your driveway however, once you get on the road, you'll begin to notice engine noise and alternator whine. The board under the carpet is an old school method we used back in the 80's and 90's until the newer vehicles didn't have much grounding. You want to hard mount the radio to the floor board, especially in an all aluminum body. The more metal contact the radio body has, the better. You wont regret it. I installed an IC-7100 in my friends F-350 under the rear seat and I slit the carpet just enough to get the mounting bracket mounted to the bare floor board with locking nuts, washers, and bolts, not screws. It's a PITA to do however, the end results are superb. Good Luck OM and best 73's de N6JRZ.

[@schnitznschnatzn]

There's no exhaust and I'm sure that the Lightning is properly grounded and electrically tied together from factory, especially with the 120V and 240V power outlets in the bed.

[@arbez7k]

@@schnitznschnatzn How is there no exhaust? All vehicles have to expel burned fuel.

[@OFFTAPnz]

@@arbez7kit's electric

[@schnitznschnatzn]

@@arbez7k, it is the F150 Lightning, a fully electric truck with 9kW of 120 / 240V outlets in the frunk and bed. Everything metallic on this vehicle has to be very well tied together electrically for safety reasons alone. Definitely no exhaust to be found here ;)

[@FordF250Tremor]

With your experience, I would love to bring my Super Duty to you for an install. What state are you in?

[@travisScott-theoriginal]

I recognized Leah’s cough in the background at the 1:50 minute mark from the 2024 podcasts haha

[@marcstaves4590]

Rather than drilling a hole, removing the inside sound material and fishing the coax between the bed and the cab there is a channel opening underneath and behind each of the rear passenger doors at the back end of the cab. It leads straight into the wiring channels under the plastic foot skid plates that pop off. That is how my 2023, F150 is. Maybe the lighting is different? Look for it you'll find it. 73! N2PRD

[@daveengstrom9250]

Your web page links are not working correctly.

[@IgnacioSauceda]

I know the brand of the antenna mount is Breed Love Mounts. What is the bracket and mount that you used?

[@marcdb9974]

Nice install ideas, plus now I don't feel so bad about how dirty my floors are ;)

[@mgrimes-N6SEE]

Nice work!!

[@thedoobie1]

2 minutes in and I'm like, "WTH is fish tape?" Hello Google my old friend. 😂

[@michaelt.9372]

I’m totally confused as to the routing of the coax from the rear of the bed to the cab. Can you elaborate a bit more? I’m trying to do this on my lightning

[@BenButler1]

Great install. Board trick is the best. Let us know if noise levels change when driving. Thx

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Oooooohhhhhh they changed! Stay tuned for whatever the hell I can do about that.

[@tglenn3121]

Nice install. I do have a question though. When operating hf mobile (while driving), do you have to worry about any rf issues affecting the vehicle systems?

[@maytronix7201]

I would be very tempted to add some Ideal Noalox to that Breedlove mount where it comes in contact with the trucks bed stake. Aluminum oxidation stinks.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Ohhhh im going to do that.

[@lawrencekb5zzb551]

In a 23 Ford F150 PowerBoost Hybrid. Have you noticed any noise on 40m,17m, or 10m? Thanks and 73

[@thecarys563]

Still trying to find a good coax path in my PowerBoost from the stake pocket. This wasn't too instructive because they didn't show getting access to the grommet or the coax path to the grommet. I know it wasn't that kind of video but I'd love some clues from someone who has done it.

[@lawrencekb5zzb551]

there are 2 pass through holes in the back area under the carpet. they are plastic plugs that can be drilled out. up front you can us the pass throughs that are used for the folding running board power.@@thecarys563

[@zackmartin2743]

Curious to see how that noise level is when driving. My work truck (2019 Silverado 3500 Duramax) gives me an extra S2 the second you take it out of park. Definitely in the gear selector but I haven't had time to find and isolate it yet

[@earleclemans4836]

Nice to see a ham building and American truck instead of all the foreign junk 👍🏻

[@aa5az423]

I'm about to buy an F350, I need this guy to get on a plane to NC.

[@W7EDM]

Both my Fords have put out a ton of pulse type rfi. I haven't been able to identify where it's coming from but it makes them almost unusable with the engine running.

[@Mike_M_KI4MRC]

Thanks for the video, Josh! I am preparing for my Mobile install. I am curious if you used a specific toroid. I know some of them have different mixtures. Also, did you use that gauge wire because that’s what you had on hand or is it best to use? I think 10 gauge that you had in the video? Last question that power junction box you had looked very well built. Do you happen to know the brand?

[@bradsimon1047]

Was there any testing of SWR after installation?

[@dorvinion]

Are you running with a direct connection to the 12V battery? That caused any issues? For Teslas I've been told you shouldn't run directly off the 12v since the vehicle supposedly tries to account for all the energy in and out of the 12v to gauge its health. Reason being if running the radio directly from the 12V the vehicle doesn't know about the radio using power and may think the 12V has failed since it will constantly be lower state of charge than the vehicle thinks it ought to be.

[@thecarys563]

What were the steps to expose the grommet from the inside? What was the coax path to the grommet from the pocket? Where on the frame/chassis did you tie in the ground strap from the mount? Priority traffic from KC6ARY! 😂

[@JasonLNielsen]

This is exactly what I did in my F150, but it's a 2019. Same path and channel to run the power to my D710

[@Blake-W8LB]

Hey Josh, awesome install! do you leave the id-5100a head there all the time? Do you have any issue with sun fading on the lcd?

[@cwhitewelding9984]

I have a very similar set up with my F-150 question have you guys got a wrench light from RF interference even though everything is grounded properly and power directly to the battery?? I have the Raptor 2014 F150 but very similar

[@richardah1]

Are you disconnecting and putting away the head units when you park somewhere? That's one reason I haven't installed a radio in my car.

[@JerryRogich]

Found gas 2017 f150 has lots of ignition noise on 40 & 80. On 40 the noise blanker works on 857 good enough. Never has this issue on '03 Expedition. 80m is useless where my ARES nets are.

[@Mitchellpilot909]

I knew I recognized his call sign! I made contact with him on 20M on the 17th.

[@HammockRadio]

I've worked on my share of cruisers, so before he even said anything I was like, "this guys outfits cruisers..." 🤣 Great install!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Lmao. He does indeed!

[@kasb58]

You're taking up most of your floor space with that.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s under the rear seats. Unlike the gas truck, I also have a front trunk and bed. I’m good. 🤘

[@ericn7lpk800]

Is there any particular reason you chose to mount the antenna on the Curb/Tree side of the vehicle? Any time you park in the street at the curb the antenna will be smacking the trees. Maybe not on your own street, but in general…

[@waakca]

I agree. I always mounted my taller antennas on the driver's side to avoid trees if I parked against a curb.

[@davidstearns9664]

Curious how long did it take you to do the install?

[@nthnbtnthn]

Hey Josh I just picked up a Wouxun KG-UV980P quad bander. Any Chance you can do a video about the radio/ 6m, 10m operations?

[@Jayizzy433]

Pro tip, stretch your electrical tape while applying. Squeeze tapping holds better than just relying on the sticky. Also, never use soap for fishing wires, “soap” is slang for wire pulling jell but using real soap is silly…. Soap as it dries or gets thin actually grabs on like glue, that’s how it gets the germs off…. And it may work sometimes but it still bite you others, especially in conduit. Laundry soap isn’t quite as sticky, I would use water based lotion in a pinch.

[@DeLorean58]

I would not use Dawn as a lube, unless you thoroughly wash it off, they make special lube for cables, or you could use some water based personal lubricant. You know, some Kilo Yankee Jelly.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Shane normally doesn’t. He has pro stuff at work. I’m a scrub with Dawn. 😅

[@ericn7lpk800]

Can’t get much more water soluble than dish soap. Electricians wire pull lube is very messy stuff.

[@tmo7734]

Perhaps unrelated, but something to ponder: Based on the lack of shops for repairing ham radios (and high labor costs), I’m questioning whether it’s wise for consumers to invest in expensive rigs. I own high-quality Icom gear from the late 90s. If and when they fail, I will turn to quality “budget” radios.

[@stevenemert837]

4:45 - pro tip - Dawn as a lubricant. As long as you are not Boeing!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Lmao. Yes

[@ajfogertyfan8245]

Curious as to why you mounted the antenna on the right side of the truck vice the left side. I’ve always mounted.big HF on the left side. Generally there is more overhead height clearance towards the center of the road on the left side vice the right (curb) side to minimize the risk of bonking three branches and especially arched shaped underpasses. Lots of those here on the East coast, like in the Merit Parkway in CT and the Southern State parkway on Long Island NY. On our 2012 Tacoma, the Icom 7100 main body is mounted under then under the driver seat and the power and antenna cables cone up through the floor through a slit cut in a large rubber plug in the floor pan and carpet above it. There are two such plugs one on the left side of the truck and one on the right side, perfect locations for running wires through. Avoids the hassle of running power through the firewall. The adjustable large cleats that run in the rails along the inside of the fender lit tops on Tacomas and Tundras can be drilled to take 3/8 z 24 antenna mounting hardware, you csn buy the cleats at Toyota dealers for relativey cheap money. Curious on how bad the RFI from the electric drive system is In the Lightning, especially on the lower frequency HF 3:07 3:07 3:07 bands while underway. 73 de Chris AJ1G Stonington CT

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Drive throughs.

[@ajfogertyfan8245]

Yes, good point, though many of them out here are more like a carport than a little overhang. Then you either take down the antenna or do the walk in thing.

[@Bugkiller991]

Question about a little detail. I see the speaker was mounted into the board under the carpet. Putting screws through the carpet, how did you avoid the screw grabbing a carpet thread a pulling a long length of carpet thread out?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Don’t sweat the small stuff? 🤷🏼‍♀️ I haven’t seen anything like that happen, so nothing to worry about.

[@ericn7lpk800]

Snagging carpet is a big deal in vehicle installs. You can make a tool for cutting carpet plugs out of a drill driver bit holder. Grind the end to an edge like a knife and chuck it up into your driver. Cuts prefect little round holes into any carpet or vinyl before driving any screws.

[@schnitznschnatzn]

I love your lightning. How bad is the RFI from the motor controller when you're driving? Btw, the ATAS is a great little antenna, however, you don't want to leave that bulky thing mounted while driving or at least tune it to 10 or 6m. It will otherwise self-destruct. I keep mine under the rear seat and just use a cheap Cameleon style antenna for most of the time with the FC-50 tuner. I think this works just as good or even better than the ATAS-120. I was talking to a bunch of DL and OE stations on 20m 2 weeks ago while driving down to South Carolina. Can't or at least shouldn't do that with the ATAS, definitely not on 40m. Ask me how I know :D Also, I bet you could easily run a little 500W solid state amp off the power outlet for these "can you hear me now" POTA activations - LOL :D

[@NateMieras]

Alright, I have to take the plunge myself now. How is the Lido L-Max mount doing with both control heads on it? Thanks for another great video! WN8M

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The L-Max is great. Very rigid!!

[@eddiecollins459]

Need to find a Vacuum cleaner lol.. You can get some L brackets to mount the radio down.. The setup looks good..

[@Kc5cnt-Russ]

Josh, was that Leah's new ride in the background?

[@TheGeekiestGuy]

The key is to always have a bendy grabber for installs. I use mine waaaaay more than I thought, and i literally only install and take care of drunk people. 🤣🤙🏾

[@BryanDaniel42]

is the ATAS able to handle the high speeds of highway driving well? I'd have to mount on my hood if I got one but i worry about 85mph on the interstate

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It was mounted on my commuter car for four years before upgrading to the F-150 all high speeds. It’s been great. I don’t tune it under full speed though.

[@AA0Z]

What was the total install time from start to finish?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

With Shane (the expert) and I together, just under four hours.

[@tylermark4725]

Soap lube - is this guy from boeing?

[@sammas7440]

Good job to Shane; best money the government has spent. I also like "the ol' board under the carpet trick". Now, "how about a nice game of chess?".

[@kengerace]

How’d you get the coax through the bed side?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It was on the pop-up. There are massive opening in front and behind the rear axel for the bed paths.

[@kengerace]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks! Giving me ideas. Got a WRC bumper mounted. Just got the ATAS yesterday.

[@LifeAtTerminalVelocity]

I made the video as a ham alert. I'm good with it. :)

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You did indeed!

[@kg4tri]

What is going to happen when your kids spill liquid on the back seat and it drips down onto your radio?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I'll get new kids.

[@don_n5skt]

Thanks for relating me to dish soap ;) Nice install and some great tips.

[@christurner68]

Something is missing from under the bonnet/hood, the engine!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s got two motors. 🤣

[@thebear6751]

Lots of frame grounding

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

@6:56 Josh: What am I looking for? Um, the wire.

[@a1v175]

Pretty hard to talk on a radio and push a ford isnt it?

[@TheGeekiestGuy]

Noice.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Wish he could help me install an antenna on my van!

[@AD6DMDennis]

Rollie pollie habitat!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

We’re hearing it live folks.

[@gregiep]

If Shane is doing mobile installs for steak dinners, send him my way!

[@nickcountycomm]

POTA MOBILE IS = POTABLE

[@KF0NNQ]

Shane needs to visit my QTH when I install a new mobile. Thanks for the video. 73 KF0NNQ.