How to Install the iCOM ID5100 in (2016) Ford F150 Truck

I have had it with the Kenwood TMV-71's known hand mic issue so I decided to go digital and with the iCOMM ID5100A DSTAR ham radio.
First off, I was lucky enough that my install and some of the components from my Kenwood TMV-71A were useable still so I'll show you how I swapped out the amateur radios and mounted the ID5100A beast of a ham radio in the truck.
Not shown but equally important; for the antenna, I drilled a hole in the cab of my truck and used an extended size NMO mount. I used the extended NMO mount so I could reinforce the install with a piece of 1/8" think aluminum bar stock about 8" long. The bar stock added some rigidity in the aluminum cab that's nearly paper thin when you cut into it. Aluminum is a great grounding plane but despite the added bar stock for stiffness I still run a shorter antenna for my daily driving around town. I do carry a much better antenna should I need it when deep in the mountains or far away from the machines while in the desert. I don't find it necessary to use the larger antenna every day, especially with the volume of repeaters at my disposal in Southern California.
Just a short video to help give you some ideas on how to mount the ID5100A console and main ham radio unit into your vehicle. I do plan to add some tutorial videos on using the DSTAR radio soon.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

So I’m going digital to connect with more people across the US, but I’m looking for suggestions on mounting the console better. What mount do you prefer for your remote head and why?

[@jav_eee]

KG6HQD Jerry I’ve got mine mounted on a pro-clip on the dash of my F250. I’ll shoot you a pic if you’d like...

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

I'd like to see it if you can connect with me on Twitter and share there or email it to me at [e-mail] works too . Thanks man!👍

[@jav_eee]

KG6HQD Jerry found you on Twitter and followed. I’ll send a pic when I get home.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Sweet!

[@jav_eee]

KG6HQD Jerry I sent you some pics on Twitter, did you get them?

[@tomgarcialmt]

I don't have a car or a truck but watching your videos is better than anything on the boob tube. Keep posting these great videos we really appreciate it out here

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Tom!

[@willian.direction6740]

Working in vineyards for 23 years I went through 4 icom mics in my tractors so they have problems too in rugged mobile conditions. HM-133 mics suited my rig and they all died on the small surface mount ptt switch on the board. That mic you have looks more robust, and once you get that head mount sorted its a great installation. cheers vk5cz ..

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey William I ended up dialing it all in then just ripped it out in favor of a Yaesu FTM-400XDR for the much needed and wanted APRS, but it’s now mounted in my shack like a rock star 😁

[@Hogdriver88]

I've got the same truck in a 2015 model. Thanks for sharing the mounting ideas - I'm liking the versatility of that 5100. 73 Gregg KE2SX

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Cool, and I’ve been playing with the 5100 for the last few days and I will definitely be making some videos on how to use it because the info is kind of lacking in my opinion. For example, I’ve got two videos on the APRS interface and making calls on DStar to a friend through the gateway using their call sign. If I’m speaking Greek then watch for the videos coming soon. 😉

[@Hogdriver88]

Uh yeah, I'll definitley be watching for those videos!!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Ya, there are a couple things I learned right away that I think will be helpful. I may record one tonight if I can.

[@MAWazaLLC]

I mounted the ID-5100 in my BWM 745Li using a cup holder mount for the head unit. Uses the magnetic mounts so it can be removed easily. Mounted the radio itself in the trunk of the vehicle and added the bluetooth option to the radio so I could pipe the audio through my car stereo without having to add an additional speaker. Very clean install. I doubt there are many 7's with a Whip antenna mounted on them. : ) - KC3HUL

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Ha! That's awesome! I'd like to see that

[@FransEric7]

Thanks for the video - thumbs UP! but, I was looking for the way you ran the power cord from the radio to …? Its not complete until you show and tell of this. W4AAO

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

I run thick gauge wire directly from the battery through the firewall and up to the unit on all my radios. Sorry for the omission on that detail 😉

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

I have the same truck, my only issue is where to mount the antenna. Where did you put yours? Thanks in advance KC9YFD.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Ya antennas are always a problem unless your willing to drill a hole like me. I mounted a rooftop NMO mount and re-enforced the thin aluminum roof with a piece of 1/8” thick aluminum bar stock and used the deeper NMO mount to ensure enough spacing. This of course requires dropping the headliner and for me I choose to run a short and light antenna while driving around town and I carry a taller more dB version with me should I need it while stationary in remote areas. My short one gets me into all the vhf/uhf machines near me and of course my hotspot

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

@@KG6HQDJerrySOTA Thanks for the reply. I generally mount nmo on the roof, but haven't been able to find how thick the aluminum is compared to steel. I usually run a Larsen NMO-270s. I will have to look at what I'm going to do.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

The aluminum is very thin, that’s why I use a short antenna and re-enforced it with some aluminum bar stock and used the deeper NMO mount. Also there are beam runners so it’s very slightly off center to avoid one of those “studs”. Aluminum is strong but it’s thin & light so let us know what you end up deciding on and designing too.

[@fillmoreranger634]

@@KG6HQDJerrySOTA Excellent idea on using the bar stock for added support. Especially for swapping to the taller, heavier antenna.

[@starkruzen]

Great video! Won't that A/C vent also be your heater vent? Unless you live in South Florida that would not matter. Just saying.

[@K3RRR]

Motor vehicle? Engines? I thought you hiked everywhere! Seriously, very much enjoyed the video since every new vehicle and every new rig pose new, exciting challenges! 73 de Robert K3RRR PS: Just subscribed to your channel!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

K3RRR thanks Robert! So true on new vehicles creating new challenges for installs. I’m still not happy with the console bracket so looking for options there but it’s in the general vicinity that I want at least. Thanks for the sub 👍🏻

[@m.k.7199]

Excellent video, but what was the final solution for the control head?

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Michael - well it's in the same mount still that I showed in this video but only because it still works. I may end up buying one of the RAM mounts to bolt to the floor of my truck with some self tapping screws and then i'd be able to move it around with the arm. I'm still a bit frustrated with where it's at and that cheap mount that I made work.

[@stevecram7705]

I’m in the market for a whole ham setup, and I’m looking for a low-profile mount for the control unit for my Ford Raptor. Just curious... is an Icom mount available similar to your Kenwood mount you used, up near the rear view mirror? If so, why didn’t you replace the Kenwood one and put the Icom up there?

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

The Kenwood TM-V71 control head is much smaller and lighter so it fit perfectly by my rear view mirror. The Icom ID5100 control head is much larger and heavier so I changed it out completely for a sturdier unit. I put some pics up on Twitter if you are following me there you can see them. My Twitter handle is my call sign.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Here's the link to the new mount I installed: amzn.to/2M7TtB4

[@W7EDM]

Do you get engine noise? My 2012 F250 gas engine is producing quite a bit of pulse type RFI.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Ed, I do not get any engine noise. You might want to get some ferrite beads for the head connector and ensure a good ground to start with. That will probably help the problem.

[@W7EDM]

@@KG6HQDJerrySOTA Thanks for the reply. I get the noise even on a handheld ( no battery connection) while connected to my external antenna. I'm going to try ground straps and snap on ferrites.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Wow, if you do find out what it is please share because that seems odd. Good luck.

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

A clean install

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Jerome!

[@w2msa]

Looks great Jerry, Question, what made you choose D-Star over Fusion. I don’t do digital yet and I’m still trying to decide which way to go. 73 Noel- W2MSA

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hi Noel, for me it was the wider spread and non-proprietary radio brands plus more D-Star repeaters near me that opened up more doors. Also, the ID5100 is a pretty exceptional right with the built in GPS to do the DPRS to APRS like I wanted. I do believe D-Star is the largest of the digital modes around so more people to talk to potentially to include those in my radio circles near me. Hope that helps on why I chose the ID5100 and D-Star. Nothing against Yaesu, but the market is just smaller so that concerned me.

[@mattl.4993]

Where did you ground the radio?

[@hondaridgelineenduser5934]

What's your plans with that kenwood after you changed it

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

I have two of them and sold this one. The other one is my base unit but it's up for grabs too here soon probably because I want to put in a IC7100 if possible. I'm working on a trade so hoping it works out.

[@hondaridgelineenduser5934]

KG6HQD Jerry sweet when I get my ticket I'm starting off with a kenwood tm281a, a cheap vv898 and a bafoeng before I get more experience as a amateur tech, with sota, rigging my own portable kits and eventually build my own qrp shortwave transmitter and get into cw.

[@hondaridgelineenduser5934]

KG6HQD Jerry and build my own antenna out of speaker wire

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Can’t wait to see this happen!

[@hondaridgelineenduser5934]

KG6HQD Jerry I probably would have to watch your instruction video at least 24 times with my duh ADHD moments Haha