ICOM 2730B Ham Radio - installed under screen

[sdca7718]

I got this idea from AAL with their 5100 mount, I was going to order the 5100 and make my own since they were not selling their design. When I started searching I saw the Icom 2730 Black and really like the screen as it looks like it will fit in well and be easy to read. So I started scanning the dash and learned I suck at scanning so I started drawing in Fusion 360 instead. After many revisions I think I’m about finished with my design for the faceplate. Still lost on where I can mount the radio box since no one has really designed a metal bracket for the ranger. I will probably bend my own metal piece and shove it somewhere later on.

My design uses 30mm x 3mm magnets and rails to hold the faceplate. I had to buy some overpriced screws from McMaster carr to bolt the faceplate to my cradle, they are M2.6 x 8mm, not a common screw size. I will use a keystone jack for the wire to go under the dash above the wireless charger and route the wire to where ever I place the radio. I still have to wait for my antenna mount to come in, waiting on the Swarfworks light. No major mods are required except a hole above the wireless charger that will be hard to see for the RJ12 keystone port. I added a CB mic button to the Icom mic since it uses a hook style unlike any other radio, I ordered a Tackform mic mount for the rail above the dash. The radio faceplate is easy to remove since it is held in place by magnets and can be stored out of sight when not being used.

Let me know what you think of my initial design, I will post the 3d files on makerworld once I am finished.

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[superj]

that looks really good. i think when people get into your truck they will not notice its aftermarket.

 

[AdventureLab]

That looks great. Since you have room on either side of the display, you could a RJ45 panel mount coupler to make your mic removable and put that connector in your bezel.

https://a.co/d/07EUKjgh

Here's how we did it in our truck -

The Icom 5200 fits nicely there as well.

 

[Rousseb]

I mounted my 2730 radio under the passenger seat and attached with Velcro to the carpet.

 

[Jason B]

I got this idea from AAL with their 5100 mount, I was going to order the 5100 and make my own since they were not selling their design. When I started searching I saw the Icom 2730 Black and really like the screen as it looks like it will fit in well and be easy to read. So I started scanning the dash and learned I suck at scanning so I started drawing in Fusion 360 instead. After many revisions I think I’m about finished with my design for the faceplate. Still lost on where I can mount the radio box since no one has really designed a metal bracket for the ranger. I will probably bend my own metal piece and shove it somewhere later on.

My design uses 30mm x 3mm magnets and rails to hold the faceplate. I had to buy some overpriced screws from McMaster carr to bolt the faceplate to my cradle, they are M2.6 x 8mm, not a common screw size. I will use a keystone jack for the wire to go under the dash above the wireless charger and route the wire to where ever I place the radio. I still have to wait for my antenna mount to come in, waiting on the Swarfworks light. No major mods are required except a hole above the wireless charger that will be hard to see for the RJ12 keystone port. I added a CB mic button to the Icom mic since it uses a hook style unlike any other radio, I ordered a Tackform mic mount for the rail above the dash. The radio faceplate is easy to remove since it is held in place by magnets and can be stored out of sight when not being used.

Let me know what you think of my initial design, I will post the 3d files on makerworld once I am finished.

You design looks great. That could be easily modified to accept switches instead of a radio

 

[AdventureLab]

You design looks great. That could be easily modified to accept switches instead of a radio

Or a radio and switches!

 

[RaptrJr]

I was going to make a bracket to put my faceplate down there a few months ago but ended up with the sunglass holder replacement from Swarfworks.

You did a good job it looks really nice down there and looks pretty factory.

 

[sdca7718]

That looks great. Since you have room on either side of the display, you could a RJ45 panel mount coupler to make your mic removable and put that connector in your bezel.

The Icom 5200 fits nicely there as well.

That’s where I got my idea from, I was going to go that route but like the display and size of the 2730B more. The mic can be ran off the head unit or main body on the 2730. I choose the head unit since it seams to reach my front seats easily with the standard cable. I like your solution as it uses a space I don’t really need, I charge my phone off a quadlock charger on the tackform rail. I added the mars mod based on your website.

 

[AdventureLab]

That’s where I got my idea from, I was going to go that route but like the display and size of the 2730B more. The mic can be ran off the head unit or main body on the 2730. I choose the head unit since it seams to reach my front seats easily with the standard cable. I like your solution as it uses a space I don’t really need, I charge my phone off a quadlock charger on the tackform rail. I added the mars mod based on your website.

Good to hear! Glad it was helpful. Turned out great.

 

[sdca7718]

I mounted my 2730 radio under the passenger seat and attached with Velcro to the carpet.

I looked under the seats and didn’t see much room with all the wires and motors. I was about to call you crazy for shoving it into those wires. I never thought about the side, there is room on the carpet, same space as the drivers side that has the 400w inverter. Now I have to wait until my antenna mount gets here so I can route the wires under the seat and run the head unit RJ12 to the dash. This looks like the best spot so far, I was either going behind the back next to the amp or under the dash. Thanks, the Velcro comment, made me rethink the spot to place it.

 

[RaptrJr]

I looked under the seats and didn’t see much room with all the wires and motors. I was about to call you crazy for shoving it into those wires. I never thought about the side, there is room on the carpet, same space as the drivers side that has the 400w inverter. Now I have to wait until my antenna mount gets here so I can route the wires under the seat and run the head unit RJ12 to the dash. This looks like the best spot so far, I was either going behind the back next to the amp or under the dash. Thanks, the Velcro comment, made me rethink the spot to placeI mounted

I also mounted the main unit under the passenger seat and held it with velcro to the carpet. You can slide it through the side and it sits beside the AC duct under the seat.

 

[sdca7718]

I also mounted the main unit under the passenger seat and held it with velcro to the carpet. You can slide it through the side and it sits beside the AC duct under the seat.

Yeah I was only looking from the front and didn’t notice that spot. When I read Velcro to the carpet I looked and saw how it could slide right in there. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Baja_RR]

Great post but I'll do everyone one better! I come at this from GMRS side where the MXT575 has everything needed on the mic and you hide the unit. But, needed 50 watt Ham for EXO trips in Baja.

Enter the ICOM F5330D. Expensive, but the best unit in know of and "simplest" to install. Mount the unit either behind rear seat or, under passenger seat. Anywhere. Run a short Cat 5 cable (trim to preference) and have microphone mounted to orange 67 Designs arm (to color match).

We mounted mic to spare ball mount on AAL mount for Garmin GPS.

Sorry don't have better picture and my rig is in Phoenix for upgrades.

BE SURE to get "no graund plane needed" antenna!!

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