How Many Ham Radio Operators are in Bronco Nation? Sound Off...

Overlanding4Fun
Feb 24, 2021

Rank V

Feb 24, 2021

Callsign: November Whiskey Nine Foxtrot

I am looking at moving my Yaesu FTM-400 over to the Bronco. I am sure I can find some place suitable on the dash to mount the head unit, but I am not sure where I am going to install the radio or place the antenna. I might install a GMRS radio too. There is not much of a GMRS community where I live, but I am sure it would be useful on the trail.

Does anyone know if Ford has incorporated some direct DC power runs to the battery on the Bronco? That would be a nice feature instead of trying to fish power cable through the firewall without compromising any watertight seals. My radio is rated at 11 amps when transmitting at 50 watts and I am sure that would be similar for for a GMRS mobile at max power. Most accessory (cigarette lighter) plugs are protected with a 20 amp fuse, but the accessory wiring is typically small gauged and can melt.
|'21 4-Door | Badsquatch™ | Area 51 | 2.7L | MIC 2.0 Hard Top | Lux Package | Grey Poupon on Tap |

You can find me on the Socials at https://bio.link/overlanding4fun
TK1215, Crowza
Last edited by a moderator: Feb 24, 2021

Rank VI

Feb 24, 2021

#1
761,317
Google is your friend.
Yes, upfitter switches.
2022 Jeep JLR, manual with even more extra guacamole
Sold - 2021 Jeep JLR, manual w/extra guacamole
gizmohd, TK1215

Rank VI

Feb 24, 2021

#2
73 DE KG4MBU
2021 BadSquatch, 4DR, 2.7/AT, High Package, Oxford White
TK1215, Overlanding4Fun

Rank IV

Feb 24, 2021

#3
I'm planning to add my Icom ID-5100A to my Black Diamond. I'm wondering what specialized antenna mounts will be available? On the concept Bronco, they created an antenna mount for the CB on the front right riser. I'm interested on how I'm going to mount my antenna and my radio...

73, Kilo Delta 8 Zulu Golf November
TK1215, Overlanding4Fun

Bronco guy doing Bronco-ey things with his Bronco

Feb 24, 2021

#4
Already have the Yeasu 400 sitting on the bench for the new Bronco and will also install an AnyTone for the DMR side. K0ZUK
First Edition 4dr
1967 Bronco
1993 Mustang Notchback
TK1215

Rank V

Feb 25, 2021

#5
I'm planning to add my Icom ID-5100A to my Black Diamond. I'm wondering what specialized antenna mounts will be available? On the concept Bronco, they created an antenna mount for the CB on the front right riser. I'm interested on how I'm going to mount my antenna and my radio...

73, Kilo Delta 8 Zulu Golf November
The ID-5100 has a similar foot print as the FTM-400. In my past 2 SUVs, I have mounted my my radio to the floor under the drivers seat with a remote speaker and a extension for the mic.
|'21 4-Door | Badsquatch™ | Area 51 | 2.7L | MIC 2.0 Hard Top | Lux Package | Grey Poupon on Tap |

You can find me on the Socials at https://bio.link/overlanding4fun
TK1215, Crowza

Rank IV

Feb 25, 2021

#6
The ID-5100 has a similar foot print as the FTM-400. In my past 2 SUVs, I have mounted my my radio to the floor under the drivers seat with a remote speaker and a extension for the mic.

I think that would make for a clean install. Since the ID-5100's speaker is located on the base, I think you are right - I would need a remote speaker. I could build a cable extension for the mic. @OtherTimDavis do you have any ideas for antenna mounting? A lip mount would normally make sense, but with the Bronco being so modular, I'm hoping there are some really great options. How many antennas are you currently planning for?
TK1215

Rank V

Feb 25, 2021

#7
I think that would make for a clean install. Since the ID-5100's speaker is located on the base, I think you are right - I would need a remote speaker. I could build a cable extension for the mic. @OtherTimDavis do you have any ideas for antenna mounting? A lip mount would normally make sense, but with the Bronco being so modular, I'm hoping there are some really great options. How many antennas are you currently planning for?

Your right, with the Bronco being so modular, it might be a wait and see event. I was hoping to get a NMO lip mount on the front hood as far out from the windshield as possible. I think the hood should make a good ground plane. I might also install a GMRS mobile and place a similar antenna setup on the other side of the hood.
|'21 4-Door | Badsquatch™ | Area 51 | 2.7L | MIC 2.0 Hard Top | Lux Package | Grey Poupon on Tap |

You can find me on the Socials at https://bio.link/overlanding4fun
Geoman8588, TK1215

Rank III

Feb 25, 2021

#8
I've always wanted to get my operator license I think this would be fun to have.
TMars, CS1

Rank V

Feb 26, 2021

#9
I've always wanted to get my operator license I think this would be fun to have.

I would encourage you to look in to it. It is a fun hobby that has a lot of areas to get involved in. I would look up on the ARRL's website (http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club) for a local club that you could visit. This is were you can find a local mentor (They are referred to as Elmers) to help you get started. There is a lot of good resources to help you study for the Technician exam, which is 35 questions. A good free website to study for the exam is Ham Study (https://hamstudy.org/). There are plenty of good YouTube channels to learn from. I recommend Ham Radio Crash Course (https://www.youtube.com/c/HamRadioCrashCourse). Josh has a good catalog of videos to learn from. I also have some ham related videos on my YouTube channel, I am not as polished on my presentation, but you are free to check them out. The link to my YouTube channel is in my signature below.
|'21 4-Door | Badsquatch™ | Area 51 | 2.7L | MIC 2.0 Hard Top | Lux Package | Grey Poupon on Tap |

You can find me on the Socials at https://bio.link/overlanding4fun
TMars, ChuckO

Rank III

Feb 26, 2021

#10
I would encourage you to look in to it. It is a fun hobby that has a lot of areas to get involved in. I would look up on the ARRL's website (http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club) for a local club that you could visit. This is were you can find a local mentor (They are referred to as Elmers) to help you get started. There is a lot of good resources to help you study for the Technician exam, which is 35 questions. A good free website to study for the exam is Ham Study (https://hamstudy.org/). There are plenty of good YouTube channels to learn from. I recommend Ham Radio Crash Course (https://www.youtube.com/c/HamRadioCrashCourse). Josh has a good catalog of videos to learn from. I also have some ham related videos on my YouTube channel, I am not as polished on my presentation, but you are free to check them out. The link to my YouTube channel is in my signature below.


My local clubs are all closed due to covid. I can't get an entry level test until this is all over I guess.
TK1215, Thane

Rank V

Feb 26, 2021

#11
My local clubs are all closed due to covid. I can't get an entry level test until this is all over I guess.
Let’s get that frown turned upside down. :) There’s in fact a few testing groups that can test online with.You can find a list HERE. I know people who have tested with the first two groups.
|'21 4-Door | Badsquatch™ | Area 51 | 2.7L | MIC 2.0 Hard Top | Lux Package | Grey Poupon on Tap |

You can find me on the Socials at https://bio.link/overlanding4fun
TK1215, Deano Bronc

Libations MOD

Feb 26, 2021

#12
My local clubs are all closed due to covid. I can't get an entry level test until this is all over I guess.
There are some offered online via ZOOM. I had got an email awhile back from HamRadioPrep about this issue.
WT HOSS 4dr 2.7 MIC Lux Tow
7/16/20 Res -- 1/22/21, 10/8/21 Order -- 3/24/22 VIN -- 5/9/22, 5/23/22, 5/16/22, 6/6/22, 6/17/22 Build 7/15/22 Delivered
Storm Factor - Never Stop Chasing! BrawnCo.Club 501c3 Pending
TK1215, meshyf

Rank III

Feb 26, 2021

#13
My local clubs are all closed due to covid. I can't get an entry level test until this is all over I guess.

I don't know your level radio/electronics knowledge but all the test questions are public and available in practice tests at https://www.qrz.com/hamtest/.
I read a bit, then started taking practice tests studying correct responses. Soon I was passing and eventually scored 100% on exam for license.

Save your time, study the test.

KJ6FJC
TK1215, Deano Bronc

Rank III

Feb 26, 2021

#14
Thanks I've saved those bookmarks and will start studying!
TK1215, ResidualGenius

Rank V

Mar 11, 2021

#15
Hi Gang!!! N0PRO here. I just joined the Nation. Yesterday I converted my Outer Banks reservation into an order.

I am also having a lot of questions about mounting equipment. I have an FTM-400 which I like but I have an Anytone AT-D578UV mounted in my current vehicle that I would like to use in the Bronco. In addition to the wiring question I want to hear more about the railing system on the dash. That could be a great mounting location. Unfortunately I read that it is not a RAM style mount, rather a rail used on weapons. It may be cool looking but a quick search online did not find any mounts that could be used for radios. I hope I'm wrong. Well, since I'm rather certain I will be getting a 2022 I should have plenty of time to research it. Hopefully all of you fellow hams who will be getting yours first will be able to give me advice.

73,

Chris
That's November Zero Papa Romeo Oscar
On order: Outer Banks 4-door, 2.7L, LUX, MIC Top, Cactus Grey, Towing, Advanced 4x4
TK1215, Overlanding4Fun

Libations MOD

Mar 11, 2021

#16
Hi Gang!!! N0PRO here. I just joined the Nation. Yesterday I converted my Outer Banks reservation into an order.

I am also having a lot of questions about mounting equipment. I have an FTM-400 which I like but I have an Anytone AT-D578UV mounted in my current vehicle that I would like to use in the Bronco. In addition to the wiring question I want to hear more about the railing system on the dash. That could be a great mounting location. Unfortunately I read that it is not a RAM style mount, rather a rail used on weapons.
Welcome, so on the picatinny rail there is a lot of options you can use to mount it as its very common in other parts. BUT, no one is really sure if that is standard equipment now on certain trims or it's been moved to an accessory. That's the biggest question right now. I know there was a post on a radio thread a few weeks ago that you can attach a bracket tot he rail system.
WT HOSS 4dr 2.7 MIC Lux Tow
7/16/20 Res -- 1/22/21, 10/8/21 Order -- 3/24/22 VIN -- 5/9/22, 5/23/22, 5/16/22, 6/6/22, 6/17/22 Build 7/15/22 Delivered
Storm Factor - Never Stop Chasing! BrawnCo.Club 501c3 Pending

Rank V

Mar 11, 2021

#17
Well, I understand a LOT of companies are going to be making accessories. I'm guessing if the picatinny rail doesn't work out someone will make a different one. I'm guessing I've got close to a year to see what happens. Until then I'm just waiting.
That's November Zero Papa Romeo Oscar
On order: Outer Banks 4-door, 2.7L, LUX, MIC Top, Cactus Grey, Towing, Advanced 4x4
ResidualGenius, Deano Bronc

Rank V

Mar 11, 2021

#18
If we keep talking maybe an admin can make a communications forum. I know I have a lot of questions and also can bring a lot of ideas to the table. I have an extensive background in emcomm as I'm sure many of you do too. These forums are where we get our "great ideas." Keeping this topic under "general" might muddy the waters as it were., Just a thought.
That's November Zero Papa Romeo Oscar
On order: Outer Banks 4-door, 2.7L, LUX, MIC Top, Cactus Grey, Towing, Advanced 4x4
Geoman8588, tracythemighty

Libations MOD

Mar 11, 2021

#19
I'd be willing to bet within a few months of them actually being in customers hands the AM field will have a handful of options.
WT HOSS 4dr 2.7 MIC Lux Tow
7/16/20 Res -- 1/22/21, 10/8/21 Order -- 3/24/22 VIN -- 5/9/22, 5/23/22, 5/16/22, 6/6/22, 6/17/22 Build 7/15/22 Delivered
Storm Factor - Never Stop Chasing! BrawnCo.Club 501c3 Pending
Overlanding4Fun

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