Well, I finally traded the venerable Chrysler Aspen for a 2014 Ford Explorer Limited. Fortunately, the 7100 installed in the Explorer without any difficulties. I actually found more room under the seat for the radio body and all related wires and accessories. Running the cables to the control head was no problem, and the control head fit like a glove in the small front compartment in the console. The set up is exactly the same as I had in the Aspen and is working perfectly so far.
Here’s a photo of the control head in place. Note that I have not secured it in any way as the snug fit holds it firmly in place.
Looks like a real nice fit for that vehicle… How’s the noise level on HF in the new Ford? I just purchased a 2013 Ford F-150 FX4, basically loaded like the Limited, but blacked out for style. I’m about to order up and install one myself. Right now, I’ve got a Kenwood TS-480SAT with a High Sierra Sidekick antenna and TurboTuner.
Do you have any photos of the antenna installs on your explorer?? How do you like the explorer so far?
Thanks
Question, when you used the Byonics GPS receiver and connected it to the IC 7100 cable did you have to modify the cable end to male?
@Jerry – The noise level in the Explorer is fine. I do have some ignition noise, but have found that the NB in the 7100 completely eliminates it.
@Scott – I will try to find time to post photos of the antennas. It may be in a separate post on the blog.
@Rick – Byonics sells the cables that you would need to use. As I originally purchased this GPS receiver for use with a Kenwood 710, I did have to modify the cable to switch the tip and ring to be a null modem configuration.
Bill,
Thanks for your response and suggestions.
I completed my mobile installation today of the ICOM IC-7100 with the Byonics GPS5 GPS receiver and their GPAC coupled to a male to male DB9 null adapter. This was connected to the ICOM OPC 1529R cable. I was looking for a plug and play solution and this worked perfect.
Again, thank you,
Rick
Great installation . I have done the same in my camper van .
Now that you have had it working for a while , as I have ,
Two issues come to mind .
1. The GPS does indeed find near DV repeaters , yet on the Icom 5100 and 51D handheld ,will also find nearby analogue repeaters . Have you got your 7100 able to locate all types of nearby repeaters please ?
2. Did you measure peak RF output power on the various bands accurately on high power ? Some people are finding the most they can get on HF more like 60 Watts rather than the quoted 100 Watts ?
Regards
Graham G4VRX
Where did you obtain the 12V power from in the Explorer? I can’t find Cabin/Engine Room access and Don’t want to Drill or saw any holes. Arch KG4KVZ
I always run a 10 gauge cable directly from the battery through the firewall. I found it very difficult to locate access through the firewall of the Explorer, and finally took the vehicle to a local car stereo shop and paid them to run the cable for me. I’m not 100% sure where they located access. I installed the ends and fuses and connected the cable to the battery myself. Good luck! 73, AB4BJ
Thanks Bill, aybe I’ll ask around some of the shops here. Arch kg4kvz
I am looking at purchasing a RAV4. Can’t figure how to mount the controller. Any ideas?
The GPS does indeed find near DV repeaters , yet on the Icom 5100 and 51D handheld ,will also find nearby analogue repeaters . Have you got your 7100 able to locate all types of nearby repeaters please ?
2. Did you measure peak RF output power on the various bands accurately on high power ? Some people are finding the most they can get on HF more like 60 Watts rather than the quoted 100 Watts ?
Hey its Pete from VK back again, the install in the explorer looks great and similar to the SS-V Really Neat job.
Replying back to G4VRX If the 7100 is outputting 60W it needs attention from Icom. It seems many are like this and Icom should retune the PA for free. Its a known issue
With regard to the near repeater function, the repeater co-ordinates must be programmed into the software IN DIGITAL Repeater (DR Mode) settings not in the memory channel setup. This can be done with CS 7100, CS 5100 or CS 51. I have used MS Excel to import export the data. I have all repeaters analog and digital in DR Mode with GPS info, and near repeater works on all entries. On the 7100, this has freed up the A-E banks to put in HF frequencies, Land Mobile, HF Outback, Marine HF & VHF and many many other frequencies Like AM/FM broadcast and Aviation
It works very well. Thats why Icom are streets ahead ! Peter VK3TQ Happy to assist anyone
What a sweet looking installation, and exactly what I am contemplating for a ’17 Explorer. I’m intrigued that you were able to leave the hatch door in place, too.
You’ve already addressed connecting a power cable to the battery – what did you do for the ground? The owner’s manual is quite clear that one must not connect an accessory ground directly to the battery as it will mess up the battery management system. I have more than enough electronics waiting to go wrong in that vehicle without adding another reason for it to lose its mind.
Thanks for posting this and saving me a tonne of work trying to invent something.