Install a VHF/UHF Mobile Ham Or #GMRS Radio Into A 2023 #Ford #F-150 Lightning

It's pretty easy to install VHF/UHF radios into most trucks, the Ford F-150 Lightning is no exception.

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00:00 - Intro
00:47 - Bullet Proof Diesel Antenna Mount Bracket Install
10:18 - Running the power
15:50 - Power Distrobution Panel
19:22 - Antenna testing
19:56 - Power on testing

[straightpride]

That's my Pal, damn it!
I'm like you, I like everything hidden, nice neat and tidy.

[HamRadioCrashCourse]

It might not have shown well on camera, but the antenna mount has a gasket between it and the truck body. 👍

[FireDoug]

Nicely done Josh! You're a better man than me, I drilled a hole in my F-150 Platinum. When I saw the price for the brake light mount, I lost my marbles and went straight for the step drill bit and put a hole in the truck body. But that is a super clean mount. 73 de KO6TX

[Helix_]

When looking for mounts like that, one should source from their local area metal fabricator's. Not only will you get it cheaper but you help support your local community.

[B.Murphy]

Think my favorite videos are mobile installs. Nice install!

[longeze]

I just got my Lightning a month ago, and just my Technician License a week ago. So funny, I was looking at the same mounts and had the same realization. Wow.. is that expensive. Thanks for the great knowledge.... especially for a new guy.

[michaelcarey]

I sure hope the LED drivers in the light assembly are RF quiet! Tune into a weak S1-S2 repeater and activate each light in turn... see if receive is affected when the LEDs are active. Modern vehicles are full of RF noise generators, EVs are a whole new ball game!

[Jody_VESAR]

Nice job! For a little extra safety assurance and to hide the power wire, you might consider some 1/4" or 3/8" split-loom tubing and run all of the zip line in that. Just extra armor against abrasion, even though this frunk area isn't exactly as exposed to the elements like normal under-hood wiring.

[wassman]

Helped out a few hams clean up their mobile install and a common issue I came across is routing wires or Coax over airbags. You have to run them behind the airbag so they don't interfere if they deploy.

Also, I integrated a simple relay circuit to cut power to the radio when the key is off. Just need to find a wire that has 12v only when the key is on.

[arnoldschmidt]

Well you got it done. I hope that you don't have any issues with the install. But you know what is involved with this project and you saved a lot of money doing it yourself.

[FindLiberty]

I glad the truck's airbags did not deploy when you hit the Xmit key.... GOOD JOB

[EndoliteMtrix]

Found it - nevermind. Ignore my other comment. i'd delete it if i remembered the oroginal comment I left it on. I cannot tell you how invaluable this is. thank you for being the pioneer on this car.

[NendoCrescendo]

I love that Wera tool kit as well. I have a little tool kit which includes it and I keep it in my trunk. I swear I could pull an engine with it.

[ohioflyer_]

@HamRadioCrashCourse If the audio output doesn't satisfy your needs, you can hook up a standard 3.5mm aux cord. That is what I did for my IC-2730A. I hooked it up to the 2nd speaker jack and now I have great surround audio. Not to mention I don't have to buy a $50 speaker. But of course, that only works with a radio that has an aux port.

[KevinWBRY]

The icom speaker sp-35 is great for that radio and it’s pretty small but loud! Install looks great Josh!

[Bill-HRT]

Josh! Great video. Thanks for the info and the insight. Pulled the trigger on the double antenna mount. As we discussed, it is in fact dipped in gold. So, I don't feel so bad about the price, lol. Seriously, got it installed and very happy about it. See you out there. 73 de Bill

[ginielfinancial]

Josh, thank you for the video. I love that mount! I will now look at one for my Lightning. Great job.

[benjaminpugh]

Thanks for the inspiration Josh! I've had a radio in my truck for a year or so now, but I'm doing more electrical and needed to clean up my connections. Now I have some good ideas. 👍

[NXTL]

Nice install! That "frunk" area in the Lightning is so cool, tons of room behind the plastic to hide stuff, and the 12V battery is just right there. Regarding the low audio from the speaker when it is under the seat, I have a similar issue and might upgrade my FTM-200 to the FTM-500 when it is available. It has a front facing speaker right on the head unit!

[Screamingtut]

really good Josh, I got to put my DMR radio & my 891 in my Kia Forte. just got to wait and not deal with the cold/snow.