StillwaterRaptor
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
I sold my Bronco a few weeks back and the ranger raptor is now my only vehicle. I removed my Bronco GMRS setup and went on the journey of how to install in the Ranger (raptor). I went with the center console, in lieu of behind the gloveboxes or in the storage cubbies under the rear seats (only other viable spots IMO). I like the result and it's decently clean, if not taking away some center console space. I am super aware this isn't the best antenna placement - I'm getting a Midland unit that's 26" tall and should be a little higher than the roof. This install method left 6" of extra antenna wire - meaning no real coiling interference and a super clean outcome - but any extra routing is gonna leave you short!
Mounting the Unit:
I installed 3 rivnuts in the back of the console and mounted the chassis that the radio unit sits on.
The thing you gotta know is that the antenna wire is metal on the end and not flexible, so I had to drill a hole through the floor of to console to make it fit.
Wire Routing and Considerations:
1. I started at the radio and when to the firewall.
2. There is a panel that you can remove in the front/passenger corner of the console floor
3. This is where I ran the ethernet and power through.
4. As stated above, you have to drill a hole right under the antenna jack - to both make it fit and run the antenna as well.
5. I ran power and antenna up the drive-side inside the console trim.
6. Then I ran the power and antenna across the footwell, and then through the fire wall grommet.
7. You need to make two holes in the grommet, 1 for power and 1 for the antenna. It is located under the driver cowl, behind the brake booster.
8. Power to Aux 5 and Ground straight to the battery.
9. Antenna straight down the firewall, then onto the top of the frame rail all the way to the back of the cab (using tiptoes or similar along the way
10. Then up to the top rail of the cab.
11. I reused the bronco-cowl bracket I had.
12. Finished off with the 3db Ghost Antenna from Midland.
Handset wiring
1. I had a ethernet wall jack thing I got from Amazon
2. The top of the center console comes off by pulling straight up after using a trim too to get a grasp on it. It's tight but straight up is the answer.
3. Look under the console as it has lots of supports, and find a flat opening to drill on, Right behind, and centered on the Drive Mode dial worked best.
4. Ethernet from the radio, through another hole near the power hole in the console and into the jack.
5. Re-install the center console and you're done!
Product Links:
Radio: https://midlandusa.com/products/mxt575-micromobile®two-way-radio?variant=40780729811121
Upgraded Handset: https://midlandusa.com/collections/...ducts/mxmc01-anc-microphone-for-mxt275-mxt575
Ethernet jack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WM84YRF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Bronco Bracket: https://mountains2metal.com/BR6LAPAM/
Antenna wire: https://midlandusa.com/collections/.../micromobile-mxta24-low-profile-antenna-cable
Mounting the Unit:
I installed 3 rivnuts in the back of the console and mounted the chassis that the radio unit sits on.
The thing you gotta know is that the antenna wire is metal on the end and not flexible, so I had to drill a hole through the floor of to console to make it fit.
Wire Routing and Considerations:
1. I started at the radio and when to the firewall.
2. There is a panel that you can remove in the front/passenger corner of the console floor
3. This is where I ran the ethernet and power through.
4. As stated above, you have to drill a hole right under the antenna jack - to both make it fit and run the antenna as well.
5. I ran power and antenna up the drive-side inside the console trim.
6. Then I ran the power and antenna across the footwell, and then through the fire wall grommet.
7. You need to make two holes in the grommet, 1 for power and 1 for the antenna. It is located under the driver cowl, behind the brake booster.
8. Power to Aux 5 and Ground straight to the battery.
9. Antenna straight down the firewall, then onto the top of the frame rail all the way to the back of the cab (using tiptoes or similar along the way
10. Then up to the top rail of the cab.
11. I reused the bronco-cowl bracket I had.
12. Finished off with the 3db Ghost Antenna from Midland.
Handset wiring
1. I had a ethernet wall jack thing I got from Amazon
2. The top of the center console comes off by pulling straight up after using a trim too to get a grasp on it. It's tight but straight up is the answer.
3. Look under the console as it has lots of supports, and find a flat opening to drill on, Right behind, and centered on the Drive Mode dial worked best.
4. Ethernet from the radio, through another hole near the power hole in the console and into the jack.
5. Re-install the center console and you're done!
Product Links:
Radio: https://midlandusa.com/products/mxt575-micromobile®two-way-radio?variant=40780729811121
Upgraded Handset: https://midlandusa.com/collections/...ducts/mxmc01-anc-microphone-for-mxt275-mxt575
Ethernet jack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WM84YRF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Bronco Bracket: https://mountains2metal.com/BR6LAPAM/
Antenna wire: https://midlandusa.com/collections/.../micromobile-mxta24-low-profile-antenna-cable
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