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2012 Nissan Frontier: Yaesu FT-7900R Install

2,001 bytes added, 14:18, 12 November 2012
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#Now it's time to reattach the NMO connector to the cable. '''I'll warn you again''', do NOT try to do this with a wimpy $20 iron. I ended up trying with one of these (actually 2... at the same time) and failed. I solved the problem by borrowing a friend's 130W Weller Solder Station. This got the job done... but it still wasn't pretty.<br />[[File:Yaesu_Install_Antenna_Cable_19.jpg|400px]]
#You'll first need to test fit your cable so run it to your NMO mount the way you like (snaking behind the Strut Channel, etc) and figure out the right length. Leave yourself a couple of spare inches just in case.
#Trim the cable to length and then prepare the end as shown in the photo below. The NMO Connector is shown as well.<br />[[File:Yaesu_Install_Antenna_Cable_20.jpg|266px]][[File:Yaesu_Install_Antenna_Cable_0.jpg|400px]]#Now, the setup here can be kind of tricky but you'll need to get a portable bench vise (or some other way to securely hold the connector while you solder) and put it on a box or something to bring it up to the appropriate height. Don't be rushed on this. You'll need a nice, stable, surface to work on. First solder the center pin. You're going to have to heat up the solder and then jam the pin in. Do the jacket next. The completed product is shown in the photo below. Please DO NOTE the fairly crappy looking solder job. I'm a pretty competent solderer but this was very difficult. There is just so much heat sink material plus since this was a "reused" connector I had to deal with solder in the pin hole to begin with. Anyhow, what is important is that you have a good electrical connection. The rest will be covered up with Liquid Electrical Tape soon.<br />[[File:Yaesu_Install_Antenna_Cable_21.jpg|400px]]
#Reassemble the Interior of your truck and you're done running the Antenna Cable!
===The NMO Mount===
I chose to use an NMO type antenna because I think they are the most professional looking install. Additionally I decided to mount the antenna on my recently installed [[2012_Nissan_Frontier:_Strut_Channel_Install|Strut Channel]]. This had a couple advantages: 1.) I didn't have to drill any holes in the vehicle. 2.) I could use my cool new [[2012_Nissan_Frontier:_Strut_Channel_Install|Strut Channel]] :) 3.) It placed my antenna such that it is almost exactly the same height as the factory AM/FM Radio Antenna.
#The NMO Mount##Drill out the 2 bottom holes on the NMO Right Angle Bracket using the 13/64" Drill Bit. This will give clearance for the 10-24 screws.##Make a washer plate. The washer plate (or something like it) is required to properly mount the NMO Right Angle Bracket. Without the washer plate, the bracket won't work.<br />[[File:Yaesu_Install_NMO_Mount_0.jpg|400px]]###Cut out a 1.6" x 1.6" square from a piece of scrap metal (I used a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shear_(sheet_metal)#Guillotine Guillotine Sheet Metal Shear] for this).###Draw a line across the center of the square.###Use the NMO Right Angle Bracket as guide to mark where to drill 2 holes in the square (along your center line).###Drill out the 2 holes you marked off using your 13/64" Drill Bit.##At the end of all this, you should have the following parts: 2 #10-24 screws, 2 #10 flat washers, 2 #10 lock washers, 2 10-24 spring nuts, washer plate, NMO Right Angle Bracket, & 1/8" Hex Key<br /> [[File:Yaesu_Install_NMO_Mount_1.jpg|400px]]
##Take everything to the back of the truck and install the NMO bracket into the Strut Channel on the Driver's side.<br />[[File:Yaesu_Install_NMO_Mount_2.jpg|400px]][[File:Yaesu_Install_NMO_Mount_3.jpg|400px]]
#Insert the Antenna Cable NMO Connector through the bottom of the NMO mount and screw the top piece on. Make sure the cable is at the angle you want it. I chose to have it stick out toward the side of the truck.<br />[[File:Yaesu_Install_MNO_Mount_4.jpg|400px]]
#Once you've got it setup the way you want, it's time to weather proof. Remove the NMO Right Angle Bracket from the Strut Channel (but keep the Antenna Cable attached). Mount the entire thing in the vice setup you used for soldering.<br />[[File:Yaesu_Install_NMO_Mount_5.jpg|400px]]
#Take your Liquid Electrical Tape and apply a nice fat blob to the connector and let it dry.<br />[[File:Yaesu_Install_NMO_Mount_6.jpg|400px]]
#Check the area below the cable for a gap. If there is a gap there, pull the cable back and put some more Liquid Electrical Tape there and let it dry.<br />[[File:Yaesu_Install_NMO_Mount_7.jpg|400px]]
#Put 1 last coat over the whole thing and work up the cable an inch or so (this is to provide some additional strain relief). Let it dry.<br />[[File:Yaesu_Install_NMO_Mount_8.jpg|400px]]
#Now it's time to reattach the bracket to the Strut Channel. I also decided to Zip Tie the cable to the nearest spacer bolt as additional strain relief. If you chose to buy an NMO Weather Cap, install it until you're ready to put your NMO Antenna on. The silver you see on the center pin of my NMO Connector is a bit of solder I used when trying to heat up the center pin. It's flat and shouldn't cause any problems. Congrats! You're done with the NMO Mount!<br />[[File:Strut_Channel_No_Glue_1.jpg|400px]][[File:Yaesu_Install_NMO_Mount_9.jpg|400px]][[File:Yaesu_Install_NMO_Mount_10.jpg|400px]]
===Power===