Any of you share my hobby of being a Radio Ham?

I'm due to collect my new Fabia vRS in the next couple of weeks and I'm wondering where there is some space to install my radio (Kenwood TM-V7E).

I have a remote mount kit to allow me to position the display somewhere around the dash, but I'm looking for a space to fit the main unit (about the size of a normal head unit) out of sight. I was wondering if there is space behind the dash kicker panels? Or whether to mount it below the seats. It needs to have some airflow for cooling (even considered using the air con in the glovebox).

Also is there a readily accessible 15amp feed anywhere? Any spare feeds at the fusebox?

Thanks in advance,

Under the passenger seat where Skoda fit the CD changer?

Under the passenger seat where Skoda fit the CD changer?

I agree, look at the space under the passenger seat

Not too much ventilation down there though. And Ham stuff does get rather toasty.

boot install with cooling fans? Plenty of air volume in there and I'm guessing it's not too bad as people run big amps......

Just googled the model, I think you can easily find a good spot for that, either underdash or under seat (should be good airflow unless you have the underseat tray etc).

You might even squeeze it into the tray under the standard HU as well.

What kind of use do you get out of the radio, communication, weather, monitoring etc??

Power - you can either find a suitable source, or run a new (fused) line from the battery, as per amp install.

Hewesy

There used to be a chap on here called Dean Jackson who used his call-sign as his username. I can't remember it at the moment, but this post might just jog someone's memory (although the only person who's posted on this thread so far who is likely to remember that far back is Jon). He was mostly interested in Packet Radio, but I'm sure will have solved some of the problems you're likely to encounter.

What you probably don't want to know, especially after Mort's comment above, is what happened to his car...

Edit, I think it began with a "G".

Just googled the model' date=' I think you can easily find a good spot for that, either underdash or under seat (should be good airflow unless you have the underseat tray etc).

You might even squeeze it into the tray under the standard HU as well.

What kind of use do you get out of the radio, communication, weather, monitoring etc??

Power - you can either find a suitable source, or run a new (fused) line from the battery, as per amp install.

Hewesy[/quote']

I'd make a guess at motorsports related activities, with him being an MSA scrutineer

There used to be a chap on here called Dean Jackson who used his call-sign as his username. I can't remember it at the moment' date=' but this post might just jog someone's memory (although the only person who's posted on this thread so far who is likely to remember that far back is Jon). He was mostly interested in Packet Radio, but I'm sure will have solved some of the problems you're likely to encounter.

What you probably [b']don't[/b] want to know, especially after Mort's comment above, is what happened to his car...

Edit, I think it began with a "G".

g7pkf

And yes I am an oldie.... :haha:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/members/g7pkf/

My little grey cells had just got there too (grandad).

Try PMing him, he doesn't visit here much now, but he might still have E-Mail notification on.

He has Yahoo instant messaging .......

I'd make a guess at motorsports related activities, with him being an MSA scrutineer

Sorry, missed that completely

Just curious...

Hewesy

Thanks for the prompt replys folks

I'd already considered the cubby under the drivers seat where the CD changer goes, but I'm a bit concerned about the lack of ventilation there. You're right that the set can generate a bit of heat so ventilation is important. The space under the head unit may be a possibilty, but it may project and be visible, also may cause problems routing the co-axial cable which is a bit bigger than a "normal" radio. I had intended to fit the display there to be fairly discrete and minimise drilling trim.

I also considered under the dash somewhere, possibly in front of the centre console (above the tunnel) as it should be close to the fuse box or alternatively in the rear behind the trim over the o/s/r wheel arch.

Your right in guessing that I use the set for motorsport events, although I have a Tait 2000 for use on the MSA safety frequency which will be fitted on a temporary basis as and when required, we have a fair few members of the off road club that I'm in who are Hams so we chat regularly on the way to/from work etc. I'm also a member of our local RAYNET group.

I was in at the dealers this afternoon and my car is now in the showroom. It is a 2007 model so has colour coded door handles and green calipers. I'll probably get it a few days before the end of the month so I can get a few layers of wax on it before I start using it.