GMRS Center Console Install

[CC_The_Aussie]

Been lurking over a few threads on here for ideas on how I knew I wanted to install my midland Mxt275 GMRS radio so thanks to those members! This was mainly on how to add 12V to the center console and routing an antenna wire through the passenger side of the bulkhead.

Instead of doing a step by step thought I’d share some photos and then can answer any questions others might have!

My key requirement for the install was to use a space that I rarely think about or use to its full (the black hole aka center console) but also have it so that I could remove portions (e.g the handheld unit) so it’s not out and banging around all the time during the week when I’m not using it.

Of course every hole drilled that was hidden came out perfectly but the one hole for the Ethernet/RJ45 plug that is in plain sight had some scuffs! Nothing super noticeable but Murphy’s law as always!

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[OFC Ranger]

1. Why did you not debur the mic plug hole? You don't need an actual deburring bit to do that you can use a drill bit one size larger than the hole to knock all that crap off or if you have a step bit that will just smooth it out.

2. Some radios can generate a lot of heat even some of the lower wattage ones so without adding a secondary vent to the console I'd be a little concerned about heat buildup.

 

[CC_The_Aussie]

1. Why did you not debur the mic plug hole? You don't need an actual deburring bit to do that you can use a drill bit one size larger than the hole to knock all that crap off or if you have a step bit that will just smooth it out.

2. Some radios can generate a lot of heat even some of the lower wattage ones so without adding a secondary vent to the console I'd be a little concerned about heat buildup.

1. I did debur the hole. Photos make it look worse than it actually was.

2. Fair point about heat build up. Didn’t think they got THAT hot. I’ll give some thought as to what a vent hole could look like and where.

 

[Frenchy]

Out of curiosity why did you make it where you are using a cigarette lighter for the power? I do understand that it comes with that for power but I myself cut the harbess and made it get power off a fused deal and ground to the chassis.

As for the heat I cant say if that will be an issue of not. Where I mounted on my Pathfinder there is still some ventilation of sorts and I haven't tried to take the unit out after use(the point of a hard install)

 

[canyonslicker]

just my personal preference, to maintain some degree of useable space in the box, would be to have the radio, mike and 12V all situated on the same side with all the wires tucked up nice in a nice tight package

Not to hijack this thread but my electrician friend spools his extension cords meticulously, nice round spools. His wife went to an event where many of the ladies had brought warming pots and coffee makers. So he breaks out his extension cord to accommodate them. About 30 minutes into it there was a burning smell and then smoke from his reel. He made a huge inductor that overheated with his reel. Not what was plugged into it but the inductive interaction. Sometimes neatness can cause problems.. just sayin… he has since went oval and crossed overlay… still meticulously but changed. Too funny..

 

[CC_The_Aussie]

just my personal preference, to maintain some degree of useable space in the box, would be to have the radio, mike and 12V all situated on the same side with all the wires tucked up nice in a nice tight package

Yeah that was my initial goal too! But unfortunately I was restricted on the placement due to the space the antenna jack needed at the backside of the unit, the microphone jack and wanting to still use the little console shelf for random things that would get lost in the black hole. Luckily I don’t really put a lot in the main compartment other than a small torch.

 

[CC_The_Aussie]

Out of curiosity why did you make it where you are using a cigarette lighter for the power? I do understand that it comes with that for power but I myself cut the harbess and made it get power off a fused deal and ground to the chassis.

As for the heat I cant say if that will be an issue of not. Where I mounted on my Pathfinder there is still some ventilation of sorts and I haven't tried to take the unit out after use(the point of a hard install)

Electrical work isn’t my strong suite so went the route that I was confident in doing and gave me usability/ the option to take the unit out completely relatively quickly.

 

[machinist85]

I think it looks fine. You may as well upgrade your console tray to hide the wiring.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081LDCY23/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[deleriumtremor]

I think it looks fine. You may as well upgrade your console tray to hide the wiring.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081LDCY23/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got one of those and it works great, much easier to take in and out, even with change for meters, readers, ODB dongle, etc. in the tray, than I thought it might be. Makes the center console a lot more useful.

 

[deleriumtremor]

Been lurking over a few threads on here for ideas on how I knew I wanted to install my midland Mxt275 GMRS radio so thanks to those members! This was mainly on how to add 12V to the center console and routing an antenna wire through the passenger side of the bulkhead.

Instead of doing a step by step thought I’d share some photos and then can answer any questions others might have!

My key requirement for the install was to use a space that I rarely think about or use to its full (the black hole aka center console) but also have it so that I could remove portions (e.g the handheld unit) so it’s not out and banging around all the time during the week when I’m not using it.

Of course every hole drilled that was hidden came out perfectly but the one hole for the Ethernet/RJ45 plug that is in plain sight had some scuffs! Nothing super noticeable but Murphy’s law as always!

Thsnks for posting, better than I reckon I will do.

 

[CC_The_Aussie]

Thsnks for posting, better than I reckon I will do.

Thanks mate! Looking forward to seeing what you do!

 

[ControlNode]

I have this same radio. I'm building my install for the 50W unit I have. While building it I set it up so I can easily swap the MXT275 in if the 50W dies. Radio is behind the back seat and I have cat5 run from the back of the truck into an in-work custom (less the right accessory port) lower dash trim for mounting the 50W remote faceplate. When the faceplate is out there will be an RJ45 plug I can connect the MXT275 mic into. I've been a little busy, need to get back on making that lower dash trim and the mounts in the back for it.

 

[jalapeno_cat]

This is similar to how I initially had my MXT275 mounted, but I relocated it to the passenger side of the center console (closer to glove box) because I found it super hard to hear when inside of the center console storage with the full tray covering it.

 

[CC_The_Aussie]

This is similar to how I initially had my MXT275 mounted, but I relocated it to the passenger side of the center console (closer to glove box) because I found it super hard to hear when inside of the center console storage with the full tray covering it.

Good to know! I thought about this and went into the settings on the handheld and switched it so that the audio is coming out of the handheld and the unit itself. Seems to be loud enough but haven’t had a chance to test out on a track yet.

 

[ControlNode]

On my MXT275 I have audio out the handset only.

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