Radio installs in CAP vans

[USADOD]

Proper Topic : Radios installed in CAP vans or Radio Installation in CAP vans

[isuhawkeye]

We put the same boxes in the vans. 

The only difference was the addition of the light controls, and the APRS radio

[BrandonKea]

Proper Topic : Radios installed in CAP vans or Radio Installation in CAP vans

Uhh, it actually works the way it's titled...

Hawkeye, do you guys have light bars on your vans too? If so, do you have pics? We've got a lo-profile light bar we're trying to install on one of our vans and we're trying to figure out the best place for the controller (it's a smaller cheesy looking controller instead of the normal Whelan-esque ones)

[isuhawkeye]

I will preface by letting everyone know that I am not currently a member of CAP, so I can not accurately comment on the current status of the Iowa wing's van's.  what I can tell you is the study and instillation that I was a part of. 

As we discussed response and capability we realized that we had three unique concerns. 

1.  The ability for aircrews to pick out the proper white van, and to facilitate air to ground coordination.

2.  Ground teams and UDF teams need to be identifiable during mission situations in which crews may need to operate along roadsides

3.  To facilitate safe ground operations on airports

These three unique challenges were addressed with the following light configuration.

1.  a standard double rotator light bar with amber domes allowed enough light for safe airport, and road side operations with out giving the impression that our vehicle was law enforcement. 

2.  vertically mounted amber LED panels allow for easy identification for the aircraft.  these lights can even be activated in metropolitan communities with out drawing undue attention to your team. 


I will see if I can dig up some pictures

[wuzafuzz]

Thanks for all the ideas!

As it turned out I had to mount the radio in a hurry, with no time to order the brackets and mounts others mentioned.  The radio wound up attached to the side of the driver seat but tilted toward the passenger.  (It can be viewed by the driver, but not when they are driving of course!)  The passenger seat base was constructed differently and didn't provide the same mounting opportunity.  I painted a 2x4 black and used that to extend the radio mount a few inches from the seat base, keeping it away from the upholstery. 

If anyone works on the E350 vans, there is a rubber hole plug behind the passenger side kick panel that provides access to the inside of the fender, with a clear shot all the way to the battery.  Much easier than finding a spot to pop a hole in the firewall.

I'll have to revisit the installation at a later date and take the time to do a better job.  I tend to be a perfectionist regarding installs because my first real job after high school was installing all the toys in patrol cars, fire trucks, trash trucks, etc for a county gov't.  It can be tough; my current toolbox doesn't compare to what the county provided 20+ years ago.  Unfortunately, in this case, the rush job was needed for reasons I won't air here.

[wuzafuzz]

Keep in mind that the power connectors on the EFJ's are NOT supposed to be removed or modified.

Any good auto parts store has them - look for Weatherpack connectors.

I built a few Weatherpack - PowerPole pigtails.

added NOT

Are the Weatherpack connectors interchangeable with PowerPoles?

Has anyone found a source for compatible power plugs on the EFJ mobiles?  Sooner or later we will need some spares.  If only to build some with PowerPole type connectors...

[IceNine]

Keep in mind that the power connectors on the EFJ's are NOT supposed to be removed or modified.

Any good auto parts store has them - look for Weatherpack connectors.

I built a few Weatherpack - PowerPole pigtails.

added NOT

Are the Weatherpack connectors interchangeable with PowerPoles?

Has anyone found a source for compatible power plugs on the EFJ mobiles?  Sooner or later we will need some spares.  If only to build some with PowerPole type connectors...

Napa Carries the weatherpack connector, take one in to them and they'll be able to find it.  Or just ask for a "delphi 2 pin weatherpack connector (male or female as appropriate)"

OR

Check this guy on ebay
if you ask he will send you a 2 pin only assortment for the same price.

[IceNine]

Keep in mind that the power connectors on the EFJ's are NOT supposed to be removed or modified.

Any good auto parts store has them - look for Weatherpack connectors.

I built a few Weatherpack - PowerPole pigtails.

added NOT

Are the Weatherpack connectors interchangeable with PowerPoles?

Has anyone found a source for compatible power plugs on the EFJ mobiles?  Sooner or later we will need some spares.  If only to build some with PowerPole type connectors...

They are not compatible with the powerpoles unless you make a pigtail.  I personally made several pigtails from weatherpacks to powerpoles, molex, ring terminals (2 different sizes), bare wire, etc

Napa Carries the weatherpack connector, take one in to them and they'll be able to find it.  Or just ask for a "delphi 2 pin weatherpack connector (male or female as appropriate)"

OR

Check this guy on ebay
if you ask he will send you a 2 pin only assortment for the same price.

[arajca]

Keep in mind that the power connectors on the EFJ's are NOT supposed to be removed or modified.

Any good auto parts store has them - look for Weatherpack connectors.

I built a few Weatherpack - PowerPole pigtails.

added NOT

Are the Weatherpack connectors interchangeable with PowerPoles?

No. Square peg - round hole relationship.

Has anyone found a source for compatible power plugs on the EFJ mobiles?  Sooner or later we will need some spares.  If only to build some with PowerPole type connectors...

As mentioned previously, NAPA, CarQuest, or any good aut parts store should have them.

[wuzafuzz]

Keep in mind that the power connectors on the EFJ's are NOT supposed to be removed or modified.

Any good auto parts store has them - look for Weatherpack connectors.

I built a few Weatherpack - PowerPole pigtails.

added NOT

Are the Weatherpack connectors interchangeable with PowerPoles?

No. Square peg - round hole relationship.

Has anyone found a source for compatible power plugs on the EFJ mobiles?  Sooner or later we will need some spares.  If only to build some with PowerPole type connectors...

As mentioned previously, NAPA, CarQuest, or any good aut parts store should have them.

I didn't realize the EFJ connector is the Weatherpack connector until I clicked the link in  IceNine's post.  Now we're marching to the same drummer!  Thanks for the clarification.

[arajca]

Thanks for all the ideas!

As it turned out I had to mount the radio in a hurry, with no time to order the brackets and mounts others mentioned.  The radio wound up attached to the side of the driver seat but tilted toward the passenger.  (It can be viewed by the driver, but not when they are driving of course!)  The passenger seat base was constructed differently and didn't provide the same mounting opportunity.  I painted a 2x4 black and used that to extend the radio mount a few inches from the seat base, keeping it away from the upholstery.

Except for painting the 2x4 black, that's pretty much the standard installation. However, reading the display can be difficult - have to lay across the driver's seat (or lap ) to get a good angle.

I picked up some plain slotted angle and strap to mount the radio. A couple of angle brackets to hold the angle upright and straps coming off at an angle to provide additional support front-to-back. The radio provides side-to-side support. Radio is about 10" - 12" behind the doghouse. No pics at this time, though - the van is at encampment. I have a few other ideas, but I need to do more research.

[arajca]

Something I noticed was that EFJ is about the same width as a standard automotive stereo. I did some measuring and I think an EFJ and a standard DIN stereo will fit into the space for the stereo in Ford vans (they're a double DIN size). I need to measure the depth and contact Ford to determine what routing instructions/precautions need to be taken for the antenna cable, but it appears doable.

[arajca]

Size wise, it'll work. Need to do a little trimming of plastic (there's a lip on the inside ofthe opening that's interferring). Antenna cable can be routed under the passenger airbag - there's a metal plate with a plastic cover the cable will fit neatly between. The plate is between the cable and the airbag, which is also in a metal housing. I may consider a steel braided wire cover as well - and possibly for the power leads. It may be overkill, but I'd rather do that than have the airbag blow off when I key the mike...

From there, route the cable up the passenger's A pillar and to the mount.

The underside of the dash is wide open - pulling the doghouse provides lots of access.

Found the Ford Mobile Radio Installation Guidelines online.

Got to redo the power lead - the current install uses a quick-tap into a wire under the dash, not a direct battery hook up as recommended.

Need to vist my friendly Ford dealer and have a chat with the service guys before I do anything, though.