I finally got my new Galaxy 979 CB and Firestik 4' antenna installed. Won't go into the fun trying to tune the antenna with a SWR meter that is broken.

I decided to find a way to mount the SmartyPoD for easier on the fly use. Not exactly the easiest control module to mount in our trucks. I will divulge the mount specifics for beer if interested.

I took some pics of the new installs and new cockpit look.

 

Just add some wings and you could fligh.....looks good nice job

 

Where does that gauge holder come from that mounts them under the radio?

 

It is the standard Autometer 3 guage console pod. I modified the console to swap the AC control and the gauge pod.

 

I that a helicopter copit.....LOL ..Man that pod really takes up more room than I thought. Kinda glad I didn't pay for the ugrade. Looks good

 

Looks real good. How do you like the new radio? I put my new DX 959 in my Jeep Wrangler, got a DX94 HP to put in the truck. I am building an overhead mount for it. With the stick you can't use the bracket mount you are using, not enough room, plus the MegaCab has the HVAC ducting running under the center console.

So where did you get the POD holder for the Smarty? It certainly is doing the job nicely. I have a handheld 2-meter that needs mounted somewhere, the mount you have for the Smarty just might be more of what I need for that job.

I've been considering using the dash HVAC vent mount for my Palm Treo. It looks like that's about the only way to mount it in a handy place. I use a bluetooth ear piece, but sometimes you do need the phone handy to make calls.

CD

 

Looks good. Clean install.

 

I think you need a couple more things to look at as you drive LOL black berry,gps,smarty, sat radio or TST can't tell,a whole lot of gauges and cb dang you are the ultimate multi taster. Looks good.

 

Well just put the Galaxy in, so far it seems fine. I need to get out on the road and find out for sure. I ordered it from CB Radios Plus with performance tune. I had heck with the antenna. Mounted everything, checked continuity and everything was good. Ran the cable into the cab and installed the connector. Hooked up my SWR meter to the Radio/antenna and the SWR maxxed out. Which normally means a short somewhere. Took everything apart and checked everything again. Looked ok, put it all back, hooked up the meter and same result. I have always used the stand alone meter for tuning before, usually better than the SWR function on the radio. Well it seems the meter is toast. Using the SWR function on the radio I am at 1.5:1 on Channel 1 and 1.9:1 on Channel 40. Show antenna is long. Have already shortened the Firestik FS adjustable screw as low as it will go. It is good for now. If I get time I will chop and inch off the cable and see if that evens it out. Power output shows pretty good at 12 watts.

The mount for the Smarty is a universal ajustable suction mount that I saw at Fry's. The mount opens to 4.5 inches and I figured I would find someway to use it for something. The rod from the suction cup to the mount can be twisted any direction.

 

I think it's a cool way to mount it in your cab. I'm with the other guys that think you could get it to take off. Now where could we find a set passenger jet throttles to mount in there.

 

Well it is a little busy, but it I still have second BlackBerry I use for work emergency calls. My daughters IPod is usually hooked up and I still haven't decided whether or not I want to put in a mount for the Laptop with wireless Internet. That is a TST, I am looking at Satelite Radio so that will need to go somewhere.

 

You do watch the road when you drive , right? That's a busy dash you have there. Looks good.

BTW, do you have a check list you go through when you start the truck?

 

Yes I do..

Not really that bad. Put BlackBerry where I can see and get to. GPS is just there most of the time. Smarty is only plugged in when I am going to be on the freeway/highway enough in case someone wants to play. CB off unless road problems or on a highway trip.

Turn key on and let TST complete power up. Start, check all gauges for any abnormalities, seat belt on, make sure radio is on Country Classic station, idle up for a couple minutes, listen for new rattles and knocks. Ignore any new rattles or knocks and go.

 

You know, if you added a camera and tied it in to the Blackberry, technically, you're truck would be fly-by-wire(less).

 

"listen for new rattles and knocks. Ignore any new rattles or knocks and go"

-- Very nice! Good Procedure! --