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My GPS, Ham Radio, LED interface project


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This is Kennedy Technology Group's FRSet4. This unit handles all the Ham Radio input and output audio and keys the transmitter. It has internal settings for radio type and also input and output audio levels. It is pretty much universal as far as radio equipment. You can use many different GMRS, FRS, CB, and Ham radios. Not all radio wiring harnesses are available, but, you can easily roll your own. These cable harnesses are specific to the Venture and my Yaesu FTM-10 transceiver.

 

 

 

 

Where and how are you planning to mount the 2M/70CM radio?

I had not seen that model of radio before, almost looks like it might fit in the space where the cassette player is ?

BOO

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Where and how are you planning to mount the 2M/70CM radio?

I had not seen that model of radio before, almost looks like it might fit in the space where the cassette player is ?

BOO

 

This radio has been on my bike for almost 2 years. It has worked flawlessly. It is weather proof and has been in many hard rains with no ill affect. The control head is mounted on the left handle bar and the main unit is mounted in the trunk. The control head would fit in the cassette area but it has control buttons on the top which you must be able to access. 50w vhf and 35w uhf. It has a general coverage receiver with AM/FM stereo and WX Band. It also has an intercom function for passenger and rider. It would be a great rig for a bike with no audio on board which is why I purchased it to use on my Road Star 1700 before I bought the Venture. It is now a discontinued model but you can find them new on ebay for about $350.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100071/IMG_0429/web.jpg?ver=12939912140001

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100071/IMG_0437/web.jpg?ver=12939912130002

Edited by Owen
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This radio has been on my bike for almost 2 years. It has worked flawlessly. It is weather proof and has been in many hard rains with no ill affect. The control head is mounted on the left handle bar and the main unit is mounted in the trunk. The control head would fit in the cassette area but it has control buttons on the top which you must be able to access. 50w vhf and 35w uhf. It has a general coverage receiver with AM/FM stereo and WX Band. It also has an intercom function for passenger and rider. It would be a great rig for a bike with no audio on board which is why I purchased it to use on my Road Star 1700 before I bought the Venture. It is now a discontinued model but you can find them new on ebay for about $350.

 

 

 

 

Ha. Shows how long it's been since I was looking at new radios. Sounds like a real nice radio and it didn't dawn on me that it might have a remote head.

Looking forward to seeing the finish product,

BOO

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I met a guy in Rhode Island that was running an Hf Radio with a 500 watt amplifier and a 1200 watt generator in the trailer he was pulling. Sort of interesting. Goldwing of course. Now if he just had a morse code key mounted somewhere on the bike====would that be texting while riding? hummmm.

 

Did you mention to him about that great invention called a "cell phone" that fits in your pocket and reaches out all over the world? hehehe.. I fully understand his needs to go with that radio.. good to see people keep up the old standards..

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Update 1:

Made a little progress tonight on the project. I decided to start with the CellSet install for the Zumo. I chose an area in the front right side of the faring as the new home for this unit. I used a zip tie to hold it in place temporarily.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2023/web.jpg?ver=12961818830001

 

I first had to de-install the existing 2 cables attached to the Zumo mount. Then route the multi conductor cable from the faring to the mount. Here you can see my super secret, all time intergalactic moldable cable fishing thingy, yeah, it's a coat hanger...

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2018/web.jpg?ver=12961818510001

 

This harness has three cables, audio in, audio out and power.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2020/web.jpg?ver=12961818660001

 

The power cable is attached with two of the smallest little black screws you have ever seen outside of a swiss watch. Don't drop one, you will never find it... yes I did :bang head:

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2021/web.jpg?ver=12961818720001

 

The two audio cables simply plug into the side of the mount.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2022/web.jpg?ver=12961818770001

 

Next I fished the power cable to the left side of the faring where I had the original power connected.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2024/web.jpg?ver=12961818900001

 

Next is the audio input to the bike Aux input. I used the position on the splitter where I originally had the Zumo audio connected.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2025/web.jpg?ver=12961818960001

 

The remaining cable should look familiar. It is the headset connection cable that you see for rider and passenger on every Venture. This one has a small box in the center with an additional cable that connects to the CellSet.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2027/web.jpg?ver=12961819120001

 

To install it, simply find the riders cable and disconnect it near the main control unit and put this one in line with it.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2028/web.jpg?ver=12961819180001

 

This would also be a good time to relocate the rider's headset connector on the tank to any other location you want because the additional cable is about 2 feet long.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2029/web.jpg?ver=12961819240001

 

An initial power on test showed everything powered up okay. None of the magic smoke escaped! Initial testing showed all functions operating correctly. With my phone linked via bluetooth to the Zumo, call volume in and out was good. I set up the jumpers in the unit for balanced audio level with the Zumo music and voice directions.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2030/web.jpg?ver=12961819340001

 

At this point I am happy with the functional results. I will install the FRSet4 next for the Ham Radio. After everything proves to be functional I will tidy up the install and close things up. :happy34: Time for a Beer!

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Very impressive Owen. Makes me want to blow the dust off the rigs and get active. I have wished many times I had my 2 meter rig on the Venture.

73

Lynn, KE4DA, 5Z4DU, 5X1HR, YJ8DA

 

Very impressive call sign list,

I lived in CN7 for a couple of years but was not able to get permission to get on the air.

BOO

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FRSet4 is the interface for the Ham Radio. Installation is pretty straight forward. Power, PTT (push to talk), radio interface cable, another intercom interface cable. A second PTT connection is available for the passenger if needed.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2043/web.jpg?ver=12964075230001

 

Internal switches are selected for the corresponding radio. Also available is 20db boost switches for receive and transmit audio levels.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2047/web.jpg?ver=12964074990001

 

Here is the location of the PTT.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2044/web.jpg?ver=12964075180001

 

I hooked up the main body of the radio and antenna to test operation.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2049/web.jpg?ver=12964074840001

 

On the air tests allowed me to set the mic and rx audio levels. Everything worked well!

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2046/web.jpg?ver=12964075060001

 

I decided now would be a good time to upgrade the 11 meter (CB) antenna. I had selected a Larsen NMO 27 for the antenna. Presentation counts in my book and cosmetically this antenna looks better with the new Ham Antenna. First I had to enlarge the mounting hole to accommodate the NMO mount. No guts, no glory!

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2050/web.jpg?ver=12964074760001

 

The hole diameter needs to me 3/4 inch. As you can see anything larger would have not been possible.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2051.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12964074680001

 

This particular mount provides a nice clean installation.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2061/web.jpg?ver=12964075350001

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2057/web.jpg?ver=12964075580001

 

A fresh PL259 connector on a cable 'cut to length' and it's ready to install.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2056/web.jpg?ver=12964075650001

 

With this adapter installed, you can use nearly any CB antenna available that uses the standard 3/8-24 thread.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2060/web.jpg?ver=12964075430001

 

Here is the completed install. I will install a 108" counterpoise for this antenna later.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2064/web.jpg?ver=12964116610001

 

Time for lunch... more later.

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While working at the rear of the bike, it decided to install a couple LED items. First is a side facing turn indicator. It fits on top of the helmet lock and under the edge of the trunk. It will add a better side indication of the turn signal.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2068.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12964338530001

 

Next was a set of vertical red LEDs to add to my 'parking lights'. They are not very noticeable when not tuned on as you can see.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2066/web.jpg?ver=12964338460001

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2065/web.jpg?ver=12964338380001

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2071/web.jpg?ver=12964341360001

 

That's all for the weekend. I need to clean up my tools and get ready for work tomorrow.

:doh:

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The icy weather here today kept me at home so I warmed up the garage and installed the yellow LEDs on the bike. The LEDs on the floor boards were an easy install and look very similar to the red ones on the saddle bags. Once again, not very noticeable when not lighted.

 

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2084.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12968744000001

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2085.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12968744090001

 

I replaced the front reflectors with lighted reflectors to match the rear ones.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2088/web.jpg?ver=12968744160001

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2089/web.jpg?ver=12968744230001

 

Tomorrow I will finish up as much as possible and get the bike back together for use Sunday morning. Hopefully I will manage to get everything completed.

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The icy weather here today kept me at home so I warmed up the garage and installed the yellow LEDs on the bike. The LEDs on the floor boards were an easy install and look very similar to the red ones on the saddle bags. Once again, not very noticeable when not lighted.

 

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2084.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12968744000001

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2085.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12968744090001

 

I replaced the front reflectors with lighted reflectors to match the rear ones.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2088/web.jpg?ver=12968744160001

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2089/web.jpg?ver=12968744230001

 

Tomorrow I will finish up as much as possible and get the bike back together for use Sunday morning. Hopefully I will manage to get everything completed.

 

Love the lights!!! :sun:

Do you have a list of sources and part numbers??? :think:

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Time to finish up the project...

Everything in the front faring is tied up and ready for the windshield and faring to be re-installed. Doesn't look like I have enough room left for the Cappuccino machine!

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2091/web.jpg?ver=12969455980001

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2090/web.jpg?ver=12969455910001

 

Now for the ground plane to help performance of the uhf/vhf antenna. I decided to use a thin gauge aluminum sheet from the local hardware store. In planning the correct shape and position, I had to keep in mind that I needed 19.25 inches of length for optimum performance. I also had to take into account that I was going to reposition the trunk back 1" for a little extra passenger room.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2092/web.jpg?ver=12969456090001

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2097/web.jpg?ver=12969456450001

 

One requirement for repositioning the trunk is to remove the rubber mounting pad from the rear of the trunk. It easily peeled off the adhesive pads. I then positioned the pad on to the chrome tube where it needed to be placed. I used adhesive tape to hold it in place while mounting the trunk.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2095.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12969455830001

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2096.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12969456390001

 

The last step before installing the trunk was to install a counterpoise for the CB antenna. I used insulated wire 108" long.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2098/web.jpg?ver=12969456570001

 

Let me give a brief explanation of the ground plane and counterpoise. The ground plane is straight forward. I run a high gain mobile antenna and any additional ground plane to work against is a good thing. I managed to get the length measured diagonally to be 19.25 inches which is a quarter wave on 146mhz. The antenna analyzer shows that the installation of the ground plane widened the useable frequency of the antenna on both vhf and uhf.

 

The counter poise for CB is a quarter wave length long with one end grounded. Having worked with antennas of all types for more than 35 years, I knew this would help to over come the lack of sufficient ground plane area. Half wave antennas are used on most motorcycles because the lower half of the antenna acts as the ground plane. The base loaded antenna I am using requires a good ground plane or counterpoise. Optimally the wire should be in a straight line but placing it in as large a loop as possible will also work. The antenna analyzer revealed that the antenna was resonant on channel 20 but the impedance was about 155 ohms causing the SWR to be nearly 2.5:1. Installing the counterpoise brought the impedance down to about 65 ohms which in turn made the SWR less than 1.8:1. This is perfectly useable.

 

 

 

So there you have it. A shake down ride to check out everything revealed no problems. Audio levels were good and well balanced between the components. Cell phone calls were good even at highway speeds.

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2045.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12964075110001

 

http://gallery.me.com/k1oj/100179/IMG_2100/web.jpg?ver=12969514350001

 

:biker:Let's Ride!:biker:

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Congrats on all of your installation work. Have fun working 2m & 440 mobile and stay safe while riding. Your LED side markers are bright as well. Would you be willing to share information as to where you got your LED side markers? Perhaps JC Whitney?:8:

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Looks great! Congrats on the outcome. Maybe one day I can stay home long enough to try this. Right now, my missionary travel schedule and the weather make me wonder why I own a bike! Indonesia, Australia, Russia, Greece, Latvia, and Ukraine on tap for 2011.

73's

Lynn, KE4DA, 5Z4DU (12 years), 5X1HR, YJ8DA,

and the one I forgot last time, VK4DEY

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