RAM mounts and kenwood Radio's

[_monkey_]

I am trying to identify the best way to mount a Kenwood TK3201 using RAM mounts for use with my Autocom. As far as I can tell there are two options;

1) belt clip holder - not sure how secure this is click here

2) small bin - appear to drop the radio in - again not sure how secure this is


Any better suggestions?

 

[RAM-man]

I am trying to identify the best way to mount a Kenwood TK3201 using RAM mounts for use with my Autocom. As far as I can tell there are two options;
1) belt clip holder - not sure how secure this is click here
Any better suggestions?

Hi,

I have also replied by email, but here are my thoughts..

The unit is sized (W x H x D): 54 x 122 x 33mm including battery

The BC1 cradle (IMV) is not suitable and does not marry to the sizes and
needs a cable/strap to hold in place.

There is not a dedicated RAM cradle, but I suggest looking at either the RAM-HOL-UN2 cradle or RAM-B-120B cradle. The latter is the universal electronics metal cradle and may be better suited to overcome any buttons etc on the side of these units. You'll need a U-bolt mount to attach on to your GS.

Regards,

RAM-man

 

[_monkey_]

Thanks for all your help today Steve.

 

[SilverFish]

Hi,

The unit is sized (W x H x D): 54 x 122 x 33mm including battery

Not sure if it applies to your model of radio, but when I wired my older model Kenwood into the Autocom for both audio and power, it leaves the battery bay and some wiring exposed and so would need to be kept in a waterproofed area.

I think the newer models can be had with a dummy battery cover for use with Autocoms? So I guess you should be fine.

Good idea to mount on the outside of the bike though; they work much better when vertical, and you can easily reach the freq knob.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[Flying banana]

I have an 1150, with a Hein Gericke Toureg handlebar bag mounted on the crossbar. I use it mainly for carrying a disc lock, cigars, tyre pressure guage, spare earplugs, etc. However, when I use my Intaride radio, I place it in there as well, upright with the aeriel poking out the top. It works very well, and is fairly easily accessible to get at the buttons, if I need to, provided I stop.

Just a thought, may be worth thinking about

 

[Peter Pan]

Not sure if it applies to your model of radio, but when I wired my older model Kenwood into the Autocom for both audio and power, it leaves the battery bay and some wiring exposed and so would need to be kept in a waterproofed area.

I think the newer models can be had with a dummy battery cover for use with Autocoms? So I guess you should be fine.

Good idea to mount on the outside of the bike though; they work much better when vertical, and you can easily reach the freq knob.

Cheers,

Mike

Has anyone tried to mount one under the seat? I know reception will be reduced but has anyone an idea as to how significant it'd be if you're riding with just one other person? Even if it reduces to just 500m that would be (just about) tolerable, and locating it under the seat means you could power it from the bike? Just an idea that a friend and I are toying with .......

 

[PIGGLET]

Has anyone tried to mount one under the seat? I know reception will be reduced but has anyone an idea as to how significant it'd be if you're riding with just one other person? Even if it reduces to just 500m that would be (just about) tolerable, and locating it under the seat means you could power it from the bike? Just an idea that a friend and I are toying with .......

Autocom can supply a lead which allows the bike to power the radio via the autocom (depending on the model of your autocom). As mentioned above it's like a dummy battery and plugs straight into the grey lead. You can also get an extension for the grey radio lead allowing you to put it where you like and still be bike powered.

 

[Peter Pan]

Autocom can supply a lead which allows the bike to power the radio via the autocom (depending on the model of your autocom). As mentioned above it's like a dummy battery and plugs straight into the grey lead. You can also get an extension for the grey radio lead allowing you to put it where you like and still be bike powered.

Starcom are working on producing a similar connection (dummy battery). I was told last week that they hoped to be able to offer them for sale in about 4 weeks time.

 

[Peter Pan]

Has anyone tried to mount one under the seat? I know reception will be reduced but has anyone an idea as to how significant it'd be if you're riding with just one other person? Even if it reduces to just 500m that would be (just about) tolerable, and locating it under the seat means you could power it from the bike? Just an idea that a friend and I are toying with .......

Friend came over yesterday (Saturday) and we mounted both Kenwood TK3201's under our respective seats (mine's located next to a Starcom system in the (former) toolkit bay on my GS) and went for a ride.

Worked a treat!

OK it doesn't have the range one could possibly get as if it were put in a tank bag, but it was plenty good enough for us, with a range of about 500 metres, beyond that it started to get a little crackly!

+'s are : No connecting & disconnecting each time I remove my tank bag; radio is out of sight, radio (will be) permanantly connected and ready to go as soon as I put ignition on (see below), just need to plug in one lead to activate my rider to pillion, bike to bike, bluetooth to phone, (MP3 player needs another lead).

-'s are : limited range, effectively bike mounted, not easy to change channel on the move !
I'm not sure how waterproof the area under theseat actually is in a downpour!

He's now found a supplier for a 12v feed that replaces the existing battery in the radio, so all I need to do now is connect it up through the ignition in some way.

Anyone any suggestions as to the best way of doing this?

 

[Fanum]

I tried my Kenwood under the seat but the limited range is no good....the most important time that you'll need to be able to speak to others is when they're out of sight..plus when leading rides and wanting to speak to the tail marker (Or middle man to relay it down if lots of riders and a long trip) 500 mtres just ain't god enough.

I've gone for a different approach......I got a cheap security box (under 7 quid on sale IIRC) and I drilled it and mounted it on my GIVI mounting plate on the rear carrier, then the GIVI box goes neatly on top if I need it to.


The box before the install;

During;

After install with Givi plate back on top;

Givi box and Toerag bag remounted;

And the box opened up;

Once it was in place, I took a power supply from the rear light circuit to the box via a waterproof gland, and ran in the Autocom lead through the same gland. (Autocom lives under sadle and is wired in to battery via fuse)

I then drilled a 20mm hole in the back of the box and fitted another gland....then the Kenwood goes in the box and is locked securely away but the aerial sticks out the back through the gland....That gives me good range and I can change channels easily by opening the box for access to the radio.

There's also enough room in the box for cable ties, insulting tape and other bits and bobs that I want to stash away.

I can't photo the kenwood in situ 'cos Bakerman's got it at the moment, but it does work well and it's a neat solution IMO.

 

[Peter Pan]

I tried my Kenwood under the seat but the limited range is no good....the most important time that you'll need to be able to speak to others is when they're out of sight..plus when leading rides and wanting to speak to the tail marker (Or middle man to relay it down if lots of riders and a long trip) 500 mtres just ain't god enough.

I've gone for a different approach......I got a cheap security box (under 7 quid on sale IIRC) and I drilled it and mounted it on my GIVI mounting plate on the rear carrier, then the GIVI box goes neatly on top if I need it to.

I then drilled a 20mm hole in the back of the box and fitted another gland....then the Kenwood goes in the box and is locked securely away but the aerial sticks out the back through the gland....That gives me good range and I can change channels easily by opening the box for access to the radio.

I can't photo the kenwood in situ 'cos Bakerman's got it at the moment, but it does work well and it's a neat solution IMO.

Very neat solution. If I had the time, inclination and dexterity I might consider giving it a go!

I'm not (unduly) concerned about the range as it'll only be used when my friend and I are travelling together. I (we) don't ride in big groups where there is a Leader or tail end charlie, though I can appreciate that if we did, the range would be a material limitation.

Besides, the GPS is on my bike with him following AND I know where the hotels are! It'll mean he'll have to ensure he keeps up with me! Oh! I can see some fun and games ahead!!

Was tapping into the rear brake light connection a problem?

 

[Fanum]

Very neat solution. If I had the time, inclination and dexterity I might consider giving it a go!

Didn't take more than 90 mins start to finish.....just four 6mm holes top and bottom of box and a pair of 20mm holes front and rear......I'm going to replace the box with a stronger one soon though 'cos although the metal itself is fine, the lock is pretty Mickey Mouse and if I've got a secure box on the back it might as well have a decent lock on it.

Was tapping into the rear brake light connection a problem?

No, 'cos I didn't......DO NOT TOUCH THE BRAKE WIRE 'COS THAT'LL TRIGGER THE SENSOR and the bike will think you have a brake light failure...

Unless you're putting in a balanced LED for the rear lights

I know you meant the rear light wire and no, it wasn't a problem...don't use a scotchlock though 'cos that'll corrode and fail in 18months time......
IIRC it's the grey and yellow (Or green??) wire but a minute with a probe will tell you which exakkerly.

 

[Peter Pan]

Super. Thanks.

 

[Wapping]

Has anyone tried to mount one under the seat? I know reception will be reduced but has anyone an idea as to how significant it'd be if you're riding with just one other person? Even if it reduces to just 500m that would be (just about) tolerable, and locating it under the seat means you could power it from the bike? Just an idea that a friend and I are toying with .......

I mounted my Kenwood and Autocom under the seat of my 1200GS.

I had to completely remove the tool kit (nothing much to lose!) and the tool kit tray to fit it all in neatly.

No great drop off in range and (touch wood) no any illeffect / damage through water or crap being flung up.