User Manual

MM-014763-001, Rev. G
41
5.3 LOCATING COMPONENTS
Plan the mounting locations of all components (radio, control head/hand-held controller, antenna, and
cables) and determine the routes for all wiring and cables. Particularly consider the connection of the
radio for planning purposes.
• Determine the customer’s preferences, if any, for location of components. Comply with these
preferences as long as they are consistent with safety recommendations and guidelines presented in
this manual, and other generally accepted professional radio installation practices.
• For a front-mount installation, the radio is typically located under the vehicle’s dash panel. However,
it may be mounted above the dash, or at some other location per customer requirements, available
space, and/or mounting surface strength. Dimensions for the radio, control head, and hand-held
controller are listed in Section 2.1 on page 18. As noted in that section, these dimensions do not
include space required at the rear of the radio for cables. Several inches of clearance space is required.
• For a remote-mount radio installation, the radio is typically located in the motor vehicle’s trunk, or
some other preferably unoccupied section in a vehicle, such as a fire truck’s equipment shelf. The
control head is typically located under the vehicle’s dash panel. Dimensions for the radio, control
head, and hand-held controller are listed in Section 2.1 on page 18. As noted in that section, these
dimensions do not
include space required at the rear of the radio and control head for cables. Several
inches of clearance space is required at the back of the control head, and at least six (6) inches is
recommended at the back of the radio. In addition, several inches of clearance space is required at
each side of the radio for access to the screws that secure the radio to its mounting bracket.
• When selecting a mounting location, verify sufficient clearance behind the radio can be maintained so
cables will not be stressed, crushed, twisted, or bent at severe angles. This also applies to the control
head in a remote-mount radio installation. Also, the front and sides of the units must have clearance
for air circulation, access to mounting screws, mounting hardware, etc.
• Verify the drilling of holes and the insertion of screws will not damage or interfere with any existing
vehicle components (for example, a fuel tank, fuel lines, the transmission housing, etc.), or any
existing vehicle wiring.
• For antenna location and installation-related information, refer to Section 6.
The r
adio must be kept out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Adequate
free-air ventilation must be provided to its rear fins. The radio will automatically
reduce its transmit
RF output power when its ambient temperature exceeds
approximately +140° Fahrenheit (+60° Celsius).
All cables should have a service loop near each connector end. Do not bend the cables
at severe angles near the connector end. Above all, after all components are installed,
verify no cable is under any tension. Failure to do so may lead to damaged cables,
causing intermittent radio operation or complete radio failure.
CAUTION
CAUTION