No matter the terrain, no matter the obstacles, a 4x4 vehicle is able to get you through with ease even when you think you're getting stuck. If you own a 4x4 vehicle being able to off-road is one of the most exciting activities you can do with it. Off-roading does not only make for a fun time though, it also helps you get in touch with nature and get to know your vehicle too.
Since the environment, you're in, when off-roading, isn't as forgiving you can however sometimes get stuck. When you do, it's best that you have a way to communicate with your friends even when you don't have service. This is where a centre console can help a lot. Why? Because you can store a UHF radio in it, amongst other things.
Installing a Centre Roof Console
What You Need
To install a centre roof console in your 4x4 that will be able to house a UHF radio you need to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and hardware. To install a roof centre console you typically need a drill, drill bits, a Phillips headed screwdriver, and an 8mm socket. You may also need self-tapping screws, a blank DIN plate, sun visor screws, small and large fir tree fasteners, plastic spacers, light spacer strips, and light extension looms. Not all centre roof consoles will require the same hardware, though not all of them are made the same.
Installation
1. You typically need to start by removing the roof lining trim fixings which are usually found above the door opening. Afterwards, you should go ahead and take off the sun visors by removing the fixing screws that hold them.2. The interior light lens should be removed next which can be released using a small flat-bladed screwdriver. The light is typically held by two 8 mm nuts which need to be removed in order to take off the light. With the light released off the base plate, squeeze the plugs that keep it connected in order to release it from the wiring harness.3. The earth wire terminal should also be removed from the base plate as well as the base plate from within the headlining. Also, make sure to connect the interior lamp to the interior lamp extension loom. This involves inserting the male terminals into the wiring harness plug and earth wire. You should also protect the terminals at the opposite end to prevent them from short-circuiting. 4. The interior lamp and base plate should be offered up within the 4x4 roof console section and placed together with plastic spacer strips. This should be done in a way so that the base plate sits on top of the spacer strips. 5. After that, the backing on the plastic spacer strips should be peeled away and you should place them on the back of the console. The centre part of the UHF radio roof console should be put up so that the front edge of the console goes around the front portion of the headlining. 6. The 4x4 roof console should then have the two sun visor screws put into place so that they keep it in position. With the console placed correctly, start drilling some holes. These holes will be used by the fir tree fasteners. 7. When all the fir tree fasteners are installed, remove the sun visor screws. The sun visors should then be placed on the outer part of the centre roof console. On the other side of the panel make sure to put some spacers over the outer area of the sun visor fixings. Secure the sun visor screws with some help and then check the alignment of the sun visors. 8. Next, you should continue the installation by adding the remaining fir tree fasteners as well as the self-tapping screws that usually hold the outer edges of a UHF radio roof console. You can drill into the door frame for this which is why you should consider using a tough drill bit. 9. Once all the fasteners are put into place, attach the interior light wiring to the interior lamp terminals as well as the base plate earth terminal. Slide the base plate into place and fix the interior lamp. Then, insert the blanking plate into the DIN opening and you're done.
UHF Radio
What is It?
Also known as an ultra high-frequency radio, a UHF radio is able to pick up signals that have short waves. They also have 4 to 5 W of transmitting power which is why they are mainly used by first responders.
Benefits
Because of how UHF radios work you are able to have a higher frequency range of up to three times than a normal VHF (very high frequency) radio. UHF radios usually operate in the 400 – 512 Mhz frequency band with more advanced systems being able to handle a frequency range between 700 – 800 Mhz. The best thing about UHF radios is that they are portable and thus you can add one in your 4x4. This is why a 4x4 roof console is a perfect solution as it makes for an easy to reach spot for your UHF radio.
