I'm installing a Midland MXT 575 GMRS radio in my 2022 General. I was planning to run power from the battery to my OTRATTW switch in the console and then to the radio. I wanted to have the switch to be able to turn off all power to the radio instead of just powering it down from the hand mic every time. I also want the lower part of the OTRATTW switch to light up when the General is turned on so figured I'd have to run a wire from that part of the switch to the switch part of the Pulse Bar. I've been reading all these posts about people installing fuse boxes and wondering if maybe I should do that in this case instead so I'd have it for future use. Also not sure I understand if I need a Relay in that case or just wire the radio direct to the fuse box I'd install. Also curious if I need a separate "switched" fuse box to run to the lower part of the OTRATTW switch so it will light up (and for use with future switches). I'm definitely not an electrician, and appreciate any input or thoughts or even better, what have others done? Thanks!
scottcar
To update this thread, I ended up mounting the MXT 575 in my glove compartment. Ran a dedicated line from my battery to a relay I put under the hood, and from the relay to a 12 position fuse box I put under the hood. Also ran the middle wire from one of the pulse bar locations to the relay as the trigger. Put the radio in the glove box and wired it to one of the positions in the new fuse box. Switch was not needed as the relay ensures the radio only comes on when the key is on. I also ran a Cat 5 mount from the glove box to one of the round caps down by the cigarette lighter. Just removed the cap and it mounted perfectly so now I can just plug the mic in on the main dash when I ride and remove it easily. Used the Awesome B's Fab antenna mount on the role cage which worked great as well. Added a magnetic mic mount so the mic will be easily available on the dash. Picture of antenna mount and work under the hood attached. Can take some picts of the radio in the glove box and mic mount if there's interest.
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Yes, this is the MXT 575 50 watt GMRS radio - it also has the USBC on the unit.
I've attached some more pictures of the way I installed it. Haven't went offroad with it yet, but I think it will work pretty well. I have the 6db midland antenna installed, but I also have the 3db ghost antenna if I find the limbs cause a problem with this one.
I've attached some more pictures of the way I installed it. Haven't went offroad with it yet, but I think it will work pretty well. I have the 6db midland antenna installed, but I also have the 3db ghost antenna if I find the limbs cause a problem with this one.
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