Hey fellow car and tech enthusiasts! I’m thrilled to share the progress on my latest project – building a robust mobile communication setup in my vehicle. For anyone fascinated by in-car technology, especially systems you might find in a Dodge Charger police car, this one’s for you. It’s been a journey of gathering the right components, and I’m excited to finally see it all coming together.
My aim? To create a versatile mobile communication hub, somewhat inspired by the advanced setups you see in law enforcement vehicles, particularly the Dodge Charger police car. While not replicating a police vehicle exactly, the goal is to have a sophisticated system capable of various communication modes, including scanning frequencies – think of it as a civilian version with nods to that iconic Dodge Charger Police Car Scanner functionality.
Currently, I’m in the eagerly-waiting-for-parts phase, specifically for the heart of the setup: the 25″ Havis radio console. Most of the other essential equipment has already arrived, laying the groundwork for what promises to be a truly impressive mobile command center.
For those curious about the tech behind it, and perhaps interested in similar projects or even just understanding what goes into a sophisticated vehicle communication system, let’s dive into the hardware. Here’s a breakdown of the key components I’ll be installing:
Key Components for a Mobile Communication System
To give you a clear picture of what’s going into this project, here’s a list of the major hardware. Keep in mind that these are the core elements that will enable the diverse communication capabilities of this mobile setup, including aspects related to scanning, similar to a dodge charger police car scanner.
1. Havis 25″ Custom Center Console
Alt text: Havis 25 inch custom center console designed for vehicle radio and equipment mounting, essential for mobile communication setups.
This is the foundation of the entire setup. Purchased from L-Tron Direct, this Havis console (C-VS-2500-CHGR-1) is designed for professional installations. It provides a secure and organized housing for all the radios and equipment, much like the consoles you’d find in a Dodge Charger police car. It comes with versatile mounting brackets and filler plates, allowing for a clean and customized installation.
2. Motorola XPR4500 UHF DMR Mobile Radio
Alt text: Motorola XPR4500 UHF DMR Mobile Radio, a professional-grade radio for clear and reliable UHF communication in vehicle setups.
A robust UHF DMR Mobile Radio, the Motorola XPR4500, sourced used from eBay to keep costs manageable (these retail for over $400 new). This radio is known for its durability and clear communication quality, critical for any mobile communication system. You can find specifications at SEI Wireless Solutions.
3. Yaesu FT-8800r Dual Band Mobile Radio
Alt text: Yaesu FT-8800r Dual Band Mobile Radio, offering versatile VHF and UHF amateur radio communication for mobile use.
Acquired from a fellow ham radio enthusiast, the Yaesu FT-8800r is a dual-band mobile radio that provides VHF and UHF communication capabilities. This adds another layer of versatility to the system, expanding the communication range and options. More details are available on the Yaesu website.
4. Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Scanner
Alt text: Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Scanner, a high-performance scanner for monitoring digital and trunked radio systems, ideal for vehicle installations.
Purchased directly from Uniden, the BCD996P2 Digital Scanner is a key component for monitoring various radio frequencies. This is where the police car scanner aspect really comes into play. While I’m using it for general scanning purposes within legal ham radio and monitoring bands, this type of scanner is similar to what you might find (or imagine finding) in a Dodge Charger police car for monitoring communications (in legal and authorized contexts, of course). Check out its features on the Uniden product page.
5. Baofeng UV-5r
Alt text: Baofeng UV-5R handheld radio, a low-cost option for APRS position tracking and amateur radio communication.
The incredibly affordable Baofeng UV-5r, from Amazon, serves a specific purpose: APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) position tracking. This little radio acts as a transmitter for my location, adding a tech-savvy element to the mobile setup. See it on Amazon.
6. Ram Mounts – No-Drill Laptop Mount
Alt text: Ram Mounts No-Drill laptop mount, providing a secure and adjustable platform for laptops in vehicles without drilling required.
For secure laptop mounting, I chose the Ram Mounts No-Drill laptop mount (RAM-VB-129-SW1), purchased directly from RAM Mounts. This mount is essential for integrating a laptop into the mobile setup without damaging the vehicle’s interior.
7. Panasonic ToughBook CF-19
Alt text: Panasonic ToughBook CF-19, a rugged and durable laptop designed for demanding mobile environments and vehicle use.
A used Panasonic ToughBook CF-19 from eBay completes the hardware list. These laptops are built to withstand harsh conditions, making them perfect for in-vehicle use. Its robustness and reliability are crucial for a mobile communication hub. Learn more at Panasonic Toughbook.
Bringing It All Together
This setup is shaping up to be exactly what I envisioned – a powerful and versatile mobile communication system. The combination of professional-grade radios, a dedicated scanner (reminiscent of a dodge charger police car scanner), and a rugged laptop, all anchored by the Havis console, promises to be a fantastic mobile hub.
I’ll be posting updates as the installation progresses and as soon as the remaining parts arrive. Stay tuned for more details and feel free to ask any questions you might have about the equipment or the project itself!
