I am thinking of best ways to do a temporary and permanent install in a vehicle, and am wondering if anyone wants to share what they have done. For temporary/portable, I am thinking an Apache/Pelican type case with a DC-DC converter supplying the 5V for the Pi and KrakenSDR. The Mag mount antennas fit the temporary definition.
For permanent, I can install five 1/4 wave NMO mounts for the frequency of interest - this will be for 700/800 MHz. It can be direct on vehicle, or with a plate that gets mounted - roofs can be problematic at the needed locations due to ridges, support structures, etc.
On the compute side of things, the KrackenSDR and RPi can be installed with a similar DC-DC supply, but fused and switched to enable when needed. This setup will probably have a mobile router as well, so connections would be preferred to be hard wired/Ethernet. As my use case will probably require bearing to be taken while stopped, the “app” part probably won’t factor in as it needs movement to determine heading.
Just wondering if anyone has gone down this path…
I have started down this path. So far I have decided that I love the Kraken antenna bases but I don’t love the telescopic antennas, I’m working on a replacement for them, specifically for 7/800.
I went as far as rebuilding my CNC to cut a pelican (Apache) case insert but that only led to other projects and that led to my wife finding out that the CNC was operational again so now she needs things cut.
Here’s where it stands… Kraken, Pi, and dc/dc converters are all mounted to the panel, and the panel fits perfectly in the case. I need to add a dc pass through, Ethernet pass through, and switches to control the power in sequence. At that point I should have something functional but I need to find a way to transport feedline and antennas. I don’t think they will sit in the top of the case above the SDR but below the lid…. Have to test that.
Your thoughts on mounting a tablet to the inside of then lid? I think I would rather have it as its own component.
Thank for the pics! I am thinking of an aluminum plate mounted to the bottom of a Pelican type case, either with a set of jumpers like you have or a passthrough for the coax. The permanent install might be almost the same - equipment mounted on a plate or enclosure - but mounted under a seat or somewhere sutiable.
