Implementing the TM-7 plus in a roof console

Today we finally implemented the TM-7 plus in the interior roof console of my pick-up truck. There were a few things that I was worried about:
First thing was if the roofconsole fitted the interior of my car, that sorted itself out after a quick fit. Next to that I was happy to see that the format of the TM-7 plus is DIN standard and just slides in the radio compartment as if it was made for it. That was already one thing less to worry about.

Also I was a bit worried for letting my car in the city with the Radio in plain sight. The radio is firmly fixed in the slide but can easily pulled out. We connected a special connector in the wiring that I could disconnect with 1 click en take it all out. Also I can use this to do updates or maintenance behind my computer

The last thing I worried about was something we discussed on the Zello Radio Benelux Channel, and that was how to wire the radio: before or after the ignition. Before meant that it would be always on because the TM-7 plus has no power of button (it just reboots.) Behind the ignition contact would mean that every time you turn the contact of it has to boot when you turn the ignition key on again and the TM-7 plus takes a while to boot! This is no problem if your trips last 900 miles and you don’t plan to stop for the first 450 miles. But if you’re going for groceries, it’s a whole different story!

Luckily our good friend Martin – PD0KHN, member on Zello Radio Benelux, came up with a logical solution. He suggested to wire the radio directly to the car battery and put a switch in between. The radio use will not be interfered by the state of the ignition being “on” or “of”. I discussed that idea with NR001 and some other folks on ZRB and we all agreed that this was the best solution. This is how we implemented it:

We all know that the TM-7 plus and ButtonMapper don’t have a perfect marriage. Being able to adjust the volume in the car in a safe way is very important. You can optimise the volume functionality in two ways:

1. Uninstall ButtonMapper: Then your volume knob will work just fine. But you loose the ability to quickly change channels and contacts with your Program Buttons (see How to map speed dials to channels and contacts in Button mapper.)

2. You can map the up and down arrows to volume up and down in ButtonMapper. Important is that you map all three options (single, double & long press) to the specific function of that button. (If some one needs help with that let me know, I’ll write a short tutorial.)

Anyway. Happy me! It feels a lot better handeling this mic in the car. The speaker is next to my head so the volume doesn’t have to be loud. I don’t have to take all gear in and out every time I leave at home (I have aT320 in the bag but that is switched on when necessary when i’m out of the car.)

If you have any questions or improvements feel free to share in the comments.

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