Mounting the FT-857D Controller on a 2016 Jeep JK Unlimited

This is Part 3 of Outfitting a Jeep JK Unlimited for Ham Radio. In this part, I will explain how to mount the Microphone and Front Panel of a Yaesu FT-857D using the YSK-857 Separation Kit.

Amateur Radio Equipment to Install

1. Yaesu FT-857D HF/VHF/UHF Front Panel
2. Lido Mounts LM-500-AMP Remote Head Mount

Tools and Equipment Used

1. Yaesu YSK-857 Separation Kit
2. Precision Screwdriver

At this point in the installation, I have completed the electrical installation and mounted the FT-857D under the passenger’s side door. Since the radio is under a seat, the detachable control panel needs a home that is easy for me to access. It also needs to be out of the way as not to get a ticket for obstructing the driver’s view.

Step One – Draw Extension Cable to Rearview Mirror

Installation of the Front Panel will be easier if you take the top off of your Jeep JK Unlimited. You can access the roof line much easier this way.

Here, I left about seven inches of extension cable at the Rearview Mirror.

Next, I ran the extension cable to the passenger’s side roof latch.

From the top of the Jeep, I turned the corner of the Nerf Bar.

Drew the extension cable down behind the panel molding.

Then pulled the cable through the access panel we used earlier to draw the DC Power Cable from the bulkhead.

Step Two – Draw Extension Cable to the Radio

Once you pass the access panel, follow the same path you used for the power cables. Here, I placed the extension cable directly behind the door strap.  Ideally, I would like to run the cable under the carpet, but the data plug is too big to fit through the gap behind the door strap.

Step Three – Snake the Cable Under the Carpet

This photo shows the chair mount for the passenger’s chair from the back seat. I took the extension cable and ran it under the carpet, around to the left side of the chair, and then up to the connection point on the radio.

As with the microphone extension, you have a lot of cable left over. I used a wire tie to secure the excess and then stowed it under the seat.

Step Four – Mount the Front Panel

I chose this specific Lido Mount because it has a strong suction cup mount for the windshield, and because it has two knuckles that allow me to “recess” the mount. The last thing that I want is to have the radio controller farther out into the cabin than possible.

Step Five – Preparing the Faceplate Assembly

Given six mounting holes for the Lido Mount, the engineer in me wants to use all six. However, the Yaesu mounting bracket will not attach if you use the four-square holes. As a result, two screws into opposite sides is as best as you can do with this installation. Make certain you torque the screws, otherwise vibration from driving will shake them loose.

Slide the Lido Mount back together to complete the assembly.

Step Six – Test Mount the Controller and Mount

The FT-857D Controller sits directly above my rearview mirror. Before I complete final wiring, let’s mount everything and see how it looks.

Step Seven – Attach Controller Cable and Mount Controller

Before you affix the controller to the mount, make certain you draw the control cable behind the controller. The assembly will crimp the cable if you do not.

This is how the assembly appears to the driver.

This is how the assembly appears to the passenger.