Installing a Yaesu YSK-857 Microphone Extender

This is Part 5 of Outfitting a Jeep JK Unlimited for Ham Radio. In this part, I will explain how I installed a Yaesu hand microphone for convenient access by the driver.

Amateur Radio Equipment to Install

1. Yaesu MH-31ABJ Hand Microphone

Tools and Equipment Used

1. Yaesu YSK-857 Separation Kit
2. Phillips Head Screwdriver
3. Power Drill
4. Velcro Strips, Cut to About 3/4-Inch

Step One – Prepare the Microphone Extender Box

The YSK-857 Separation Kit includes a little jumper box to connect the microphone to the extension cable. I will mount this little box near the floor on the passenger’s side near the stick shift box. To affix to the Jeep, I cut a piece of Velcro with my scissors and stuck it to the jumper.

Next, place the jumper box bear the floor board.

Step Two – Connect the Extension Cable

Plug the Microphone Extension Cable into the FT-857D and run the cable (a very short distance) to the jumper box. Pull out the carpet so you can hide the cable. Wire tire the excess cable and place it under the passenger’s seat.

Ideally, you should cut the cable down to size. I did not feel confident that I could crimp the plug so I opted to wire tie.

Step Three – Mount Microphone Brace

Here’s where Jeep owners have to suck it up and drill a hole in the console. After driving around with the microphone in several places, I came to the conclusion that Velcro would not hold the microphone. The only solution is to mount a brace using screws.

First, place the brace in its final position.  Using a Sharpee pen, mark where the screws go.

Drill the holes.  They look like snake bites to me.

Affix the screws.  Since the plastic molding is thin, use locking screws for a long-term solution.

Here is the completed assembly.