GME TX3340 install

[davidsford Member Find all posts View Profile Close davidsford]

This model has all the controls and microphone built into the handset so you can locate the main unit tucked away. I have found the speaker to be plenty loud enough even with it tucked behind the panel.

So first step was to remove all the trim around the door sills and footwells, looking for the best path to take the power and antenna cables and work out where best to place the unit.

Various trims removed -


I decided the best position to locate the unit was behind the centre console down towards the side of the driver footwell, this gives maximum volume and keeps it away from the airbags. There is just enough room to tuck the unit in along with all the slack cable. I ran the mic/handset lead just behind the trim using the extension lead to give the most length.



The easiest location to bring through the power and antenna lead was in the passenger footwell, there is a large grommet already with wires through but conveniently Toyota have left a couple of small nipples you can cut through to pull the wires. I only needed to use one of them. I am hardwiring to the battery so didn't need to worry about picking up an ignition switched feed.



Until I get a bar I have mounted the antenna on a GME bracket to the side panel, I would have liked to put it more towards the front but the holes didn't line up so nice with the extra trim that is in the water channel inside the bonnet. I bolted in to a spare hole, I didn't use one of the existing bolts holding the panel. My antenna is fairly short so comes up to around the same height as the vehicle.



If anyone has an ideas about making up a bracket to suit which could just poke out the front grill I would prefer to mount it this way.

I mounted the handset cradle with double sided tape, the type with the green backing from Bunnings, extra strong stuff.



All up took me about 3 hours, I have a bit of tidying to do with cables and clips but it is working fine.

[rumy Member Find all posts View Profile Close rumy]

Re: GME TX3340 install

mounted the handset cradle with double sided tape, the type with the green backing from Bunnings, extra strong stuff.

What are the two screws either side of the handset mount, looks like you screwed it in as well as used double sided tape?

[davidsford Member Find all posts View Profile Close davidsford]

Re: GME TX3340 install

The two screws go through to a backing plate with small bolt heads on the back which are countersunk. This gives a nice flat back to the plate to put lots of sticky stuff on. It was part of the kit that came with the unit. If you are screwing the mount on, you don't bother with the backing plate and just use a couple of self tappers, but not on this shiny new car

[Ryzz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryzz]

Re: GME TX3340 install

Any gotchas or things to look out for?

[Richoson Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Richoson]

Re: GME TX3340 install

The two screws go through to a backing plate with small bolt heads on the back which are countersunk. This gives a nice flat back to the plate to put lots of sticky stuff on. It was part of the kit that came with the unit. If you are screwing the mount on, you don't bother with the backing plate and just use a couple of self tappers, but not on this shiny new car

Hi

All up nice work!!

Reagrds, Richo.

[rumy Member Find all posts View Profile Close rumy]

Re: GME TX3340 install

Good stuff Dave, this radio is now on my list. Any one want to buy a Icom IC-Pro 400 with aerial?

[davidsford Member Find all posts View Profile Close davidsford]

Re: GME TX3340 install

Any gotchas or things to look out for?

The only slight thing to watch out for is when removing the panel near the drivers right foot(drivers side) or passengers left foot(passenger side) there is a small metal clamp which is a bit stubborn to get off, I ended up pulling the rubber from around the body work to look behind to see what was holding it in place, a long thin screwdriver helps to open up the clamp.

Also finding a suitable place to put the aerial mount is a pain because of the plastic trim that now sits in the water gutter channel things either side of inside the bonnet. Like I said I think a bracket that comes out through the front grill would be best providing it isn't a safety thing if you were hit a pedestrian, I guess if you just came out 10mm or so from the front grill it wouldn't be too much of an issue, anyone know of such a bracket or handy advice on how to make one?

[Ryzz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryzz]

Re: GME TX3340 install

I am hardwiring to the battery so didn't need to worry about picking up an ignition switched feed.

So by this am I right in understanding that the UHF is "always on" and you need to remember to turn it on and off or it drains the battery, ie its not linked to the ignition?

I'm just trying to get all my facts straight as ive ordered one from Prestige and was planning to install it this week.

[davidsford Member Find all posts View Profile Close davidsford]

Re: GME TX3340 install

So by this am I right in understanding that the UHF is "always on" and you need to remember to turn it on and off or it drains the battery, ie its not linked to the ignition?

I'm just trying to get all my facts straight as ive ordered one from Prestige and was planning to install it this week.

That's correct - the UHF always has power, you just have to remember to turn it off on the handset. I normally have mine turned off anyway and just turn it on as needed so not a problem, never left it on accidentally (yet )

I didn't fancy messing with ignition feeds as I have read here that the electronics in the 150 can be quite sensitive and didn't want to void any warranties.

[davidsford Member Find all posts View Profile Close davidsford]

Re: GME TX3340 install

I have now put some clear 'Invisible shield' type plastic on the bonnet to prevent rubbing against the UHF bracket. It is a product you can get for things like ipods, cameras etc and apparently the military use them on helicopter blades - so the marketing blurb says!

I had a spare one left over from an ipod so just cut a piece up to stop the rubbing and scratches, so far it is holding up well.

You can find various companies that sell them, just google 'invisible shield' and you should find them, some interesting youtube demonstrations too.

[Ryzz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryzz]

Re: GME TX3340 install

I have now put some clear 'Invisible shield' type plastic on the bonnet to prevent rubbing against the UHF bracket. It is a product you can get for things like ipods, cameras etc and apparently the military use them on helicopter blades - so the marketing blurb says!

I had a spare one left over from an ipod so just cut a piece up to stop the rubbing and scratches, so far it is holding up well.

You can find various companies that sell them, just google 'invisible shield' and you should find them, some interesting youtube demonstrations too.

I might give that a whirl, thanks Dave. Im like you, installing it whilst I wait for the ARB bar to be delivered (if i ever hear back from them on a delivery time!)

[Ryzz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryzz]

Re: GME TX3340 install

Hey David,

Did you just double sided tape the control box under the heat box in the center? given the lack of room there when i was playing with it last night, i wasnt sure if you'd be able to screw the base plate into the carpet or if it was best to forget the plate and just double side it to the carpet.

P.s: I cant get over how bloody small the control box is, its TINY!!!!!!!

[davidsford Member Find all posts View Profile Close davidsford]

Re: GME TX3340 install

Hey David,

Did you just double sided tape the control box under the heat box in the center? given the lack of room there when i was playing with it last night, i wasnt sure if you'd be able to screw the base plate into the carpet or if it was best to forget the plate and just double side it to the carpet.

P.s: I cant get over how bloody small the control box is, its TINY!!!!!!!

Nah mate, I just stuffed the unit in and with all the other crap around it and with the side trim panels back in place it didn't move so didn't fasten it to anything. If I notice it moving around after a bit of 4wd'ing I will probably just use some cable ties to something

[Ryzz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryzz]

Re: GME TX3340 install

Hey David,

Did you just double sided tape the control box under the heat box in the center? given the lack of room there when i was playing with it last night, i wasnt sure if you'd be able to screw the base plate into the carpet or if it was best to forget the plate and just double side it to the carpet.

P.s: I cant get over how bloody small the control box is, its TINY!!!!!!!

Nah mate, I just stuffed the unit in and with all the other crap around it and with the side trim panels back in place it didn't move so didn't fasten it to anything. If I notice it moving around after a bit of 4wd'ing I will probably just use some cable ties to something

Love ya work mate, and i thought I was lazy!!! :lol:

[bobcat67 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bobcat67]

Re: GME TX3340 install

Which GME bracket did you use, size etc as I'm after one. Does the bracket flex much when driving?