UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

[KM4 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close KM4]

Hi team, been looking at this site for a while & have just joined up.
We've just upgraded from an 05 120GXL to a 150, & have a couple of questions: I had a remote head GME TX3420 UHF in the 120GXL, but I now wish to do away with the remote head replacing it with the TX3440 handpiece. GME tell me the CPU box is the same in both models. Will the remote CPU box for the GME TX3420/3440 UHF fit anywhere behind the centre console, ie 4WD switch perhaps? I know the new tiny GME's fit as shown by Davidsford's thread.
And; In my 120 GXL I had a remote speaker for the UHF which sat on the console with velcro tape. I'm thinking of dismantling it & screwing the speaker itself in behind the blank switch plate to the right of the 4WD switch in the 150 & drilling a pattern of holes in the switch blank so the speaker itself won't be visible. Will it fit there, & is that part of the console as accessible as the top of the console is? (I've seen photos here of the top of the centre console stack dismantled, but not the lower part)

The alternative I have in mind is to mount the CPU brain box under the seat and use an extension lead to connect the handpiece/microphone, but I'd still like to install an exrtension speaker somewhere either in the lower console if possible or perhaps the top, as long as it's audible, unobtrusive and out of sight.

Tall order?! :? thanks in advance.

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

Re: UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

Not knowing the size of the TX3420, all ill say is where David & myself have the control unit hidden under the heater box is a pretty tight fit (height is probably the biggest limitation). If the size is comparable with the TX3440 then it may just fit. All i can say is if you have a 150, pull the kick panel off the drive tunnel under the glovebox and do a trial fit. Its the only way to be 100% sure.

[davidsford Member Find all posts View Profile Close davidsford]

Re: UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

The dimensions of the TX3440 and the TX3340 are pretty similar -

TX3440 - 29 (H) x 128 (L) x 117 (D)
TX3340 - 23 (H) x 102 (W) x 87 (D)

So although space is tight I would still have thought you could squeeze the unit into the same spot mine is. The only thing is if the speaker will be loud enough? mine is fine, I have no problems hearing the speaker at all and my unit is stuffed in behind the drivers side panel. When I was looking around there are some pockets of space in behind the console so I am sure you would be able to find somewhere that gives good sound quality but remain hidden.

Like ryzz said best thing is to take some panels off and do some trial fits just be careful pulling those clips off

[KM4 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close KM4]

Re: UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

thanks Gents, that's the info I was seeking.
I rang GME & they tell me the control boxes (TX3440 & 3420) are the same unit, but unless I can put it close to where the handpiece will be mounted, then I'll need a particular extension lead & adapter plug that no-one seems to have in stock.

I'll try the same spot you've suggested. I'll also see if I can dismantle the lower console and instal my extension speaker.
thank you for the replies

[hookedon4wding Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close hookedon4wding]

UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

I just had the panels off in the drivers side footwell and my TX 3420 didn't fit in the spot the 3340 fits. Had a pretty good look around that area and whilst there's space available up behind there, there's nothing really to secure it to. I'm a bit weary if the knee airbags in there too. Might have to consider putting the head unit under the drivers seat.

Is there more space on the passenger side?

[hookedon4wding Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close hookedon4wding]

Re: UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

Fitted my TX 3420 under the dash on the weekend. There is an existing bracket on the GXL (I think its used on the VX/Kakadu for something) that is perfect for mounting the main unit to.

See my buildup for details.

viewtopic.php?f=38&t=9516

Cheers, Sam.

[KM4 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close KM4]

Re: UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

I like your idea Sam, of putting the head uinit near the steering column & will probably do that. I'm just waiting on the extension lead from GME at the moment.

[Foxy49 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Foxy49]

Re: UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

Hi, Just had my UHF fitted by Electric Bug in SA .I had the 3400 GME with remote head in my previous 4x4 .They placed the body under the steering wheel and mounted the remote head above the 4x4 switches so the screw holes won't be noticeable and I have mounted the mic with Velcro by my left leg up high .I have the Shorty SX . The aerial is mounted on the RHS panel using a patch lead to the aerial (not on the ARB bull bar) .I'm looking for somewhere at the rear up top so around town I only need a short antenna but on the road towing with a taller aerial . I went for the softer aerial because it is easier to undo and if someone wants to grab it and let it go it won't do any body damage. Hope this can help Cheers Foxy

[hookedon4wding Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close hookedon4wding]

Re: UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

Hi guys, here's a copy of a post in my rig build up with photos of my UHF install.

"Here's a few pics of the location of my GME TX 3420.




Location under dash. I bolted the galv bracket to the existing thin bracket which has a captive nut in the end of it.


I then ran the mic extension cord out beside the left hand kick panel and bunched the excess in the empty space behind it.

Cheers, Sam."

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Re: UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

Thanks to your suggestion Sam, I have now mounted my TX3420 to the same bracket. As you say, there's heaps of space there for it. However I used the bracket to mount a steel extension and then attached the original GME bracket to the extension so I can slide the TX3420 in & out if I need to.
For clearer sound I wanted to use the extension speaker I had in my old 120GXL, but I didn't want it sitting out on the console the way i had it in the other car. So in the 150, I removed the lowest panel from the console with the DAC, Difflock and 4WD switches in it (it just pulls out same as the air con unit above). I removed the blank switch panel and drilled a pattern of 3mm holes in it and attached the small speaker to the back of it using zip ties. I then covered the front of the switch panel with black fabric from a home audio speaker project and pushed it back into its recess. Looks the same as before but with discreet fabric over it. The speaker is then just plugged into the TX3420 up near the steering column. I'm still waiting for the mic extension lead ordered from GME so I can mount the TX3440 handpiece hanger to finish the installation. I'll probably use velcro or double-sided tape for this.

So the install is just about finished. The only thing I want to change is I presently get power direct from the circuit breaker near the battery under the bonnet but would rather connect to an accessories source so it is switched off when the ignition is off. SWMBO uses the car more than I do & is not in the habit of turning the UHF off!

Can I source an accessories power source from the fuse box near the battery, or would I need to look inside under the steering column somewhere?

[hookedon4wding Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close hookedon4wding]

UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

However I used the bracket to mount a steel extension and then attached the original GME bracket to the extension so I can slide the TX3420 in & out if I need to.

Exactly what I would've done if I still had the original GME bracket (had to leave it in the old car). Nice idea about the speaker. I find the sound excellent as mind you. If you gave the speaker though you may as well use it

Did you say the panel with the DAC and 4wd buttons just pulls out? Do you have to remove anything else first?

Cheers, Sam.

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Re: UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

[quote="hookedon4wdingDid you say the panel with the DAC and 4wd buttons just pulls out? Do you have to remove anything else first?

[quote]
yeah, I forgot to mention, you first pull out the aircon unit above, then the two silver vertical trims either side of the upright console, then the panel under the stereo can be removed. No tools required though, each piece pulls out with firm effort (and unplugging wiring harness behind each unit).

[Foxy49 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Foxy49]

Re: UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

Hi ,I forgot to mention I had a extension speaker for my ex 4x4 but I have found the unit with it's own in built speaker to be loud enough Cheers

[hookedon4wding Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close hookedon4wding]

UHF: GME CPU behind console somewhere?

yeah, I forgot to mention, you first pull out the aircon unit above, then the two silver vertical trims either side of the upright console, then the panel under the stereo can be removed. No tools required though, each piece pulls out with firm effort (and unplugging wiring harness behind each unit).

Ripper thanks.

[Geoffury Find all posts View Profile Close Geoffury]

Hey, resurrecting an old thread, sort of leads to my question. Searched but couldn't find an answer.

Im going to be fitting the UHF body in behind the dash, but if the built in speaker is not loud enough, I was thinking, would running a 3.5mm audio cable from the UHF to the audio input in the centre console - 150models- and running the sound thru the cars stereo work?

I could run it along under the centre console, bring it out next to the drivers chair, and leave it curled up under the chair when not needed, and just plug it in when I'm needing it.