A clean, OEM-quality installation designed for remote WA travel, photography work, and professional reliability.
Overview
This week, a local adventure photographer brought his brand-new 2025 Mazda BT-50 SP into Battery Force for a premium auxiliary lighting and communications upgrade.
He regularly travels throughout regional Western Australia photographing salt lakes, canola fields, wildflowers, drone landscapes, and even supporting motorsport and rally events with Dakar Press Team Australia. His work takes him into remote areas sometimes with minimal lighting, unpredictable terrain, and long stretches of unsealed road.
To prepare the BT-50 SP for these conditions, he wanted:
- High-performance, long-range lighting for safe regional and off-road travel
- Reliable UHF communications for remote environments
- OEM-level installation quality with no clutter and no visible wiring
- A setup that looks like it rolled off the Mazda production line
Battery Force installed:
- STEDI Type-X™ EVO 7 Inch Spot Beam LED Driving Lights
- GME XRS-Connect 4WD Pack (Hideaway UHF radio)
- GMF Bonnet Mount Bracket for clean antenna integration
- HULK 4x4 Midi Fuse Bracket & Holder
The result is a BT-50 SP that performs exceptionally in remote conditions without compromising the vehicle’s premium aesthetics.
Customer Requirements
1. Factory-Level Finish
The BT-50 SP has a refined exterior and interior. The customer requested an installation that:
- Avoids visible wiring
- Uses factory grommets and routing
- Leaves the cabin uncluttered
- Looks like original Mazda equipment
- Keeps the UHF handset hidden in the centre console
2. High-Quality, Proven Products
His photography work requires gear that performs consistently in rugged conditions. He needed:
- Long-range light performance
- Durable components that handle corrugations, heat and dust
- Reliable UHF communications for remote shoots
- Hardware that blends visually with the BT-50 SP’s modern styling
3. Remote Travel Capability
As an adventure photographer, he regularly ventures into environments such as:
- Salt flats and lake beds
- Remote wildflower regions
- Wheatbelt canola landscapes
- Off-grid country tracks
- Rally access roads
- Private client properties
These situations demand high visibility, reliable communication and equipment that works every time.
Installed Products
STEDI Type-X™ EVO 7 Inch Spot Beam LED Driving Lights
Designed for maximum throw in a compact profile, the EVO 7 lights offer outstanding night-driving performance ideal for long-distance regional travel.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Beam Type | Spot Beam (Single Light) |
| Distance | Up to 1,097m @ 1 lux |
| LED Type | High-efficiency OSRAM LEDs |
| Colour Temperature | 5000K (neutral white) |
| Housing | Pressure-cast aluminium |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
GME XRS-Connect 4WD Pack
Chosen for reliability and its hidden installation possibilities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | GME XRS-330COB 4WD Pack |
| Controller | Hideaway unit with handset stored inside the centre console |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth app control (XRS Connect) |
| Speaker | High-output in-handset speaker |
| Antenna | Heavy-duty elevated feed 6.6dBi |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
GMF 4x4 Bonnet Aerial Bracket (BB-005)
The antenna was mounted using the GMF bonnet bracket, specifically designed for the BT-50 platform.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Vehicle-specific design | Perfect alignment and secure fit |
| Mounting location | Tucked along the bonnet line—clean and discreet |
| No drilling required | Protects vehicle integrity |
| Material | Stainless steel, powder-coated |
| Style | Looks factory-fitted, unobtrusive |
HULK 4x4 Midi Fuse Bracket & Holder
To support the higher current draw of premium driving lights, the installation included a HULK 4x4 metal-mounted midi fuse bracket. This provides a safe, dedicated fused circuit instead of relying on factory fuse positions that were never designed for modern auxiliary lighting loads.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Bracket Material | Durable metal mounting plate for secure fitment |
| Fuse Type | 2 x MIDI fuse holders (included) |
| Included Fuses | 2 x 60A MIDI fuses |
| Purpose | Dedicated high-current supply for spotlights or accessories |
| Heat Management | Prevents overheating and fuse-holder failure common in overloaded factory circuits |
| Serviceability | Fuses remain accessible and neatly mounted for future maintenance |
Installation Process
1. Pre-Fit Assessment
To achieve the cleanest possible result, our team inspected:
- Factory wiring access points
- Bonnet-line bracket positions
- Best routing for reducing visible wiring
- Centre console void space for hidden UHF handset storage
This planning ensures a non-invasive installation aligned with Mazda’s design layout.
2. Lighting Installation - STEDI EVO 7
The STEDI lights were installed using:
- Precision alignment brackets
- Anti-theft hardware
- Genuine STEDI wiring harness
- Heat-resistant split conduit
- Mazda factory grommets to avoid drilling
- HULK 4x4 heavy-duty midi fuse bracket & 60A holders installed to provide a safe, high-current feed for the driving lights and prevent the overheating or melting issues often seen when auxiliary lighting loads exceed factory fuse capabilities
Instead of an in-cab switch it was integrated with the high beam to maintain Mazda’s interior ergonomics, offer an OEM feel and improve the overall aesthetics.
3. GME UHF Integration - Hidden Console Setup
Because the customer wanted zero visible radio equipment, the GME XRS hideaway unit was mounted behind interior trim, with:
- Handset stored neatly inside the centre console
- Plug-in point concealed for a clean interior
- No brackets or bulk on the dashboard
- Crisp audio thanks to the in-handset speaker
This is one of the most seamless UHF integrations possible in a modern 4WD.
4. Antenna Mounting - GMF Bonnet Bracket
Instead of using a bulky bullbar-mounted bracket, we installed the antenna on the:
- Passenger-side bonnet line
- Using the GMF BB-005 vehicle-specific bracket
This location provides:
- A clean, low-profile look
- High signal performance
- A "meant-to-be-there" OEM appearance
Why This Setup Suits an Adventure Photographer
Adventure photographers depend on reliable equipment while exploring remote locations. This installation supports:
Long-Distance Night Travel
Driving to remote locations at dawn or dusk often means unlit roads, wildlife hazards, and rough tracks.
The STEDI EVO 7s drastically improve visibility and confidence.
Reliable Communications
Whether on rally stages, private farms, remote wildflower routes, or unsealed backroads, UHF communication is essential for:
- Safety
- Navigation
- Coordinating with other vehicles
- Situational updates
A Professional, Clutter-Free Cabin
Photography gear takes up enough room already. A hidden UHF controller keeps the cabin refined and distraction-free.
Aesthetic Consistency
The customer specifically requested a build that looks like it came from Mazda with these accessories already installed. Every component chosen helps achieve that goal.
Results
| Category | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Seamless OEM-style integration; no visible wiring |
| Lighting Performance | Exceptional long-range visibility for remote travel |
| Communication | Reliable GME XRS system with a discreet handset |
| Antenna Mounting | Clean GMF bracket install, no drilling |
| Cabin Aesthetics | Completely hidden UHF controller in console |
| Customer Satisfaction | “Exactly the clean, professional look I wanted.” |
Customer Feedback
"I needed a clean installation that looked like part of the BT-50 from the factory. Battery Force delivered exactly that. The lighting performance is unreal, and the UHF setup is totally hidden until I need it - perfect for my photography trips out in remote WA."
FAQs
Can the GME handset really be hidden in the centre console?
Yes. Using the XRS hideaway unit, the handset can be stored discreetly without compromising performance.
Is a bonnet bracket better than a bullbar mount?
For many modern vehicles, yes. It provides excellent antenna height while maintaining a cleaner front-end appearance and reducing vibration.
Do the STEDI EVO 7 lights suit modern 4WDs like the BT-50?
Absolutely. Their compact design integrates perfectly with newer front bars while offering huge light output.
Will this installation affect vehicle warranty?
No it won't affect the vehicle warranty. All work is performed using factory-safe methods - no unnecessary drilling, cutting, or electrical interference.
Is this setup suitable for touring as well as photography?
Yes. It’s ideal for caravanning, regional work, weekend adventures, and remote travel of all types.
Conclusion
This project showcases how a modern 4WD can be fitted with premium accessories without sacrificing interior or exterior styling. The 2025 Mazda BT-50 SP now features:
- Factory-finish OEM integration
- Powerful long-range lighting
- Reliable, hidden UHF communications
- Clean antenna mounting via GMF bracket
- Remote-ready capability for adventure photography work
Battery Force specialises in clean, professional installations for customers who demand both performance and presentation.
