[Elecraft] Road Trip!

[Stuart Rohre]

One big source of noise in modern cars is the fuel pump in the tank.  You
have to get a kit for Ford products that adds toroid cores to the electric
pump leads, (and maybe the gauge wires as well).  Other noises could be the
alternator, or even the computer.  Use of large primary power wires fused,
and relay controlled right to the battery is standard.  The relay keeps
power off the radio when you are not running engine and while starting
transients are dangerous.  Wire its coil off the key operated ignition sw.

The various Radio Handbooks have extensive sections on RFI, and see the tech
info on ARRL.org web site for mobile RFI measures to quieten the car.

Mounting the radio far from car wiring is helpful, and grounding the radio
to car body near the radio with heavy braid lead is good.

Running 100 watts with motor off may leave you finding a jumper cable
equipped friendly traveler.   Monitor the voltage on your system, some
batteries barely get to 12 volts with motor off, and the radios are really
made for 13.8 of a car with motor running.  Do not let your battery go below
11 volts if you do operate without motor on.
73, Stuart K5KVH