[Elecraft] operating HF / KX3 in a Tesla Model S

[Bill Frantz]

On 10/19/16 at 9:02 PM, elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Johnny Siu via 
Elecraft) wrote:

>I am thinking operating my KX3 in my Tesla and have some questions:
>1.  Is it ok to direct drain DC supply from the cigarette 
>lighter socket since there is no ignition system in the Tesla?

You will be drawing less than 4 amps, so the lighter socket 
should work fine. If you decide to add the 100W amp, then 
running dedicated wires will probably be the correct choice. I 
would want to know more about the 12V supply in the Tesla before 
running them. Perhaps the car manual has some advice.


>2.  The body of Tesla is aluminium alloy (if I am correct. 
> How can I ground a mobile whip to the car body?

Grounding techniques should be the same as for steel. Do be 
aware of the corrosion issues when different metals are in 
contact. Aluminium corrodes easily, so having a sacrificial 
piece of metal to protect the car body may be a good idea. 
Perhaps a piece of aluminum bonded to the car body with copper 
or brass bonded to it. (My electro-chemistry is a bit rusty.) 
Then that piece of aluminum will corrode and can be easily 
replaced. Also think about the materials for any screws/bolts 
used for the bonding.

73 Bill AE6JV

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