[Elecraft] Mobile high power

[Barry Baines]

Wayne:

> On May 6, 2019, at 11:31 AM, Wayne Burdick <n6kr at elecraft.com> wrote:
> 
> My Prius is so dependent on embedded processors that I take no chances -- I run only 10 W mobile. Yes, it's harder to make contacts, but my car doesn't have E-peleptic seizures.


Your comment about the Prius raises a broader question:

Given:
-RF susceptibility of computers in vehicles
-Moon roofs that run from stem to stern making it impossible to install roof mounted antennas
-Passenger compartments that make it difficult to install mobile rig front panels
-Electrical systems and battery electronics that make it more difficult to “tap” 12VDC/10 amp or higher amperage sources to power ‘user provided devices’; and
-Grounding considerations

Are there currently any new make/model ‘ham friendly' vehicles that would be appropriate to install amateur radio equipment such as VHF/UHF mobile rigs?

I currently drive a 2006 Volvo XC70 wagon with 457,000 miles where I have five roof mounted VHF/UHF antennas shared amongst three amateur transceivers (DMR and Analog), two SDR receivers, and two 900 MHz receivers.  I’ve been holding off purchasing a new vehicle in part due to the uncertainty whether it is possible to properly install amateur equipment along with concerns with the ‘quirks’ of various car manufacturer’s infotainment systems.  

I’d appreciate comments from those on this list that have recent experiences in purchasing new vehicles and installing amateur gear in stations wagons, SUVs or Crossovers that I should consider in my ‘vehicle search.’  I travel extensively between the DFW Metroplex, Southeast Georgia and New England;  having amateur radio (and railroad voice and data monitoring) gear with me is a critical consideration.  

Thanks,

Barry Baines, WD4ASW
K3-KPA500-KAT500 owner
(Currently in Boston. MA)


> 
> Computers in general are not very RFI-proof. I discovered this the hard way when I was running 100 W to an end-fed wire directly connected to the radio. Disks spin up, mysterious boot sequences get kicked off, NSFW images flicker subliminally across the screen (or was that just my imagination?).
> 
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> 
>> On May 6, 2019, at 7:22 AM, Charlie T <pincon at erols.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Has anyone considered the liability of running very high power mobile?
>> What if you're running a KW, and gave a call on 20M.  Suddenly,  the guys
>> brakes in the vehicle next to you locked up causing a multiple vehicle
>> crash?
>> I realize this is an extremely hypothetical and unlikely case, but these
>> smart vehicle computer systems can't be all THAT immune to all sorts of RFI.
>> 
>> I know the cruise control my 2000 Dakota would mysteriously jump 5 MPH if I
>> keyed up with only 25 watts on 222MHz. 
>> It would return to it's previous setting when I un-keyed.   VERY
>> disconcerting eh?
>> 
>> 73, Charlie k3ICH
> 
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