[Heathkit] RFI problems with Ford Edge

[Ray Keefe]

  On 10/28/2010 2:35 AM, Kevin Ward wrote:
> I'm contemplating buying a new Ford Edge.  Has anyone tried running
> HF-mobile in this vehicle?  Are there any known serious problems that I
> should be concerned about?  I'm thinking about engine, cruise control,
> computer related stuff, and so on.  Also, any interference to the radio
> would be an issue.
>
> Kevin  N2IE
>
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Kevin,

Regarding the frontal air bag sensors, generally there are 3, all 
located in the front of the vehicle ahead or on the radiator support, 1 
near each headlight and the other low in the center, 2 of them need to 
be activated by a crash to deploy the frontal air bags.  As for the 
location of the side bags if equipped you would have to consult the mfg 
service manuals for the location of those sensors.

Next there is not just one computer in the newer cars, according to the 
fellow I work for at an auto repair shop, his wife just bought a 2010 
Ford Fusion,and he say's it has 13 computers in it per the owners manual.

I know from working on the cars from about 2000 up, there is not just 
one computer in the cars anymore. There is a computer to do just about 
anything. There is an ECM or PCM for the motor, transmission, cruise 
control, ABS, Air Bags, 4 WD if so equipped,  security system, a/c or 
climate control,  electric seat memory, etc and they are scattered all 
over the place inside the car. Under the hood, inside the dash, in the 
driver and passenger foot kick panels, in the rear passenger kick 
panels, the trunk, any place they can find a hole they stuff one in and 
then run a wired network similar to a CAT 5 network in your home.  Any 
one of them can set off the MIL or more commonly known as the "Check 
Engine Light".

So the bottom line contact Ford, find out where you can safely put an 
antenna, route the coax feed line, power connections, and where you can 
mount your ham equipment, and how much RF power you can safely use.  
Also be advised that there is an abundance of plastic now on the 
exterior of cars what looks like metal isn't.  They are always looking 
for a way to not pay for any problems under warranty if they can blow 
smoke and claim it was caused by something you did by installing your 
radio. I am reasonably sure that Ford will work with you since they have 
extensive experience with the Crown Vic Interceptor and all the RF and 
electronics that the LEO's have installed in those cars.


Ray
K2RJK

formerly KC2GMN