[K3PZN-List] Vehicle Installation

[Scott, KB3JQQ]

Here are tips I've learned and discovered through trial and terror.
Use stranded wire only, not even solid conductor coax.
If you must join wires, solder them and cover with shrink tubing.

Run an equal gauge hot and ground wires to the battery.
You can use the vehicle as an additional ground but do not rely on frame 
grounds or hinges for grounding. Use braid to connect body parts. While 
the body works good at first on a new vehicle, the connections will get 
worse as time goes on. Remember that DC and RF work differently on the body.
You want to go straight to the battery with your power wires and fuse 
both sides. If you body ground goes bad, all the starting current can 
try to follow your coax and radio ground with bad results. By going 
directly to the battery, you avoid picking up noise and radiating your 
RF directly into the vehicle's electrical system.