[Mobile-Portable] Power

Tue, 20 May 2003 14:25:06 -0400

This whole process has been made easier with the advent of the trunk rattling
stereo systems. A good audio store will have an amp installation kit consisting
of inline blade type fuseholders, heavy "micro weave" wire, and good quality
battery connections.

A trip to Best Buy or Circuit City can result in a nice installation kit.
John K5MO

                      Art Clemons                                                                                                               
                      <[email protected]>                    To:      [email protected]                                               
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                      mobile-portable-admin@mail         Subject: Re: [Mobile-Portable] Power                                                   
                      man.qth.net                                                                                                               

                      05/20/2003 12:28 PM                                                                                                       

Des, N4IN:
> I am doing another mobile installation in my new VW Jetta for my IC-706MKIIG
> this time I have a very tight fit to pass the 12VDC through to get into the
> car. I am considering using 12AWG instead of the 10AWG I previously used in
> my old vehicle, Jeep Cherokee, the run is about 12-15ft. I figured this is
> OK but wanted to ask for input. Is the 12AWG OK for a rig that will draw
> 21-22 Amps intermittently via 12AWG over a 15ft run?

I would strongly advise not using either 10AWG or 12AWG, but instead
using the largest possible size (a minimum of 4AWG) to provide power to
your mobile rig.  Even in a 15 FT run, IR losses add up.  You might want
to ask a VW mechanic where an unused grommet is in the Jetta, and then
seal that up with silicon sealant instead.  The other point to consider
is that a 12AWG could get quite hot with a 15 to 20 amp load even at 12
volts and constitute an eventual hazard if the insulatin melts or
otherwise deteriorates from heat.  Of course, if it's the best you can
do, you can try it, but remember that fusing is always necessary near
the battery.

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