[Mobile-Portable] HF mobile newbie question

[K0DAN]

You're probably exceeding the current capability of the cigarette outlet, 
and possibly the inverter as well.

I assume this is an AC-only rig that you're trying to operate on 120VAC via 
the inverter? Does the rig work OK plugged directly into thoe 120VAC outlet 
in your house? But then fails in the vehicle? If yes, this is almost 
certainly a high current problem.

Running inverters mobile is not the best arrangement, because of groudning, 
RF noise from the inverter, and power inefficnecies, which you are aparently 
witnessing.

If you're determined to try that arrangement, try using a good pair of 
jumper cables direct to the battery, direct to the inverter. If the rig 
works then (esp on transmit) then you know it's getting enough current with 
good, heavy wires direct to the battery. Which is how you'll need to power 
the inverter. Bigger power cables,  short lengths, and avoiding the cigar 
lighter.

If you have a voltmeter, check to see that you don't have any high voltages 
from the radio chassis to the vehicle frame.

Good luck & 73

Dan
K0DAN


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Oakland" <soakland at verizon.net>
To: <mobile-portable at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2007 3:11 PM
Subject: [Mobile-Portable] HF mobile newbie question


> Hello:
>
> I have been trying to connect a Yaesu FT101ZD (has one 6146B final) to my 
> car battery via the cig. lighter and a Portawattz 300 W inverter (rated at 
> 30A max) with no success. When I turn on the rig, after a short time , the 
> inverter alarm starts beeping and power begins to shut down or be 
> intermittent. Is it because my cig lighter outlet is rated only for 10 
> amps (the rig draws up to 20)? Would a portable powerpack-type unit 
> instead of the car battery be better? I don't relish having to connect 
> directly to the car battery. I want to go portable to islands in the area 
> (IOTA / USI), and would like to get this rig on as I don't have the $ to 
> buy a dedicated mobile rig.
>
> Tnx
> Scott W1AL
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC, mobile-portable-owner at mailman.qth.net
>