[Mobile-Portable] Wire Size

[Bil Seymour]

    I currently run two, properly fused, wires from my truck battery,
through a relay, and then into the cabin.  These are the wires that came
stock with my FT-90.  They appear to be, possibly, 12-gauge.

    In the cab, I split these power sources to feed three other radios: An
FT-8800, a TM-331 (220), and a Cobra CB rig (my Jeep Club uses Channel 20
during off-road runs).  All of these power feeds are separately fused.

    This arrangement works just fine and nothing has given me any trouble.

    I plan to replace the FT-90 with an FT-857D.  Because this rig runs much
higher power, I plan to replace the cable runs from the engine compartment.

    My question is: How much bigger should I go?  I am thinking about
8-gauge.  Will this be adequate?  (The length is approximately 15-feet.)

    Another question: What is considered state of the art, now, for an
in-line fuse holder?  I might as well upgrade to the best style of fuse,
while I am doing the upgrade.

    Additional question: What is a good source for small quantities of this
heavier wire?  My local hardware store does not carry anything larger than
10-gauge.

    Final question: Does anybody have any experience with these new (to me)
DC power supplies.  They are said to maintain a reliable 13.6-Volt output
regardless of the input voltage (within reason).  In principle, they seem
like a good idea, especially when running the HF rig for prolonged periods
with the engine turned off.

     Thanks and 73,

           <<<<<     Bil Seymour  --  WA6MOD    >>>>

                   "Everyone Follows the Bass Player"