[Mobile-Portable] Wire Size

[D C *Mac* Macdonald]

I would also recommend #6 AWG.  That is what I used
for tube-type 100W output transceivers mobile, and
although there is no filament drain, the solid-state rigs
seem to be far less tolerant of low supply voltage than
my old National NCX-3 and NCX-5 transceivers were.

73 - Mac, K2GKK/5
Oklahoma City, OI



----Original Message Follows----
From: "Bil Seymour" <wa6mod at verizon.net>
To: "Mobile-Portable Reflector" <mobile-portable at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 2:02 AM
Subject: [Mobile-Portable] Wire Size


>    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    >>>>