That's a pretty nice installation, Richard. One thing I would do is
run the negative lead for the radio to the battery as well as the
positive lead. Having a relay in line is nice, but then you have to
leave the key on in the JGC when you want to use the radio. Sometimes
on ARES/RACES exercises, the radio is on all day. I don't mind
pushing the button after I start the ZJ, and again when I park it.

I always recommend using a larger gauge wire(s) from the battery
compartment. I bring them to posts under the back seat, then I have
plenty of power without any voltage drop for any equipment in the rear
of the vehicle. I actually use 4-gauge wire for both leads.

Working with large gauge wire in a vehicle can be a real pain. So I
take the easy way out and take my vehicles to an automobile stereo
installer. They work with large gauge wires all day, and their
workmanship is usually superb. Much better than I would ever do. I
think they charged me $30 for the labor, and I provided the wire,
terminals, etc. I did take out the passenger seat so they wouldn't
have to deal with that. Probably saved me a few bucks.

Finally, I would comment on the excess RG-58. Just cut it off and
install another connector. It sounds like you are trying to avoid
doing that, but it's really not that difficult. That's the only
change I would make in your installation. My other comments you can
save for another vehicle and another time.

Dick - W6CCD



On 30 Nov 2005 15:37:15 -0800, wrote:

so I finally got my new IC208h installed in my 2002 Jeep Grand
Cherokee. I did a little research and some brainstorming, but my lack
of experience has me here hoping to get some thoughts on things.

I feed the radio from a relay that switches off the cigarette lighter
fuse, and feeds directly from the battery (as was somewhat reccommended
here). The antenna is a dual band hamstick, and feeds in via 3 types of
cable, including 18" of mini-coax to get through the liftgate seal.

The whole thing can be found at :
http://www.richardvalenta.com/radio/

I'd like to hear what people have to say about things, and I'm thinking
of clipping some of that excess RG58 by the antenna, and replacing the
PL259 end with a ring and a different mount from the hamstick people -
has anyone used a dual-band radio with this 'ring and spade ' type of
connection?

Ideas and thoughts appreciated, thanks.

Richard
N0TZC