RadioBanter - View Single Post

February 3rd 06, 01:18 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.equipment

wrote:

I installed a VFH/UHF radio in a 1997 Grand Cherokee. The RF antenna
is approximately two feet horizontally, and slightly higher from the
Jeep's radio receive antenna. If I was listening to the vehicle radio
and keyed the VHF radio, it would mute the vehicle radio. The vehicle
radio finally is no longer working, except for one station. I am
assuming an induction problem. Technically, what exactly happened,
how, or not to fix the vehicle radio. How to prevent this problem in
the future. I raise this question not so much for the sake of the
Jeep, but because I am proposing to a put a VHF/UHF rig in the lady's
2005 Honda Accord. The only viable place on the car is a trunk mount.
It appears the car radion antenna is embedded in the rear glass and I
believe this area is also where the XM radio antenna is located. I
have tried to contact Honda on various levels but have had no success.
I am wondering if I put the VHF radio in the car, will it "burn out"
the other radios. This should give something for a lot of
conversation. I hope I can get some help.

Thanks,
Ethan Davis KB3EGG

I own a 1995 Ford Explorer and have it equipped with a 50/144/440 radio
that runs from 3-50 watts. I have my VHF/UHF antenna permanantly
mounted on the roof (Larsen low profile 18" dual band). I run the radio
into a diplexer and have a separate antenna for 6 meters. The way I
have it rigged up is the 6 meter antenna also serves as my AM/FM antenna
through the use of a splitter. I also have a 100 watt HF radio with a
multiband antenna on the rear bumper.

I have noticed interaction with my AM/FM radio at the 3 watt level on
UHF. High power almost always takes out the broadcast station but the
receiver has never been damaged.

When I transmit on HF, I can hear the SSB signal over the car stereo
speakers.

You don't mention how much power you are running but if your transmit
antenna is only 2 ft from the AM/FM antenna and you are running 40-50
watts, I would not be comfortable with that distance.

As for fixing the existing radio, you would probably be cheaper to get
some aftermarket system. Just be aware, when you do, if you are using
existing OEM speakers, often times, there may be an impedence mismatch
with the OEM speakers and an aftermarket receiver. Most aftermarket
units are 8 ohms. I have seen OEM speakers that were other impedence.

Andy