On Feb 12, 5:17 pm, "KE5MBX" wrote:
Hi,
What's all this business I hear people talking about blasting people's
car stereos or killing cars altogether with high-power RF? I run 2m,
10m, and 11m in my jeep and I'd like to sort out the fact from the
legend and find out what kind of power I can use without risking
damage to my jeep or cars around me. At what power level is front-end
overload to a nearby radio likely? At what power level is damage
likely, and to what componets?

I am currently using only 50 watts on a 5/8 wave (2m), 25w on a 1/4
wave (10m), legal 4w on a 1/4 wave (11m)

Thanks,
Nelson KE5MBX

When I worked for Motorola AIEG (Automotive Group)... I did quite a
bit of testing of RF susceptability of engine controller modules that
Motorola made for Ford Motor Co. We used a giant stripline that was
powered by an RF sweep generator. We characterized disruptions caused
by RF fields under the stripline... while the engine controller was
running (simulation of real vehicle). Back then... it took about 200V/
meter of field strength... only at certain frequencies to cause major
module hiccups. Don't know how modern day modules fare against similar
fields. One thing I do know... in my current car repair manuals... it
warns against operating "high power" transmitters... warning that the
air bag may deploy. I guess that's how you know if you're really
gettin' out... when the air bag leaves the imprint of the microphone
on your face... lol

www.telstar-electronics.com