|
Mobile Power Fluctuations
I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When
I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC |
Dan wrote:
I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC that is definetally not normal. do you have a SWR meter ? or any kind of meter you can attach to the radio to see what is coming out of it ? how is the 242 on receiveing in comparison to the ht ? -- Registered Linux User #346565 http://www.tblx.net WA5K |
Dan wrote:
I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC that is definetally not normal. do you have a SWR meter ? or any kind of meter you can attach to the radio to see what is coming out of it ? how is the 242 on receiveing in comparison to the ht ? -- Registered Linux User #346565 http://www.tblx.net WA5K |
Hi, Since you are new to the hobby (congratulations) is your antenna
correctly mounted (grounded OK)? How is the coax cable run, could you have "pinched" it or cut it pulling it through metal parts of your car, maybe causing a short in the cable? It sounds like it is an antenna issue. It sounds like the radio is folding back it's power for protection. If you don't have an swr meter, get one or borrow one. Also, see if you can borrow a magnetic mount antenna for a quick test. If that works OK then it is an antenna / coax problem. One more thing you can try if your antenna seems ok. Add a small coax jumper (a foot long or so) between the radio and the antenna coax. Once in a blue the added length of coax can cure some SWR problems. 73 and good luck!! Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC |
Hi, Since you are new to the hobby (congratulations) is your antenna
correctly mounted (grounded OK)? How is the coax cable run, could you have "pinched" it or cut it pulling it through metal parts of your car, maybe causing a short in the cable? It sounds like it is an antenna issue. It sounds like the radio is folding back it's power for protection. If you don't have an swr meter, get one or borrow one. Also, see if you can borrow a magnetic mount antenna for a quick test. If that works OK then it is an antenna / coax problem. One more thing you can try if your antenna seems ok. Add a small coax jumper (a foot long or so) between the radio and the antenna coax. Once in a blue the added length of coax can cure some SWR problems. 73 and good luck!! Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC |
Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
I have an SWR meter but it is for 10/11 meter only. I think I
discovered "half" of the problem.. The power cable was passing directly over the antenna coax. I separated them with about 6 inches of space and the radio now hits many more repeaters than my HT, however the power meter still only goes up half way. The receive is very good. I am able to pull in all of the Wx channels on 162.xx.. Can't even do that with my scanner and an attic antenna. The 1/2 of the bars when transmitting still bugs me though.. Dan Jeremy Salch wrote in message ... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC that is definetally not normal. do you have a SWR meter ? or any kind of meter you can attach to the radio to see what is coming out of it ? how is the 242 on receiveing in comparison to the ht ? |
I have an SWR meter but it is for 10/11 meter only. I think I
discovered "half" of the problem.. The power cable was passing directly over the antenna coax. I separated them with about 6 inches of space and the radio now hits many more repeaters than my HT, however the power meter still only goes up half way. The receive is very good. I am able to pull in all of the Wx channels on 162.xx.. Can't even do that with my scanner and an attic antenna. The 1/2 of the bars when transmitting still bugs me though.. Dan Jeremy Salch wrote in message ... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC that is definetally not normal. do you have a SWR meter ? or any kind of meter you can attach to the radio to see what is coming out of it ? how is the 242 on receiveing in comparison to the ht ? |
12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those
radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? |
12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those
radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? |
|
|
You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette
lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette
lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
On 4 May 2004 06:36:19 -0700, Dan wrote:
12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. That's probably your problem. The conductor size in RG58 is teeny-teeny for a transmitter that is 'sposed to put out 45 W. Get rid of the RG58 for the power lead and get yoursrelf some 16-gauge red-black Zip cord. Most ham radio stores or trailer.RV places should have it. Run it directly to the battery with fuses in both leads at the battery. I run mine through a fused headlight relay next to the battery so I can control it with a simple on-off-on switch (hot-off-accessory). It will make all the difference in the world. -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon |
On 4 May 2004 06:36:19 -0700, Dan wrote:
12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. That's probably your problem. The conductor size in RG58 is teeny-teeny for a transmitter that is 'sposed to put out 45 W. Get rid of the RG58 for the power lead and get yoursrelf some 16-gauge red-black Zip cord. Most ham radio stores or trailer.RV places should have it. Run it directly to the battery with fuses in both leads at the battery. I run mine through a fused headlight relay next to the battery so I can control it with a simple on-off-on switch (hot-off-accessory). It will make all the difference in the world. -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon |
Your using RG-58 to power the radio?
BAD idea. The wire inside is very small and won't be able to handle the current the radio needs to run at full power. Use at least 18 gauge wire or better yet, 16 gauge for BOTH plus and minus. Don't forget to put a fuse on BOTH wires. Give that a shot and report back. 73 ---------------------- Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? |
Your using RG-58 to power the radio?
BAD idea. The wire inside is very small and won't be able to handle the current the radio needs to run at full power. Use at least 18 gauge wire or better yet, 16 gauge for BOTH plus and minus. Don't forget to put a fuse on BOTH wires. Give that a shot and report back. 73 ---------------------- Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? |
I think he meant he is using the cigarette lighter for power (though he also
has hooked to the batteray and to a 10A PS), and he is using RG-58 [for the antenna] but he has not stated the gage of the power leads. Agree RG-58 would be a disaster for power lead for anything drawing over a fraction of an amp. Heavy lines, directly to the battery, *both* fused, twisted for noise immunity, is the recommended procedure by several major auto makers for 2 way radio installations. "Nitespark" wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
I think he meant he is using the cigarette lighter for power (though he also
has hooked to the batteray and to a 10A PS), and he is using RG-58 [for the antenna] but he has not stated the gage of the power leads. Agree RG-58 would be a disaster for power lead for anything drawing over a fraction of an amp. Heavy lines, directly to the battery, *both* fused, twisted for noise immunity, is the recommended procedure by several major auto makers for 2 way radio installations. "Nitespark" wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax
as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? |
No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax
as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? |
My answer still stands. A cigar lighter adapter should not be used to
power any radio over 3-4 amps (personal opinion). A 45 watt radio is going to draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 amps. You should run 12 gauge wire directly to the battery and fuse both leads at the battery, or conversely, if you absolutely insist on using a cigar lighter as a power source, then switch your radio to the lowest power setting it has. If it is anymore than 5-10 watts then you should not be using the cigar lighter as a power source. Dan wrote: No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
My answer still stands. A cigar lighter adapter should not be used to
power any radio over 3-4 amps (personal opinion). A 45 watt radio is going to draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 amps. You should run 12 gauge wire directly to the battery and fuse both leads at the battery, or conversely, if you absolutely insist on using a cigar lighter as a power source, then switch your radio to the lowest power setting it has. If it is anymore than 5-10 watts then you should not be using the cigar lighter as a power source. Dan wrote: No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
Ditto Nitespark reply,
just like to add, upgrade to #10 ga wire, worth the few cents price difference and no power drops. That way you can alway power a few other items off a rig runner or equal item. Try to get a set of powerpole by anderson, they are inexpensive and make things easy to power. pappy. Nitespark wrote: My answer still stands. A cigar lighter adapter should not be used to power any radio over 3-4 amps (personal opinion). A 45 watt radio is going to draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 amps. You should run 12 gauge wire directly to the battery and fuse both leads at the battery, or conversely, if you absolutely insist on using a cigar lighter as a power source, then switch your radio to the lowest power setting it has. If it is anymore than 5-10 watts then you should not be using the cigar lighter as a power source. Dan wrote: No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
Ditto Nitespark reply,
just like to add, upgrade to #10 ga wire, worth the few cents price difference and no power drops. That way you can alway power a few other items off a rig runner or equal item. Try to get a set of powerpole by anderson, they are inexpensive and make things easy to power. pappy. Nitespark wrote: My answer still stands. A cigar lighter adapter should not be used to power any radio over 3-4 amps (personal opinion). A 45 watt radio is going to draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 amps. You should run 12 gauge wire directly to the battery and fuse both leads at the battery, or conversely, if you absolutely insist on using a cigar lighter as a power source, then switch your radio to the lowest power setting it has. If it is anymore than 5-10 watts then you should not be using the cigar lighter as a power source. Dan wrote: No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
I tried going straignt to the battery and the problem does not go
away. I checked my manual and the cig lighter can handle 20A. Dan Nitespark wrote in message news:a6Amc.44722$NZ4.32211@lakeread05... My answer still stands. A cigar lighter adapter should not be used to power any radio over 3-4 amps (personal opinion). A 45 watt radio is going to draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 amps. You should run 12 gauge wire directly to the battery and fuse both leads at the battery, or conversely, if you absolutely insist on using a cigar lighter as a power source, then switch your radio to the lowest power setting it has. If it is anymore than 5-10 watts then you should not be using the cigar lighter as a power source. Dan wrote: No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? |
I tried going straignt to the battery and the problem does not go
away. I checked my manual and the cig lighter can handle 20A. Dan Nitespark wrote in message news:a6Amc.44722$NZ4.32211@lakeread05... My answer still stands. A cigar lighter adapter should not be used to power any radio over 3-4 amps (personal opinion). A 45 watt radio is going to draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 amps. You should run 12 gauge wire directly to the battery and fuse both leads at the battery, or conversely, if you absolutely insist on using a cigar lighter as a power source, then switch your radio to the lowest power setting it has. If it is anymore than 5-10 watts then you should not be using the cigar lighter as a power source. Dan wrote: No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? |
What gauge wire are you using to connect to the battery?
Just because the cigarette lighter receptacle can handle 20 amps does not mean the plug connecting the radio can. I will say again. A cigarette lighter plug should not be used to power a radio drawing over 3-4 amps. One other person who replied to your message suggested 10 gauge wire. I said 12. I guess he and I can "fight" over that over a nice cold brew sometime, but the bottom line is, we are both thinking along the same lines. You will want to keep your power leads as short as possible. That doesn't mean you can't have 1-2 feet of extra lead, but if you are using 20 feet of power lead where 6 feet will do, then you are asking for trouble. Assuming you have a good solid power lead connection directly to the battery, using heavy gauge wire, then I would check the antenna. You should use a good quality SWR meter or better yet, a good quality watt meter that you can use to check reflected power. If the power output on your transmitter is showing 45 watts and there is little if any reflected power from the antenna, I would suspect the "meter" on your radio display may not be giving an accurate indication of actual power out. Also, try hooking a 50 ohm dummy load (with the proper frequency and power ratings), to the radio and see if it does the same thing. If the radio display indicator looks "normal", then I would strongly suspect the antenna system. Dan wrote: I tried going straignt to the battery and the problem does not go away. I checked my manual and the cig lighter can handle 20A. Dan Nitespark wrote in message news:a6Amc.44722$NZ4.32211@lakeread05... My answer still stands. A cigar lighter adapter should not be used to power any radio over 3-4 amps (personal opinion). A 45 watt radio is going to draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 amps. You should run 12 gauge wire directly to the battery and fuse both leads at the battery, or conversely, if you absolutely insist on using a cigar lighter as a power source, then switch your radio to the lowest power setting it has. If it is anymore than 5-10 watts then you should not be using the cigar lighter as a power source. Dan wrote: No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
What gauge wire are you using to connect to the battery?
Just because the cigarette lighter receptacle can handle 20 amps does not mean the plug connecting the radio can. I will say again. A cigarette lighter plug should not be used to power a radio drawing over 3-4 amps. One other person who replied to your message suggested 10 gauge wire. I said 12. I guess he and I can "fight" over that over a nice cold brew sometime, but the bottom line is, we are both thinking along the same lines. You will want to keep your power leads as short as possible. That doesn't mean you can't have 1-2 feet of extra lead, but if you are using 20 feet of power lead where 6 feet will do, then you are asking for trouble. Assuming you have a good solid power lead connection directly to the battery, using heavy gauge wire, then I would check the antenna. You should use a good quality SWR meter or better yet, a good quality watt meter that you can use to check reflected power. If the power output on your transmitter is showing 45 watts and there is little if any reflected power from the antenna, I would suspect the "meter" on your radio display may not be giving an accurate indication of actual power out. Also, try hooking a 50 ohm dummy load (with the proper frequency and power ratings), to the radio and see if it does the same thing. If the radio display indicator looks "normal", then I would strongly suspect the antenna system. Dan wrote: I tried going straignt to the battery and the problem does not go away. I checked my manual and the cig lighter can handle 20A. Dan Nitespark wrote in message news:a6Amc.44722$NZ4.32211@lakeread05... My answer still stands. A cigar lighter adapter should not be used to power any radio over 3-4 amps (personal opinion). A 45 watt radio is going to draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 amps. You should run 12 gauge wire directly to the battery and fuse both leads at the battery, or conversely, if you absolutely insist on using a cigar lighter as a power source, then switch your radio to the lowest power setting it has. If it is anymore than 5-10 watts then you should not be using the cigar lighter as a power source. Dan wrote: No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
|
|
Instead of going straight to the battery, could I ground the negative
and hook the positive up to the accessory fuse in the fuse box? I would like it if the unit turned on and off with the ignition. The accessory fuse is 40A. Dan Nitespark wrote in message news:Mnync.54811$NZ4.29908@lakeread05... What gauge wire are you using to connect to the battery? Just because the cigarette lighter receptacle can handle 20 amps does not mean the plug connecting the radio can. I will say again. A cigarette lighter plug should not be used to power a radio drawing over 3-4 amps. One other person who replied to your message suggested 10 gauge wire. I said 12. I guess he and I can "fight" over that over a nice cold brew sometime, but the bottom line is, we are both thinking along the same lines. You will want to keep your power leads as short as possible. That doesn't mean you can't have 1-2 feet of extra lead, but if you are using 20 feet of power lead where 6 feet will do, then you are asking for trouble. Assuming you have a good solid power lead connection directly to the battery, using heavy gauge wire, then I would check the antenna. You should use a good quality SWR meter or better yet, a good quality watt meter that you can use to check reflected power. If the power output on your transmitter is showing 45 watts and there is little if any reflected power from the antenna, I would suspect the "meter" on your radio display may not be giving an accurate indication of actual power out. Also, try hooking a 50 ohm dummy load (with the proper frequency and power ratings), to the radio and see if it does the same thing. If the radio display indicator looks "normal", then I would strongly suspect the antenna system. Dan wrote: I tried going straignt to the battery and the problem does not go away. I checked my manual and the cig lighter can handle 20A. Dan Nitespark wrote in message news:a6Amc.44722$NZ4.32211@lakeread05... My answer still stands. A cigar lighter adapter should not be used to power any radio over 3-4 amps (personal opinion). A 45 watt radio is going to draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 amps. You should run 12 gauge wire directly to the battery and fuse both leads at the battery, or conversely, if you absolutely insist on using a cigar lighter as a power source, then switch your radio to the lowest power setting it has. If it is anymore than 5-10 watts then you should not be using the cigar lighter as a power source. Dan wrote: No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? |
Instead of going straight to the battery, could I ground the negative
and hook the positive up to the accessory fuse in the fuse box? I would like it if the unit turned on and off with the ignition. The accessory fuse is 40A. Dan Nitespark wrote in message news:Mnync.54811$NZ4.29908@lakeread05... What gauge wire are you using to connect to the battery? Just because the cigarette lighter receptacle can handle 20 amps does not mean the plug connecting the radio can. I will say again. A cigarette lighter plug should not be used to power a radio drawing over 3-4 amps. One other person who replied to your message suggested 10 gauge wire. I said 12. I guess he and I can "fight" over that over a nice cold brew sometime, but the bottom line is, we are both thinking along the same lines. You will want to keep your power leads as short as possible. That doesn't mean you can't have 1-2 feet of extra lead, but if you are using 20 feet of power lead where 6 feet will do, then you are asking for trouble. Assuming you have a good solid power lead connection directly to the battery, using heavy gauge wire, then I would check the antenna. You should use a good quality SWR meter or better yet, a good quality watt meter that you can use to check reflected power. If the power output on your transmitter is showing 45 watts and there is little if any reflected power from the antenna, I would suspect the "meter" on your radio display may not be giving an accurate indication of actual power out. Also, try hooking a 50 ohm dummy load (with the proper frequency and power ratings), to the radio and see if it does the same thing. If the radio display indicator looks "normal", then I would strongly suspect the antenna system. Dan wrote: I tried going straignt to the battery and the problem does not go away. I checked my manual and the cig lighter can handle 20A. Dan Nitespark wrote in message news:a6Amc.44722$NZ4.32211@lakeread05... My answer still stands. A cigar lighter adapter should not be used to power any radio over 3-4 amps (personal opinion). A 45 watt radio is going to draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 amps. You should run 12 gauge wire directly to the battery and fuse both leads at the battery, or conversely, if you absolutely insist on using a cigar lighter as a power source, then switch your radio to the lowest power setting it has. If it is anymore than 5-10 watts then you should not be using the cigar lighter as a power source. Dan wrote: No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? |
I would not recommend doing it that way. You should take BOTH positive
and negative leads directly to the battery, fuse BOTH leads with an appropriate fuse. If you want to be able to control the radio power through the ignition switch, get a heavy duty relay with contacts rated 15-20 amps, mount that inline with the positive lead and use your ignition power source to energize the coil in the relay. Dan wrote: Instead of going straight to the battery, could I ground the negative and hook the positive up to the accessory fuse in the fuse box? I would like it if the unit turned on and off with the ignition. The accessory fuse is 40A. Dan Nitespark wrote in message news:Mnync.54811$NZ4.29908@lakeread05... What gauge wire are you using to connect to the battery? Just because the cigarette lighter receptacle can handle 20 amps does not mean the plug connecting the radio can. I will say again. A cigarette lighter plug should not be used to power a radio drawing over 3-4 amps. One other person who replied to your message suggested 10 gauge wire. I said 12. I guess he and I can "fight" over that over a nice cold brew sometime, but the bottom line is, we are both thinking along the same lines. You will want to keep your power leads as short as possible. That doesn't mean you can't have 1-2 feet of extra lead, but if you are using 20 feet of power lead where 6 feet will do, then you are asking for trouble. Assuming you have a good solid power lead connection directly to the battery, using heavy gauge wire, then I would check the antenna. You should use a good quality SWR meter or better yet, a good quality watt meter that you can use to check reflected power. If the power output on your transmitter is showing 45 watts and there is little if any reflected power from the antenna, I would suspect the "meter" on your radio display may not be giving an accurate indication of actual power out. Also, try hooking a 50 ohm dummy load (with the proper frequency and power ratings), to the radio and see if it does the same thing. If the radio display indicator looks "normal", then I would strongly suspect the antenna system. Dan wrote: I tried going straignt to the battery and the problem does not go away. I checked my manual and the cig lighter can handle 20A. Dan Nitespark wrote in message news:a6Amc.44722$NZ4.32211@lakeread05... My answer still stands. A cigar lighter adapter should not be used to power any radio over 3-4 amps (personal opinion). A 45 watt radio is going to draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 amps. You should run 12 gauge wire directly to the battery and fuse both leads at the battery, or conversely, if you absolutely insist on using a cigar lighter as a power source, then switch your radio to the lowest power setting it has. If it is anymore than 5-10 watts then you should not be using the cigar lighter as a power source. Dan wrote: No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
I would not recommend doing it that way. You should take BOTH positive
and negative leads directly to the battery, fuse BOTH leads with an appropriate fuse. If you want to be able to control the radio power through the ignition switch, get a heavy duty relay with contacts rated 15-20 amps, mount that inline with the positive lead and use your ignition power source to energize the coil in the relay. Dan wrote: Instead of going straight to the battery, could I ground the negative and hook the positive up to the accessory fuse in the fuse box? I would like it if the unit turned on and off with the ignition. The accessory fuse is 40A. Dan Nitespark wrote in message news:Mnync.54811$NZ4.29908@lakeread05... What gauge wire are you using to connect to the battery? Just because the cigarette lighter receptacle can handle 20 amps does not mean the plug connecting the radio can. I will say again. A cigarette lighter plug should not be used to power a radio drawing over 3-4 amps. One other person who replied to your message suggested 10 gauge wire. I said 12. I guess he and I can "fight" over that over a nice cold brew sometime, but the bottom line is, we are both thinking along the same lines. You will want to keep your power leads as short as possible. That doesn't mean you can't have 1-2 feet of extra lead, but if you are using 20 feet of power lead where 6 feet will do, then you are asking for trouble. Assuming you have a good solid power lead connection directly to the battery, using heavy gauge wire, then I would check the antenna. You should use a good quality SWR meter or better yet, a good quality watt meter that you can use to check reflected power. If the power output on your transmitter is showing 45 watts and there is little if any reflected power from the antenna, I would suspect the "meter" on your radio display may not be giving an accurate indication of actual power out. Also, try hooking a 50 ohm dummy load (with the proper frequency and power ratings), to the radio and see if it does the same thing. If the radio display indicator looks "normal", then I would strongly suspect the antenna system. Dan wrote: I tried going straignt to the battery and the problem does not go away. I checked my manual and the cig lighter can handle 20A. Dan Nitespark wrote in message news:a6Amc.44722$NZ4.32211@lakeread05... My answer still stands. A cigar lighter adapter should not be used to power any radio over 3-4 amps (personal opinion). A 45 watt radio is going to draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 amps. You should run 12 gauge wire directly to the battery and fuse both leads at the battery, or conversely, if you absolutely insist on using a cigar lighter as a power source, then switch your radio to the lowest power setting it has. If it is anymore than 5-10 watts then you should not be using the cigar lighter as a power source. Dan wrote: No.. Sorry I didn't read your question correctly.. I'm not using coax as a power cable, I'm using it as a antenna cable. The power lead is the one that came with the HTX-212.. red and black. I assume since it came with the unit it should be ok. Nitespark wrote in message news:isQlc.38442$NZ4.17231@lakeread05... You are using RG58 coax as a power lead????? Through a cigarette lighter plug???? That is probably 99% of your problem. A 45W radio is probably drawing 10 amps or so. You need to completely rewire the power lead using at least 12 ga wire (NOT COAX). It needs to be fused on BOTH leads AT THE BATTERY. A cigarette lighter power connection should not be used for more than 3-4 amps. I would suggest you get with someone experienced an knowledgeable about installing communications equipment in vehicles and get their guidance. I would be surprised if your VCO even locked up when you were running high power. Dan wrote: 12 feet of RG58, plugged into the cigar lighter using one of those radio shack adapters. I tried hooking it directly up to the battery and had the same problem. Also hooked it up to a 10Amp power supply. Nitespark wrote in message news:XHKlc.38165$NZ4.16447@lakeread05... Dan wrote: I just got my first mobile, a used HTX-212 (45W on high power).. When I have the car engine off the transmit bars only light up about half way. When I drive they go up farther but I still have trouble hitting the repeater while my HT hits it with no problem. Are these power fluctuations normal? Thanks, Dan KE5BCC What is the gauge of wire (for power) you have feeding the transciever??? and how long??? Where is your power lead hooked in??? Is it hooked into the battery or do you have it running through the fuse panel???? -- One lawyer can steal more than a hundred men with guns. |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:28 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
RadioBanter.com