[OZAPRS] RIGRunners, can you buy in Oz ?

[Andrew Macmichael]

Hi,

I have read with interest the comments of installing radios in cars. Thanks for the hints & info.

I noted that Peter uses RIGRunners which is what I would like to setup. A quick google search found http://www.westmountainradio.com/content.php?page=RIGrunner which is a USA company.

Does anyone know of a supplier in Australia that will reduce freight costs & enable myself to support Oz companies ?


Thanks,
Andrew Mac
VK5FMAC



________________________________
 From: Peter Bye <vk2mpj at internode.on.net>
To: ozaprs at aprs.net.au 
Sent: Sunday, 27 May 2012 6:06 PM
Subject: Re: [OZAPRS] set up ford territory
 
Very valid points Michael, and admittedly this is something that I had not considered.  However in saying that...
As I mentioned, I utilise Rig Runners to power my kit, I use the smaller 5 way 40amp unit.  The main power feed is always fused, both +ve and -ve, and with a 50amp fuse.
I also am very meticulous with my wiring and power set ups etc (comes with the trade, just can't uncle jims workshop and aircraft :-0  )
I am about to fit out my latest vehicle, a 92 Hilux.   I have looked at yours with great interest, as there isn't a great deal of variation in the interior design...

Thanks

Pete VK2MPJ

On 27/05/12 17:13, Michael Carey wrote:
> Hi Pete,
> 
> If you have a fuse on the negative wire then you will be "fairly" safe.  You have to make sure that there is no possibility that your radio power cable, radio and antenna coax can ever take the full "earth" current of the vehicle.
> 
> If for any reason the negative battery strap became disconnected from the body/chassis/engine block then there is a possibility that your radio will provide the necessary path... and I'm sure it wouldn't survive the demands of a modern vehicle.  For instance on the new Ford utes there is only ONE wire going from the negative terminal to the body of the vehicle.
> 
> I had a situation with a SES rescue 4WD where the battery was isolated (when the 4WD wasn't being used) with a HUGE disconnecting switch and HUGE cable.  This was done on the negative side of the battery... it's perfectly fine to do this.
> 
> BUT, the Codan HF radio negative had been wired directly wired to the battery WITHOUT a fuse... thus bypassing the isolating switch!
> 
> The HF radio was not earthed at this stage as the HF antenna was incorrectly installed (the reason I was looking at the vehicle), the rubber mounted Codan antenna wasn't connected to the chassis, only the mounting bracket was... the factory fitted copper braid wasn't present.  When I connected the earth properly to the Codan antenna, the WHOLE vehicle came to life, I had completed a circuit by connecting the earth to the chassis. A very big spark ensued and I quickly disconnected the earth to see what was going on... this was when I discovered the HF radio negative wire had been connected directly to the battery...
> 
> So if the earth on the HF antenna had been properly connected AND someone disconnected the battery using the isolating switch while the 4WD was being used (on the chassis rail, easy to get to), the ENTIRE current load of the vehicle would have been going through the HF radio power cable negative conductor, then the RG58 coax and control cable to the HF antenna to the chassis...   The control cables and coax were buried under the flooring and I can imagine that a fire would have been quite possible.
> 
> I pointed it out to the SES guy who's eyes opened very wide... and I moved the negative wire of the HF radio power cable to the body of the car.
> 
> I always play safe with my radio installs and never NEVER connect the negative directly to the battery.
> 
> Michael.
> VK5ZEA
> 
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