[OZAPRS] RIGRunners, can you buy in Oz ?

[Jason Ball]

I just bought some from http://www.powerwerx.com

J.





On Mon, May 28, 2012 at 8:40 PM, Tim <timlog at bigpond.com> wrote:

> Hi Andrew, www.andersonpower.com.au used to, I can't see them on their
> web site now though ?
> Cheers
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On 28/05/2012, at 5:36 PM, Andrew Macmichael <bajdas at yahoo.com.au> wrote:
>
> 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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-- 
--
Teach your kids Science, or somebody else will :/

jason at ball.net
vk2vjb at google.com <vk2flnx at google.com>
callsign: vk2vjb
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