Thread: what UHF set works best

mine is connect direct to the battery...i like to be able to have the uhf turned on with the ignition turned off


bullbar i would think, if you use a FFR mount your arial will be hitting you cab all the time

Antenna position will probably have a similar effect either way. If you get one that is ground plane independent, I won't matter a great deal where you put it.

As for wiring, I generally run direct from the battery, with some fuses along the way. At least you wont need to leave the ignition on to use the radio.

If you forget to turn it off though, you can wind up with a dead battery. At least running through the ignition switch should save you there (usually).


A bit of a "catch 22" I'm afraid.

Originally Posted by rar110

Hi,

I recently received a Icom 440 for my birthday and an RFI CD5000 for my birthday (the 110). (I currently have a single battery set up).

I was intending on locating the ICOM 440 inside the center console and the arial on the bar.

Should I connect the power via the ignition or direct to the battery?

Will I get better reception if I mount it at the bullbar or from an FFR (army fitted for radio) mount at the rear just above the filler point?

thanks

Peter

G'day Peter

Some prefer ignition so that you don't accidently leave it on and drain the battery. I don't think you will introduce much intereference through the ignition. I would go straight to the battery. It is pretty simple from the centre box - don't forget an in-line fuse.

Being UHF the mounting won't make a huge difference - I would go for the simplest option. (The best spot for propagation is the centre of the roof! But not a popular option.) .

The CD5000 is ground plane independent so won't mater being on the bullbar. I to wire UHF direct to battery. Think about where to mount the base unit as with the extension lead you can put in anywhere in the 110 and still have the handset next to you. If you want to raise the cubby up a little then it would fit underneath quiet nicely.

The ICOM units are designed to be connected to the battery according to the instruction manual I have.. Of course it is an issue if you leave it on and I have done it many times over night but luckily has not drained my battery to much.

Dont know about the 440 but the Icom 400 can be set to switch itself off if left unattended after a period of time. Perhaps check the manual for the 440 however I dont think it is a problem wiring directly as it would probably take at least 3 days to flatten a battery to the point where you could not start the car if you have a decent battery.

Ian

Battery drain from a CB UHF is minimal when left on, even when receiving. In the case of the IC-440 its listed as Rx (standby) 400mA and Rx (max audio) 1500mA.

Current drain : (at 13.8V/27.6V, approx. ) with HM-182 Tx 5W 2000mA/1200mA Rx Max. audio 1500mA/1000mA Standby 400mA/250mA