QuestionWell, the 65 Watts is transmit power... I have to double-check and make sure that it isn't drawing alot more current than that just in the device's "overhead". I'll search for the specs and get back to you.
I've had a hand-held radio in the past with a mobile mag-mount (whip antenna, around 4' tall), and I plan to use that. It has a BNC connector (if I recall...).
Here are the specs I found (http://universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/2800spec.html)
FT-2800M Specifications
GENERAL
Frequency Range Receive: 137-174 MHz.
Frequency Range Transmit: 144-148 MHz
Channel Steps: 5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz
Antenna Impedance: 50 Ohm, Unbalanced
Supply Voltage: DC 13.8V ±10%, Negative Ground
Current Consumption (typical): 0
RX: Less than 0.7A (max. audio)
0 Less than 0.3A (Squelched)
TX: 10A (65W) / 7A (25W) / 5A (10W) / 4A (5W)
Case Size: 6.3 x 2.0 x 7.3 inches (w/o knobs)
0 160(W) x 50(H) x 185(D) mm
Weight: 4.0 lb. (1.8kg)
0
TRANSMITTER
RF Power Output: 65/25/10/5 Watts
0
RECEIVER
Intermediate Frequencies: 21.7 MHz and 450 kHz
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Answer -
Hmm interesting, well what voltage does the unit run on? If it's 12-14 volts you should be able to just hook it to the battery and I'd be glad to help you with that. if it runs on 120 (like you just plug it in a house outlet) there are conveters to convert 12vdc to 120vac and I can help you with that as well.
It would help to know how many amps or watts or VA the unit consumes and at what voltage.
THANKS!
Answer -
Ok........ so you didnt answer ANY of my questions, you just restated your orriginal quesiton with the word yes in front of it and I didnt ask any yes or no questions. I can help you but you are not making it easy.
I'll assume YES means that it will run on 12-14 since that's my first question. in this case you connect the posative of the ham radio to the posative of the battery and the negative of the ham radio goes to the frame of the car. For the posative just put a ring terminal on the wire and take the screw out of the battery terminal under the hood. put the screw back throught the ring terminal and back into the battery's connector to lock it down. For the Negative Find a nice solid piece of metal Very close by where you are installing the radio and drill through it. sand the paint off and bolt down a ring termainal with the negative wire attached to it. If you had answered my question about how much wattage or VA or current the unit draws I could help you with what type of guage wire to use and other things. I dont know if the ham radio will draw power when off so you will need to keep a close eye on your battery when the unit is off. depending on current draw and for how long you want the unit to run, you may need to be as elaborate a putting a marine battery or two in the trunk and hooking up a charging system.
If you want more help answer my questions from before.
Answer -
No problem! This forum is great but it can be frustrating when that happens, you're not the first, I get many that I could help but well... you know.
So anyway, 65 watts is the number I was looking for.
basically you can do this formula:
Volts * amps = watts
or in your case:
watts/volts = amps
so:
65watts divided by 12 volts (car power) equals 5.42 amps. most cig lighters give up to 10 amps so I dont think you need to direct wire it. If you insist just follow my directions in the first email. if its going in the trunk you might want to just pull 10 gauge wire although 12 will do.
Just a question for you cuz I'm confused but dont ham radios require very tall antennas? are you plainin on using this thing while driving? or pulling over on a mountain and setting it up?
As for the marine battery I was talking about, you will only need this if you want to pull over and use it for a few hours without the car runing. if that's the idea let me know and I'd be happy to help you with that as well.
AnswerYah I forgot that this is your TX power and the unit is probably only about 50% efficient so I see the TX current at 10A is listed in those specs. That's pushing a cig lighter. so go ahead and wire it in like I was saying.
Good luck! love to hear how it comes out.
