RadioBanter - View Single Post - Using car accessory ports to power radios?

October 3rd 03, 02:59 AM

On 02 Oct 2003 12:43:01 GMT, pamme (VHFRadioBuff)
wrote:

Many lighter plugs available on the
market, may be adequate for five amperes, but not much more. I recall
melting
insulation on the wire to a lighter plug on a car I used to have, and the
fuse
never blew. The rig I was using only ran 25 watts output, but it had a
problem!

But again, I am not asking about the CIGARETTE LIGHTER PLUG. I am asking about
the ACCESSORY port in the car, which is supposed to be used to power
"accessories", like inverters, computers, etc. I originally asked for anyone
with actual experience with using 50w FM radios and the accessory port, but I
guess I am the only ham in the world that reads this newsgroup that has wanted
to try this.

In my Chevy van, the owner's manual rates the cigarette lighter at 20
amps, the accessory power outlets at 25 amps. Check your owner's
manual -- it should give you a maximum rating under something like
"accessory power outlets" or whatever.

Then check your transceiver manual, and see how many amps the rig
pulls at 50 watts fm...

Finally, you can just try it, and see if the plug gets warm or hot...

Bob
k5qwg

If anyone has any factual information for me, preferably actual experience,
please let me know!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB - WPYI880 (GMRS)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com