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Since the VHF / UHF radio installed with no problems, I decided it was time to try and install my ICOM IC-706MKIIG. Since the radio requires 20 amps, I can't plug it into the electrical receptacles. I decided to use a battery powered portable car starter.
I installed a long whip antenna (tip of a non-colinear marine antenna) along with a K400 3/8-24 lip mount connected to an SG 237 tuner. Everything works well and the radio doesn't interfere withthe car's electrical systems. The only issue is noise hash from the switching power supplies in the vehicle.
I'm going to try some additional shielding and maybe rerouting the wires to the radio.
I've never bothered trying to install an HF rig in any of my cars. Does't seem to be the bands I'd want to work while in motion. I've never had an issue with VHF/UHF, although I've never taken my handheld in my Niro. I really should dig that thing out and see how it works in there. Back when I had an hour's commute 2 meters kept me awake and alert after working a mid-shift. With traffic now I'm not too certain how much I want to fiddle with a radio while driving.
Where did you mount the antenna and how did you run the antenna coax through into the car? Asking for a friend...haha (KG4GYV, btw). Also, could you post pictures of the install?
If you have the Plug-in Hybrid Niro, you could run the ICOM's power cables directly to the 12v accessory battery in the trunk.
Yeah, but from comments here I'm not certain how many times it will cycle before disabling itself. Sounds like there's a limit to how many times it can be tripped. I would imagine a full 100 watt HF rig would zip that little thing fast. Maybe not if the car is "running", but it sure wouldn't last long otherwise.
Understandable comparison, but not quite accurate. Current draw isn't a direct calculation of the output power. A 100 watt output ham radio can draw close to 15 amps at maximum draw. My Kenwood TS-430 is rated at 200 watts output CW (steady signal out, not a modulated voice signal) and has a max draw of 20 amps. The Niro PHEV battery couldn't handle that for long.
There may be a very small battery located under the fuse block, but I'm not sure. No other battery immediately evident in front.
Maybe I'm way off base???
Front battery? Under rear seat so centrally located. Never been under the hood, although the world model 2017 HEV did hav the battery in the cargo area like the PHEV and BEV. All North American HEV models have a 12 volt lithium battery under the rear seat.
I looked more at the Niro today. There is no battery in front and none in the rear corner either. Other posts say the 12v battery is by the HV battery under the rear seat.
There is a nice post inside the fuse box under the hood.
While I'd like to wire the FT-8800 direct to the battery, I may have to just find a convenient place and tie on. I'll have to see how difficult it is to get access to the 2 power plugs in the front of the console. I really hate those crappy cig lighter plugs.
Still open to suggestions.
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