I just got my no code ticket in Jan of this year and want to install a 2m/440mhz dual band moble rig in my Explorer. What is the best way to route the power cables thru the firewall to the battery?

Any general comments, suggestions, or "things-to-watch-out-for" regarding this type of installation would be appreciated.


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John

96 Sport 4x4 4.0L
K&N FIPK
Coming Soon: Cat-Back Exhaust

John,

Hearty Congrats on earning your Ham Ticket and Well done! what's your Call?

As for installing a 2M-440 rig in your ride, I have done this so perhaps I can relate my experiences and tips.

First, don't skimp on wire size! I reccomend #12 as an absoulute MINIMUM, #10 0r #8 is better, especially if you plan to add/run another radio, even a CB. Run direct to the battery. This is important to get a "clean" and adequate source of power. you can pick up lots of noise from the vehicle wiring, or may not have sufficient ampacity if you try to tap in somewhere else. Fuse these wires with HD in -line fuse holders as close to the battery as practical. Also, be sure to fuse the Negative lead as well as the positive. These aren't to replace the in line fuses near the radio supplied by the manufacturer. keep these in as well. If your radio isn't provided with a negative side fuse at the radio, it is a good idea to add one there also..use the same capacity fuse as the + fuse. It may save your radio if your car develops a ground fault and tries to find ground through your radio (a bad thing)!
Next, when you run ther wires, twist them over one another as you route them froward, about 4 turns or so per foot. This cancels unwanted magnetic fields and inductive currents that you might pick up.

As for getting through the fire wall, (Your original question, I know) I found a place by pulling back the carpet on the passenger's side, below the H/AC unit, yet fairly high up, and Drilled about a 1/2 in hole. Sice depends of course on the size wires you ewant to run, and plan for expansion (possible additional wires for aux lites, etc.) Don't forget to check where the hole will come out on the engine side for accessibility, and so you don't drill something else!(another bad thing). Install a rummer gromet in the hole to prevent wire damage (avail at Rat Shack, or other electroniuc stores. Or, you might get lucky on your '96 and find an unused grommet in the firewall, I couldn't on my "93. I sealed the hole after I ran the wires with "dumgum"...any sticky water proof sealant, or even silicone will work. I ran my power lines to a terminal block, as I have as many as 4 radios in my car from time to time. My wire installation turned out to be hidden, and works very well.

I probably gave you far more information then you wanted and told you things you already knew, but hopefully this helps. If you have anymore4 questions, feel free to ask.

Ray, AE6H
'93 white XLT
Slightly modded,
lotsa radios

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