| Author |
Message |
    
Tafkam
New member
Username: Tafkam
Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 6:30 pm: | 
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Going to get either Galaxy 95t or RCI 2970 I know the manuals say don't plug into the lighter but is anyone out there with either of these doing this and does it still work ok? |
Im4jc
Intermediate Member
Username: Im4jc
Post Number: 124
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 11:38 pm: |
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I would say use a large guage wire to the plug and change out your fuse in the panel to a 25 or 30 amp. Not sure what your lighter socket hardware is rated at, but it should work. I know that when I had my 95T and keyed up with a standard fuse it went "pffft" and it was all over. The worst that you can do is fry the wires behind the socket, but that's not the end of the world. |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 933
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 12:42 am: |
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A Galaxy 95T? RCI 2970? Use a cig lighter plug and I will gaurantee you will have PROBLEMS to say the least! Wire directley to the battery for such a big radio. Better off just using a Uniden Pro 510 for a cig plug. Save yourself time, headaches and possibly money from a repair bill and skip the lighter plug idea! |
Freebird
Intermediate Member
Username: Freebird
Post Number: 388
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 5:01 am: |
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no run it to the battery trust me. |
Navyrebel782003
Intermediate Member
Username: Navyrebel782003
Post Number: 109
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 6:48 am: |
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a radio that size, definitely to the battery, tried a magnum 257 with a lighter plug in me last vehicle and it fried something somewhere, never did figure out what happened to it and it was a "power outlet" rated at 20 amps.
James
CEF 590
Va Beach |
Leonard
Intermediate Member
Username: Leonard
Post Number: 180
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 9:02 am: |
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I would run it to the battery I tried the cig plug with my 2950 DX it was a 20 amp rated plug and it would dim real bad when I talked on it.
When I went to the battery the problem went away.
Len CEF#189 So,Minnesota |
Im4jc
Intermediate Member
Username: Im4jc
Post Number: 126
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 12:53 pm: |
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Ok, so I'm all wet. Erase erase erase. 
Mine 95T was run directly to the battery as well, but I knew someone who ran one on a cig plug with a larger fuse. But if you do have a choice, definately run it straight to the battery...helps get rid of alternator noise too. I guess I was assuming that the direct battery thing wasn't an alternative for you. |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 936
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 1:49 pm: |
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A lighter plug will work for just a regular stock cb radio. May have more engine noise than desired but it will work. A lighter plug for a BIG 10 meter radio such as a 95T is a bad idea and the only alternative is wired direct to battery. Im4jc your just trying to help. I'm usually all wet most of the time. Once in a while I get it right!  |
Tafkam
New member
Username: Tafkam
Post Number: 3
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 2:02 pm: |
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Thanks everyone, I figured this was the case and I was just trying to take the "lazy way out" but I will take it to the battery when I get the radio. Thanks again to all the replied I really appreciate the advice!!
Mike |
Yankee
Senior Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 1080
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 2:56 pm: |
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No matter how big the radio or amp, there is no (lazy way out). Direct to the battery is always the correct way to power a transmiter, no ifs, ands, buts or maybes about the question. at least 12 gauge wire, fused at the radio and amp. |
Kmt36264
Junior Member
Username: Kmt36264
Post Number: 11
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 12:27 am: |
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NO WAY!
Run a twisted pair all the way to the battery, 10 ga or larger. Twisting will reduce noise.
The 95T has a two pill amplifier built in. I would probably run #6 wire but #10 should be large enough.
I just read the above post, and agree that maybe #12 will be large enough. At least make sure it is no less than one size larger than the pigtail that came with the radio. Solder connections and put a high quality fuse holder at the battery. |
Mom
New member
Username: Mom
Post Number: 4
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 12:53 am: |
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i wouldn't do it,
for this reason, it's like hooking a fire hose to a garden hose. yes it will work but it will make it run very hot. when you need the power to run the radio it will not have it and will have a good contact. i know i tried it. go with a good connector and hook it up to the fuse box or a battery |
Yankee
Senior Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 1081
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 10:29 am: |
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N4MOM's post is a little confusing as you first read it. What he is trying to get across is that it's not a good idea to use the cigarette lighter plug as a source of power.
Yes, I agree as the power output gets larger it's best to use a larger gauge wire than #12 as I have on my mobile installation, although my mobile amateur transceiver only outputs 100 watts, and yes it's also a good idea to fuse the connection at the battery. |
