I just noticed that the Dodge Ram 2500 CTB has two batteries. I'm going to install my mobile amateur radio this weekend. The radio draws up to 50 watts of power, so I can't connect it to the power outlet in the cab. The power cord will have to be connected directly to one of the batteries by going through the firewall . Does it matter which battery I connect it to?

 

Naah it shouldn't matter since they're connected to each other.

WHAT do you have that draws 50 watts ??? A CB radio ???

 

Thanks Mayfair. I figured as much, but I just wanted to make sure.

The unit is a ham radio. More specifically, the ICOM 208H. I typically keep it in the 5-15 Watt range, but sometimes need the 50 watt output.

 

PM Diesel Demon. It sounds like you and he have similar set ups radio wise and he'll tell you how best to hook it up. I wouldn't want you to cook anything.

Check out all of these antenna's. This is his truck ...




[IMG]local://upfiles/42139/9815627E934D4DC9BBE5EE0A2A32D2CA.jpg[/IMG]

 

Either battery, you're fine.

I run my rear winch connection to the driver side battery and my front winch connection to the passenger side. Those drawover 400 amps under full load.

 

Very nice. It looks as if he's really into it. Also, that looks like a 2nd generation truck. There were plenty of places I could have installed the radio in my 2nd gen truck. Now, I'm trying to install the same radio in my 3rd gen truck and it seems as if my options are limited. There is absolutely no room on the dash or under the dash for another radio, so I'm going to have to get creative.

 

Check this link out. Maybe it'll help give you some ideas ...

http://dodgeram.org/ki4cy/ramradio/radio_mt.htm

 

Well, I'd recommend getting the seperation cable and putting the brick portion under the left rear passengers seat.. You can run the coax cable out the rear cab vents. I f igure I'll run the power wires down the drivers side of the cab and through the firewall to the left battery. (Cooler on that side.)
If its fifty watts, the most you'll use is anywhere from 10 -13 amps at full power transmit. 1 or so while listening.....
Did I mentioni'm putting my Yeasu and ICOM in my truck this weekend? I have a 6/2/70 Diamond and 10 meter hamstick mounted at the rear of the bed in the stake holes and both cables coming up through the vent. There seems to be plenty of room under the seat on the back floorboard tomount the radios.

R

P.S. I definitely wouldnt recommend connecting to the "Power Outlets" in the cab. I dont want to run the risk of kill that nice old expensive TIPM...
Dont forget to fuse the ground and power wires, having high current flow through the radio cause of a bad ground elsewhere in the vehicle makes for a really dead radio.

 

Thanks ga_noplugs, I'll see if thats a better option. My unit came with the separation cable, so I was going to put the brick portion underneath the front passangers seat. There appears to be a metal plate underneath that seat, but above the jack with holes that seem to fit the mounting bracket nicely. I just don't know if the the unit will get in the way of anything, like the passenger moving the seat around or getting in the way of the jack removal. Having the coax come out of the rear vents seems like a great solution.

Anyway, it sounds as if you're going to have a nice setup when you're done. I'll see you on the air waves. [sm=smiley20.gif]

 

now all you need is a pa system and a train air horn and you've got it big rig style all teh way. God Minex your killin me I love that truck of urs. Made it the background for my comp. talk about cowinky dink u gettin the exact truck I wanted.