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Can You Run A CB or Export Radio.....
- Thread starter Eastside
- Start date
Yes, you can.
The cigarette lighter is on a 20 amp circuit; so even am Export radio can be used there.
However, it is not the best way to do the job. Better to wire them up with an inline fuse from the battery directly.
The cigarette lighter is on a 20 amp circuit; so even am Export radio can be used there.
However, it is not the best way to do the job. Better to wire them up with an inline fuse from the battery directly.
CAN you? Yes. SHOULD you? IMO, no.
The average automotive cigarette lighter - oops, I mean accessory outlet- is good for around 20 amps or so. Plenty enough amperage for most exports to be sure, but I would be concerned about the plug-to-outlet connection and the heat that would develop there.
For a short-term setup such as in a rental car it should be fine as long as you don't key down and talk for half an hour under full power. But as a permanent setup I wouldn't do it. If nothing else it looks sloppy.
The average automotive cigarette lighter - oops, I mean accessory outlet- is good for around 20 amps or so. Plenty enough amperage for most exports to be sure, but I would be concerned about the plug-to-outlet connection and the heat that would develop there.
For a short-term setup such as in a rental car it should be fine as long as you don't key down and talk for half an hour under full power. But as a permanent setup I wouldn't do it. If nothing else it looks sloppy.
Thanks for the replies and info....I just want a quick way to connect and disconnect my radio...do not want to leave it in the truck to get ripped off....yesterday I went way out in the boonies looking for a CBers house and got lost...if I had a radio in the truck he would have been able to help me find his place.
I removed the ashtry in 96 ford and kept the front cover of the ashtray. Installed my RCI 969 in there and use the power wires from the lighter to power my radio. It was an easy way to install and camoflouge my radio.
I do under stand why these guys say hook directly to the battery. Some radios can draw quite a bit of amps, and having your radio hooked to the battery will be a plus. The battery will act like a capacitor.
However if running a regular of the mill radio with a max lets of 35 watts, your cigarette lighter will be just fine.
If you talking more wattage and/or talking a lot then I'd go with the statements the guys made above.
If you do go with the battery terminal connection. route your positive Wire as close as you can get it to battery terminal, and keep ytour ground short as possible and as clean and close to the frame as possible.
As Robb has said many times" My .02 cwnts worth"
I do under stand why these guys say hook directly to the battery. Some radios can draw quite a bit of amps, and having your radio hooked to the battery will be a plus. The battery will act like a capacitor.
However if running a regular of the mill radio with a max lets of 35 watts, your cigarette lighter will be just fine.
If you talking more wattage and/or talking a lot then I'd go with the statements the guys made above.
If you do go with the battery terminal connection. route your positive Wire as close as you can get it to battery terminal, and keep ytour ground short as possible and as clean and close to the frame as possible.
As Robb has said many times" My .02 cwnts worth"
Cigarette lighter plugs generally can't handle much over 5 amps continuous and 15 amp short duration keys. A few cig lighter plugs actually have fuses built into them too.
I run a cigarette lighter plugs with mine because of the amount of undesireables moving to Fl from the northeast and mexico......easy to pull out when leaving the vehicle at a park and Ride all day.
Yep
Not all cig plugs are the same. You need to get one with a larger wire size like 14 gauge. Like psycho crazychops says many cig plugs have typical glass cartridge fuses inside them. The tip of the plug will unscrew revealing the fuse. A medium power export will come with a 7 amp fuse to cover up to say 50 watts. So go with a 7 or 10 amp fuse and you should be fine.
The other problem is that these cig plug connections tend to pick up ignition and other noises off the engine. But as always, each setup is different. So try it and see how it works. Everything may go just fine with your particular vehicle and radio.
good luck
This is probably your best bet
CigBuddy, the portable cigarette lighter plug to Powerpole adapter [CigBuddy] - $12.99
Convert any automotive cigarette lighter socket into a Powerpole outlet with this portable adapter. CigBuddy has an LED power indicator and dual ground tabs. Rated at 14VDC @ 20A, includes a user replaceable 20A fuse. A great item for your emergency bag.
CigBuddy, the portable cigarette lighter plug to Powerpole adapter [CigBuddy] - $12.99
Convert any automotive cigarette lighter socket into a Powerpole outlet with this portable adapter. CigBuddy has an LED power indicator and dual ground tabs. Rated at 14VDC @ 20A, includes a user replaceable 20A fuse. A great item for your emergency bag.
Attachments
Well then dont worry about that powerwerx plug
Just get this one at RadioShack and you are good
Enercell 12V/10A Solderless Vehicle Adapter Plug : Car Adapters | RadioShack.com
I have used these before, found them handy at times.
Enercell Vehicle Adapter Plug with Banana Jacks : Car Adapters | RadioShack.com
Plug into outlet, has Banana Plugs Or binding posts.
73
Jeff
Enercell Vehicle Adapter Plug with Banana Jacks : Car Adapters | RadioShack.com
Plug into outlet, has Banana Plugs Or binding posts.
73
Jeff
