UHF Wiring

[303ChickenMan]

Hey guys!

Preface: I’m not great with electrical but am an ambitious DIY guy. I don’t want to burn down my Gren or cause issues for this project.

I have a Midland MXT575. It fits PERFECTLY behind the plastic panel in the footwell right where the Int2 switch is wired. I love the idea of having it wired into that outlet considering it’s in front of an ignition relay with the option to turn it on overhead. However, I’m concerned about the power requirements of this unit. It peaks at 10A and 13.8v. Midland says to run 10 gauge wires beyond 10 feet.

Wiring into this outlet — “go” or “no-go?” Otherwise I will resort to wiring directly to the battery or a fuse box.

 

[Mudnut]

I wired my UHF to the Int 1 wires in the footwell. It is a RHD QM. No issues with power draw, and even wired a USB outlet to the same wires. Int ! and Int2 are both fused, so will blow a fuse if too much current draw.

 

[Clark Kent]

When I first read your post I thought 10 amps was a typo but no, you guys have 50 watt licenced radios that pull a lot of supply power. Australian unlicensed UHFs are 5 watts and fused at 2-3 amps. You're probably ok to run from INT2. The radio can pull 10amps but only under maximum operating conditions. Buy a spare fuse.

 

[OGrid]

When I first read your post I thought 10 amps was a typo but no, you guys have 50 watt licenced radios that pull a lot of supply power. Australian unlicensed UHFs are 5 watts and fused at 2-3 amps. You're probably ok to run from INT2. The radio can pull 10amps but only under maximum operating conditions. Buy a spare fuse.

I’ve thought for a while now that Aus needs to up our game and move up from 5 watts. But like the fast train between Sydney and Melbourne, I unfortunately can’t see it happening in my lifetime.

 

[Itsdchz]

I have it running on INT2

 

[ShaleRenadier]

I am installing the ICOM 2730E and this model draws around 13 amps, while transmitting, and 1.2 amps in STBY. I am installing it to the AUX Bus, although I am afraid it draws power even if it’s not powered on or I forget to power it off. How are you guys wiring it? Or just to remember to turn it off?

 

[Dschubba]

I am installing the ICOM 2730E and this model draws around 13 amps, while transmitting, and 1.2 amps in STBY. I am installing it to the AUX Bus, although I am afraid it draws power even if it’s not powered on or I forget to power it off. How are you guys wiring it? Or just to remember to turn it off?

I wired up an icom ic4100 which I have placed under the passenger seat. The antenna is screwed to front bumper and routed via the grommet in passenger firewall, behind bonnet release lever and under door sill.
Power from the int1 cable near bonnet release.
I sat the remote head on the rubber in front of gear lever and drilled a small hole on the top of the panel beside passenger right leg for remote cable.
Hot glued a wee magnet under this panel and in back of microphone as a magic mic mount.
Bits held in with 3m double sided. Maybe not ideal but ok at moment.

Only had the truck a week, loving it so far.
Only issue was it had no cold in aircon. Seems they had forgotten to gas it.

Sean

 

[303ChickenMan]

I am installing the ICOM 2730E and this model draws around 13 amps, while transmitting, and 1.2 amps in STBY. I am installing it to the AUX Bus, although I am afraid it draws power even if it’s not powered on or I forget to power it off. How are you guys wiring it? Or just to remember to turn it off?

I chose to wire my power from the fuse block under the back seat. I’ll eventually tap from the fuse block for a relay so that it comes on with the ignition. For now, I just need to remember to turn it off. That said, I think it could be on for a loooong time before it drains the battery.

I have the unit hidden behind the panel under the steering wheel and the antenna on the ladder in the back. It’s a beta run for this setup. Subject to change. I also purchased Agile’s RAM ball mount to have the mic mounted up high and out of the way of the center console.