12V DC distribution in car for radio applications - 2005
The following show key elements of the 12V DC distribution in a Holden Commodore wagon. The car does not have ham gear fitted for mobile operation, but is often used for field measurement and operations.
| Power takeoff is from the battery positive terminal with a short
unfused line to a 5AG fuseholder (WES FH512). The fuseholder is sealed
against ingress of water or other liquids. It is important that this
unfused conductor is short and unlikely to chafe against grounded metal.
Cable is 8Ga, single red and black (Jaycar WH 3060 ,WH3062 sold by the metre). |
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| Distribution block at rear of wagon space is WES PDB522.
The inverter is a low cost 300W modified sine wave inverter to provide power for battery chargers, test equipment, and other small appliances. Most 12V apparatus uses Anderson Power Poles. The installation provides very low voltage drop from battery terminal to 12V outlet. |
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| Bootlace terminals are useful in helping to prevent the conductor strands spreading under terminal screws. The example (Cabac BLPU1000) here on 8 Ga cable (~9mm2) has been crimped, but the bootlace sleeves can just be slid over the strands and crimped by the terminal screw. Uninsulated bootlace terminals are better for this application as the insulation on insulated ones can prevent full entry of the conductor in the terminal block. |
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V1.01 24 December 2007 00:30:50 -0700