Standardise your Hamshack/ Mobile operations
Standardisation of you shack or Mobile operations can help you stream line your operations, improve efficiency and allows you to hot swap equipment when needed.
Lets start from the Power. Standard voltage for operating any base transceiver is 13.8VDC, mobile transceiver with exception to Handheld or HT’s 12VDC battery source is used. Most of transceiver’s comes with their own proprietary connectors with wire that have one bare side. we can have a one type of connector that we can install on the bare end and use it with our power source.
In market there are many types of connectors available, but Powerpole connectors by Anderson Powers are best because they provides reliable electrical connection and most ham radio power sources use them they can also be used with verity of wire gauges.
You can use it with the Powerpole distribution box to connect multiple devices.
As of wire it is recommend to use 12AWG. You can connect 4mm DC jack, 5.5DC jack, cigarette lighter plug, crocodile clips, O/U terminals and more.
It is also recommended to use a DC Power meter in line to monitor the power usage.
You can add USB sockets, cigarette lighter socket to the DC go BOX for mobile operations. It will come in handy to charge mobile phones or other devices.
When using Shack mains power as power supply, it is recommended to use Mains Filter to reduce the RFI on HF bands, also if your shack have LED lights make sure the LED drivers don’t produce RFI.
Now as of RF side it is recommended to use RG58 Coaxial cable as transmission line from rig to antenna.
Most of the radio’s have 2 types RF connectors SO239 or BNC, so have suitable interchangeable connectors.
73’s