Trunk Lip Mount Question

fireradio · Post by **fireradio** » Tue May 25, 2004 9:32 am

Just a quick question -- I've got a basic (actually, its made by Motorola) trunk lip mount with RG-58A/U coax. I want to use a 110 watt Spectra with this mount... There should be no problems using 110 watts through this mount, correct? Just wanted to make sure.

Thanks

fireradio · Post by **fireradio** » Tue May 25, 2004 2:12 pm

Also, the car I'm installing this 110 watt radio in is a 1993 Toyota Carolla... would such a radio cause too much of a strain on this small car's electrical system?

JohnWayne · Post by **JohnWayne** » Tue May 25, 2004 7:06 pm

The trunk mount and coax should be no problem. Your antenna may have a power limit, but most are 200W. Texas DPS has thousands of Crown Vics with trunk mounts and VHF 5/8 wave whips attached to 110W Spectras.

How many amps is your alternator? The 110W Spectra will draw about 30A if I recall correctly. They are fused for 40A. You must take in to consideration other loads as well such as stereo, headlights, wipers, etc. Add in some voltage drop, etc. My feeling is that if you just hook it straight up to the battery then you'll be just fine.

va3wxm · Post by **va3wxm** » Wed May 26, 2004 4:17 am

Run to the battery 8 AWG or better cable and you'll be okay for power. The coax should be okay too as long as the antenna is not mis-matched.

I might be a bit worried about RFI in the vehicle's computer systems. 110 watts is quite a bit even if you are using a trunk-mount antenna.

The best to do is try it and see!