Batboard

Well, time to switch trucks...

Some questions for the pros:

1) Are there any problems using Whelen tubes on a Tomar Neobe supply? I'm thinking of upgrading the supply, but would rather not spring for new tubes, if I can avoid it.

2) I'm going to be putting the dual radio X9000 setup into the new truck (1998 Explorer). I'm thinking of mounting the radio drawers on the back of the fold down cargo floor sections, with the connectors and heatsinks facing sideways. I have the (many) mechanical details all worked out, but remember a thread a while back full of horror stories about solder melting in vertically mounted radios, and an equal number of people debunking those stories. I don't think there is any way that these things are going to reach solder melting temperatures, but would like some reassurance from those who have "been there, done that".

3) There has been much discussion of SAE verus non-SAE grade wire, Any good sources for SAE grade wire, and what exactly is the difference?

4) I can size A/C cable all day long with barely a thought, but some of the sizes that are apparently acceptable for automotive use would put the local electrical inspector into seizures. Is there an easy reference for acceptable automotive standards?

5) Finally, any good suggestions for tapping power in a 1998 Explorer, or specific problems to be aware of?

Thanks!!

Hmmm...

I found this automotive wire sizing guide:

http://www.partsexpress.com/resources/cablecalc.html

Any thoughts?

Go to your local Napa auto parts store and ask to see the Belden catalog. They have everything you would need for SAE approved wire.

For 2 x9000 I would do the following

run a 4ga lead from the batter through a circuit breaker to a 150amp relay that is ignition switched. Fuse each radio for 40amps off o the switched side of the relay.

I NEVER use house grade wire - its too stiff and not designed for high heat applications as found in a vehicle.

Whelen and Tomar are compatible- no matter what Whelen tells you. Whelen seems to think that their strobe tubes are magical or far superior to everyone else's and work differently- but most of us know better than this. I have many Mirror Beam strobes running on Neobe power supplies without problems.

Non-SAE will be a problem if you ever get a vehicle fire and insurance coverage takes effect. If there's non-SAE cabling, they can deny coverage since it's not OEM spec and recognized.

Get power from the underhood distribution box's input stud.
For these radios, a #6 cable protected by a 80-100A MANUAL RESET breaker or a wafer fuse will work.

SAE is a better quality cable, since it has to meet a set od requirements. Although "stereo grade" power cable is a good quality copper, most has inferior insulation and isn't SAE.