Powering Radios

jfab · #1 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 11:41 PM

Hey all-
I am planning on installing an RS Pro 197 in my 2002 CVPI soon, and I'm just wondering about power. I know most guys (who, unlike me, know what the heck they are doing) power it using the vehicle's battery, but I am too nervous to do that. Can I power the Pro 197 using a 12v plug in my car? If so, is it just "plug and play" or is there anything I should know? Any help is appreciated! Thanks

N0YFE · #2 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 10:35 AM

You should not have any problem using a 12v plug to power your equipment.

jfab · #3 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 11:52 AM

Thank you! I figured, but wanted to ask the experts first! Just out if curiosity, how many scanners can you safely power with the 12v plug?

N0YFE · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 11:56 AM

I would take a look at the fuse that is wired to the 12v outlet. Depending on your car it could be up to 20 amp circuit. As for how much to power, it depends what else is fed by the circuit and how many amps each radio draws. I would think you should be ok by drawing 10 amps or less for all the equipment plugged into the outlet.

Basically add up everything and if your below 10 you should not have a problem.

dracer777 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 02:41 AM

You should be able to safely power 3 or 4 on one fuse I would assume.

I run 3 DVD players, a radar detector, scanner, and cell charger off my parents mini-van.

davidmc36 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 07:32 AM

My factory fuse is a 20 amp. I removed the wire to the outlet and installed a terminal block to power Sat. radio, 996T, 15T, 40 Watt audio amp, cell charger, two USB charging outlets, portable GPS power, and the draw measures around 9.5 amps with it all lit up. Of course every item has it's own fuse of the appropriate size for protection since the 20 amp factory fuse now just protectcs the line to the terminal block.

mikeoz · #7 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 02:51 PM

I have a 03 CVPI and use the 12v power. Just remember that is hot all of the time. You will have to turn it off and on if leaving the car parked for a while

davidmc36 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeoz

I have a 03 CVPI and use the 12v power. Just remember that is hot all of the time. You will have to turn it off and on if leaving the car parked for a while

Good point, you should make sure you don't leave a radio or something running for a very long time. All three of my factory outlets are switched off the key, that's why I added one off the battery buss for charging, but make sure how yours are wired up.