Galaxy DX 979

[soberbyker]

After a search of this site I could only find one thread about this radio from 2009 that got into a pissing contest about radio mods.

What I'd like to know is, is it possible to put a quick disconnect on this radio and then a cigarette lighter type plug so I can use it in a couple of different vehicles without damage to the radio? Or would I have to pigtail both vehicles and just straight up use the quick disconnect.

Also, I like the compactness of the DX979 and it does have a frequency counter plug on the back, how good are the plug in type of frequency counters? The plug in is 6 digits and the built in on the 959 is only 5, make a difference?

I haven't used CB's for a few years and am just getting back into it. Never had a SSB radio, my last radio was a Cobra 29 LTD Classic and it was mainly used in a tri-axle dump truck.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Bill

 

[CoolCat]

I don't think you would damage the radio by powering it from a cig lighter socket, but the radio might be 'starved' for power. While the cig lighter circuit is usually fused at 15-20 amps, the cig lighter plugs tend to make poor electrical connections. They are fine for low power items, but a good radio might require more than the plug can effectively provide.

You can try it, it may work just fine, but a hardwired connection is always better. In my opinion you would be much better off wiring "pigtails" in both vehicles.

Good luck

 

[roadranger]

I agree...

...with Cool Cat. I think you can use that plug, yet you make pick up a lot of altinator whine, besides "starving" your radio. That model may run more than thirty watts on high power, I think. Anyway, run a line from the battery, fused, to some kind of two pin plug, mated to another, and do the same for the other vehicle. Screw on the coax as usual. I don't think you'd need a quick disconnect there.

 

[K9WG]

They sell high current plugs at truck stops and Pep Boys.

 

[soberbyker]

Thanks for the replies, I'll have to look into that high current plug. I can do the semi-permanent hook up in my car but I may not be in the same work truck all the time, hence the need for a quick easy connection.

.

 

[soberbyker]

...with Cool Cat. I think you can use that plug, yet you make pick up a lot of altinator whine, besides "starving" your radio. That model may run more than thirty watts on high power, I think. Anyway, run a line from the battery, fused, to some kind of two pin plug, mated to another, and do the same for the other vehicle. Screw on the coax as usual. I don't think you'd need a quick disconnect there.

Something like this is what I planning to use and call a quick disconnect, no good?

 

[K9WG]

The quick connect will work. Just keep an eye on the current requirements. I have one just like that only rated at 20 amps. (If you do use one that make sure the positive coming from the source is the one that has the insulation (the one on the left in your picture), No fun shorting your quick disconnect to something grounded on the vehicle.)

 

[roadranger]

Yes...

Something like this is what I planning to use and call a quick disconnect, no good?

That's what I'm thinking. Make sure that you fuse the positive lead on both vehicles, carefully running the wires so that the fuses aren't damaged in any way while in use or in transit.