• To anyone looking to acquire commercial radio programming software:

    Please do not make requests for copies of radio programming software which is sold (or was sold) by the manufacturer for any monetary value. All requests will be deleted and a forum infraction issued. Making a request such as this is attempting to engage in software piracy and this forum cannot be involved or associated with this activity. The same goes for any private transaction via Private Message. Even if you attempt to engage in this activity in PM's we will still enforce the forum rules. Your PM's are not private and the administration has the right to read them if there's a hint to criminal activity.

    If you are having trouble legally obtaining software please state so. We do not want any hurt feelings when your vague post is mistaken for a free request. It is YOUR responsibility to properly word your request.

    To obtain Motorola software see the Sticky in the Motorola forum.

    The various other vendors often permit their dealers to sell the software online (i.e., Kenwood). Please use Google or some other search engine to find a dealer that sells the software. Typically each series or individual radio requires its own software package. Often the Kenwood software is less than $100 so don't be a cheapskate; just purchase it.

    For M/A Com/Harris/GE, etc: there are two software packages that program all current and past radios. One package is for conventional programming and the other for trunked programming. The trunked package is in upwards of $2,500. The conventional package is more reasonable though is still several hundred dollars. The benefit is you do not need multiple versions for each radio (unlike Motorola).

    This is a large and very visible forum. We cannot jeopardize the ability to provide the RadioReference services by allowing this activity to occur. Please respect this.

2016 Nissan Maxima power connection or options for routing?

Status
Not open for further replies.

sdf678

Newbie
Joined
Aug 30, 2023
Messages
2
I own a 2016 Nissan Maxima. My intent is to install an Icom dual band D Star radio. I have in the past only ran 12V power cables in Chevy/GMC cars, trucks or an SUV. That is pretty simple. The Nissan is a bit more of a pain. Here is what I was thinking to do.

The main body of the Icom will be mounted in the trunk under the rear deck. Two Motorola powered speakers will be mounted on the rear deck. A COMPACtenna will be mounted on the right rear corner of the trunk lid with the appropriate Comet mount so the antenna is vertical. My coax run will only be a few feet. The mic and control head will be mounted on a Lido mount coming up from the passenger seat bolt.

Here is my question. The car has a factory installed amp and subwoofer in the trunk. My plan was to power the amateur radio off of the 12V power lines that are already there for the amp. Since I would never transmit while the stereo is cranked up loud I see no issue with current consumption. Yes, I know, running fused dedicated cables from the battery to the trunk is best. That is the way I always did it in the past. Actually I would like to do that now but as I said it seems to be an incredible amount of work. Any suggestions or do you foresee any issues with my current plan?
 

mmckenna

I ♥ Ø
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
25,202
Location
United States
I wouldn't advise it.
Tapping existing wiring is usually a bad idea. The wiring will be bundled in a big harness with other wires, some of which may induce noise on the power to your radio. You'll pull all your hair out trying to track down the issue. Also, you'd run the risk of overloading the circuit since the amp is probably always powered on at some level, plus your radio running.

Never a good idea to use existing wiring in a vehicle unless it is specifically designed for it.
Really is best to route to the battery directly for the positive lead. Ground should be picked up local to the radio.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top