BC-RH96 power issue

[Canvoodoo]

I'm planning a mobile radio installation that includes a scanner. My intention was to use either a BCT_15X or a BCD-996XT. In either case, it was my intention to mount the actual scanner in the trunk of the car, and control it using a BC-RH96 remote head.

This planning had assumed that the BC-RH96 could control all the aspects of the scanner operation. However, just this morning I discovered that there appears to be one exception to this -- Power on/off.

Do I understand this correctly? If so, how do others manage power on/off to a remotely mounted scanner? I have already installed heavy duty power cabling to the back of the car, and I had intended for the scanner to plug into this. I would welcome ideas.

 

[2WAYMAN]

Rh96 install

5-24-12 1300 HOURS EDT
Hello.....
Have several unmarked cars we did this in. Using BC996XT and RH96 units. Glove box mounted the scanners and the RH96 fits nicely into our center consoles due to its small footprint. This way you don't have to take your eyes off the road to change scanner channels, settings, etc.
Run power to an Bosch/Tyco 12 v spdt relay (with internal diode to prevent currecnt backfeed) and connect the radio and remote head power leads and of course grounds to the relay and vehicle ground. Using a lighted Radio Shack on-off switch, you can then turn on both units (leaving their on-off witches in an ON position at all times) from that hidden switch. Now you also forgot that if you want to actually hear anything, you will need to also run speaker wire to a remote speaker in the front of your vehicle, as that is not connected via the RH96 either. If you do it correctly, it "makes a nice sandwich!" .
73's!

 

[Vern]

What 2wayman described is similar to my approach with my Dakota pickup, and he's right -- don't forget an external speaker.

I found several unused 12V+ spade lug terminals in a covered wiring block under the hood and tested them to be sure that they are only energized when the ignition is on. According to my Chilton's book, these unused terminals were for options that my truck doesn't have and they come from a heavy cable right off the battery.
I fused a heavy power cable at this terminal and ran it (including a ground wire) from that terminal block to behind the rear seat where the BCD-996XT is mounted out-of-sight. I also have a Garmin GPS 'puck-style' antenna mounted to the top of the rear seat (above the `996) at rear-window level. The GPS antenna's 9-pin serial data cable drops down to the 996's rear port and the antenna is powered from the same fused wiring as the radio. I remoted the RH-96 up front on the floor above the center console's cup holders and it is also powered by the same fused line. A remote speaker was attached to the side of the ceiling console and cabled back to the `996.
All of the power, data, and speaker cables going from front to back are in a split-loom wiring cover to keep it from getting too cluttered.
I'm in a 3-state area (SE Tennessee, Western N. Carolina, and NE Georgia) so I've got about 22 'systems' programmed into the `996. As I roam around the area the GPS settings for each system will enable/disable that system's "Quick Key" based on the range that I programmed into it. Using the GPS to turn your systems on/off is a neat concept, but it took me a little while to get my head wrapped around the differences between "locking out" systems and using Quick Keys to turn them on/off. Another thing, especially in rural areas -- don't scrimp on the antenna.

I've had this arrangement for quite a while now and it works well without any engine whine or other electrical noises. The only thing I didn't do was install a power switch to turn the whole arrangement on/off instead of relying on the ignition switch to do it but I've always got the radio on when I'm in the truck so it's not a big deal for me -- I only have to decide how loud I want it.
Good luck with your installation.
Vern

 

[Canvoodoo]

Gentlemen:

Thanks for your suggestions. The relay method that 2WAYMAN suggested sounds like it will solve my issues.

And no, I hadn't forgotten about the external speaker -- I have a nice Motorola external speaker that I picked up at Dayton that's earmarked for that...

 

[sjlamb]

Unfortunately... your greatest challenge will be in actually obtaining a BC-96RH.