Powering Multiple Radios

[mesoman]

I am wanting to power multiple radios in a vehicle: 2 Kenwood TK-840's, 1 Kenwood TM-G707, and a couple of scanners. I am currently using a Powerpole Rigrunner but the connections really suck IMO. Has anybody used one of these: http://bluesea.com/category/5/21/products/5025 ??. and/or would it work good in a mobile environment?

 

[KC0QNB]

Don't see why not, what is the issue with the powerpole system? Just curious.

 

[mesoman]

Don't see why not, what is the issue with the powerpole system? Just curious.

Can't seem to keep the connectors connected without super-gluing them permanently.

 

[KC0QNB]

I haven't used them for any of my stuff, no real point this is the first I have heard of the connection being that loose, I remember reading that you should glue the individual connectors (red/black) together to keep the "plug" from coming apart but not the plug pairs.
Bummer, I think you will like the bluesea products, everything I have read about them from users and reviewers is all positive.

 

[Grog]

Can't seem to keep the connectors connected without super-gluing them permanently.

Do you mean the right and left sides together or the "power" and "radio" sides connected? If the latter, is the issue keeping them connected to the rigrunner or to each other.

If each other, a ziptie can keep them locked together easy enough. I'm not 100% if there is a way to secure the leads to the rigrunner since I don't have one.

 

[KC0QNB]

A zip tie will work on the power radio connection, but if it the left/right sides use the roll pin where it is supposed to go and glue it in place, at least that is what the instructions say to do look here

Grog are you feeling ok?

 

[n8emr]

I am wanting to power multiple radios in a vehicle: 2 Kenwood TK-840's, 1 Kenwood TM-G707, and a couple of scanners. I am currently using a Powerpole Rigrunner but the connections really suck IMO. Has anybody used one of these: http://bluesea.com/category/5/21/products/5025 ??. and/or would it work good in a mobile environment?

Do you have the rig runner power lock http://www.westmountainradio.com/rigrunner/pwrlock.htm
Its a must for mobiles. Its a bracket that holds power poles firm into a Rig runner.

 

[mesoman]

Do you have the rig runner power lock http://www.westmountainradio.com/rigrunner/pwrlock.htm
Its a must for mobiles. Its a bracket that holds power poles firm into a Rig runner.

Perfect!! That is exactly what I need! Thanks for the link!

 

[Grog]

A zip tie will work on the power radio connection, but if it the left/right sides use the roll pin where it is supposed to go and glue it in place, at least that is what the instructions say to do look here

The zipties go around both connectors lengthwise as the above pictures show. As far as the roll pin, I don't know anyone who uses them and several places recommend to not use them. I use 14ga zipcord so when they are assembled there is not too much lateral movement anyway.

Do you have the rig runner power lock http://www.westmountainradio.com/rigrunner/pwrlock.htm
Its a must for mobiles. Its a bracket that holds power poles firm into a Rig runner.

Neat bracket, was wondering when someone would make something like that for mobile use.

Grog are you feeling ok?

I little hungry, but I have some MREs. Thanks for asking.

 

[jonny290]

Another option - a dab of fingernail polish where the connectors meet will give adequate force to keep them connected, but they can still be removed with a sharp tug.

 

[prcguy]

I like building a distribution box with aircraft circuit breakers and 5-way binding posts for mobile power distribution. Here is a pic of the inside of a breaker box I just made for my new vehicle and the box mounted to a chunk of plywood with a remote mounted Icom 706. The Icom has its own dedicated breaker facing the rear of the box. There is also a 175A power pole connector for high current stuff and these don't pull apart very easy.
prcguy

 

[Grog]

That's a beefy box you have :lol:


I think that 175A power pole would be overkill for a power cable for a handheld radio

 

[prcguy]

Well thank you very much!
This power distribution is wimpy compared to the last vehicle where I used #2 Teflon wire from the battery to several destinations. The largest wire I had available this time was #6 Teflon aircraft wire and it has a 150A fuse at the battery. The large yellow 175A power pole connector is not too big for a hand held if you have a 500w amp connected to it. I use it mainly for a 120v inverter and a 12 to 24v @ 25A converter for some military radios.
prcguy

That's a beefy box you have :lol:


I think that 175A power pole would be overkill for a power cable for a handheld radio

 

[2112]

I tried RigRunners and PowerPoles in the car, and came to the following conclusions:

The larger PowerPoles are great for wire-to-wire connections in hidden places that you might have to disconnect from time to time. The RigRunner panels I've used inside the car frustrated me because the connectors are bulky but insecure.

Instead of adding even more crap to the pile (zipties/security bars), I switched to a fused distro block from BlueSea:

http://bluesea.com/category/5/21/productline/126

You can get it here for MUCH less than a 12-position RigRunner and PowerLock: http://www.westmarine.com

Anyone looking for slightly used PowerPole stuff should PM me... I might have what you're looking for at a reasonable price. I think I have two of the 4005 5-position panels and connectors. I might even part with my heavy-duty crimping tool. Maybe I'll round it all up and post it in a couple days.

 

[fineshot1]

The BlueSea products are real nice but larger than I would like when I install wiring inside a console.

For internal console wiring I use the Bussman 6 position fuse panel - its real small and fits inside
a console without taking up too much space and its only 3/4" high x 3 6/16" wide x 2 1/2" deep.

Bussman ATC Fuse Panel 6 position below

http://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=97002&eventGroup=4&eventPage=1

 

[hoser147]

Lots of great pics, tips and links in this thread, Keep it up guys...........Hoser

 

[mesoman]

I am wanting to power multiple radios in a vehicle: 2 Kenwood TK-840's, 1 Kenwood TM-G707, and a couple of scanners. I am currently using a Powerpole Rigrunner but the connections really suck IMO. Has anybody used one of these: http://bluesea.com/category/5/21/products/5025 ??. and/or would it work good in a mobile environment?

I ended up getting the above Bluesea box and it has worked like a champ so far!