How much linear power will affect the computers in new trucks?

I think it depends mostly on how much stray RF you have. That's why you want to use the best coax you can buy, as cheap coax = leaky coax. Also a clean amp helps. I believe that amp you have is a class C amp which are notoriously dirty.

I can't speak for a semi but on my own personal vehicle, which happens to have a fuel injected engine, I noticed every time I'd key up my 2 pill Maco amp, it would cause the engine rpms to drop like 300 rpm or so. I wasn't drawing much amperage either. My amp was also a class C amp putting out 200 watts. The coax I was using was RG-58A/U, same stuff most mag mount CB antennas come with.

p.s. you must be referring to the pre amp for the "big ears". I've found those pre amps introduce more white noise, but to each his own.

 

That has been my experience. Maybe if it is really quite like late at night, other wise I never use one.

 

Preamps are awesome for ssb.. regular cb not so much from my experience

 

Any amp can inter-fear with trucks computers if they are not installed properly...proper grounding go's along way to keep stray RF out of computers and other electronics on the trucks.

Same go's with newer cars and pick-up's...poor grounding, cheap coax, too small of power wires, trying to run more watts than you have the power for, (too small of a alternator) and just plane cutting corners installing your radio equipment just leads to more headaches than you can shake a stick at.

 

Most vehicles are designed to work within the near field of a 100W transmitter, such as a low band 100W rig in the car next to you. Once you get above that, though, you may run into problems.

 

i run and have for years a 8 tube elkin does around 1000 watts no problems in a computer truck

 

I've been on here alot today so please forgive me but I'm home after being out 5 weeks.

Anyway a few years ago I was going thru Gary, In and some station came in so loud that I tried to squelch him out. Max sq, min. rf gain and he was still blowing me up. Turned the volume all the way down didn't help so shut the radio off. Still could hear him thru stereo speakers tho stereo wasn't even on. I couldn't get this guy outa my truck! Finally a little clapped-out car with a BIG antenna passed me. I kept waiting for the ECM to shut down but it didn't happen. Truck stayed running just fine. 2000 Int. 3406 e-model. These ECM's must be very well shielded from RF interfearance. This guy had to be running several thousand watts not 10' from me.

 

Its a deferent story if its not hooked up in your own truck. it then has a direct link to your electrical system. Electricity can be explain like water. It fallows a river "wire". voltage regulators and some curcits act like a leave. You send a big enough ripple down stream the leave breaks..

 

Now I have that led zeppelin song stuck in my head....