Radio voltage supply

Start with maximum amp draw. Then total length of lead. There’s a deduction for the fuse. Hot weather, also a deduction.

Online calculators showing PERCENT voltage drop are what to use.

Basically, 6-ga for a big truck short run and 4 for one longer. (Assuming 10’ and 12’)

It’s the length of the run that is the problem.

 

why would anyone tune the radio at 14.4?

 

Things are different in the NM desert, RL.

 

I don’t think you can keep it at 14.4 V, have you put a meter on the batteries to see what the alternator is putting out? Most alternators run around 14.2 V as a rule.

 

OK got it, I am behind the times with this new new engineering, like the new new math. Some of these CB techs have changed how electrons work from what I heard.

To the op, go get a new alternator with an external remotely adjustable voltage, crank it up at the alternator to 15.7 volts so you can see 14.4 at the radio when it is keyed.

 

Leece-Neville Ext Adj. 6.5 Frame 300A High Output

Craig, tell the boss man your brand-new truck will need the above.

And a Freightliner conversion kit from their LEO/Mil-Spec Parts Group.

Conversion time should be under [20] shop hours.

Seriously, here’s what I’d try:

1). Shortest run (radio in TAC COMM TRC-1) on dash.

2). 3’? 4’? Run to that FL circuit box. Use Blue Sea Termination Fuse Holders.

3). Super-fine strand welding cable (big as the FL feeds). Step it down size-wise the last foot or less.

As I see it, the run straight to BATT is too far and has too many bends.
.

 

Do you use heat shrink or electrical tape to keep the blue sea termination fuse holders from shorting on something?

I think your just throwing money at a problem that’s not really a problem. At least Craig is.

 

I was wondering about that too.

 

I suppose the extra tenths-of-a-volt provide a few extra watts of output, but I doubt it adds any significant benefit.

Craig, is that the effect of 14.0v compared with 14.4v relative to your tune, a few more watts' output? Or, is there something else that happens at the lower voltage?