can tuner be on same power supply as ssb?

[arjand]

Hi there,
I attach a pic of my current set-up. The power line goes straight to the batteries. Only the tuner and ssb are connected at this point. Correct or very wrong? If wrong, how should I connect the tuner/ssb?
Thanks for you time! Regards, Arjan

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by arjand

Hi there,
I attach a pic of my current set-up. The power line goes straight to the batteries. Only the tuner and ssb are connected at this point. Correct or very wrong? If wrong, how should I connect the tuner/ssb?
Thanks for you time! Regards, Arjan

Just fine! Good job.

Assume power cables are AWG6 for up to a 20' one-way run to the house batteries, and that these cables are protected by 30A fuses on both the positive and negative cables located close to the batteries.

Bill

[S/V Alchemy]

Bill, would you bother with conformal spray, Boeshield or a plastic cover on that terminal strip set-up? It looks buried in cabinetry, but you'd be amazed what you can short out without meaning to.

Well, I've been amazed.

[capn_billl]

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

Bill, would you bother with conformal spray, Boeshield or a plastic cover on that terminal strip set-up? It looks buried in cabinetry, but you'd be amazed what you can short out without meaning to.

Well, I've been amazed.

I agree looks good, but I would cover up the "HOT" side.

[arjand]

I will do so this weekend and no worries, batteries are out at this moment.... :-) thank you all!!!

[btrayfors]

Yes, I try to cover all exposed terminal blocks. Usually, a couple of small teak blocks -- one on each end -- and a cover of plexiglass or starboard will do the trick nicely.

Bill

[Hannah on 'Rita T']

SeaChoice bus bars come with a sexy plastic cover.

[GordMay]

The (#6 ?) power supply cable must be fused at the battery, and the (2) smaller cables feeding the radio & tuner must be fused at the terminal block.

[Wotname]

While not a direct comment on the OP's question, the picture of his setup reminds me that I have never liked positive and negitive busbars in such close proximity. I know that it is done but I prefer to keep them further apart.

Just one less thing to go wrong!

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by GordMay

The (#6 ?) power supply cable must be fused at the battery, and the (2) smaller cables feeding the radio & tuner must be fused at the terminal block.

Yes, Gord...good points. Except that BOTH the positive and negative cables (AWG6 or 4) need to be fused within 7" of the house batteries, using 30A fuses with a high AIC (meaning ANL, Class-T, or the new terminal fuses).

Most radio power cords come with in-line fuses. These are fine for the power cords; just cut them long enough to reach the terminal block. Use small inline fuses for the tuner and any other power wires (e.g., for the light in an SWR meter).

Bill

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

Yes, I try to cover all exposed terminal blocks. Usually, a couple of small teak blocks -- one on each end -- and a cover of plexiglass or starboard will do the trick nicely.

Bill

Hmm...sort of a "mouth guard". I like that, because it allows air to circulate...and if corrosion starts, you're going to see it right away.

Good idea, Bill. Thanks (goes off to rummage in the teak offcuts box).

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

... BOTH the positive and negative cables (AWG6 or 4) need to be fused within 7" of the house batteries, using 30A fuses with a high AIC (meaning ANL, Class-T, or the new terminal fuses)...

Why both (+/-), and why 30A?

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Why both (+/-), and why 30A?

30A because that's what marine SSB radios draw in the peak transmit conditon.

Both wires because, if there's a fault in the ground system somewhere, the radio itself could be the only path to ground....not good.

It's standard practice in HF radio installations to have fuses on BOTH the positive and negative power leads. Virtually all SSB radios come this way...ham or marine.

Bill

[SV Demeter]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Why both (+/-), and why 30A?

Gord asked a question? I did not think his programming allowed that? Must have been a software update I missed...

[Krakato]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

30A because that's what marine SSB radios draw in the peak transmit conditon.

Both wires because, if there's a fault in the ground system somewhere, the radio itself could be the only path to ground....not good.

It's standard practice in HF radio installations to have fuses on BOTH the positive and negative power leads. Virtually all SSB radios come this way...ham or marine.

Bill

I do a lot of radio installs on emergency vehicles and we always fuse both sides. While I've never seen a ground fuse blow yet, I still think it is a good practive, but then again I have a tendency to overly paranoid when dealing with power runs. It's easy and cheap to do and could save you some serious $$$$.

Cheers,
Mike