Thread: Running antenna wire

I am installing a tk-7180, which is a LOT more work than I was hoping. I installed the antenna and I'm currently in the process of running the antenna wire (will finish that tomorrow). The antenna wire will run along side the power wire for my dual talons for 3 or so feet. Will there be any interference when I have the talons running?

Doubtful.

Probably be fine unless you run it near some strobe cables or something similar.

Originally Posted by ryanm

Probably be fine unless you run it near some strobe cables or something similar.

I don't use strobes. Only wires it will be remotely close to are its power wires, antenna wire, and the seat belt wire.

I would say not, if, and make that IF, you have good quality coax - plenty of shielding braid. And a 7180 tops out at 50 Watts; it's not a high power radio like a 790H series might be; (100 Watts). But... if you can avoid running them together, try to do so. And if you do experience problems with your Talons, maybe a couple ferrite beads on those power wires would be a quick experiment before you have to pull the coax back & try to run it a different direction.

Good Luck!

ive only ever run into problems with the high power 790s on ambulances. And those problems were minimal. youll be fine.

Originally Posted by kb4mdz

I would say not, if, and make that IF, you have good quality coax - plenty of shielding braid. And a 7180 tops out at 50 Watts; it's not a high power radio like a 790H series might be; (100 Watts). But... if you can avoid running them together, try to do so. And if you do experience problems with your Talons, maybe a couple ferrite beads on those power wires would be a quick experiment before you have to pull the coax back & try to run it a different direction.

Good Luck!

Sadly there is no other way to route the cable, if there was I would surely have taken it.

I have one more question regarding the antenna cable. I am sure this has happened to everyone while installing a mobile radio, I have 5 feet of extra cable. Can I coil it up (zip tied, loomed, the works) in the console by the radio?

coiling up extra coax can turn it into a balun.

use as few turns as neccesary.

Originally Posted by Jarred J.

coiling up extra coax can turn it into a balun.

use as few turns as neccesary.

What would you suggest I do?

leave enough slack to remove the radio for service cut the rest off and replace the connector

I don't have the crimper or an extra connector. Can I leave it as it is for now (coiled) and in a week or two go to the radio shop and have it cut?

nope.


leave it loose for now. then get it fixed.

Originally Posted by Jarred J.

nope.


leave it loose for now. then get it fixed.

Are you saying nope to me leaving it coiled until I can get it fixed?

yes DO NOT leave it coiled.


unless you want to buy a new radio

Originally Posted by Jarred J.

yes DO NOT leave it coiled.


unless you want to buy a new radio

What will it do to the radio

I am going to the local radio store for a crimper and a connector. so there are no problems with cutting the cable?

why would their be? it wasnt manufactured at the length you bout it at

Originally Posted by Jarred J.

why would their be? it wasnt manufactured at the length you bout it at

I just read something about lengths and wave lengths. How do I strip the cable to put the new connector on? Also, to cut it, I just cut it? Nothing special?

IF you dont know leave it to a professional . Its not worth blowing up a radio

Originally Posted by Respondcode3

IF you dont know leave it to a professional . Its not worth blowing up a radio

With all respect, I don't see how me putting on a connector can fry my radio

Originally Posted by vff0312

With all respect, I don't see how me putting on a connector can fry my radio

If you don't properly install the connector on the coax, you can fry the radio in several different ways: short to ground, no connection at all, or no ground at all. The mini UHF's and the BNC's are not as easy as the old PL-259's. (Just dated myself, didn't I? )

I appreciate all the replies. I ended up cutting the wire and putting a new connector on it. Thanks again.

Originally Posted by Steve0625

If you don't properly install the connector on the coax, you can fry the radio in several different ways: short to ground, no connection at all, or no ground at all. The mini UHF's and the BNC's are not as easy as the old PL-259's. (Just dated myself, didn't I? )

The 7180 should use the pl259. Dont worry about doing it yourself(if you have the right crimpers), they are pretty easy to put on, depending on if your coax is solid or stranded core.