HAM Radio to AUX Switches

[Liquidtravel]

Hello all,

I am considering connecting a HAM Radio to one of my AUX switches. The first 2 AUX switches are already used so I would have to use one of the remaining 4. My understanding is that the remaining switches are all using 10 amp fuses is that correct? Does anyone see an issue with using these switches or think it might cause unwanted interference on the radio?

Also, has anyone done this? If so, I would love to know the process you went through to wire it all together since I am very new to this kind of thing.

thanks

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[MtnTopComms]

What model radio are you planning to use?

 

[Liquidtravel]

What model radio are you planning to use?

I have the Yaesu FTM-400

 

[MtnTopComms]

I have the Yaesu FTM-400

Others here can correct me but since that radio has a max draw of 12amps you'd need to probably use the switch to activate a relay to power on the radio.

 

[pjstans]

Hello all,

I am considering connecting a HAM Radio to one of my AUX switches. The first 2 AUX switches are already used so I would have to use one of the remaining 4. My understanding is that the remaining switches are all using 10 amp fuses is that correct? Does anyone see an issue with using these switches or think it might cause unwanted interference on the radio?

Also, has anyone done this? If so, I would love to know the process you went through to wire it all together since I am very new to this kind of thing.

thanks

I have an FTM-300 - went to the local radio install place that installs mobile radios for all the first responders...I did not use the Aux switches...cost a few bucks..but those guys do installs daily

 

[Murfman]

FTM-400 has auto shut off feature so you don't kill your battery. I went direct to the battery. Isolate radio with a relay? | Expedition Portal

 

[Rydfree]

Others here can correct me but since that radio has a max draw of 12amps you'd need to probably use the switch to activate a relay to power on the radio.

Good advice. I would go further and suggest that you don't even pay attention to the factory listed amp rating of the upfitter switches. I would never run a load through a vehicle switch unless you want to be replacing switches later. Always use the switch to just activate a relay that actually powers your devices. Lots less headaches down the road. The highest rated switch that Ford list is attached to a questionable gauge of wire ,lol.

 

[Liquidtravel]

Good advice. I would go further and suggest that you don't even pay attention to the factory listed amp rating of the upfitter switches. I would never run a load through a vehicle switch unless you want to be replacing switches later. Always use the switch to just activate a relay that actually powers your devices. Lots less headaches down the road. The highest rated switch that Ford list is attached to a questionable gauge of wire ,lol.

that makes a lot of sense., I think I will go straight to the battery. Now, there are 2 batteries in the bronco. I am assuming I would use the main battery, is that correct?

 

[Johnny Rebel]

that makes a lot of sense., I think I will go straight to the battery. Now, there are 2 batteries in the bronco. I am assuming I would use the main battery, is that correct?

You have a dual battery setup in your Bronco?

 

[swooshdave]

Good advice. I would go further and suggest that you don't even pay attention to the factory listed amp rating of the upfitter switches. I would never run a load through a vehicle switch unless you want to be replacing switches later. Always use the switch to just activate a relay that actually powers your devices. Lots less headaches down the road. The highest rated switch that Ford list is attached to a questionable gauge of wire ,lol.

You do understand the upfitter switches activate a relay?

 

[Liquidtravel]

You have a dual battery setup in your Bronco?

Yes, I do

 

[Liquidtravel]

You do understand the upfitter switches activate a relay?

Kind of. I understand that is more like a true/ false thing.

 

[MtnTopComms]

Yes, I do

So now I am intrigued, how do you have this set up because I have been researching dual battery setups?

 

[swooshdave]

Kind of. I understand that is more like a true/ false thing.

People who respond “kind of” when it comes to electricity should either educate themselves or defer to an expert.

 

[Liquidtravel]

People who respond “kind of” when it comes to electricity should either educate themselves or defer to an expert.

what do you think I am trying to do

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