Community Forums

TJBroussard · 03-28-2016, 04:10 AM

New to ham radio RV mobile and was wondering if you've discovered a preference for power through the coach battery or house batteries?

I've a 2014 Jayco Seneca on the Freightliner M2 Truck chassis. It has two batteries under the seat, compared to four 12 volt ones in the coach.

Are the coach batteries "cleaner" as far as noise, etc? Im presently on the coach batteries, and notice alternator whine on hf.

73,
Terry

okcnewbie · 03-28-2016, 09:52 AM

Speaking generally;

Your house batteries are better equipped for powering 12 Volt devices. These batteries are designed to be discharged and charged without being degraded.

rk911 · 03-28-2016, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okcnewbie

Speaking generally;

Your house batteries are better equipped for powering 12 Volt devices. These batteries are designed to be discharged and charged without being degraded.

X2 on that. I would run a #8 or #10 (nothing smaller) fused at the battery, power and ground wire from the coach batteries to a bus in a convenient location and connect your equipment there. a good chassis ground will be difficult to do...everything is a compromise.

TJBroussard · 03-29-2016, 03:39 AM

Appreciate the help. Sounds like a plan and easy enough to re-route the wiring I have.

73

1bigmess · 03-29-2016, 11:46 AM

I'll put this up if you need to have this info.

dons2346 · 03-29-2016, 05:12 PM

A couple of things to consider.

Do you have either a converter or a inverter? Either one could be a source of noise if you leave them on while using the radio. If it is a pure sign wave inverter, the cheap ones are nosier than the more expensive ones such as Magnum Energy

If you have a auto leveling system, and it has a computer and if it is left on, it too will generate rf and you will hear it

If you have any solar and are running a MPPT controller, that will also cause interference.

If you have cheap LED lighting, it too could be a source of noise.

Hook up to the house batteries and if you get some noise, you can use a handheld to sniff out where you are getting interference from

TJBroussard · 03-29-2016, 05:18 PM

Very helpful! Thank you both.

vsheetz · 03-29-2016, 05:49 PM

House batteries here. Hefty wire (don't remember what gauge I installed) direct to the batteries. I only operate HF when stationary so engine / alternator not a factor. MSW inverter, PWM solar controller, generator, and LED lighting. No noise issues.

These comments are for the PA. Have not yet moved radio equipment over to the Phaeton, so yet to see what if any issues there.