7.3 Ham Radio (Future)¶
Reserved circuit for future amateur radio installation.
Type: Amateur (Ham) Radio
Model: TBD
Manufacturer: TBD
Mounting: TBD
Power Source: PMU OUT12 (15A capacity, CONSTANT - reserved)
Reserved Circuit¶
PMU OUT12 is reserved for future ham radio installation:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| PMU Output | OUT12 |
| Capacity | 15A |
| Power Mode | CONSTANT |
| Wire Gauge | 14 AWG |
| Ground | START battery neg (14 AWG) |
| Firewall | Grommet |
15A capacity supports up to ~180W output radios (most mobile ham radios are 50-100W).
License Requirements¶
Ham radio requires an FCC license:
- Technician - VHF/UHF privileges
- General - HF privileges added
- Amateur Extra - Full privileges
Exam required for each license class.
Potential Radio Types¶
VHF/UHF Mobile (2m/70cm):
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 144 MHz / 440 MHz |
| Typical Power | 50W VHF, 35W UHF |
| Current Draw | ~10A TX, 1A RX |
| Antenna | Roof-mounted dual-band whip (NMO) |
HF Mobile (Long Range):
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 3-30 MHz |
| Typical Power | 100W |
| Current Draw | ~15A TX, 1-2A RX |
| Antenna | Bumper or rack mount (requires tuner) |
Outstanding Items¶
- Determine if/when ham radio will be installed
- Decide on VHF/UHF vs HF vs both
- Verify 15A fuse is sufficient for chosen radio
- Determine antenna mounting location
- Plan coax cable routing
- Determine if ham radio will integrate with STX intercom