By Cliff Reade (Cliffreade) on Friday, December 07, 2001 - 10:06 am: Edit

I realize there is a ton of information on the posting boards for this topic, however I was wondering if anyone could help me with accessing a power source. I'll probably install the small box under the driver's seat. A few people have stated that it's easy to "patch" in to the power seats cables. How do I really do this? Some people have also said to patch into the fuse box. Again, how do I really do this? I don't have a whole lot of electrical experience other than blowing up my stereo.

Thanks--

Cliff

By PerroneFord on Friday, December 07, 2001 - 10:55 am: Edit

Why not go to the battery directly? That way you eliminate the problems of hum you hear on damn near everyone's radio.

-P

By DM on Friday, December 07, 2001 - 10:57 am: Edit

Cliff, I would highly recommend that you patch it directly to the battery. I'm a big opponent to patching to other wires of other accessories, Simply because British electrical systems are already suspect (due to history).
If you do go to the battery, make sure your diligent enough to shut it off whenever you turn off the car. Otherwise, it will slowly drain the battery.
Their are plenty of grommets through the firewall that will provide you with access. Let me know if you need further help.

By Alan on Friday, December 07, 2001 - 12:38 pm: Edit

Cliff, You can as I did patch into the hot lead under the passenger seat CD wires. Thier is i believe a 4 pin plug under the seat that has 12 volts. The CB has an inline fuse ( red line )that you can use an inline butt end connector. Radio shack sells them. Just ask them and they'll help you out. This connector allows you to keep the plug undamaged. Just connect it about 3 inches from the plug.

By Axel Haakonsen (Axel) on Friday, December 07, 2001 - 02:08 pm: Edit

That's where I connected my cb as well. That lead is on the same circuit as the dome lights, and it is hot even when the ignition is shut off, so don't forget to shut the cb off when you park the car.

By Joshua Weinstein (Untrakd) on Friday, December 07, 2001 - 05:15 pm: Edit

fuse panel has 2 extra hot leads on it. Used these, they are keyed so you wont drain the battery when the truck is off and you forgot to turn off the radio.

By Mud Man (Clarance) on Friday, December 07, 2001 - 09:19 pm: Edit

I installed mine last week. Ran it directly to the battery.

By Mike B. on Friday, December 07, 2001 - 10:25 pm: Edit

I'm a firm believer of not running things directly to the battery (the only notable exception being a winch). I also don't believe that you should just splice into any old hot wire you find laying around. Both solutions are just begging for problems.

Like the other fella suggested, I prefer to get a hot lead off the fuse box under the steering wheel or from the fuse box in the engine compartment. Both of these solutions leave you with a very clean install and really good electrical connections.

Just my $.02.

Thanks,
Mike B.

By Axel Haakonsen (Axel) on Saturday, December 08, 2001 - 12:14 am: Edit

What is your reasons for not running anything to the battery? I can't think of any reason (other than esthetics) not to, as long as you fuse each circuit properly.

As for the lead under the seat, it's not "any old hot wire", it's an unused power feed, it's fused and available. My CB has run off that feed for 3 years now. As long as you know what you are tapping into and how much you can draw (up to 10 amps in this case), I don't see an issue. Why run wires from the fuse box when it has already been done for you?

To each his own, of course.

By Cliff Reade (Cliffreade) on Saturday, December 08, 2001 - 02:50 pm: Edit

Thanks for everyone's suggestions--

Still considering the options. For instance, my vehicle ('99 Disco I) came with the CD player installed which looks like it is using that 4-pin interface that Axel describes. Is their a splitter for this or am I out of luck since I have the CD player installed? Also, If I was to use the fuse box to tie into, are you describing fuse 12 (multi-function unit), fuse 13(ignition feed for multi-function unit), or something else. If so, how exactly do I tie into this hot wire. Remember, I have very little electronic expertise.

Thanks,

Cliff

By Slider on Saturday, December 08, 2001 - 07:42 pm: Edit

use the hot feed going to the lighter, not a plug in thing, splice into the heavy guage wire back there..it's an independent, high amperage line, good for larger CBs and you don't have to think about shutting it off...we have enough to woory about...