Radio Transmitters - Installation
NO: 08-22-95GROUP: Electrical
DATE: May 12, 1995
SUBJECT:
Installation of Radio Transmitting Equipment
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 08-31-94 DATED
JULY 15, 1994 WHICH SHOULD BE NOTED IN THE 1994 TSB BOUND BOOK
(Publication No. 81-699-95054). ALL REVISIONS ARE MARKED WITH
**ASTERISKS**. CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE INSTALLATION CONTROLS,
REMOTE TRANSCEIVER, ANTENNA LOCATION AND ANTENNA INSTALLATION.
MODELS:
1989 - 1995 (AA) Spirit/Acclaim/LeBaron Sedan
1989 - 1996 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon
1989 - 1993 (AC) Dynasty/New Yorker/New Yorker Salon
1989 - 1993 (AD) Ram Pickup/Ramcharger
1989 - 1993 (AG) Daytona
1989 - 1995 (AJ) LeBaron Coupe/LeBaron Convertible
1989 - 1996 (AN) Dakota
1989 - 1994 (AP) Shadow/Shadow Convertible/Sundance
1989 - 1995 (AS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1990 - 1993 (AY) Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
1994 - 1996 (BR) Ram Pickup
1992 - 1995 (ES) Chrysler Voyager (Export Only)
1995 - 1996 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus
1993 - 1996 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New Yorker
1989 - 1992 (MJ) Comanche
1996 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1995 - 1996 (PL) Neon
1992 - 1996 (SR) Viper
1989 - 1996 (XJ) Cherokee/Wagoneer
1989 - 1996 (YJ) Wrangler
1993 - 1996 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee/Grand Wagoneer
DISCUSSION:
Included is a copy of a brochure entitled "Chrysler Corporation Radio Communication Equipment Installation Recommendations". It is being provided with this Technical Service Bulletin to assist in properly installing communication equipment in Chrysler vehicles, This information should be given to any owner inquiring about installing radio transmitting equipment.
POLICY: Information Only
The information contained in this guide has been prepared for use by persons installing two-way radio equipment (transmitters and receivers) in vehicles. It has been prepared in accordance with current engineering principles and generally accepted practices, using the best information available at the time of publication. It is not possible to cover all of the possible installations of two-way radio equipment in this guide. Accordingly, Chrysler Corporation cannot be held responsible for incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of the information contained herein. The responsibility for installations and modifications is the sole responsibility of the customer.
The installation recommendations presented here are intended to supplement the radio manufacturer's instructions.
1. CONTROLS: Mount the transceiver to a solid surface. If you use screws through the floor pan, put body sealer over the underbody projections (stamped acorn nuts, filled with sealer are available at most body shops for this purpose). This will keep moisture out of the carpet and insulation, and will forestall rust in this area. Watch out for wire harnesses routed under the carpet and behind the instrument panel.
If you mount the radio under the instrument panel, be sure that there is no interference with proper operation of the foot controls. Mount the control head or front panel (especially the microphone cable) so that it is clear of the steering wheel and column controls and passenger airbag. If the unit is heavy, extra bracing may be needed for stability. Newer vehicles have more structure and energy absorbing materials in the knee blocker (the lower part of the IP).
** For one piece transceivers, if ignition switch control is desired, it is food practice to use a power relay to avoid overloading the ignition switch, and to maintain the advantages of direct battery feed.**
Try the installation out before you start drilling holes.
2. UNDERHOOD WIRING: Connect the power (battery +) lead at the battery or at the power distribution center, if the vehicle has one. A ring terminal of the proper size should be used. Solder if the terminal is exposed to the weather. Wheel bearing grease or a commercial protectant should be used to slow corrosion. This lead should be fused as close to the battery as practical to protect the wiring (and the vehicle)! If the power connection is underhood, use a weatherproof fuse holder. Motorola Communications Division supplies a weatherproof holder P/N 09-84277B01 for 5AG for cartridge fuses that is part of their standard installation kit. Packard Electric Division of GM makes an insulator, Part Number 12033769, Terminal Number 12020156 with cover 12033731 for standard SAE plastic fuses.
DO NOT FUSE THE GROUND LEAD. If the ground-side fuse were to open, the entire supply current would be conducted by the coax shield. This could cause the feedline to overheat with possible resulting damage.
It is preferable to connect the ground (battery -) lead at the battery connection to the body (this is usually a 6 or 8 AWG black wire from the battery negative terminal to a screw at the wheelhouse or radiator support). If a separate sheet metal ground is used, clean the paint off a one inch or so diameter area of body panel where the ground lead is to be connected (usually the case with commercial trunk mount radios). An awl may be used to pierce a starting hole for a # 12, minimum plated ground screw. A ring terminal with lockwasher serrations of the proper size for the screw or a separate serrated (not a split or SAE) lockwasher should be used between the terminal and the screw head. As above, some grease or protectant should be used if the connection is in an unprotected area.
If the power cable must pass through the dash panel, try to find an existing hole with a grommet that is unused. If none is available, pull the carpet back from under the dash panel in the passenger footwell in the cabin. Locate a place where there are no other components on either side, as high up as possible. An awl may be used to punch a small hole through to the engine compartment. If the position is good, enlarge the hole by driving the awl in and up to the shank. If this is not large enough to easily pass the cable, enlarge it by using a larger tapered punch. This will leave an extruded hole with no sharp edges. Install the cable and seal the hole with silicone RTV or commercial body sealer on both sides. Seal any extra holes that you may have made. Dress the underhood wiring so that it is safe from all hazards such as exhaust manifold, steering shaft, throttle linkage, fans, etc. Tie wrap as required.
3. CABLING: Route control cables under the floor mats, inside the corner where the floor pan meets the rocker panel for best protection. Remove the sill plates and tuck the cable under the floor mats or carpet and padding. For most left hand drive vehicles, use the right side for best separation to the main body harness (usually on the left side).
Route the cable along the extreme outboard edge of the floor pan and under the side trim, if possible.
4. REMOTE TRANSCEIVER: For trunk mount installations in passenger cars, you may need to remove the rear seat cushion and seat back to get the cable into the trunk. The seat cushion is usually clipped at the front lower edge by its own frame. Push down and back, then lift. Note the front and rear clipping points for ease of reinstallation. The seat back is usually clipped to the rear compartment inner panel. Pull out at the bottom and slide up to remove. Again, note the clipping points for ease of reinstallation. ** There is usually a vapor/sound barrier behind the seat back which must be pierced to pass the cable.**
Open the trunk and pick a spot where the cable is safe from chafing on any sharp sheetmetal. Tie wrap or tape in place at this location. Repair the barrier sheet if necessary. Replace the seat back and cushion, taking care that the cable is not pinched by the seat cushion when there is someone sitting in the seat. On some vehicles there may be a channel for wiring at this location.
For remote control radios, a sheet of 1/2" plywood one or two inches larger than the radio, is a good method to mount the transceiver to the shelf. It provides a good mounting surface, some shock and vibration isolation, and it keeps moisture away from the radio. Mounting on the floor of the trunk is not recommended. To conserve trunk space, in some vehicles, the radio may be mounted to the rear compartment panel. Locate as far as possible from any vehicle electronic modules located in the rear of the vehicle.
In any case, provide good air circulation, a 50 watt RF output FM transmitter will dissipate about 22 watts (at 70% efficiency). Do not pile things on top of the unit.
5. TRANSMISSION LINE: The transmission line (coaxial cable) should be treated in the same way as the control and power cables. Route flat along body sheetmetal wherever possible (watch out for sharp edges and pinches). If it is necessary to cross over wiring, cross at right angles. In some cases, additional shielding between the transmission line and the vehicle wiring may be helpful. It is important to maintain the maximum spacing to the vehicle harnesses, especially if the antenna is not a good match. Use the best cable available (98-99% braid coverage or braid/foil) especially at UHF and above. Mechanical pressure on the cable can cause degradation or even short circuits. Do not rely on the obsolete military "RG" designations as an indicator of quality.
The use of N, BNC or C connectors is recommended over "UHF" connectors. A small amount of silicone dielectric grease (not the white heat sink compound) in the connector (after soldering) will minimize condensation problems. Cut the line as short as practical, to minimize losses.
6. ANTENNA LOCATION: Antenna location is the most important consideration in any mobile installation. For VHF and UHF antennas, the recommended place on almost all vehicles is in the center of the roof. The center of the trunk is an acceptable alternate.
For HF antennas, refer to the manufacturer's instructions and follow them closely, unless you are an experienced antenna experimenter. HF antennas should be mounted to body or frame steel for a good counterpoise, as well as structural strength. Aluminum bumpers are heavily anodized for corrosion protection, and the coating (aluminum oxide) is very hard as well as nonconductive. A small grinder with a coarse stone will break through the anodized coating for electrical connection. **Glass-mounted antennas should be mounted at the very top edge of the glass. **
7. ANTENNA INSTALLATION: Permanently installed antennas are preferable over magnetic, glass or body lip mounts for anything other than for low power or temporary installations. Most of these alternate antennas will reflect some power back at the feedpoint. Much of this will be radiated from the feedline inside the passenger compartment, and may be picked up by the vehicle wiring.
** Glass-mount antennas will not work or will only work very poorly in vehicles with metallized glass (Electrically heated windshields or solar reflective glass). Nonmetallic bodies (e.g.: Viper) require a ground plane with radius approximately equal to the length of a quarter-wave antenna. Copper is the best choice, but aluminum or even steel may be used. Install on the inside of the body panel with a good adhesive or tape and provide a good RF connection to the coax shield at the feedpoint. Screen, mesh or thin sheet stock may be used. Shape is not critical, but some directivity may be noted if not round.**
For VHF and UHF, a good quality "NMO" (New Motorola) base or other mount with feedline (center conductor and shield) soldered to the base is recommended. This will allow the maximum flexibility in antenna selection and is the best choice for electrical and mechanical considerations. Use the proper hole saw (3/4" for NMO) or have it done professionally if you are not comfortable with power tools. Hole plugs are available, for use at sale or trade-in, if you expect to remove the antenna base.
To install the antenna base in the hole, remove the one or two door trim pieces at the pillar where the cable is to be routed and ease the headliner away from the roof. Insert a piece of flat steel or plastic banding (1/2 to 3/4 wide) and guide to the desired corner. Pull it through, leaving 6 or so to tape the transmission line to it (easier without the connector, but possible even with a PL-259). Continue pulling until the antenna base is 1 or less from the hole, then seat the base and screw on the outside ring, 0-ring down (a little silicone grease will help maintain a good seal for the life of the vehicle). Tighten with an open end wrench, and apply a small amount of silicone grease to the contact and insulator surface of the base. This will help exclude water but must be renewed periodically. Tip: If you remove your antenna to go through the car wash, there are caps available to exclude water during the process.
In most vehicles, RG-58-sized cable will fit between the pillar trim and body sheet metal. If necessary, the technique used on the roof can also be used to snake the cable down the pillar.
Install the connector very carefully. There are good instructions in the ARRL handbook. Use a hot, high-wattage iron and work quickly, to prevent damage to the cable dielectric. If you are a beginner or are not comfortable with this kind of detail work, ask around for some help as it is extremely important.