[Larry L]

I doubt there are any other licensed amateur radio operators on Club Touareg. But, I'll chance this as there might be someone with experience in this area (possibly land mobile or?).

Oh, RFI stands for Radio Frequency Interference as in a strong radio signal interfering with operation of another electronic device. Typically this occurs because the manufacture of the effected device failed to provide adequate shielding, grounding, or left out 50 cents worth of parts to prevent the problem.

The Touareg manual mentions that a radio transmitter of up to 10 watts output power can be installed in a Touareg. Has anyone tried a 100 watt transmitter (HF or VHF) and if so what was your experience? Did your Touareg still function? If you had problems did you resolve them and if so how??

Curious as I am considering installing a 100 watt amateur radio tranciever in my Touareg, but do not want to waste the time and effort if there are major issues that cannot be overcome.

73 (amateur radio slang for best wishes)

 

[BoostAddiction]

RFI

Well, I'm not an amateur, but I used to have a First Class FCC Radiotelephone commercial license in the era when those were required to operate TV stations, radio stations, etc.

And while I don't know the answer in detail, my gut feeling (FWIW) is that I wouldn't put 100 watts (RMS?) of output anywhere near the sensitive electronics out Tregs have.

I can't prove it but I would bet that any CAN bus-equipped car would be much more senstive to RFI and possibly ground-induced power perturbations, compared to, say, a 70's Oldsmobile with carbs and an AM radio.

And maybe the newer gear is better shlelded, but I for one would never show up at the dealer sporting a 102" whip and lots of ham gear under the dash while complaining about wierd electrical problems. Dontcha think they'd notice?
-Will

 

[spockcat]

I agree with BoostAddiction. I would bet you will run into troubles too. No proof, just a gut feeling.

 

[bazil]

Hi Larry,

You are not the only one here!

I run a Yaesu FT100 on all bands from 7 through 430 MHz at full power in a 2003 V10 with no trouble at all to the vehicle.

There are a few 'birdies' on 50 and 144 MHz from the various onboard CPU clocks, but no show stoppers.

The second battery in the rear loadspace also make a really short, low loss power connection for a trunk-mount rig!

Give it a try, I don't think you will have any trouble.

73

Bazil

 

[joeames]

Hi--thanks for all the posts. I'm installing my Icom IC-208h VHF/UHF rig into my T'reg this weekend. Glad to hear the FT-100 presents no problems.

By the way, either of you hear anything about taking the Nav unit's GPS output? It would be sweet to use it for APRS.

Remind me to post some photos of my 78 Westy with the 16" Shakespeare AT/120 HF whip with high voltage protection and OD vehicular mount

Vy 73,
Joe W3JY
www.delcoares.org

 

[hspiva]

I've used my handie-talkie and my mobile mount (with 1/4 wave magnet mount) without issues.

I tried to install a wireless rear view camera, and had tons of RFI. Added grounding and changing antenna orientation and position had no positive effect. Hardwired instead.

Check out the specs on the dynamic antenna array for the stereo. Nice.

73,
WD6DVP

 

[bazil]

The Nav radio GPS receiver and decoder are all integrated in the radio, only the GPS antenna is plugged in on the outside of the unit.

I get good results with the Garmin GPS35 "Black Mouse" one piece antenna and receiver just looking through the rear side glass above the fuel filler.

I am off APRS since I decided to 'tidy up' my Tinytrak! :-s

73

Bazil