How to run heavy DC cable from passenger compartment to battery in 2009 Accord?

Discussion in 'Accord' started by Alan WA4SCA, Feb 20, 2009.

  1. Alan WA4SCA

    Alan WA4SCA Guest

    Hi,

    Anybody have experience with running a heavy DC power cable for a ham
    rig through the firewall, or other route, to get to the battery in a
    2009 or recent V-6 Accord Coupe? The service manuals are not yet
    available, and my old Accord is too ancient to provide guidance in
    finding a suitable path.
     
    Alan WA4SCA, Feb 20, 2009
    #1
  2. You are probably going to have to drill or cut your own hole and install a
    grommet, then seal the grommet after the wires are in place. (I'm presuming
    the high power has to go to a head unit rather than a unit in the trunk.) Do
    you know what guage wires you will need?

    Mike
     
    Michael Pardee, Feb 20, 2009
    #2
  3. Alan WA4SCA

    Jim Yanik Guest

    the straightest,shortest route would be under the car and then up into the
    trunk area.(like the fuel lines...)
    trying to go thru the passenger compartment will result in a twisty and
    more difficult routing.
    You'd have to pull carpet,trim,and then there's the chance of breakage and
    not getting it fitted back together properly.
     
    Jim Yanik, Feb 20, 2009
    #3
  4. Alan WA4SCA

    Alan Biddle Guest

    Jim, Mike,

    In the past, I have placed the RF unit under the passengers seat, and
    mounted the control head somewhere in the center console. Since the
    rig pulls about 12 amps, that cuts down the drop in a long run to the
    trunk. Of course, I can use heavier cable if I go that route. In my
    old car, I was able to find a cable run which worked well with minimal
    trim removal.

    Of course another trick is to tie into the DC power to the power seat.
    Plenty of capacity, unswitched, and test shows it to be clean. Not
    sure about the new car though.
     
    Alan Biddle, Feb 20, 2009
    #4
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