Installing the Hardware
Connecting the radio
To operate correctly, your VHF550 requires two electrical connections:
•.
providing.it.with.power.from.the.boat's.electrical.system.
•.
connecting.a.VHF-FM.marine.antenna.to.the.antenna.connector
Power supply requirements
•
Nominal.13.8.VDC.power.supply.with.a.negative.ground.(11.7.VDC.to.
14.3.VDC)..
•
Power.leads.should.be.kept.as.short.as.possible..A.direct.connection.to.
the.power.supply.is.ideal.
Minimum of #14 AWG copper wire for extensions up to 20 feet, 12
•
AWG wire for extensions from 20 to 35 feet, or 10 AWG wire for
extensions from 35 to 60 feet.
VHF antenna requirements
•
Male.PL-259.connector
50 Ω impedance
•
Minimum 4 foot, 3 dB rated antenna for sailboats or 8 foot, 6dB rated
•
antenna.for.powerboats.
Minimum RG-58 lead-in wire for antenna leads up to 20 feet, RG-8X
•
for antenna leads from 20 to 35 feet, or RG-8U for antenna leads from
35.to.60.feet.
DC 13.8V
Power
Power
connector
E-40
Red wire
(+)
Black wire
cable
(-)