Question
Where should the negative power return of a mobile transceiver be connected in a vehicle?
Answer Options
- A) At the 12 volt battery chassis ground
- B) At the antenna mount
- C) To any metal part of the vehicle
- D) Through the transceiver’s mounting bracket
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
When installing a radio in a vehicle, you must ensure the cleanest possible DC power, minimizing voltage drop and noise pickup. The negative power return should be connected as directly as possible to the primary electrical system’s ground, which is the negative battery terminal.
Therefore, it should be connected at the 12 volt battery chassis ground (the negative terminal of the battery). Connecting directly to the battery’s negative terminal bypasses any resistance and electrical noise (like alternator whine or fuel pump noise) that could be picked up by running the negative lead to a remote point on the vehicle’s frame or body.
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