Hi All,
I know this really really of topic but someone might have an idea. I just got a scanner for my ute . I used a cigerate plug in type power surrply, 12v DC as needed for the scanner. I set it all up and was working well then it just died.

I checked the fuses for a start, then I looked at everything . cig plug, converter that plugs into the cig plug, and the lead with the 4 way plug/pins on it etc and all cheaked out fine.

I then took the scanner inside and pluged it into the 240v power surrply I have set up for my other scanner & it worked fine .

Any idea's anyone ??

The cig power surrply is brand new but it is a cheap one ,, Im thinking that must be the problem but Im still getting 12v out of it .

Regards & Thanks
amshaw

I've seen poor connections in cigarette lighter sockets.
I would recommend wiring up permanent 12V from the accessories or brake switch power (for 12v always).
If the 240v powerpack works through the same socket, then it must be the supply in the car that's not giving the volts. The power connector may not be exactly the right one at the scanner side. This will allow an unreliable connection. Try wiggling around each connections, one at a time.

Can only be that.

Chris

Thanks Dude,
You have talked me into the rewire job. But Im really not 100% how or where. The last thing I want is to be called out to put my own car out thats on fire because I didnt wire it properly etc.

So I guess it would be best to wire it to something like the radio power wire so there is power only when the key is on ?? Or would that take too much power away from the scanner ?

Is it ok to just use those wire joiner's that you put the wire's side by side then clamp down on the metal spade thing to join them together ? Or are thay more for Emergancy or short term only ?

And also with the plug that go's into the scanner the bigger connection with the little tabs on the end , that would be for the power and the small tab with a hole in it be the earth ? Im guessing that I can just connect the earth to a metal bracket near by ?

I bought an in line fuse holder , what do you think would be the best ampage fuse for a scanner ??

Regards & Thanks
Andrew Shaw
amshaw

Loads of Questions..One at a time..


So I guess it would be best to wire it to something like the radio power wire so there is power only when the key is on ??

Yes, it's handy being able to turn it on when you have no keys etc..but you are more likely to leave it on and come back to a flat battery.

Or would that take too much power away from the scanner ?

No difference. Radio + scanner would be lucky to draw 5 amps. The wire would easy be good for that. It's the same size as the wire to the cigarette lighter, and how much power do you think that draws?? :)
The blue (white trace?) 12v wire going to the accessories normally has a spare spade connector that's taped into the loom. Use that for power.

Is it ok to just use those wire joiner's that you put the wire's side by side then clamp down on the metal spade thing to join them together ?

Only "Strathfield Car Radio" uses those things. They suck, and cause wire damage, and are the cause for more breakdowns than anything else. Only use them if you don't have a soldering iron, and only if you can't find the blue wire discussed above.

Or are thay more for Emergency or short term only ?

I agree only if you have no other option

And also with the plug that go's into the scanner the bigger connection with the little tabs on the end , that would be for the power and the small tab with a hole in it be the earth?

The small tab would be earth. Assuming the wire is a black wire or red wire with black trace.

Im guessing that I can just connect the earth to a metal bracket near by ?

Yes, I like to drill a small hole, the size of a spare self tapping screw laying about. Tet the point using a multimeter (Ohmmeter) to check continuity between the earth point and the -ve side of the battery.

I bought an in line fuse holder , what do you think would be the best ampage fuse for a scanner ??

No more than 3 amps. It's only a reciever.


Cheers
Chris

Thanks for all that Chris,
A heap of info there, is a great help thanks mate. I have another for you.

I have a feeling that the scanner may need to be wired with "Reverse Polality" or how ever you spell that. What can you tell us about that ?

Regards & Thanks
Andrew
amshaw

Well its a goer, thanks for your help. Now I can get a little pre warning for local fire's , mva's etc.

Regards
amshaw