Ed wrote:
>NOT SO! NOT SO! I can't address British vehicular radio equipment but,
>with only a couple of exceptions (SCR-610, etc) ALL U.S. equipment is
>polarity sensitive, is not of floating design, and is intended for use
>on negative ground systems ONLY! You will find the negative side of all
>the circuitry connected directly to the equipment chassis, cases, racks,
>etc. Depending upon the manner in which the primary power (vehicle
>battery) is connected to the radio equipment, the best result of a
>reversed polarity connection would be a blown fuse; the worst result
>result could be the destruction of the set, accompanied by the stench of
>burning battery cable insulation and explosion of the battery caused by
>the dead short!
In the UK we have an expression "squaddy proof" which means the equipment
will stand up to bad-treatment when used by non-skilled operators (ie
a memeber of the armed forces).
Protection against incorrect polarity is essential in any automotive
electrical equipment, and any radio equipment which caused major damage
simply due to incorrect polarity would not get very far in service.
If you intend to modify or rewire your MV make sure you have the necessary
skill. Fuses, diodes and adequate cable thickness are all essential to
minimise the chance of a vehicle fire. Don't mess with it unless you really
know what you are doing!
richard e.
England
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