12v usage for radio gear

vitesse · #1 04-24-2010, 08:56 PM

I want to install an Ham Radio gear in my Civic Hybrid 2009 and have few question.

The radio is transmitting at 50 watts and use up to 12.5a on 12v battery. I will have to plug the radio directly on the "small" 12v battery of the car.

Is there a problem using that much power on the 12v circuit? Will this be safe with the DC to DC converter, as I understand the 12v battery is charged by the SoC with a DC to DC converter.

Will this void the warranty? I have currently a problem with the IMA system and waitting a new SoC battery and IMA computer, so warranty is a concern to me.

Chuck · #2 04-24-2010, 09:06 PM

My understanding is the Honda hybrid battery pack is for propulsion only.

Your 12v battery not only runs the headlights, radio, all 12v operations, but even the small network regulating the IMA system.

vitesse · #3 04-24-2010, 09:15 PM

Yes I understand that too, and the 12v battery seem small for all is task. this is why I ask the question. And I want to know understand if their is a difference between a DC to DC converter and a traditional alternator to recharge the battery.

Right Lane Cruiser · #4 04-25-2010, 09:50 AM

Hi, Vitesse and welcome to the site!

There are some differences between the DC-DC converter and an alternator (much smarter application of load specific charging for one), but generally speaking you should be fine. The thing you'll want to watch out for though is that if there is too much draw on the 12V system the DC-DC converter will trigger low level regen to keep the SoC in the high voltage battery up. If this happens your mileage will necessarily suffer. This is in fact one of the ways we notice that the 12V battery is getting weak (in a stock vehicle with no extra draw on the system).

You should take a look at the articles by MSantos dealing with install of photovoltaic panels in his Civic Hybrid to help keep the 12V battery charged up -- it may be just enough to help in this situation? On the other hand, you may not have an issue at all... you'll just have to give it a try.

msantos · #5 04-26-2010, 07:26 PM

Hi Vitesse;

There should be no problem installing a 150-180W radio provided that you have it powered ON only while the car's DC-DC is online. Of course, this also means that the car must be powered ON. If you run the radio over extended periods of time while the vehicle is powered off then the OEM 12V battery will undoubtedly suffer.

As Sean indicated, you may wish to lessen the hit with additional measures such as a supplemental charging system... although I suspect a solar solution may offer little benefit in your case unless you get a beefy solar panel and you have enough Sun all year around in your area.

Also in your case, I would try a larger capacity 12V battery even though I shy away from those recommendations because the FE hit and stress on the DC-DC is hard to justify for most folks. In your case, it may be a worthwhile approach since your DC-DC is going to be "high" most of the time anyway.

Cheers;

MSantos

vitesse · #6 05-01-2010, 02:27 PM

thanks for all your reply. Seem I will have no problem, or only little with the installation, this is really great to know.

will ask my dealer if this will void my warranty, this is the only think I will need to know before proceeding. I have to go to receive a new SoC battery this week, so will take time to ask about that.