Two-Way Radio (Ham Radio) Installation Is Dangerous

I read in QST that one cannot connect directly to the 12v battery due to battery current monitoring. How have you guys powered you mobile radios? Mine is a 2013 Model and I also have a 2012 hybrid Highlander.

Thanks
Joe- N7JEH

 

Nobody answering this question?

 

If you’re asking specifically about power supply connections on your 2017 liftback Prius, see @ChapmanF's and my comments on page 2 of the 12-volt system thread.

About amateur radio transceivers, in general, for several current Toyota models, including the Prius and Prius Prime, the Repair Manual (available by subscription to techinfo.toyota.com) includes the following text, under General: Introduction: Repair Instruction: Precaution:

FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

(a) Install the antenna as far away from the ECU and sensors of the vehicle electronic systems as possible.
(b) Install the antenna and feeder at least 20 cm (7.87 in.) away from the ECUs and sensors of the vehicle electronic systems. For details about ECU and sensor locations, refer to the section on the applicable components.
(c) Keep the antenna and feeder separate from other wiring as much as possible. This will prevent signals the communication equipment from affecting vehicle equipment and vice versa.
(d) Check that the antenna and feeder are correctly adjusted.
(e) Do not install a high-powered mobile communication system.​

They don’t define “high-powered,” though, and I expect Toyota’s TSC 7006G immunity standard and the EMC design criteria and test reports for specific vehicles would be considered proprietary information.

A service bulletin issued in 2012 by Toyota Motor Corporation (for markets outside the U.S.) does give output power limits by band and antenna location, but I don’t know if it applies to current vehicles. See Service Bulletin BE-7006, “Output Power and Antenna Position of RF-Transmitter at Vehicle,” available by subscription to toyota-tech.eu. For example, with an exterior antenna only, installed at identified positions, the bulletin limits output power to 50 W in the 10 m, 8 m, 6 m, 2 m, and 70 cm bands or 15 W in the 23 cm band.

Toyota also has a form letter with an attachment giving generic two-way radio installation guidelines; the text is on the ARRL’s Auto Manufacturer’s Policies page, in the Toyota section.

 

I have had an Alinco DX70 HF Radio (Set to 50W max) and a TYT9600 in my 2017 Prius Touring 3 with no problems. The 4 Antennas were mag mounted to the roof with the coax running along the rubber door seals until the bottom (so any rain would drip off before the coax heads up and into the car). The Inverter noise is a horror on 20 Meters, but the DMR/2M/70CM radio is completely usable...Have not had any issues transmitting. The roof is a bit congested. Ant #1 2m/70cm, Ant#2 10Meters, Ant#3 6 Meters and Ant#4 20 Meters.