Bredhurst Receiving and Transmitting Society

Syllabus Sections:-

9c Operation whilst mobile

9c.1 Understand that operating in vehicles and vessels can introduce new hazards (ie. insecure equipment, long/flexible antennas, accidental shorts to earth, lack of attention to driving, RF induction into vehicle control circuits).

Recall the additional safety precautions that should be taken whilst operating mobile and / or maritime mobile (ie secure equipment, cable routing / protection, correct fuming, use of hands free equipment, attention to good radio housekeeping.).

When installing all equipment that is to be used in a vehicle or on a vessel you must ensure that :-

it is properly fixed in position so that in the event of an accident it remains in that position

all cables used must have their route considered so that they will not interfere with other cables already installed and that it is ensured that the cables cannot be chaffed and cause a short circuit with the possible result of a fire.

you reduce the possibility of fire ensure that the correct rated fuse are use in the installation.

you consider the installation of a main shut of switch that is know by all in the vehicle / vessel.

any equipment susceptible to damage by water is kept in water tight compartments - this is particularly important on vessels that operate on tidal water as SALT attacks electronic equipment not only be direct contact but also by spray in the air which also carries salt which causes severe corrosion.

when used in a vehicle that hands free operation is installed to reduce accidents due to operating the equipment.

any RF generate by the equipment does not interfere with the systems of the vehicle or vessel. Engine management systems  and other control circuits are particularly susceptible to interruption to property operation due to the presence of unwanted RF.

after the installation that it is checked regularly to ensure that nothing has changed that might cause problems in operation, or fire.  

antennas are safely installed so that particularly on a vessel they cannot be touched whilst transmissions are taking place. On vehicles long wippy antennas need to be secured whilst the vehicle is moving.

NEXT RF