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  #1  
Old 06-20-2017, 02:11 PM
Oni_Burro Oni_Burro is offline
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Default Wiring a police scanner, Help Plz

Hey guys I've got a Uniden radio scanner I'm trying to hard wire to the battery. I've come across some information online saying it's best to run it through the firewall to the battery itself, others here stating to connect power to the cigarette port. Just looking for the best option. Couple pics below for reference.
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  #2  
Old 06-20-2017, 02:39 PM
casey.mikl casey.mikl is offline
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Default Re: Wiring a police scanner, Help Plz

Direct to battery, or get a fuse tap and go straight to the fuse panel. Or you can put a 12v cig end on it and just plug it into the cig outlet


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Old 06-20-2017, 08:48 PM
Oni_Burro Oni_Burro is offline
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Default Re: Wiring a police scanner, Help Plz

Oh nice. I didn't realize fuse taps were a thing. Do you know off-hand which fuse socket it needs to be installed in or will a new kit pretty much walk me through it?
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Old 06-21-2017, 05:34 PM
casey.mikl casey.mikl is offline
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Default Re: Wiring a police scanner, Help Plz

You can tap into any fuse that you want and will give you power. I would tap into one that's got constant power. That way you can use the scanner when the trucks off.


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  #5  
Old 06-21-2017, 06:33 PM
121ak 121ak is offline
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Default Re: Wiring a police scanner, Help Plz

Check out an auto parts store. They have fuse kits that gives you a crimped connection and allows the fuse to be retained. Couple bucks. I used one in my car to wire up a gauge. Very simple!
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Old 06-21-2017, 11:20 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Wiring a police scanner, Help Plz

Dont use a fuse tap under the hood.. It just causes issues and if your anyone who remotely uses your truck as a truck offroad, you'll quickly see what I mean.

Ideally, a Citizens band Radio (CB), any HAM radio, Scanners [whether police or weather], you could wire into existing power inside the vehicle. However, to minimize or eliminate any backfeeding, voltage drops, or interference, it is best to go straight to the battery for both power and ground.

What I would suggest is this. If you think you may be running a few new vehicle features. Consider picking up a Blue Sea fuse box, run a dedicated power and ground wire to it. You could still be direct to the battery by adding a 2nd ring terminal to the power and ground leads and add your separate fuse there.. Meanwhile you also have provided a second source for adding additional features and options.

I did a writeup/install of a HAM radio in a fellow overlanders vehicle on here; Kenwood TM-D1710G H.A.M radio install.. PHOTO INTENSE

If you decide to go that route, hit me up and I'll forward you my contact info to walk you through more.

Also, is that an older Analog Uniden/Bearcat Scanner? If you live in a more rural area it may still work some but most everyone in Metropolitan areas are using digital systems and a bit more expensive and harder to get radio signal.
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