C220 CDI - access for power?

[thespirit3]

Hi All,

I need to fit a radio into my C220. It's not a normal head unit, but rather a transmitter - for amateur radio use. It can pull up to 20A, so in previous vehicles I've found a spare hole in the firewall, and run power cables directly to the battery.

I could probably do the same in the Mercedes but I was wondering a) if there's any other easily acceseable power connections already inseide the car and b) if this would invalidate my warranty at all.

Has anyone done such a thing? If so - and if going straight to the battery - is there an easy place to run the cables?

I would spend time looking outside - but it's cold and snowing - so being armed with anyone elses past experience would be very handy!

Thanks


Steve

 

[television]

You could check out the fuse rating of the cigar/radio feed,even then 20a is on the hígh side. Nothing else in the car that can handle that.

Malcolm

 

[jberks]

I'd go directly to the battery for that much power. It would need to be a heavy circuit and that will already be carrying a big load potentially.
However, I've not had a Merc since the 123 that had the battery under the bonnet. 2 have been in the boot and one under the rear seat. The upside of this is that access is far easier. Where is it on the 203?

 

[thespirit3]

It's under the bonnet - and a pain to get to.

Even if I get to the battery and find a hole in the firewall - it means somehow hiding thick 20A cables under the trim/carpet

I've spoken to a car stereo installer but they've done the *drawer breath through teeth* "that could be 4 hours at £50/hour" thing.



Steve