odd effect with linear amp

[Ghost in the shell]

ok, since i last came on here, I changed my rig to a Midland Plus78 multi, AM/FM unit and all seemd to be ok in the car, when the linear amplifier was fitted, i have noticed when i Key-up with the Linear turned ON, the airbag fault warning light comes on, then goes out when I key down. This doesnt happen with the linear turned off.

also, are Linear amplifiers meant to get hot?

[chris9]

make sure the swr is below 1.5 before using the amp.

ie connect just radio and then swr meter then antenna. Check swr is less than 1.5
then check again with amp and swr meter in.
use good quality coax and try to be gentle with it when installing.

Make sure you have a good ground on you antenna

If still no improvement, then try ferrite rings or clamps on the amps power feed wire.

good luck
Chris

[stampman]

stray rf illuminating the light

[Ghost in the shell]

make sure the swr is below 1.5 before using the amp.

ie connect just radio and then swr meter then antenna. Check swr is less than 1.5
then check again with amp and swr meter in.
use good quality coax and try to be gentle with it when installing.

Make sure you have a good ground on you antenna

If still no improvement, then try ferrite rings or clamps on the amps power feed wire.

good luck
Chris

SWR 1.3

[stampman]

yes they do get warm enough to keep the coffee hot

[Ghost in the shell]

thanks i think i may have found the problem, the antenna wire, after being swr checked, must have come adrift, down to 1 strand.

so thats sorted now

thanks guys

[Matt C]

Have exactly the same thing with my motorhome's dashboard-mounted alarm LED when I key-up. Seems harmless enough...

[26-TM-037]

Put a 5 inch fan on top of the amp with it blowing on to the amp to keep it cooler