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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/ham-mobile-negative-return

Where should a mobile radio's negative power lead connect in a vehicle?

At the 12-volt battery chassis ground.

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  1. At the 12-volt battery chassis ground ✔
  2. To any metal part of the vehicle
  3. Through the radio's mounting bracket

Why: Connect the negative lead where the battery is grounded to the chassis. Random metal or a mounting bracket can give poor connections and noise.

Huh, didn't know that: To estimate battery run time, divide its amp-hour rating by the radio's average current draw.

The dad joke
Why did the mobile radio go to the battery? It needed some positive and negative influences.
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References

Answer: At the 12-volt battery chassis ground. Connect the negative lead where the battery is grounded to the chassis. Random metal or a mounting bracket can give poor connections and noise.

  1. HamStudy 2026-2030 Technician pool, section T4A hamstudy.org/browse/E2_2026/T4A
    At the 12-volt battery chassis ground
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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