Powering HAM radio and audio amplifier

[C6H12O6]

I'm planning on running power wire back to the DS rear panel in the cargo area of my 100 to power a Yaesu FT-8800r and an Alpine mono subwoofer amplifier.

For the amplifier, I was planning on running 8 ga. wire directly to the battery with an inline fuse near the battery and grounding to the chassis in the back cargo area. The amp is a likely going to be something in the 150-200w @ 4 ohm variety.

My plan for the Yaesu was to run separate power and ground wires directly to the battery at the same time. Probably 12 ga. wires with the appropriate fuses.

My question is, would it be better to run one 4 ga. power wire to the back of the Cruiser, then split it off to both? I've been reading conflicting info all over the web. I would likely fuse it at the battery, then into a distribution block near the amp and radio's main box. Either way, it sounds like it's better to run the radio ground all the way back to the battery, correct?

 

[honk]

Either way, it sounds like it's better to run the radio ground all the way back to the battery, correct?

Yes, to minimize interference in receive.

I like the single heavy wire to a bussbar/distribution box near the powered equipment. It simplifies installation and fusing the individual draws plus gives an available source of power for any additional equipment mounted in the back end of the vehicle.

 

[C6H12O6]

Any issues running the FT-8800 box and a small audio amp in that enclosed space behind the cargo panel? They're going to go where the factory sub was on the 100 if I can get them to both fit. I had two amps in a similar space on my 80 with no heat issues, but I don't know how hot the radio will get. There is a large vent for the sub. I think that should be enough.

 

[jamesurq]

I'd run 2/0 gauge to a distribution block
As far as heat in that area, using a class D sub amp versus an A/B amp will help.

Why are you mounting a Ham radio in the trunk?