Connecting The Radio - Uniden UM385 Owner's Manual

6. Install the radio back into the mounting bracket.
To operate correctly, your radio requires two electrical connections:

CONNECTING THE RADIO

x providing it with power from the boat's electrical system
x connecting a VHF-FM marine antenna to the antenna connector
Power Supply Requirements
Nominal 13.8 VDC power supply with a
negative ground (10.5 VDC to 16.0 VDC).
Power leads should be kept as short as
possible. A direct connection to the power
supply is ideal.
Minimum of #14 AWG copper wire for
extensions up to 20 feet, 12 AWG wire for
extensions from 20 to 35 feet, or 10 AWG
wire for extensions from 35 to 60 feet.
1. Connect the BLACK wire of the power cable to the NEGATIVE (-) side of your
power source.
2. Connect the RED wire of the power cable to the POSITIVE (+) side of your power
source.
3. Install your antenna according to the manufacturer's instructions.
# NOTE: To extend the life of the radio, use waterproof tape to seal electrical connections.
4. If necessary, consult the FCC guidelines for antenna separation. See Antenna
Selection and Installation on page 63 for more details. (In summary, the FCC
recommends that antennas up to 3 dB be installed a minimum of 3 feet from any
occupied location; antennas over 3 dB should be installed at least 6 feet away.)
5. Connect the PL-259 connector from the antenna lead-in wires to the SO238
connector labeled ANTENNA on the back of your radio.
6. Plug the power cable into the power cable pigtail on the back of your radio.
Hex nut
Spring washer
Washer
Hex bolt
Mounting
surface
Mounting
bracket
VHF Antenna Requirements
Male PL-259 connector
50 Ω impedance
Minimum 3 foot, 3 dB rated antenna for
sailboats or 8 foot, 6 dB rated antenna
for powerboats
Minimum RG-58 lead-in wire for antenna
leads up to 20 feet, RG-8X for antenna
leads from 20 to 35 feet, or RG-8U for
antenna leads from 35 to 60 feet.
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