Linking Grounds

[RossJ]

I'm using a mobile radio and amp (13.8 vdc) as my base set up. Currently I'm using two separate DC supplies to power them. I checked the voltage drop between the DC ground terminals of the two supplies and there's about 50mv difference between them. Should I run a jumper between the 12 volt output ground terminals (connecting the two supply grounds) to eliminate a current flow between the radio and the amp?

[MDYoungblood]

I think you are asking if you can connect the 2 negative leads together? If this is it I would say it's not needed, the difference too minute, it is probably because the amp draws more amperage than the radio.

3's

Greg

[RossJ]

Yup. That's what I was asking... guess I didn't word it the clearest way. My concern is that there may be a current passing along the shield of the short coax that connects the radio to the amp and what impact that might have. I should probably spring for a bigger DC supply, so I can run both units off the same source. Thanks for the response.

[MDYoungblood]

I do run more than one radio on a PS but seldom transmit on them at the same time, I like to run a separate PS for the amplifier simply because the draw would bring the voltage down on the radios causing them to detune.
3's

Greg