Steve,

Thanks a bunch.  Sounds like excellent advice!!!

Ok, I'm a bit confused here.

Everyone always says to connect your radio directly to the car battery (in-line fuse on positive lead) running the wires away from car's computer.

But, why would you NOT want to use the cigarette plug?  Does it not have enough power or too much, etc.?  If you can use the cigarette lighter, what should you avoid or what is recommended?  

I'd like to install my radio (not yet purchased) in my car so I can easily take it out of the car for home operation or field day type operation.  What kinds of connectors would be good for the wires that come from the battery of the car that I could also use with other power sources for out-of-car use?

Tnx

73, Ted

ACK!  Sorry, found the review of the FT-1500.

Please ignore.

73, Ted

I'm considering buying my FIRST mobile.  I've been using an HT for a few years.  Within many respects, I've been happy, but I want to move on to something more dependable (battery life and duration is slowly going away).

Is the FT-1500M a decent radio?

thanks

73, Ted

Hmmm What year saturn and model do you have?

I have a 97 SW1 and the roof is metal.  I have mag-mount 2M 5/8ths on my saturn and works great.

73, Ted