I use t-techs with the thunder and a cx1-g2 and don't need the start up cable. but when people convert to rca, I believe they remove the lil circuit board that limits the thunder from starting at higher than 13 volts. If I understand this correctly, removing that circuit board may effect the ability to start at lower volts in some way, im not sure. in any event I use t-techs and the thunder starts at 6.4v without start-up cable