Radio memory wire options

Stripes136

Hi guys – I have a quick question that maybe someone can answer for me. I have read through a couple threads talking about the different options for running the memory wire of a radio to a power source.

I have a 48v to 12v converter that is running my accessories, however it powers on through the key switch. Does the radio memory wire need to run to exactly a 12V source? Would it fry the radio if it was running to a 16V or higher source? My initial thought was to run it to one or two of the 8V batteries, but I did not want the batteries to get out of sync. How much power does the memory use when the radio is off.

The other option was to buy an additional battery. Does anyone recommend a small rechargeable battery to run just the memory on the radio or will I constantly be charging it?

Thank you very much for all the help!

BGW

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Sergio

The problem is not the amount of power that it uses when it is OFF, but when it is ON.

Unless You have a Radio built last century, the Yellow wire (constant power) is the main power source for the radio.

The Red wire (ignition switched) just provides a remote on/off signal.

If You don't have the Radio, buy one with non-volatile memory or just use a media player.

If You already have the Radio, You can add a $5 48v relay to convert Your existing DC converter to be used for both constant and switched +12v power.

CAMPERCART2013

Yellow wire when radio is off is normally just memory wire. For radio presets and clock settings very little draw. Would not use source over 13-14vdc. Just my opinion of coarse

Stripes136

Thanks guys for the advice. I will look into the relay. The other thought I had was just adding a second voltage reducer that would constantly stay on. Any opinions?

CAMPERCART2013

I don't have any experience other than automotive 12v systemsnot sure on 16-48v systems.

Sergio

I posted a diagram on how to wire the relay and links to parts on this thread:

Switched radio, constant memory with reducer

There is more information on the thread about how modern radios use what you are calling "memory wire".

Stripes136

Thanks Sergio – that would've been my next question and the link you posted answers it. Really appreciate it

CAMPERCART2013

Nice job Sergio I think this should be a stickie!

Stripes136

One last question Sergio, did you see any issues with running 2 voltage reducer's on a 48V cart? I would have one connected to keyswitch and the other one only attached to the batteries. Thank you very much for all your help!

Sergio

If the 2 converters were for different accessories it would not be a problem.

If You are planning in using both for the radio, 1 for the red wire and 1 for the yellow wire, then it could be an issue as they will unlikely have the same output voltage and could damage each other or the equipment.

A few more points:

Even if your existing DC converter has a "trigger" wire on the key switch, the converter is directly powered by the batteries and it is technically always ON.

The key switch only provides a signal to enable the 12v output of the converter.

Wiring the relay is really easy as it is all quick connects.

You will still use the key switch to provide a low current signal (relay coil) to turn all the accessories ON/OFF.

Using 2-8v batteries will get you 20v during charge and during hard Regen brake if Your cart is a model with Regen brake.