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!

[Sergio]

How much power does the memory use when the radio is off

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:

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...ml#post1091955

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

[Golfinw71]

if you haven't bought the radio yet, you could always buy a radio that is made for 12-24 volt systems. I did that and ran the red wire of the radio through my converter and the yellow wire to the second battery off the main negative where the converter is hooked to and have no issues. It does draw on that battery slightly more but like CAMPERCART2013 said above, it is very little draw, Just enough to keep the memory.

[Stripes136]

Thanks guys for all the replies. I decided to add a second converter for the radio alone and all the other items like led spot lights/headlights/etc are on the original converter with switches. I may eventually add the relay to the first converter but for now it works.

[Stripes136]

Hi Sergio - you provided diagram for wiring the radio memory using a relay.

I have a converter (the link can be seen below) that has an orange wire running out of the converter to the keyswitch. How could I wire this to keep my 12 V radio constantly on and everything else on the switch? Would I still use a relay?

Thanks

Amazon.com: One Golf Cart DC Converter 36V - 60V to 12V Step Down Reducer 30A: Automotive

Amazon.com: One Golf Cart DC Converter 36V - 60V to 12V Step Down Reducer 30A: Automotive

[Sergio]

The diagram I posted was exactly for those kind of Converters.

Keep in mind You cannot use the trigger wire at the key switch as the converter needs to stay "ON" (not a big deal) all the time to provide the constant power when the Radio is OFF.

I looked at the link and it is confusing exactly what You are getting.

The description says 30 amps, the specs says 15 amps and then it calls it a 300w converter????