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[nick731]

You can run both wires to your current switched power so it will work, just no memory etc. My units were $20 and I had an extra so I decided to just use it.

Originally Posted by RNajarian

Sorry for using the wrong terminology.

My converter only gets power when the key is on. I hate to install a second converter only to retain memory presets. I am looking at Marine radios, some of which do not require a constant +12 v.

[Fairtax4me]

You can get a reducer that has a 12v constant for the radio.
They usually cost more, but it simplifies installation.

Also don’t think that the radio “memory” wire is just there to keep presets. The yellow wire is usually the main power input on modern head units.
The red wire that is switched is just a remote signal to tell it to turn on. Depending on which head unit you have, the yellow is often the larger of the two for this exact reason.