Date:         Tue, 25 Jul 2000 16:44:53 -0500
Reply-To:     "Keese, Brian W" <bkeese@indiana.edu>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Keese, Brian W" <bkeese@indiana.edu>
Subject:      Switched power for vanagon radio
Comments: To: "jlsnyder1@juno.com" <jlsnyder1@juno.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi Jay,

I have an 84 in which I took switched power from the hazard lights switch.
Check your Bentley wiring diagrams to see which one of the wires it is
(black with a blue stripe, maybe?).  This requires turning the van on (but
not necessarily running the engine) to run the radio, which is fine for me.
At least I don't have to turn the radio on and off every time I get in the
van.  You never have to manually flip a switch: Turn the van on, the radio
comes on, turn it off, off goes the radio.  I was so pleased when I finally
set this up.

If you want me to, I'd be happy to look up which wire you need to tap into.
But catch me before Friday - I'll be on my way to Montana Saturday morning.

Brian Keese
84 Westy "The Ark"



From: [mailto:jlsnyder1@juno.com]
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2000 10:51 PM
To: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
Subject: '85 Defroster Switch Mojo

I tried using a spare rear window defroster switch as an on/off power
source for my radio. (I wanted to be able to run the radio with the
ignition off when camping or parked.)  There appears to be some internal
mojo going on within the guts of the switch.  I wrongly concluded three
of the terminals were common and the fourth switched.  Upon further
review,  there is some internal resistance across some of the terminals.
I am guessing one is for the small light built into the rocker switch.
Anyone have any ideas?  My radio display flashed on and off when the
rocker switch was used.  I measured 12.5 VDC at the radio harness, but
maybe the amperage was too low?  I'll have to pick up a regular on/off
switch sometime and try again.  Right now, I am back to ignition power
only.
On a successful note, I ran four new rear speaker wires underneath the
van to the rear heater area.  There, I mounted a four wire pinch terminal
connector.  I now have two Sony bookshelf speakers sitting in the back on
the floor.  Great sound, plus they can be put anywhere I want them.
                                                        Jay

Brian Keese
School of Education Deans Office
Indiana University
201 N. Rose Ave. #4105
Bloomington, IN  47405
(812) 856-8010
(812) 856-8088 (fax)
bkeese@indiana.edu