Date:         Thu, 27 Jul 2000 14:54:28 -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:      Re: Switched power for 84 vanagon radio
Comments: To: "J. C." <jcblues@yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Jim,
Here's another good idea from Stuart MacMillan:

<<I fixed this nuisance years ago after the switch in my radio failed and I
had to buy a new one.  Simply install a DPDT (double pole, double throw)
rocker switch somewhere, I put mine in the dash next to the radio.  Hook up
the hot wire to one side of the switch, and the ignition switched wire to
the other, then hook the radio power wire to both of the other poles. Then
you can use the switch to turn the radio on and off when the ignition is
off.>>
Except I would use a SPDT switch, attach the 'switched' wire from the radio
to the center pole, then the 'always hot' wire to one end of the switch and
the 'ignition-switched' wire to the other.  This will allow you to use the
radio in 'normal' mode (going on and off when the ignition is turned on (or
key inserted)), or in the 'camping' mode (always on).

But of course, first you need an ignition-switched wire.  The one I used
goes to the Emergency Flasher Switch.  It's a 16 gauge wire, black with a
blue stripe, that comes out of the flasher switch.  It's convenient to reach
and close to the radio and does the job well.  You'll find it on page 97.57
of the Bentley, Key 58 (in the grey stripe at the bottom of the page),
center of the page to the right.  You can tap into it right behind the
switch. This one goes hot when the ignition is turned on. But now I think
there is a better wire to use...

Mark Mages suggested using the "Key in ignition" wire.  I had never heard of
it before, but I think I found it in the Bentley.  (I still need to check it
with the volt-meter to make sure.)  It is on page 97.56 of the Bentley, Key
22.  Coming out of the ignition starter switch (upper left of the page), it
is a 20ga wire, grey with black stripe.  You can probably find it behind the
steering column cover plate.  For your information, it goes to the Seat Belt
Wiring Relay (page 97.58, key 74), which is connected to the open door
buzzer.  This one should turn on the radio as soon at the key is put into
the ignition.  Better, I think, than having to turn the ignition on.

Hope this helps!

Brian
84 Westy
"The Ark"