I just installed a car stereo/Cd player in the TC. The Lance wiring diagram shows connecting the "always powered positive" and the "switched positive" together. I understand the reasoning--you don't have a keyed switch in the TC. But, the reason for having the keyed switch is so you don't go off and leave it running and come back to a dead battery.
I'm thinking of using an illuminated rocker switch on the "switched positive".
Any thoughts?... what do you do?
Another thought is how much power does the "always powered" circuit draw to keep settings in memory?
I just installed a stereo myself and had the exact same thought. I connected both wires together and installed a rocker switch just like you are thinking about doing. The only difference is that I hid my switch in the cabinet behind the stereo. I don't think the continuous power wire draws that much power during a camping trip. I put the rocker switch in to kill the power when the camper is not in use or in storage.
* This post was
edited 04/20/08 09:43am by F100jetmech *
J&S~B wrote: Another thought is how much power does the "always powered" circuit draw to keep settings in memory?
John
It would depend on the unit but it draws very little power. I would say even less than the various detectors in your camper. I installed one in my 815 and as mentioned previously, I put a switch in the circuit. It stays off when I'm not using it.
2007 F250 Lariat 4WD PSD 6.0 W/ Timbrens /Rancho RS9000
2007 Lance 815 (Not with all the options but getting there. Added DVD/Stereo, 24" WS HD Flat panel, HD DTV, 500W Inverter, Fantastic Fan, Short bed kit, Jack Plates and Atwood Wireless Power Jacks)
Does your TC have a solar panel? If so, then don't worry, it will keep everything nicely charged. If you install a switch, you will lose any settings like clock, preset stations, etc.
Our solar panel keeps the battery charged despite the fact that our detectors, radio, TV antenna amplifier, etc are drawing power all the time.
Antoher thought -- you should have a battery disconnect switch in the Lance that will completely isolate it from the charge converter. You should be switching it to "off" anyway if you don't have a solar panel, and are not using the TC, so why bother with a 2nd switch?
Mine also has a rocker switch that I just keep in the off position when I am not actively using the CD player. I really don't worry about losing settings (such as radio stations), as we typically only play CD's or an iPod through the unit.
Ok, so I went ahead and put the illuminated rocker switch on the "switched positive" wire. Works fine. I can leave the face in, and when turned off the face isn't illuminated. Settings stay intact. BUT!, didn't think of how bright the switch illuminated! Kind of a distraction since the LCD swivels right next to it. Time for a sticker or some paint. It just never ends!
Ok, so I went ahead and put the illuminated rocker switch on the "switched positive" wire. Works fine. I can leave the face in, and when turned off the face isn't illuminated. Settings stay intact. BUT!, didn't think of how bright the switch illuminated! Kind of a distraction since the LCD swivels right next to it. Time for a sticker or some paint. It just never ends!
John
Nope, it never ends John. I don't know how many simple or otherwise straightforward projects I have gotten involved in only to find that one unanticipated thing leads to another, often creating a whole "new" project (or even a set of follow-on projects).
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