Re: Radio

[Tim Buja <buja@domain.elided>]

Peter Howells wrote:
>...
> On a test rig the cassette part works fine, but the Radio display does
> not work nor does the clock.
> I cannot pick up any radio stations.
> Can the electricians among you advise if the 13.2 volts DC is the
> problem, i.e.it should be 12 volts, and if so why is a 13.2 volt radio
> marketed in USA.
> Are there some vehicles using this voltage?
> Or do I just have a duff unit?

My first guess is that you haven't hooked up a second power lead that
controls the clock, tuner and display unit.  You may have a yellow lead
with a small rated fuse (1 amp or less) that is used to maintain the
memory in the radio.  This lead must be connected to a continuously hot
power supply that is maintained hot even with the ignition key removed.
I've found that if I disconnect the "memory" lead in an electronically
tuned radio, the radio tuner and clock display will not work.  Try
looking for another fused wire among all the "spaghetti"...

As for the strange power supply rating, I would guess that it may be
there to allow the manufacturer to advertise a higher audio output
power value than if it had a 12V rating.  I wouldn't worry about it,
since most cars run 12.6 VDC with the engine off, and 13.5 to 14.0 V
with the engine running.

Tim Buja - Rockford, Illinois, USA - 80 TR8, 73 Stag, 72 TR6