No Aux Position?

[dartkart]

Hello,
I just finished installing a JVC KW-NX700BT nav system in my 2009 cabrio, came out great, but I listen to the radio and watch DVDs at work during my lunch- the Smart doesn't have an acc position on the ignition- to listen to my stereo I have to turn the key "on" which powers the fuel pump and all sorts of battery draining things.
What I'm wondering is if it's OK to wire the stereo's acc + wire to the always hot wire of the car, and just use the stereo's on/off switch to power it on and off? Would the stereo drain even when it's switched off by not being hooked through the acc + wire off the car?
Thanks,
Dan

[forestacademy]

Interesting,
The Factory Radio allows you to just turn on the radio while the car is off.

I do it all the time when washing it, No Key in the car.


Sorry, I don't have an answer for you, I'm just saying

[John_H]

Different stereos will have different drains but I would expect that if the stereo's in the "off" position that any drain would have a negligible impact on how long it takes to discharge a smart battery in an unused car.

Wiring it to a 12V that's always "hot" should be fine - much like the factory radio being "hot" if you want it on when the car's off.

[HerrZ]

its a good thing that no ACC position exists.. we need the 30 amp heated mirrors to run all the time!!!

[24-42]

Originally Posted by dartkart

Hello,
I just finished installing a JVC KW-NX700BT nav system in my 2009 cabrio, came out great, but I listen to the radio and watch DVDs at work during my lunch- the Smart doesn't have an acc position on the ignition- to listen to my stereo I have to turn the key "on" which powers the fuel pump and all sorts of battery draining things.
What I'm wondering is if it's OK to wire the stereo's acc + wire to the always hot wire of the car, and just use the stereo's on/off switch to power it on and off? Would the stereo drain even when it's switched off by not being hooked through the acc + wire off the car?
Thanks,
Dan

The cheap, low cost solution to this is: wire the selected items, with an in line fuse, directly to the battery and put a 'SPST' (single pole,single throw) switch in line (hot side preferred).

A nice touch would to use an illuminated rocker switch. A switch mounted in the dash could appear OEM.

Donald LaFavor

[briansmart]

Excellent idea 24-42. Dartkart , if you were feeling adventurous, you could even place the button in the bank of buttons under int stereo. Done carefully that would look very slick!

Post pictures please if/when you do it

[John_H]

If you check the current draw on the stereo plgged in but turned off, you should find very little current draw. If that is the case, you should be good to wire it up without the external switch.

[dartkart]

Thanks for the great suggestions- I really like the one about using the existing switch panel- that way I can leave the power off when I want it to be key operated, and push the switch when I want to listen with the key off--- cool....

[John_H]

Doing the switch is probably adding something you don't need.

[dartkart]

yeah, maybe-
but I like the idea of the radio shutting off when I turn the car off, with the option of running the radio with the ignition off if I like..