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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 87 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2019 Posts: 87 | I’m installing a new 12 v radio Into my 47 Chevy 3800. I have the 6 v to 12 v converter. Couple of questions: first, it calls for one connection to be to a switched 12v source and another to a constant 12 v source. Typically the switched source would be the ignition switch which of course on this truck is the original 6 volt. Do I need to add a switch on the dash for this 12 volt source, or is there a way around it?
Question 2: does the on/off switch on the radio not serve the same purpose as this switched source? In other words, can I just hook up the radio to constant 12 volt and turn it off and on at the radio? Or does this delete the memory function every time I turn it on and off? Thanks much for any advice! David
1949 Chev 3800
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | 6 volt accessories draw twice the current than 12 volt accessories, so no need to upgrade when going to 12 v.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,442 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,442 | You will lose the memory every time you turn it off.ðŸ›
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop!
USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 888 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 888 | Might have better info posting in the "radio bench" forum
Ed
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 | The reason for the constant voltage is for memory. The switched voltage is there to turn the radio off when to go to the off position on your switched source (ignition switch). You can tie both voltage wires to the 12 source. Just remember to turn the radio off (knob) when you exit the truck.
Six volt guy living in a twelve volt world
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,115 Insomniac | | Insomniac Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,115 | You created two threads asking the same question. Not cool.
Gord 🇨🇦
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1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
| | | | | Joined: May 2023 Posts: 26 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2023 Posts: 26 | If you have a dome light in the truck, you could use a relay off that to "break" the connection to the 12 volt radio. No need to remember. or heck, use a wire off the ignition switch.
Last edited by Gdads51; 05/18/2023 2:16 PM. Reason: language
1960 Chevy C10 gasser- Rabble Rouser
1953 Harley Davidson Panhead chopper
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 | AS I understand it, you have a separate power supply that will give you 12 volts from a six volt source. Normally one would connect the power supply to the ignition switch and it becomes a switched source. You don't want to leave the power supply connected to a live non switched source of six volts because it will draw current whether the radio is turned on or not. There is no solution in this case for the memory connection. | | |
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