Wiring up head unit - ACC or HOT or Switch

[bochnak]

I know this has been discussed before.

I'm installing a new head unit and can think of 3 ways of wiring it up:

1. ACC - Pros: you'll never drain the batt. Cons: I kill the motor when unloading/loading skiers. I'm sure if I go from ON > OFF > ACC the unit will probably skip a beat. There will be a ton of young kids on boat so they might turn on #2 or #3 below.

2. HOT all the time - Wire red and yellow to batt and use radio switch as ON/OFF. Cons: May drain batt if left on and kids will mess with it. Pros: Won't skip a beat.

3. Rocker ACC switch - Same as #2 above except you have a rocker switch with indicator light.

I'm leaning towards #1 since it is foolproof and there will be kids in the mix.

[MLA]

I prefer option #3 and use an illuminated rocker/toggle. Light on = radio = dead battery next trip out.

But, option #3 has the yellow MEM wired to B+ and the rocker/toggle switches the red turn-on wire. this insures that the head-unit sees the same battery reference as the rest of the audio system.

[Traxx822]

Originally Posted by bochnak

I know this has been discussed before.

I'm installing a new head unit and can think of 3 ways of wiring it up:

1. ACC - Pros: you'll never drain the batt. Cons: I kill the motor when unloading/loading skiers. I'm sure if I go from ON > OFF > ACC the unit will probably skip a beat. There will be a ton of young kids on boat so they might turn on #2 or #3 below.

2. HOT all the time - Wire red and yellow to batt and use radio switch as ON/OFF. Cons: May drain batt if left on and kids will mess with it. Pros: Won't skip a beat.

3. Rocker ACC switch - Same as #2 above except you have a rocker switch with indicator light.

I'm leaning towards #1 since it is foolproof and there will be kids in the mix.

I have mine run like option 2. Prefer it that way. I do have a perko switch that shuts everything down except my auto bilge.

How will the kids mess with it?

[bochnak]

Originally Posted by MLA

I prefer option #3 and use an illuminated rocker/toggle. Light on = radio = dead battery next trip out.

But, option #3 has the yellow MEM wired to B+ and the rocker/toggle switches the red turn-on wire. this insures that the head-unit sees the same battery reference as the rest of the audio system.

Yes, that is how I pictured #3 option. The rocker has an illuminated indicator light. The yellow would be hot all the time for memory.

[cbryan70]

What audio are you going to put in it?

[jschildm]

In my 98 205 I can go from running and turn directly to the ACC position and the radio does not go off. If I pause in the off position, then it does go off.

[bochnak]

Originally Posted by jschildm

In my 98 205 I can go from running and turn directly to the ACC position and the radio does not go off. If I pause in the off position, then it does go off.

OK. What if you go from ACC to START position? Does the radio stay on while cranking?

[bochnak]

Originally Posted by cbryan70

What audio are you going to put in it?

An inexpensive marine unit non CD, only aux usb SD card. No amps and a pair of rear speakers for now.

[jschildm]

From ACC back to RUN doesn't shut it off, but I believe when cranking it does go off momentarily. Now that you ask I can't remember.

[jschildm]

I am hoping to get out again in the next couple days, I will make sure to pay more attention.