Thanks Mark, this is a great idea!  I'm going to look into it over lunch
today.  I did wonder about the side-effects of leaving the ignition on...
but was actually more concerned about (bothered by) all the idiot lights
being on in an otherwise dark van.  Your solution, if I can find the right
wire, will resolve both issues.

I know all of this seems crazy, but what seems more crazy (to me anyway) is
that VW didn't provide an accessory position on the ignition switch!

Thanks again,

Brian
84 Westy
"The Ark"

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Mages [mailto:wasserbox@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2000 4:57 PM
To: Keese, Brian W; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Switched power for vanagon radio

Why not just run it to the "key in ignition" wire that
makes the open door chime go off.

Key in - radio works, key out, radio shuts off.

Seems like a lot of confusions to turn on your
radios... (you put your left leg in, your right leg
out, do the hokey pokey and your radio comes on....)

Mark

Also - i heard a long time ago that it was bad to keep
the ignition in the "on but not running" position..
something about sending electrical signals around...
anyone?