John...

As I am rebuilding my '90 Carat into a camper I added all new stereo stuff.  For the electronics, I started with a new "sub-panel" of fuse holders mounted behind the glove box.  It's divided into two separate parts:  one straight from the battery, and one part from the ignition.  

For power to the radio, I took one lead from each of these parts (I.e., one straight from the battery and one from the ignition) and lead them to an "on-off-on" switch mounted under the radio.  Thus, I can choose, with a quick flip of this switch, whether to take power directly from the battery (as when the engine is off) or from the ignition (as in normal driving situations).  

An unanticipated benefit from this set-up was the "off" position.  If I want to turn off the radio instantly, without having to fumble with the small buttons on the radio itself, I just flip the switch to the center position.

Fin Beven
Pasadena, CA
'84 Vanagon GL, camper conversion
'90 Carat, camper-to-be
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: VWNut Hawk 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 5:51 AM
  Subject: 12 Volt for radio.

  Where is the best place to connect the 12 Volts from the battery to the
  radio?
  My son and I are getting a 84 ready for him.  We replaced the radio
  that was in the bus.
  We went for a drive with the lights on and I turned up the dimmer
  switch.
  The radio cut out.  I can only assume the old radio was connected to
  the dimmer circuit.
  I'd like the radio to work with the ignition switch off.

  Thanks John in Minonk, Ill.