I tapped into the x-relay wire at the ignition switch on my '84. The
radio only works when the key is in.

Rob
becida@comcast.net

At  12/31/2011 07:47 AM,Skip wrote:
>I've been following this thread for umpteen days, thinking it a good
>reminder to be careful with my recently installed Blaupunkt
>(installed separate from any "connected" on/off - the installer even
>asked if I wanted it connected to the ignition on/off and I said no,
>perhaps I want the flexibility...).
>
>  Well, two days ago I took my two "home from college" kids out for
> a ride, showed off the newly installed stereo, returned to the
> house, turned off the van, thought I turned off the stereo (on the
> Blaupunkt you have to hold the on/off button awhile before it
> completely shuts off.  The battery is now on the charger....and I
> will be re-reading the posts since I vaguely remember ideas for
> where to wire the stereo into the on/off of the van...
>
>Not sure if this was coincidence or irony...a little of both.
>
>Skip
>Elgin, IL
>84 Westy 1.9L WBXR Manual
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: george jannini <georgejoann@GMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Sent: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:34:34 -0000 (UTC)
>Subject: Re: Radio Rap...friday
>
> >> Some head units suck power even with it turned off. I found that
> taking the face plate off mine reduced current draw form something
> like 80-100 mA to around 25 mA. It is crazy I know, for the buggers
> to suck power like that, but so it goes. <<
>
>
>    That's how mine is- EXCEPT:
>
>    Damn Dual was still a power suck even with the face plate removed,
>so I put a switch into the main power lead and left the memory lead on
>its always hot supply line.  Problem resolved.
>
>Geo/ATL
>in Williamsburg, VA