Thanks Ralph, some very good info. I would have never thought about the possible 2nd hot lead for memory of the AM/FM
-----Original Message----- From: Ralph E. Ahseln <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Wed, Jul 8, 2009 4:51 pm Subject: Re: [IC27A] 1985 Catalina Cabin Light Wiring Mystery Ted (?), It's always a crap shoot to try to explain what's going on in an older boat and from a Long distance LOL Especially....WHEN a former owner MAY have done things to the original plan. It sounds like there isn't a front Panel Switch/Fuse location for the VHF. Many of us DO have one position dedicated to it. You may have to do a search to find it's connecting bus, There MAY be one behind the panel. OR...Some folks have used a "christmas tree" thing on the Battery post. A multi-connection point on the battery (Not my favorite) Also look for a PILE of wires connected to one point.. It could be almost anywhere.. (BAD) And some, Sadly, use "Wire connectors". Those things that punch through insulation to make connection (Bad,Bad). If there isn't a DC Bus behind the power panel, for "extras" , I'd install one in the near future. There are commercial Bus Bars available at most marine supply stores. Or you can make one rather easily. I used a strip of Marine Brass, tapped for small screws. It works just fine. I'd be happy to show you an example of the one I made for my boat. A bus bar is really a good idea for BOTH positive and negative. People sometimes forget that the Negative is the other "Half" of the circuit. And the Rat's Nest connections for the Negative side is many times awful and often a major part of problems. With the addition of so many electronic gadgets today, having those extra connection points really pays. FM/AM radio ? IF It's hooked up the same as the VHF. If there is no obvious power connection point, you'll have to do a "search" process. It's a simple thing to do with a Volt/Ohm/Amp meter. I'd be happy to describe the process in a direct email, if you wish. There is another problem you could run into with an FM/AM radio...., MAYBE. Most of today's 12 volt FM/AM radios, besides the regular DC power line, Also have a secondary Positive DC input to keep power on a "MEMORY" circuit. This "Memory" is for Pre-selected radio stations. IF it isn't powered, you will not be able to SAVE favorite radio stations. AND, Some radios WILL NOT work if this Memory circuit isn't powered. Even when the main DC is connected. (this may be the problem with your "DOA" problem). The "Memory" circuit will have to be connected to a HOT DC point (direct to the battery) in order for it to keep working. So you'll have to make a decision whether or not to connect both to a single power (loosing the Memory when you turn the radio off.) OR.. Connect the main power to a switch/fuse and Also connect the MEMORY line to it's OWN separate (fused) source... Best Regards, And, Uniform Whisky Ralph Ahseln "Oblio" 1984 Std, Gresham OR ----- Original Message ----- From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 10:50 AM Subject: Re: [IC27A] 1985 Catalina Cabin Light Wiring Mystery All, I have an electrical question as well. The PO added a stereo and VHF. The stereo is DOA and I will be replacing it soon. I am also going to move it to a more suitable location.? I am not sure at this time how it was wired into the panel and weather is was hot wired directly to the battery side of the switch. I will find this out the next trip out to the boat. I do know that the VHF is wired that way considering that it will not shut off when the battery switch is set to off. Does any one know if there are accessory connections to the inside of the panel? The Catalina is a 1982 < a.. 9 b.. 3 . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
