Is there a (marine) radio that doesn’t need a constant +12v?

[RNajarian]

I’m upgrading my street legal LSV golf cart.

It is an electric 48 volt vehicle.

Does anyone know of a radio (most likely it would be a marine radio) that keeps the memory info without using yellow +12v lead we use in our ICE cars?

Is there a unit that uses flash memory which keeps the memory when the vehicle is switched off?

There are some solutions out there but not ideal.

1) Hook radio up to one of the batteries in the 48 volt pack. Not ideal because it shortens the life of the entire cart’s battery pack, and the batteries are 8 volt deep cycle, so you would get either 8 or 16 volts for the 12 volt radio.

2) Hook up a separate voltage reducer for the battery that is constantly on. This suggestion came from my golf cart forum. I don’t like the idea of having a voltage reducer always on.

The solution I am currently considering is using a separate small (1 pound) 12 volt lithium battery to power and keep the memory of the radio. I would recharge it monthly when I do the monthly maintenance. I used this solution to power my 52mm VDO dash clock.

Naturally a radio that keeps the memory in flash when it completely powers down would be ideal.

Ideas?

This is the one pound lithium 12v battery

[cabmandone]

Personally I think I'd go with option 1 and not worry about it. I can't imagine the draw being enough to hurt the batteries.

But this seems slick too. If I get a chance I'll ask a guy I know that builds carts what he does with his radio to keep presets.

https://www.amazon.com/Golf-Cart-Voltage-Reducer-Converter/dp/B014ZYWKUE/ref=asc_df_B014ZYWKUE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=193988463246&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=58203092679149768&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015981&hvtargid=pla-310140480463&psc=1

[RNajarian]

Thanks Pal. I appreciate it.

I read in your transmission thread you live near my home town, Chesterland (Geauga County) near Chagrin Falls. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back. Good memories

[dad911]

According to a RV forum some of the Jensen marine radios have non-volatile memory: https://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/rv-stereo-that-doesn-t-lose-presets-361119.html

Searching "marine radio non-volatile memory" there seem to be other brands also.

[RNajarian]

Great! Thanks for the lead. I never considered RVs would nave non-volatile units.

I found a Jensen unit that may just work . . . It needs a round installation cut out, which I am looking for. Below is the wiring diagram.

[LWJ]

Not a genius at this but I have a baofang radio programmed with marine frequencies.

The lithium batteries last forever if turned off. Is that the question?

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by LWJ

Not a genius at this but I have a baofang radio programmed with marine frequencies.

The lithium batteries last forever if turned off. Is that the question?

No, I want to retain Bluetooth connections and memory settings. The lithium option is to operate the radio like an ICE vehicle.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

Great! Thanks for the lead. I never considered RVs would nave non-volatile units.

I found a Jensen unit that may just work . . . It needs a round installation cut out, which I am looking for. Below is the wiring diagram.

which unit is that? I think I want to put a stereo in a machine cab and would prefer round.

[RNajarian]

There are several Jensen models. AM/FM/Weather/USB and there is a model that streams Bluetooth from your phone.

Here are some screen shots. . .

[RNajarian]

Dad911

After an exhaustive search I ordered this Jensen unit online. I the main features I wanted were the round cut out for installation, non-volatile memory (no yellow +12v hookup), chrome finish, and Bluetooth streaming. Apparently this unit has an App that goes with it.

I got it for an extremely reasonable price. However, to be on the safe side I bought it through EBay.

[dad911]

Are you happy with the Jensen?

[RNajarian]

I ordered it last week, hasn’t been shipped yet. . . I have to track it down.