Battery/Radio Problem

[trasbeck]

I have a 2002 190 with a Clarion AM/FM CD radio. When I purchased the boat (used) the radio would play only with ignition switch in ON position. The radio would not "remember" any stations programmed thus I assumed that no power was going to the radio when ingnition switch was off. Last fall I changed the radio wires and "fixed" the problem. Radio will now turn on and has memory. But, my battery doesn't like it. This tiny amount of current will drain it if the boat isn't used for a week or so. I cannot figure out how to return the two wires(one red, one yellow) to where they were.( I know, should have taken notes). So, if anyone has a similar setup, could you check how your stereo is wired?
Also, is this something that wouldn't be an issue with a new battery?
What types of batterys are you using?

Thanks

[McSpadden]

Trasbeck,

Having the Radio wired properly for clock memory settings should not run down the battery in that little time. I dont use my tow vehicle for months in the winter and it will keep a charge. I would go online and find the manual for your unit. If you can't find it include your model number in the next post, I am sure we can find something. If you find everything is wired correctly make sure you have a clean ground. If all looks good, I would try it out with a known good battery and go from there. Good Luck.

[k9reno]

On my 210 there is a factory installed kill switch that cuts the power to the
stereo so that it does not drain my batts. have drained them before when i forgot to flip that switch when putting the boat up.

[PileDriver]

Just from safety/prevention standpoint, I would recommend installing a battery switch and a second battery. Row the boat home once because of a dead battery and you will wish you had . The battery switch will eliminate this issue all together.

Yes I speak from expereince!

cheers
Piledriver

[MolarBoater]

I've got a 2002 Bay 190 and agree with PileDriver. Get two heavy duty starting batteries and install them and a Perko dual battery switch (on/off/bat1/bat2/both) in the starboard transom area. You should also consider making some sort of battery platform so the batteries sit level. Run only one battery at a time so you always have a freshly charged spare.

In the meantime, you can either re-route to the ignition (check for online installation manual) or cut the stereo power line in the console and use a water resistant connector allowing you to just unplug the hot wire when storing.

Good luck, Molar

[trasbeck]

Again, if anyone has a 2002 190 Bay w/ a clarion stereo, could you please look in the console and tell me exactly where the red and yellow power wires from the stereo are connected? Colors and physical location please.

Thank You

[Putershark]

Though I agree with others about needing a battery switch and having a second battery installed 100%...

The radio memory though does not have a lot of draw. That sounds more like a factory bilge pump that now "also" has constant power and is looking for water in the bilge (why I now have a 3 way bilge pump switch and a red LED lit when the pump is running installed) every min or so and is really killing the battery.

[McSpadden]

Trasbeck,

This is directly from the Clarion site.

Yellow wire (Memory back-up lead) 15 amp fuse connect to battery

Red wire (Power lead) 1 amp fuse, connect to accessory, in other words only on when key or switch is turned on

Blue/White wire (Amplifier turn-on lead) connect to remote turn on lead of amp

Black is ground

Hope this helps

[trasbeck]

Thank you all for for your replies. I did check the bilge pump and it functions normally, it is a float switch type. What I am looking for is where are those red and yellow wires connected to the boat's wiring harness when installed at the factory? I didn't have a problem until I changed the connections to what the clarion diagram called for. Perhaps I will just replace the battery to see if that solves it, or just toss the stereo overboard.

Thanks

[palehorse]

Originally Posted by trasbeck

I have a 2002 190 with a Clarion AM/FM CD radio. When I purchased the boat (used) the radio would play only with ignition switch in ON position. The radio would not "remember" any stations programmed thus I assumed that no power was going to the radio when ingnition switch was off. Last fall I changed the radio wires and "fixed" the problem. Radio will now turn on and has memory. But, my battery doesn't like it. This tiny amount of current will drain it if the boat isn't used for a week or so. I cannot figure out how to return the two wires(one red, one yellow) to where they were.( I know, should have taken notes). So, if anyone has a similar setup, could you check how your stereo is wired?
Also, is this something that wouldn't be an issue with a new battery?
What types of batterys are you using?

Thanks

You either need a new battery or you have a short somewhere.

Think of your car (your boat's battery is likely even bigger). Your car stereo holds it just fine right? Even your second car you rarely use.

So this means, yes it should hold a memory.

On my sony marine, holding the off button for 30 secs shuts off the "clock" that displays when you simply press and release "off". Perhaps yours might do this too, but it should not be needed.

If your battery is good, check for a short somewhere imo.

BTW there are ussually two positve wires. On is red main power, the other will be an odd color and possibly thinner. The odd one wires to constant power (it holds the memory) and the red one is wired to the switch.