Radio update and wiring question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MaineCedes · #1 08-26-2012, 09:56 PM

I am updating the original Becker 599 in my '81 TD. I have a question about getting a wire for my constant 12v, which I assume the Becker did not have. Is there a 'best place' to get this source? Should I just run a wire directly from the battery through the firewall? Any help is appreciated.

Hit Man X · #2 08-27-2012, 01:29 AM

Battery is where I would go... try to use a decent sized cable as most modern HUs are relatively high powered.

Ritchie · #3 08-27-2012, 08:23 AM

Hit Man X,

I have a few questions regarding running a larger gauge wire. As the factory switched and un-switched are rather small.

When you say "high power" are you referring to watts per ch. or the amp rating for the fuse in the radio?

Would you consider 20 Watts x 4. Has a 10 Amp fuse. (Is “mech-less”, no CD player) to be "high power"?

Do I only need to run a larger gauge wire for the un-switched power?
I noticed that wire (yellow) was a bigger gauge than the switched (red) in the adaptor harness.

Should a inline fuse be used or is the fuse in the radio enough?

And. What radio brand model you have that caused the meltdown?

Thanks,

Richard

Hit Man X · #4 08-29-2012, 03:23 PM

These Beckers are only around 7w/channel from what I can remember. Modern ones make significantly more power than the old ones...yes I am well aware the power is not huge, but it is more than factory. 12awg should be plenty.

20x4 is not too high, but I believe HU ratings changed a few years back to be more 'exact' if you will. I would have thought the switched (red usually) was larger than the unswitched memory (yellow usually).

I bought my '83 BMW with a melted down harness behind the dash, ended up being beyond repair. Better safe than sorry to me.