Radio Power Wire?

[userdead626]

Just installed a new (Alpine 133BT)  head-unit in my 1970 challenger. I used the existing 'red' radio 12v. The clear issue is that the radio does not have constant power so each time I kill the car I lose my presets, EQ, BT, etc. I think my new plan will be to use the factory 'red' radio wire for the 12v (so the radio is only on when the car is on), but i need a new 'constant' power feed that can cope with a 200W head-unit. Any easy suggestions?

If there are any experts in the room, what does the orange wire do? It was disconnected from the original 2W, but the radio still functioned without issue.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

The orange wire is your constant power wire.

[74challenger03]

 

[Jamiez]

I thought for the stock radio the two wires on the power connector were for the main power and for the light?  There was no need for a constant power source in any of the originals.  You should be able to tap into the power going to the lighter, because it is hot at all times.

[Chryco Psycho]

there are 2 wires in the plug red & orange , orange is the dash light wire , red is power , there should be a yellow tri plug above the radio it will have constant power

[userdead626]

Well after spending an hour under the dash, I've concluded that the orange wire does nothing (at least not on my model w/ base radio). There is a three way yellow wire which is constant but there is a small canister (not sure what it does) that over-heats after about 30 seconds of radio use.

My next plan is just to tap into the ciggy lighter. Does anyone know if that circuit can handle the power of a modern radio? Its a 20Amp fuse which should be more than enough (i think).

[Slotts]

The easiest place to get either battery power or switched power is right on the fuse block. There are two male Packard connectors, one for each side. Use a female terminal, with the appropriate size in line fuse, and you're good to go without any splicing.

Slotts

[Chryco Psycho]

the yellow plug is also constant power as you found out , the canister is the timer for the key in ign light , you do not need 20 amp power all the constant wire does is keep the memory , very low draw , the red wire for the stereo is where all the power goes 

[userdead626]

The easiest place to get either battery power or switched power is right on the fuse block. There are two male Packard connectors, one for each side. Use a female terminal, with the appropriate size in line fuse, and you're good to go without any splicing.

Slotts

Perfect, couldn't get this to work yesterday but had more luck today!

Thanks for all the help guys!