LCD light on dash Radio

[dengraham]

The radio power switch allows you to connect the dash radio to the coach batteries with the ignition switch turned off. The lcd light is lite when the radio is turned on. This lcd light receives 12 volts power from a jumper wire connected to the contact normally used to power an electric antennae. In this case the power is being used so you can see the lcd screen when the radio isturned on. The jumper works for both the house and engine power.
The problem is when I am driving at night, I cannot see the clock when the radio is off. In an automobile the lcd light would be connected to the dimmer on the dash lights. With the radio in the off position you would still see the clock.
Okay, I know I can turn on the radio but if my bride is sleeping (or watching television) she does not want a blast while I wait for the clock to re-appear.
I cannot figure out how to wire the harness to allow the lcd to be lite by either the house power or the dimmer switch. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[dengraham]

The radio power switch allows you to connect the dash radio to the coach batteries with the ignition switch turned off. The lcd light is lite when the radio is turned on. This lcd light receives 12 volts power from a jumper wire connected to the contact normally used to power an electric antennae. In this case the power is being used so you can see the lcd screen when the radio isturned on. The jumper works for both the house and engine power.
The problem is when I am driving at night, I cannot see the clock when the radio is off. In an automobile the lcd light would be connected to the dimmer on the dash lights. With the radio in the off position you would still see the clock.
Okay, I know I can turn on the radio but if my bride is sleeping (or watching television) she does not want a blast while I wait for the clock to re-appear.
I cannot figure out how to wire the harness to allow the lcd to be lite by either the house power or the dimmer switch. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Thudman]

Prior to DW going to sleep, turn On the radio; then turn the volume full down; then turn radio Off. When it's time to check time, turn radio On.
No wiring.

Thudman

[John_Canfield]

Dennis - you could use a couple of 1n4004 diodes and feed the LCD lights fom two directions - one from dash lights and one from the house/chassis. Both anodes or cathodes (sorry I forgot which) are tied together at the LCD feed point. On the other side of the diode end, one will go to dash lights, one to the factory feed (present 12v feed.)

The diodes are like a 'check valve' for water - they will permit current to go TO the radio, but not back feed to anything else.

PM me if you have any questions.

[Cruzer]

On my Suncruiser I used to use Thudman's method. The radio was virtually never off unless boondocking. I have to admit I like John's idea. If nothing else because it's custom, high tech, and cool.

[Rich Bock]

You guys are lucky you can even see the radio screen. Mine is mounted so low and is so dim I can read anything on it.