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radio 6v vs 12v 444-544

posted by  someone claiming to be gabe on  Thu Sep 30 14:33 CST 2004 [RELATED]

I have a 1960 PV544 with a 6 volt system. I am interested in putting an am/fm radio into it but can't seem to find a 6v model. What would happen if I put a 12v radio into the car? I am sure I will get a lot of "it won't work" or "what a stupid thing to do" but I'm asking anyways. Thanks.








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    radio 6v vs 12v 444-544 1953

    uid 9973's pic
    posted by  CVOLVO on  Fri Oct 1 00:04 CST 2004
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    last visit: Fri Jul 13 18:40 CST 2012
    [RELATED]

    As Ron states, you can use an inverter to generate 12 volts. I found such an inverter at J.C. Whitney (part#ZX813905R @$69.99) and here's the link:
    http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=10101&langId=-1&productId=220416&mediaCode=ZX&appId=384882

    I've also seen these on eBay. Another possibility, one that I use for a GPS, is one of those 12 volt portable battery units, used for boosting a car, but has a 12 volt lighter socket. I also must use this source for my 12 volt timing light!
    --
    Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM








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      radio 6v vs 12v 444-544 1953

      posted by  Ron Kwas on  Fri Oct 1 10:01 CST 2004
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      last visit: Fri Oct 24 04:03 CST 2014
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      Cam;

      I looked the specs on the JCW unit over, and it as far as function and output rating, it should work fine...they are "switchers" however, so it MAY require additional filtering to prevent hearing "birdies" if you like to listen to distant, low power AM stations. It also seems expensive...I seem to recall units from Europe at around half that much...

      Cheers








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        radio 6v vs 12v 444-544 1953

        uid 9973's pic
        posted by  CVOLVO on  Fri Oct 1 10:15 CST 2004
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        last visit: Fri Jul 13 18:40 CST 2012
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        Ron: I decided against buying this unit, due to some restrictions and less than optimal performance. I thought I needed one of these for a 12 volt Smiths tachometer, but to my delight, the tach works OK with 6 volt power in my Amazon? I have decided to stick with the original tube AM radio in my Volvos. The 12 volt battery source suppliments those rare occassions when I need more than the original 6 volts. Inverters do come up on eBay for less and even Radio Shack/Tandy sold them at one time. BTW, will I have a chance to meet you at the VCOA meet in Gettysburg in 2 weeks time?
        --
        Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM








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    radio 6v vs 12v 444-544

    posted by  Ron Kwas on  Thu Sep 30 14:53 CST 2004
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 04:03 CST 2014
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    Gabe;

    I would be surprised if there are ANY 6V AM/FM units available...certainly not FM stereo which became popular only in the middle to late 60s.

    As far as putting a 12V radio on 6V ...its not stupid (that's what I'd call putting a 6V radio on 12V!)...but you've got it right...it wont work. I'd suggest installing an inverter module which takes 6V in and puts out 12V...these are available with 1A output ratings (a bit on the low side, but proven to be adequite for standard - not high power - stereos).

    Cheers









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      radio 6v vs 12v 444-544

      posted by  someone claiming to be gabe on  Fri Oct 1 15:37 CST 2004 [RELATED]

      that's great! there is hope afterall. thanks for the info cam and ron. i really appreciate it. by the way if anyone is interested or local enough there is a VSA (Volvo Sports America) meet in NY at West Point on Oct 24. Hope to see some people there.







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