Jensen Radio Disconnect

Amazonica

Thank you @Tampakayaker. So if I'm understanding correctly, I only tap into the Jensen radio on the wire marked "+12VDC Switched" , and leave the wire marked "Ground" from the radio completely untouched? I definitely want no more lights. That will leave the "Ground" wire from the new switch just hanging? Want to be sure before I'm cutting. My motto: ask twice, cut once!   

Verna

@Amazonica, if you have a simple rocker switch that is on or off, you just need to “break” the 12V positive wire. Wire one side Of the wire to one terminal on the switch and the other side of the wire to the other terminal on the switch. Break can mean “cut” if that helps your understanding. 

Amazonica

Ahhh, gotcha! Thank you Verna, it finally makes sense. 

Sincere thanks to all of you who have been patient with my questions and generous with your time. 

BrianZ

I put switches on both Jensen and Alde 12V panel.  See this page about halfway down the page & 3/4 down for wiring photos..
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6415/phantom-drain/p2
The toggle switches have a blue light, but it's optional & is only on when the switch is on (useful to be reminded to turn it off).  It has 3 wire terminals: two silver colored pins for the 12V+ power line to the device and an optional (brass colored) one for a ground wire to light the LED.

VictoriaP

BrianZ said:

I put switches on both Jensen and Alde 12V panel.  See this page about halfway down the page & 3/4 down for wiring photos..
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6415/phantom-drain/p2
The toggle switches have a blue light, but it's optional & is only on when the switch is on (useful to be reminded to turn it off).  It has 3 wire terminals: 12V+, and two ground pins - one for the device and an optional one to light the LED.

@BrianZ, did you have to do anything special to anchor these in wood? I know they’re designed to mount in thin plastic rather than thick cabinetry.

Amazonica

Love the term "phamperage"! Thank you @BrianZ. Since I live (and sleep) in mine, I'm certain I want to leave the gas detector fully functional though.

BrianZ

Good question, @VictoriaP, and the answer is no, a 3/4" drill bit made a hole that was just right to hold it snugly.  See their specs here:

The hole was just 1mm larger, but the two springy clips keep them snug enough that ours have never come loose.  Or use a little dab of glue if needed.  I used a spade type drill bit, like this..
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DB3CMR8

Totally agree, @Amazonica, I would not mess with the circuit powering the CO/propane detector - that should always remain on for safety.  Or maybe I should say "You don't want a 'kill-switch' there."  A kill switch should only be permitted to kill a live circuit, not a live human! 😉

VictoriaP

Thanks, @BrianZ! A kill switch for the Jensen is on my list for this spring, and this type of switch looks the closest to OEM for me.

rh5555

We used this switch for our Jensen disconnect https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017KP67FY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The threaded portion is long enough to work with 1/2" plywood so mounting is very secure.  You can chose if you want the symbol to light up when the Jensen is on (or not - requires fewer connections).  See also https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/9242/2020-tab400-electrical-and-audio

MuttonChops

Finally got around to adding an On/Off switch to the Jensen, Model JWM70A .  Decided to do so mainly to reduce the night time background current drain.  My PWM Solar Controller (aftermarket) should draw 100mA but seems to draw 300mA (when no Sun).  Considered a switch on the solar controller but then I'd have to get up with the Sun and turn it on.

{ moved 12V/USB after picture taken }

Basic Auto Supply Store Push-Pull Switch

With the Power Center Radio/TV fuse removed observed ~ 200mA drop in background current. So am expecting the new switch will buy back some of my solar monitor needs - - - should have measured current at Radio when I had the darn thing out - - - maybe next year 

morey000

Thanks.  Just did this mod! Never would have thought to do it if I hadn't seen it here. 

I bought the toggle switch that @BrianZ pictured above.  Yup 3/4" drill bit, and just jammed the switch in there nice and snug.  Couple of butt splice terminals and the job was done in 10min. 

It was always my girlfriend's job to get up and lay a towel over the JVC, because the illumination ruins the darkness for sleeping.  Leaving on a trip tomorrow.  She's gonna' be surprised that I took her job away from her.

I have yet to use the TV, so it just stays unplugged (removing 10mA of phantom drain).  But- we listen to music, streamed via bluetooth from our phones... all the time.  

I may have to do the Alde Cutoff next!  (I try to *only* boondock)

AirBoss

Just an FYI, the Jensen does have a dimmer function. Turn radio on, press and hold Dim button and turn volume knob counterclockwise. You can take it down to "0". 

Denny16

You can also use the Alde while Boondocking, and you can turn it completely off at the Alde Control panel.
cheers

Horigan

AirBoss said:

Just an FYI, the Jensen does have a dimmer function. Turn radio on, press and hold Dim button and turn volume knob counterclockwise. You can take it down to "0". 

Thank you for this!!!  We've been putting black tape over the display due to the brightness of the "Low" dim setting by just pressing the Dim switch.

AirBoss

@Horigan
That's what this place is all about. Now, about that fridge fan switch green light! 

VictoriaP

AirBoss said:

@Horigan
That's what this place is all about. Now, about that fridge fan switch green light! 

Something like these dimming “stickers”? https://smile.amazon.com/Dim-It-Light-Dimming-Sheets/dp/B006R0VWSG/

Or pull the switch, it should have three wires. One of the three powers the LED, probably attached to the center blade. @Brianz posted a pic earlier in the thread showing the back of a similar switch.

BrianZ

@Denny16, I don't know about the 400, but on our 320 with Alde 3010, turning the Alde & display off at the control panel does not eliminate all power consumption by the Alde or the display.  I was surprised by this, but see my 3rd message on this page..
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6415/phantom-drain/p2
With Alde turned "off",  it still consumed 82 milliamps, and after unplugging the blank display, the Alde electronics still used 50 mA while turned "off".  So, the kill switch I installed on the Alde 12V line saves about 2 AH per day of battery power.  Not a lot, but it all adds up, and that was 10% of our daily boondocking usage.

Denny16

I find the solar on out TaB400 more than compensates for the small drain from the Alde in the off position, radio and TV pilot lights, etc.  
cheers

JP2558

Thank you @tabaz for the pictures and notes. I did this today and your notes were perfect for our 2018 tab. No more black electrical tape!

TNOutback

I also completed this mod today.  Even dimmed, the screen gave off light at night, and we had taped a piece of card stock over the screen.  Now with the cutoff switch, no more light and no more battery drain!

photon

My Jensen disconnects on it's own! Some time ago I removed the fuse in the back of it at so the lights weren't on. Last week I plugged the fuse back in to test it and immediately fuse 3 (lights/entertainment/TV) blows in the main panel. This is a Jensen AWM965 in a 2014 T@B. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I posted the issue here: https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/18062/jensen-stereo-short-circuit-installing-fuse-blows-fuse-in-panel#latest