The Sony operating instructions say to connect the power input of the XT-100HD tuner to "a +12V power terminal that is energized at all times". It seems like this would cause a drain on the battery when the car is parked for an extended time with the HD tuner still powered. Has anyone had any problems with this? Would it not be better (or at least feasible) to power it from a source that is active only when the ignition key is on? I can see two possible reasons for wiring it directly to an always-on +12V source, but don't know if either of these are true...
1. Perhaps the XT-100HD needs to be already powered when the HU turns on?
2. Perhaps a +12V source that is enabled via the ignition key does not provide enough current? (This could be overcome by using the ignition +12V to power a relay that switches in the higher current, constant +12V source.)
Does anyone have any experience with wiring this tuner to an ignition enabled +12V source?
I almost said something stupid.
The XT-100HD has a remote turn-on output, but it doesn't use this for power switching.
However, I think it does use the BUS input to know when to turn on and off.
Keep in mind that the HD presets are different from the Sony FM/AM tuner presets and I believe they are stored in the XT-100HD internal memory so that is likely what you would lose with it connected to a switched source.
Hope This Helps!!!
2002 Ford Focus Sony CDX-GT410u Sony XT-100HD HD Tuner Stock speakers, no amp, no subs
It only draws a tiny bit of current when the unit is not in operation. It would take a very long time without starting your car for it to drain the battery, and by that time the lubricating fluids in your engine would have begun to break down. If you start your car more than twice a month, you won't have a problem.
Okay, thanks J Ro... that's very good to know. I was concerned because someone else said that the unit gets warm, so I assumed it might be a current hog. Apparently that's not the case when it is in a standby state.
Thanks for your answers! I did actually try hooking up my XT-100HD to a +12V source that was switched with the ignition key and, as you said, it lost some settings when the key was turned off. The presets seemed to say, but when powering back on it did not return to the same channel I left it at. I also had to manually turn on the HU even though I had left it on when turning off the key. I hooked the XT-100HD up to an always-on +12V source and all is well. Thanks!