New Radio in Old Rabbit; No Accessory Ignition Key Position

[the ponz]

Today, I installed my a new JVC HD radio/CD in my 1984 Rabbit Convertible. With a little thinking and the help of a multi-meter, the instal went smoothly with no fuses blown or sparks to be seen.

The new radio called for a 12volt source which is off when the key is off, as well as a 12volt source which is always hot, regardless of key position. I tapped into the rear window defroster circuit for the switched 12volt signal. Naturally, the radio now goes off when the engine is shut off. The radio remembers all the settings and presets. It all works as I expected.

I would like to play the new radio when the engine is not running and the key in the off position, just like I could do with the stock radio.

My question is:
would anything, (the radio or the car's electrical system), be damaged if I connected the switched 12volt wire from the radio to a 12volt source that is always hot, thereby allowing me to play the radio with or without the ignition key?

As always, thanks for the education.

[Wabbit]

no just put a switch in-line so you can turn it completely off when you get out of your car/dont want it on or it will drain your battery over-night.

[the ponz]

no just put a switch in-line so you can turn it completely off when you get out of your car/dont want it on or it will drain your battery over-night.

The new radio has a power switch which turns it off. Will that suffice?

[ShoddyElectrician]

Well that's hard to say without the manufacturer specs... Even in "off" mode it may still power some modules if it has juice. What you might be able to do in your current setup is run the car, turn off the radio and use your multimeter to measure the Amp draw of the radio in the "off" mode.

[the ponz]

I have been told that the circuit that powers the door open/key in the ignition buzzer can be used as an accessory circuit; being that when the key is in the ignition, it powers up the buzzer circuit without powering up the start circuit.

I think this is the best solution.

Thanks for all the replies.