Shop security-12 volt radio

[bluedog225]

I’ve got my little shop set up with a 12 volt battle born battery, panels, and charge controller. Works great. Basic lighting and keeps my battery packs charged. I only charge them when on site.

I’ve been looking high and low for a cheap little 12 volt radio. Something that runs off a cigarette plug. I got zip.

Before I get all ghetto and pull a head unit from an old Chevy, I wondered if anyone knew of a source.

I’d like to avoid anything with a lithium ion battery. I plan to leave it on all the time for security and would prefer to minimize the chance of fire.

In the old days, they were common. Maybe the world has moved on.

Thanks

 

[inphx]

Why not a cheapo new car stereo like from walmart

Robot or human?

seem to start at $17... but you'll need some speakers

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073VHLRNQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Youngandfree]

Sangean WR-11 Wood Cabinet AM/FM Table Top Analog Radio Wooden https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BGGD8A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

12v fit SANGEAN WR-1 WR-2 WR1 WR2 / WR-11 WR-11SE AM/FM Table Top Radio Replacem | eBay

S: Sangean WR-1 WR-1WL WR-1BK WR-1WH WR1 WR1WL WR1BK WR1WH // WR-2 WR-2WL WR-2BK WR-2WH WR2 WR2WL WR2BK WR2WH and WR-11 WR-11SE AM/FM Table Top Radio. We have over thousands Power Adapters, We can help you get the right one !

www.ebay.com

 

[bluedog225]

Nice find. Thanks.

I’ve actually got two of the Sangeans. They are good radios but the tuners drift.

 

[jack stand]

Most of the major battery tool makers have pretty good radios.... if you're already set up with cordless. I drag one of my Makita radios everywhere I'm working but I've got dozens of their tools and batteries anyway.

 

[nadogail]

Radios from old cars with vibraters and vacuum tubes can really **** the charge out of a battery.

 

[duneslider]

What about a 12v clock radio. If you are just looking for something to leave on when you aren't there it doesn't need great sound right? Should be a handful on amazon for not that much.

 

[nh_yota]

Get one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00007KDX6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And wire in one of these instead of the batteries:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CUA4KK8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Fasthotrod]

I plan to leave it on all the time for security and would prefer to minimize the chance of fire.

For what it's worth, a friend of mine is a cop and we talked about shop safety and trying to deter people from breaking in because it sounds like someone is home.

His advise: Don't leave a radio on 24/7. That's a sure sign that nobody is there. Burglars don't fall for that.

 

[bluedog225]

Ah. Radio off then….

 

[Citation]

Look for a basic radio with a 12V (or some voltage) input

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KR8QWCY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

No idea if that radio is good but it takes 3V in. A 12V to 3V adapter is all you need.

 

[bluedog225]

I like the idea but I’m coming up empty looking for a 12 volt to 3 volt dc adapter.

 

[inphx]

here is one one ebay 3v dc to dc

 

[Citation]

I like the idea but I’m coming up empty looking for a 12 volt to 3 volt dc adapter.

How handy are you with wiring? If you are comfortable doing the wiring something like inphx found or a variable version is good.
Here are 10 for $14 (just the circuit, no wires or housings)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008BHBEE0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've used these before. The upside is they accept a wide range of input voltages and you set the output to what ever you need.

If you just have a 12V car socket then something like this might work

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ELGA23E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is something like the old universal adapters so you could power your discman or what not in your car.

 

[Citation]

Also, if your batteries are big enough you could consider a DC to AC inverter. It's not a very efficient way to power a device that ultimately wants DC voltage inside. However, it does open up a lot of options.

Personally, I think I would do something like a basic car stereo or perhaps something like a 12V powered amp (an old Lepie lp2020 amp) + speakers + my old phone that has an FM tuner. Still, my needs etc aren't the same as yours.

 

[71goldss]

I used to have an old car head unit hooked up to one of those cheap Harbor Freight trickle chargers in the garage. Worked out great for years, but I was never really sure if I should have safety concerns using it for that, so eventually I upgraded to a Denon receiver, bought cheap off eBay. I only had it on when I was out in the garage working, and never unattended.