Tool I want...but don't know the name?

[relic7680]

I understand that there is a device that you can plug into the cigarette lighter of vehicles (with EFI) to protect against surges when the vehicle's battery is connected or disconnected. I want one for my '91 C2500 that is in storage a lot and has a sensitive stock radio receiver. I've also heard that such a device may utilize a 9 volt battery and that Snap-On may produce one. Anybody....?

 

[BullfrogJohnson]

I have seen them but dont know who makes it, and yes they use a 9v battery.

 

[George in Rancho Cordova]

There is a device that is plugged into the power socket to keep alive the radio & other memory devices. Mine uses a 9 volt battery & was only a few bucks on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GKD5Q0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Snappy sells a much larger one for a lot more money.

 

[DanCo]

http://www.cadoges.com/auto-quotes/...ng-your-car-battery-using-a-memory-saver.html

I've used one in the past, got mine @ advanced or autozone. It was $10 or $12.

Dan

 

[chris142]

How long do you plan on it working? If swapping a battery they are ok but that 9v battery wont keep things powered up very long.

 

[andywander]

yeah, not sure about the "protection against surges" part. I think they are just to keep various electronic memories alive while battery is disconnected.

 

[relic7680]

Just wanted a device to keep my stereo receiver from having something happen to it when I connect or disconnect the battery...not concerned about losing my settings. Last board I had in my receiver went out after reconnecting the battery; truck had sat about 2 months inside and radio worked fine before. Not sure if my unit was just defective...but I want to take measures to guard against incidents in the future if possible.

 

[TwoInch]

you probably had a bad unit. letting them sit should not cause any problems with them, and there really shouldnt be any surge or anything of the sort when connecting or disconnecting a 12v battery in a car. people disconnect and reconnect batteries in cars all the time(myself included) and nothing like this ever happens.

what kind of head unit are you using?

also, if you wanted something to "protect" the head unit circuit, it would have to be inline. the lighter socket isnt going to interrupt anything heading to the head unit. maybe an added inline fuse? i dont think it is needed, but thats all i can think of...

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Do your self a favor, don't buy it.
The one with 9v is not something for long term, and to keep the "keep the alive memory".

It mostly used for short term, for vehicle repairs that require work.
Plus the 9v batteries are no good for extended term use.

yeah, not sure about the "protection against surges" part. I think they are just to keep various electronic memories alive while battery is disconnected.

Agreed..

 

[Big Johnson]

I understand that there is a device that you can plug into the cigarette lighter of vehicles (with EFI) to protect against surges when the vehicle's battery is connected or disconnected. I want one for my '91 C2500 that is in storage a lot and has a sensitive stock radio receiver. I've also heard that such a device may utilize a 9 volt battery and that Snap-On may produce one. Anybody....?

Walmart $5. Used to save settings on the radio and such when you disconnect the battery. Does not work on some models.

 

[relic7680]

The truck has the stock 3 piece stereo (receiver, control head, and tape deck w/eq). From what I understand, these components frequently malfunction with age, but I'd like to keep mine stock. I didn't want a device to be plugged in the whole time during storage, just at the moments when power was removed or applied via the truck's battery. Anyway, I appreciate the advice here and have decided not to pursue buying a memory saver.

 

[sometoyotaguy]

If you're worried about surges, just turn on the headlights. You really shouldn't see surges from connecting the battery. Those little 9V things are just to keep the radio settings like others have said.

Automotive radios are usually pretty well filtered to deal with alternator noise, and ignition noises. You probably had a bad part, and it was just the last straw for it.

 

[kc-steve]

I agree with others here. As an electronic tech I have seen many devices that have their OWN battery inside to preserve settings or even to maintain a locking key in case of theft. After many years the battery inside quits working, and so does everything else.

You could rig your own with a couple wires hooked to a battery, but I would think a 12volt battery is what is needed, or a combination of batteries in series equaling 12 volts. It's easy to do. Just connect it to the power or fuse box.

I've never heard of anything that causes surges killing other equipment though (other than welding on a vehicle that has a computer).

Steve

 

[Dave.R]

Truthfully, couldn't you just pull the radio fuse?

My friend has a 97 Malibu, and every. single. time. the battery gets unhooked for work, the fuel gauge needle flips around and hits the peg. Then when you start it, the thing just keeps tapping the peg.

I've gotten pretty good at using a tiny tiny Allen Wrench, through the trip reset button hole, and pulling the fuel needle back over the peg.

 

[srmofo]

The truck has the stock 3 piece stereo (receiver, control head, and tape deck w/eq). From what I understand, these components frequently malfunction with age, but I'd like to keep mine stock. I didn't want a device to be plugged in the whole time during storage, just at the moments when power was removed or applied via the truck's battery. Anyway, I appreciate the advice here and have decided not to pursue buying a memory saver.

Pull the fuse....although it wont make a difference.