6 replies to this topic

[The Little Blue Mini]

Hi, I am close to the end of the restoration of a 1962 mini 850. I want to run a small audio system (radio with an Aux facility) off a dynamo? Can anybody please recommend me a set up?

[whistler]

Back when your car was new and alternators weren't fitted as standard everybody just fitted whatever radio system they had at hand, even valve radios. Late 60's saw the introduction of 8 track stereo, cassette radios and quadrophonic systems; all run off a dynamo set up.

If you're unsure about it fit a higher capacity battery. 

[sledgehammer]

may need a radio suppressor - http://www.ebay.co.u...mMakeTrack=true

 

to stop whine

 

not sure if it will need a 12v choke

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item1a01ab78ed

[KernowCooper]

A normal radio will be fine, its not as if your putting in a 1000w amp

[gazza82]

Think about the basics ... is the radio negative earth 'because the dynamo probably means the car is positive earth ... pop!

Edited by gazza82, 12 July 2015 - 10:49 AM.

[sledgehammer]

Think about the basixs ... is the radio negative earth 'because the dynamo probably means the car is positive earth ... pop!

 

good point - may be some still about with positive earth 

 

when did the factory change to -ve earth ?

 

does anyone still do +ve earth radios ?

Edited by sledgehammer, 11 July 2015 - 10:01 PM.

[A-Cell]

Dynamo can be positive or negative earth. So can easily convert car to run negative earth. The field windings can be re polarised.
Disconnect Dynamo D and F connectors. Connect battery negative to chassis. Connect a wire to the positive terminal and use the other end to 'flash' onto the F terminal. IE wipe it across the terminal 2 or 3 times. A little blue spark shows job done.
Install battery as negative earth, reconnect Dynamo and job done.
OP can use modern radio with negative earth.
Most fuel pumps are dual polarity.
For info Cars manufactured from c1967 were negative earth. Before that they were positive earth.