Batboard

In tracing a vehicle battery problem, I found that the MCS2000 input current, with power off is about 300MA. This is almost the same current that is found with the radio in standby. The radio allegedly has ignition control disabled, and the internal timer is set for 8 hours. The display has an error code of 01/79 alluding to an emergency power switch, which is not connected. I don't know if emergency power up is disabled in the programming. Unfortunately I am not a technician, and the customer’s tech staff is rather lacking, so if anyone out there knows what might be causing the excess current flow, I would sure appreciate the help.

Thanks
M.W.

If I am not mistaken, the Emergency switch needs to be connected, Normally closed contact, or a jumper, or the radio will power up.
It should draw less than 20 milliamps when shut off and that is the memory hold current.

You DEFINITELY need pin 9 (emergency) to be grounded, whether the radio's programmed for emergency or not. The factory jumper goes from pin 9 to ground on pin 4. Without this jumper, the radio will show fail 01/79 as you've stated, and the display will remain at least partially illuminated at all times. This explains your excess current drain. I'm not even sure how the customer can be using the radio, as that error normally keeps the radio locked up & unusable. The service manual explicitly states that powering up without this jumper can harm the microprocessor (never actually seen that happen, though). Jumper pin 9 to ground & your troubles will be over.

Todd