Rockford Fosgate, off with backlight off ?

[Camp I am]

I have the Rockford Fosgate RFX8500 in our rig. When on it's a nice little radio/CD/DVD player, etc. When you turn it off the backlight for the clock dims a little but remains on. Has anyone found a way to switch off this light for the display with the provided controls? Having the display still lit for the clocks backlighting after the power is switched off is a small but obviouse battery drain, and I find the light polution annoying. Thought I'd ask before I pull it out and install a switch on the hot wire to kill it when I want it darker.

[Festus2]

Another option is to pull the fuse at the box but this might be more of a nuisance than a solution. If you are storing your unit for the winter, I would definitely pull the fuse to avoid the drain on your battery.

[Camp I am]

I'll be pulling the battery out for winter storage so there's no worry there. I'm more concerned with the light it throws out, I dont want to constantly have a blue glow in the living area at night, and if I camp without a plug in for electricity I don't want the power drain. Good idea pulling the fuse but I think unless there's already a simple way built into the unit to switch it off I'll probably hide a toggle switch inside of a cabinet so I can switch it off.

[JRTJH]

On our "cheapie" system (Jensen) there's a way to adjust the backlight dimmer or brighter. Not sure if RF has that option or not, might want to check your operator's manual to see if they have an adjustment.

[Camp I am]

I did check but they have no mention of it :confused:

[Johnnyfry]

If you kill the power to the unit you will probably lose any radio stations stored in the memory. Probably a non issue for those who do not use the the presets.

John

[Camp I am]

You are correct. I was testing the battery disconnect a few days ago for other reasons and when the power is remoived the presets on the radio are lost along with the clocks time, all will have to be reset.

[JRTJH]

On the Jensen entertainment system, the following is in the operator's manual:

"Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) The liquid crystal display (LCD) panel (4) displays the frequency, time and activated functions. To adjust the brightness of the LCD, press and hold the VOL control to access the user menu. Press the VOL control to step through the menu options. Rotate the VOL control to adjust the LCD brightness from “LIGHT 1” (brightest) to “LIGHT 3” (least bright).

NOTE: When subjected to cold temperatures for an extended period of time, LCD panels will take longer to illuminate and the display visibility may slightly decrease. Optimal LCD operation will return to normal when the temperature increases to a normal range."

I'd really believe that there is a function to adjust the LCD brightness, it's just a matter of finding out how to do it. I couldn't find the manual for the model number you listed in the original post. If you would check and see if there is another model number somewhere, I'll try to find the options for LCD display.

[JRTJH]

I just found this procedure on another Rockford Fosgate display, not sure if it will work with your equipment or not, but you might give it a try:

Dimmer Program
1. Press and hold the DSPL button for two seconds.
2. Press the DIM (PRESET 5) button to adjust the
intensity from 0 (off) to 4 (max).

[Camp I am]

I see what you mean. There's no unit with that # on their site. I double checked and it's definitely RFX8500. And there is no "DSPL" or "Dim" buttons on the unit itself or its remote. Here's a picture of it with power off, as you can see the display is well lit and quite large which in turn lights up the entire living area at night.

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_24191_0_c210bac9e1f9e1c79d0d464dfc151514.jpg

[JRTJH]

Hmmmm I see what you mean also. I'll keep checking, with a system of that quality, there's a way, we just have to find out how LOL Have you thought about contacting RF's customer service? They have a toll free number on the website. Maybe they can walk you through it in less than 30 seconds <G>

[Camp I am]

Hmmmm I see what you mean also. I'll keep checking, with a system of that quality, there's a way, we just have to find out how LOL Have you thought about contacting RF's customer service? They have a toll free number on the website. Maybe they can walk you through it in less than 30 seconds <G>


No I havnt thought of contacting them but now that you've mentioned it I will and I'll post what I find out. Thanks.

[Camp I am]

Called RF today and found out that this model is actually made by Patrick Industries in Indiana for the RV industry branded as Rockford Fosgate. So RF gave me PI's phone number and PI told me that there are no provisions for dimming the display but agreed given it's application for the RV industry that it would be a good idea if it did.

:bfart:

Guess I'm back to wiring in a little switch hidden in the cabinet next to it to cut the power when I boondock it. Or simply hang a towel over it when I have shore power but don't want the mood lighting.


Thanks all. :)

[JRTJH]

Well *&%# !!! That stinks. You could get a piece of vinyl like the windshield tint we used to put at the top of our windshields and cut it to just fit over the display, remove it when you need to, or you could put a couple of Velcro dots on the faceplate right beside the display and then put a piece of velcro over the display to "dim" it when you want less light.

On a more critical note, I wonder why a company as "powerful" as Rockford Fosgate would contract their name with a company that apparently doesn't even build components with the features the parent company "touts" as their standard??????

[Camp I am]

Contract out their name... I'm sure it's all about the all mighty dollar.

[JRTJH]

I did a google search for Patrick Industries. Seems they've been around the RV supply business for 50 years or so. Over the years, they've absorbed a lot of smaller companies, manufacture aluminum extrusion, countertops, doors, moldings, etc for the industry. Recently branched out into RV/Marine electronics, so I'd suppose RF "sold their name" to Patrick Industries who in turn contracted with a "noted Chinese electronics firm" to build the new "state of the art" entertainment system for Keystone... Hince the lack of a dimmer switch. Hmmmmm What ever happened to "good old American technology" :( <sigh>

[LarryL]

I have a Jensen and the blue light that lights the living area up have to
close the bedroom door.
I took the stereo out when i put a fireplace in and was thinking of putting
a switch in the back of the cabinet but then when I saw the wires:banghead: I said to myself another time

[Johnnyfry]

I have a Jensen with a blue light and also a WiFi Ranger mounted just outside the BR door and I look at them as a benefit. It helps me to find my way around without waking my bed mate.

As for keeping me awake---I have eyelids for that

John

[LarryL]

I have blackout curtians in the bedroom to keep the campground lights out.
I like it dark don't really need the the blue light to see the bathroom it
is just a few steps away and I keep flashlights near by.

[Camp I am]

Wow! That's alot of wire Larry :surprise:

[JRTJH]

Larry, your Jensen should have a menu item for display brightness. There are 4 settings, Off, low med bright. If you cant find out how to adjust it, give me the model number and I'll walk you through it. Simple button pushing, nothing complicated. Certainly simpler than adding a toggle switch to that spider's nest.....

[LarryL]

Thanks RTJH trailer at storage now,the DW wants to see the stairs I
remodeled from 1 step to 2 steps so I will be going there tomorrow
so she can try out the stairs big different from 10 1/2'' step to 7''step.
I will get the manual the model number at that time.
Thanks again for the help.

[JRTJH]

Larry, No problem. If you're going today, this is the procedure for the 970 stereo. Try it, it may be the same for whatever you have, and if it doesn't work, then get the model and I'll get more specific info for you.

Try this:

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
The liquid crystal display (LCD) panel (4) displays the frequency, time and activated functions.
To adjust the brightness of the LCD, press and hold the VOL control to access the user menu.
Press the VOL control to step through the menu options. Rotate the VOL control to adjust the
LCD brightness from “LIGHT 1” (brightest) to “LIGHT 3” (least bright).
NOTE: When subjected to cold temperatures for an extended period of time, LCD panels
will take longer to illuminate and the display visibility may slightly decrease. Optimal
LCD operation will return to normal when the temperature increases to a normal range.

Good luck,

John

[LarryL]

Well JRTJH I went to trailer checked it out and you can only dim light
maybe just have to put black tape over It like we use to do with the time and
date blinking light on the old VCR's.

[JRTJH]

Larry,

That stinks :( On mine, I can completely cut the backlight off. Of course when I do, I can't see any of the display information, so we usually keep it on the dim setting. If that seems too bright for you, maybe you can find some of the old windshield tint we used to put on the top of the windshield. It was pretty thick, would be durable and easy to peel off or reinstall, and you should be able to see through it well enough to see what station you're on without having to peel it off like you would with black tape.

Hope you can get it resolved, there's got to be a better way than hanging a towel or taping over the display so it can't be used...

John

[Branky]

Hello,
I have the same radio in my 2012 297RKS. I have been fighting the lousy reasio reception (antenna problem) but I have some information that may help you.
On most newer radios they have two (2) power connections.
One is used to power the internal radio systems and is supposed to powered full time to store presets etc..
The second one is "Switched", this is used to power the display and "Turn on the radio" when the ignition is turned on.
On my unit they are both wired together to 12v.
If you disconnect the 12V "switched" wire, and put a SPST switch on it you can turn off the display.

This will add one extra step to use the radio. You have to turn on the "Switched" line and that will allow the radio on/off button to power on the radio. So you can leave the Switch in the on position it will work as you are used to, turn off the switch and the display will blank. Just like you car radio does.

Hope this helps
...Brent...