RetroSound 6-12 Volt Converter Designed for Classic Cars with Negative Grounding
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The RetroSound 6-12 Volt Converter is a DC-DC step-up converter that turns a 6V negative-earth supply into a steady 12V DC output at up to 10A, letting you run a 12V radio or accessories in a classic car without rewiring the vehicle's electrical system.
Key specifications
- Input voltage: 5.5 to 7.5V DC
- Output voltage: 12V DC
- Output current: 10A
- Suits: 6V vehicles with negative earth (negative ground)
- Switching: activates automatically with the ignition
- Protection: built-in thermal protection, 25A fuse rating
- Dimensions: approx. 150 x 85 x 70mm
- Weight: approx. 0.7kg
- Cable length: approx. 1.5m
Upgrade your 6V classic car's audio system
This German-engineered 6V to 12V DC converter provides dependable power for modern 12V electronics — such as a RetroSound Europa Motor 4 DAB radio — without the need to revamp your vehicle's electrical system.
- Delivers a steady 10A output for consistent performance.
- Designed for 6V negative-earth systems, suitable for audio upgrades and other 12V accessories.
- Activates automatically with the ignition to conserve battery life.
- Built-in thermal protection prevents overheating.
- German-engineered for durability and long-term use.
For classic car enthusiasts fitting 12V RetroSound radios, this converter combines steady power delivery, built-in protection, and quality construction — keeping classic styling while running modern equipment.
Explore the full range in Retro Radio Parts.
Specification
| Input Voltage (DC) | 5.5 – 7.5V |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage (DC) | 12V |
| Output Current (DC) | 10A (no limitation) |
| Output Stability with Input Variation | Ua proportional to Ue |
| CV Stability at 0-100% Load | 3V |
| CV Ripple (RMS) | 25mV |
| Auxiliary Relay Current Consumption | approx. 300mA |
| Full Load Current Consumption | 24A |
| Fuse Rating | 25A |
| Regulation Time 10-100% Load | 1.5ms |
| Operating Temperature | Range 0 - 35°C |
| Max. Relative Humidity (non-condensing) | 85% at 40°C |
| Cable Length | approx. 1.5m |
| Dimensions | (W x H x D) approx. 150 x 85 x 70 mm |
| Weight | approx. 0.7 kg |
| Color | Black, RAL 9005 |
| Protection Grade / Class | IP 30 / III |
| Electrical Connections module (Input) | 6.3mm flat connectors |
| Electrical Connections module (Output) | 6.3mm flat connectors |
| EMI Suppression | DIN VDE 0875 T 3 G |
More specs
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What's Included
- RetroSound 6-12 Volt Converter
RetroSound
About the RetroSound RS-CNVRTR
From our tech experts at CEN
A 6 to 12 volt converter, letting a modern 12V radio run in a classic that was built as a 6 volt car.
Who it suits
Owners of pre-1960s vehicles still on their original 6 volt electrics, and anyone converting a car where the radio is the only modern component.
Our tech experts advise
Polarity matters as much as voltage on cars of this age: many are positive earth, and getting that wrong damages equipment. get in touch. See car stereo installation.
Explore the full RetroSound range at CEN, with fast UK dispatch and expert advice from our Nottingham team. Shop all RetroSound
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the RetroSound 6-12 Volt Converter do?
A: It converts a 6V DC supply (5.5 to 7.5V input) to 12V DC with up to 10A output, so a 12V radio such as a RetroSound unit can run in a 6V classic car.
Q: Does the converter work on positive-earth cars?
A: It is designed for 6V vehicles with a negative-earth (negative ground) electrical system. Positive-earth vehicles are not covered by this listing, so please contact CEN before ordering for a positive-earth car.
Q: Will the converter drain my battery when the car is parked?
A: It switches on automatically with the ignition, which helps conserve battery life when the car is not in use. Its no-load current consumption is under 30mA.
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