the plastic adapters are like $15 all day long, couple cuts and a $39 adapter from walmart with rap and a chime speaker and your in business..... easy peasy.
Help me figure out what to do with this boat anchor
- Thread starter yukon-coRn
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yukon-coRn
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I got the new hardware & new radio, but the PO also installed an aftermarket amp/sub setup which makes this job a bit of a hassle.
The 12v, camera etc. is on one harness, which I didn't fully test yet, but it powers up fine. The main problem is wiring the second audio output harness to the amp's RCA inputs, which has 4 speakers and a sub. This harness has only a raw + and - wire for each channel, L & R, front & back, so I understand that as balanced outputs for each channel (2 wire) right? So 4 speakers = 8 wires total. The sub hooks up on a separate RCA connection.
I didn't have parts on hand so I have some balanced RCA connectors ordered that I plan to splice on to the harness so I can connect them to the amp inputs.
The 12v, camera etc. is on one harness, which I didn't fully test yet, but it powers up fine. The main problem is wiring the second audio output harness to the amp's RCA inputs, which has 4 speakers and a sub. This harness has only a raw + and - wire for each channel, L & R, front & back, so I understand that as balanced outputs for each channel (2 wire) right? So 4 speakers = 8 wires total. The sub hooks up on a separate RCA connection.
I didn't have parts on hand so I have some balanced RCA connectors ordered that I plan to splice on to the harness so I can connect them to the amp inputs.
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yukon-coRn
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Installation is done. The left & right side of the trim needed about 1/4" cut out so the knob/screen fit right. I used the balanced RCA connectors to work with the monster (Alpine) amp inputs because I didn't want to rip that whole setup out.
So because this radio's amp is now going into another amp it was REALLY LOUD. I had to turn the inputs on the amp to the lowest setting, and tweaked the sub settings too. We're in business!
So because this radio's amp is now going into another amp it was REALLY LOUD. I had to turn the inputs on the amp to the lowest setting, and tweaked the sub settings too. We're in business!
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yukon-coRn
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Update - radio is kinda sucky after a few days of living with it, only because my truck has antenna/reception issues. I installed the 12v solution found here:
www.gmt800.com
But still had crappy radio reception, so WTH? I looked at the actual antenna and it's just sitting on top of the threaded male connector that comes up. The inner part of the antenna is stripped so it won't thread/screw down so it was just staying attached by the sheer act of gravity. Off to the pick n pull I go.....
(more about the radio later)
GMT800 Radio Reception Issues with Aftermarket Radios - Solution
I shared this information on another forum, but thought I would put it here, as this is something that I had to figure out on my own recently. To make a long story short - I recently decided to put a backup camera on my 2006 Silverado 1500 WT (work truck). Not that I need it, but its the truck...
www.gmt800.com
But still had crappy radio reception, so WTH? I looked at the actual antenna and it's just sitting on top of the threaded male connector that comes up. The inner part of the antenna is stripped so it won't thread/screw down so it was just staying attached by the sheer act of gravity. Off to the pick n pull I go.....
(more about the radio later)
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yukon-coRn
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So with a 7mm adapter I was able to get a GM antenna on. Radio reception did not seem to improve. Granted I live in a mountainous area, but other radios in our fleet have no issues with the same stations this one struggles with.
Not sure what else to try other than maybe a longer antenna......? The old radio had one of those flat windsheild mounted ones but it wasn't that great IIRC, maybe I should try it again....
Not sure what else to try other than maybe a longer antenna......? The old radio had one of those flat windsheild mounted ones but it wasn't that great IIRC, maybe I should try it again....
mikez71
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A problem with the original base somehow? idk...
A longer antenna might help with AM channels, but not with FM. A 1/4 wave ground plane antenna for FM is right at 30".
Is the battery-to-body ground solid?
Is the battery-to-body ground solid?
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yukon-coRn
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Looking at the grounds (those that I could easily see) they all looked really good for a 25 year old truck. Do the antenna bases go bad? Doesn't seem likely.....the antenna on it now was pulled from the yard, so I could try a modern one that's beefier? I see ones that have a 'tuned coil' but is that just snake oil BS? Seems like a gamble as I think my area is just radio reception challenged.
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yukon-coRn
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The 12v adapter was a wild goose chase because my antenna doesn't use it. Consulted a local car audio shop who confirmed that fact, and they had an OEM GM base in stock so I took it home and installed it (pain in the ass). Put on the junkyard antenna but it sheared off the adapter while tightening it. For some reason I kept my cool and ordered a new brass adapter and a new antenna. Hope to have it all finally done this weekend.
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yukon-coRn
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I think the cheap radio unit is probably a dud. I've replaced almost every component around it and the reception still blows. It doesn't even do AM, which isn't the end of the world, but it'd be nice to have. So I'll probably return it and pony up more $ for something that actually performs respectfully.
