Eff My Stereo

[Skeletoy]

Eff My Audio/Electrical

I was going to post a few updats to my "Eff My Interior" thread until I realized they would be better suited in the Audio/Electronics forum.

I threw this head unit in my 2-door Yukon to replace the crappy JVC that didn't eject discs. It's older, but it works and it was just sitting in the garage anyway. I need to get a new trim piece, it’s only 6 bucks but 11 dollars to ship! HERE

Ordered these up from Sonic Electronix so I can connect anything with a 3.5mm audio jack to the aux input in the back. I got the long 3.5mm cable so I can run it under the carpet and into my center console so it’s clean and not hanging off the dash.

I also ordered some new 4x6’s for the front dash. I’m a fan of Kickers so we will see how they sound. I’m not going extreme with this audio install, just some upgraded speakers in stock location and a bass package I’ll put together.

I'm still trying to decide what subs to get and where to mount them. I like to be able to fold the second seat down easily if I need to haul something but under it seems to be the cleanest and most out-of-the-way spot. I may just pick up a 12 in a ported box to throw in the cargo compartment so I can easily take it out if needed. My spare tire is mounted in there though so there is already less room.

 

[blueflamed03]

good Kicker tech support on this forum too....

 

[SunlitComet]

good Kicker tech support on this forum too....

You are just biased.

 

[blueflamed03]

 

[Skeletoy]

You are just biased.

What am I missing?

Got the 4x6's in tonight.

Note: I had to use the plastic spacers and they are STILL a very tight fit. No issues contacting the grill though. Need to get new grill pieces or repair these, the metal clips came off and one or two of the little fingers on the back side broke. I had to use the super long screws that came with the speakers because of the spacers. I had to trim the rear screws down though cause they were just a little too long and were contacting something underneath. They sound nice, I'm rocking the fronts only for now since the rear 4x10's are blown.

Edit:

Apparently I bought the cables for the rear input for no reason. It doesn't work. Oh well at least they were cheap. I guess I'll be on the lookout for a new HU in the future, after I get the rest of the system squared away.

 

[SunlitComet]

Blue works for Kicker.

 

[Skeletoy]

Blue works for Kicker.

Ah, I see. What do you do there Blue? If you don't mind me asking.

 

[blueflamed03]

Distribution Director.

 

[Skeletoy]

I get to return my new front speakers now. Yay. It sounds like there is an issue with the tweeter on the passenger side. I actually noticed it when the volume was turned way DOWN. I didn't crank it up at all, moderate volume most of the time. Now I get to deal with shipping back to the vendor. I suppose it's a reality check and I should start buying local again.

 

[groundscr8pr]

What am I missing?

Got the 4x6's in tonight.

Note: I had to use the plastic spacers and they are STILL a very tight fit. No issues contacting the grill though. Need to get new grill pieces or repair these, the metal clips came off and one or two of the little fingers on the back side broke. I had to use the super long screws that came with the speakers because of the spacers. I had to trim the rear screws down though cause they were just a little too long and were contacting something underneath. They sound nice, I'm rocking the fronts only for now since the rear 4x10's are blown.

Edit:

Apparently I bought the cables for the rear input for no reason. It doesn't work. Oh well at least they were cheap. I guess I'll be on the lookout for a new HU in the future, after I get the rest of the system squared away.

on some alpine you have to go into a menu and turn the aux function on. the port your are using for aux is actually for a cd changer. i believe its under function or setup menu.

 

[Skeletoy]

on some alpine you have to go into a menu and turn the aux function on. the port your are using for aux is actually for a cd changer. i believe its under function or setup menu.

Thanks for the tip! I'll have to look into it. I just pressed the source button and nothing else came up besides radio and CD. I read up on this adapter on the Alpine site and thought it might work. http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/kca-121b/

On a related note, I started my week off with a dead battery. Wonderful Monday morning. I don't think anything was drawing amperage from it. I have the headboard and visors out so it shouldn't be anything up there. Bulb is out of the hood compartment light as well. Dunno when the battery was replaced before but it's an decent Interstate one. It's been through a dead alternator and two summers here in the desert so it might just be on the way out. Checking if it will hold a charge now.

 

[Skeletoy]

For anyone setting up their (Alpine) head unit for a 3.5mm jack to the rear aux input, this is out of the user manual for mine. I don't know what all models it applies to, but like I said mine is the older style with green LED's.

I haven't tried it yet, but I will probably do it this weekend when I put my headliner back in. Posting up now so I don't forget.

 

[Gzes]

so u get the new kickers yet?

 

[Skeletoy]

Yes, there's a pic of them installed a few posts up. I'm debating returning them though. The tweeter on the right side seems damaged already.

 

[Skeletoy]

on some alpine you have to go into a menu and turn the aux function on. the port your are using for aux is actually for a cd changer. i believe its under function or setup menu.

It worked! I finally got around to messing with the head unit last night. I followed the instructions then hooked my cables back up and it works great. I now have 3 options for output (radio, cd, aux). I'm going to run the wires into the center console this weekend hopefully. I bought a wiring kit for my amp from a local place so I'm hoping to get all the wiring done while I have the carpet pulled up.

 

[raptorforme93]

Nice! Glad to see that your HU does work Good luck with the system man!

 

[groundscr8pr]

It worked! I finally got around to messing with the head unit last night. I followed the instructions then hooked my cables back up and it works great. I now have 3 options for output (radio, cd, aux). I'm going to run the wires into the center console this weekend hopefully. I bought a wiring kit for my amp from a local place so I'm hoping to get all the wiring done while I have the carpet pulled up.

 

[Skeletoy]

Well in the course of the last week after I got my headliner in I have been working more on the audio side of my truck. I mentioned my battery was dead a few posts up. After I tried to trickle charge it and it didn't hold at all I realized it was done for. I picked up one of these from Sears for around $200 with a core. This update is actually a little late since I got the battery a few weeks ago.

Debatably the same exact battery as the odyssey here:

I did quite a bit of research before I bought the DieHard. I went with the Odyssey/DieHard because of what I had experienced with Optimas going down hill. I think it will last me quite a bit longer than a lead/acid especially down here in the desert.

The previous battery had been through a dead alternator, sitting for a year without tending, and then 2 summers down here. I wasn't too mad when it went out. It always helps when you get to upgrade while you're at it right? Anyway I'm really liking the new AGM battery. It cranks a helluva lot better than the old one did plus all the usual benefits from running a sealed gel type.