View Full Version : Stereo Remote Lead
dpolen
03-25-2009, 03:22 PM
I'm planning to install some tower speakers on my boat this weekend along with a new MTX amp to power them. I have an open/extra Accessory switch on the dash, can I use this for the remote lead for the amp so that I can simply turn the tower speakers on/off with the push of a button? I think the answer is yes, but figured that someone here could easily validate that this is as straighforward as I think it is.
Thanks!
Gamble
03-25-2009, 03:28 PM
that would work to turn the amp off, but if I had to bet, there may still be sound coming out of the speakers, they just wouldn't be amplified unless the switch was on. I'd like to get some further info on this from someone else.
craig3972
03-25-2009, 03:34 PM
if the stereo was playing loudly, and you turned the tower speaker amp from off to on ... the tower speakers might get a jolt. just guessing tho.
brucemac
03-25-2009, 04:23 PM
you would typically tie into the remote lead on your head unit. also many use a 12V relay when using more than 2 remote turn ons (2 amps or more from HU)
I'm planning to install some tower speakers on my boat this weekend along with a new MTX amp to power them. I have an open/extra Accessory switch on the dash, can I use this for the remote lead for the amp so that I can simply turn the tower speakers on/off with the push of a button? I think the answer is yes, but figured that someone here could easily validate that this is as straighforward as I think it is.
Thanks!
If you want to do this in order to just have a way to kill those speakers and use the cabin speakers, it's OK to do that and the turn on circuit draws almost no current. The tower speakers won't make any sound, either, since the amp is off completely. Just make sure to mark it as to its function. I would recommend connecting the switch input to the head unit's remote lead (or the other amp's lead, if it's closer) because if the amp is on and you turn the stereo on, it may send a DC pulse, which can damage the speakers. Since the lights won't be connected to the stereo, they shouldn't see much of anything when it's turned on or off.
brucemac
03-25-2009, 04:29 PM
my bad, i missed his intent for doing so. alternative to a fader knob or eq i suppose.
MattsCraft
03-25-2009, 04:43 PM
I have had mine set up like this for a year. "Remote to Wash Down Switch" Works fine, no sound out of the speakers as the amp is off when the switch is off" There is a slight delay on the power on sequence. Just be careful, if the volume was cranked when you shut it off, "BLAM" will knock you over. I have mine set up to fade between the tower and interior, fade back the interior so people can talk and blast them for the rider, just flip the switch when they fall and you can talk to your rider.
A poor mans way to speed sensing volume control!
dpolen
03-25-2009, 04:47 PM
Thanks guys...the MTX Jackhammer amp I bought came with an external knob feature called "EBC" (I believe it means external bass control). I think this will act as a gain control, but am not really sure since I picked up this amp at Circuit City when they were going out of business. Normally, I would have asked a whole bunch of questions about the product before buying it, but the price was too good to pass up. Can anybody validate the use of this external control?
Sodar
03-25-2009, 04:50 PM
you would typically tie into the remote lead on your head unit. also many use a 12V relay when using more than 2 remote turn ons (2 amps or more from HU)
Elaborate please... :confused:
Do I have to go out and buy something else now!?!?
brucemac
03-25-2009, 04:59 PM
cameron, i didn't read his post correctly before i had originally responded. i missed what he was trying to accomplish.
regarding remote leads out of HU; you can typically split the remote lead from the HU twice, more than that and most installers recommend using a 12V relay so that they don't all try to turn on at the same time.
http://www.bcae1.com/relays.htm
scroll down to "bosch relay" about a 1/3 of the way down. this is what i use.
some people daisy chain remote wires between amps.
Sodar
03-25-2009, 05:04 PM
I follow you. I was planning on daisy chaining. Is there a test I can do to see if I have enough power to do this or is the best way to just try it?
brucemac
03-25-2009, 05:12 PM
hhhmmm, that i'm not sure. JIMN? :D
using that relay is ideal i think, but messy because not only do you have to run the remotes to it, but you have to give it power and ground from ideally the same battery bank as your HU, amps, eq's, etc. so on mine for example, i've got if i recall 5 remote wires and 2 for p&g into this thing. just a matter of routing and wrapping, but you get my point. it was not up there on the fun list as i neared the finish. i guess what i'm saying is, if you try it first without, make sure you have enough slack if you need to add it and reposition anything.
have you started yet?
Sodar
03-25-2009, 05:26 PM
hhhmmm, that i'm not sure. JIMN? :D
using that relay is ideal i think, but messy because not only do you have to run the remotes to it, but you have to give it power and ground from ideally the same battery bank as your HU, amps, eq's, etc. so on mine for example, i've got if i recall 5 remote wires and 2 for p&g into this thing. just a matter of routing and wrapping, but you get my point. it was not up there on the fun list as i neared the finish. i guess what i'm saying is, if you try it first without, make sure you have enough slack if you need to add it and reposition anything.
have you started yet?
Yeah. Heater Unit was relocated from observer's side to driver's side. Mounting blocks have been epoxied to the hull and will be fiberglassed over tonight. Backing panels have been made. Aux Battery has been mounted under driver's dash and Isolator has been installed. Custom cables have been designed and ordered.
This weekend I will be running speaker wire and mounting tower speakers.
brucemac
03-25-2009, 05:37 PM
right on! looking forward to some more pics!
flipper
03-25-2009, 05:39 PM
Yeah. Heater Unit was relocated from observer's side to driver's side. Mounting blocks have been epoxied to the hull and will be fiberglassed over tonight. Backing panels have been made. Aux Battery has been mounted under driver's dash and Isolator has been installed. Custom cables have been designed and ordered.
This weekend I will be running speaker wire and mounting tower speakers.
Don't screw this up!:D
Sodar
03-25-2009, 05:40 PM
Don't screw this up!:D
Thanks for the confidence ashole!
flipper
03-25-2009, 05:43 PM
Thanks for the confidence ashole!
No problem;)