Diesel's 209 [Archive]

Diesel

06-03-2005, 11:29 AM

Well last week I picked up my new boat.

http://img224.echo.cx/img224/9355/dsc00594r6fu.jpg

After 4 months of waiting my new 05 ProStar 209 showed up at the dealers. I specifically ordered the boat without the stereo so I could build my own system. After picking it up I worked through the night on Thursday of last week to have the deck and a tower speakers installed for our Memorial Day Trip. Well now that we are back and the boat is cozy in the garage I have started the complete install.

I am working in the evenings between trips to the pool with my daughter and my regular honey-dos. I am hoping to have it done in a few weeks and back out on the lake. I am going to try to take as many pictures and provide as much information as possible for anyone who would like to do something similar.

More to follow...................

Diesel

06-03-2005, 11:30 AM

Here is a pic of the equipment...................

http://img152.echo.cx/img152/2884/dsc015834bo.jpg

Diesel

06-03-2005, 11:30 AM

This week my efforts have been concentrated on the sub box. I was determined to get enough air space for the L7 12 from under the driver's side. This required building a custom box and relocating almost everything. I have seen other installs where the foot rest was removed from the 209 to gain enough room for a sub box. I like and use the foot rest so I decided to keep it and work around this challenge. Here are pics of initial fitment........

http://img152.echo.cx/img152/3259/dsc015591lm.jpg

http://img152.echo.cx/img152/156/dsc015627ce.jpg

Diesel

06-03-2005, 11:31 AM

The final product.......

http://img152.echo.cx/img152/6241/dsc015678ht.jpg

http://img152.echo.cx/img152/5628/dsc015698dv.jpg

http://img152.echo.cx/img152/7200/dsc015725cm.jpg

Diesel

06-03-2005, 11:32 AM

The biggest challenge has been finding a spot for all the factory electrical equipment. The MDC, paddle wheel control box, and factory bus bar connections were relocated to the backside of the foot rest at a level below the top of the footrest to clear the sub box.

http://img152.echo.cx/img152/2618/dsc015793ks.jpg

http://img152.echo.cx/img152/9918/dsc015807bp.jpg

http://img152.echo.cx/img152/8263/dsc015821zb.jpg

Diesel

06-03-2005, 11:33 AM

The next challenge was finding a spot for the factory circuit breaker panel. I decide to mount it to a new panel made out of starboard that would separate the front driver's side bow storage compartment from all the wiring. Here is a pic before installation.......

http://img152.echo.cx/img152/2277/dsc015748dt.jpg

After installation...........

http://img152.echo.cx/img152/9909/dsc015777in.jpg

AirJunky

06-03-2005, 11:45 AM

Diesel

06-03-2005, 11:48 AM

Nice setup...... here is one of similar caliber (http://www.newworldgraphics.com/boat/)
The guy is one of the TN Flyin promotors & has always had some of the nicest boats & stereos over the years. Looks like he's built another one..... notice the custom bow playpen/sub box. And 3 yellow top Optimas!

That's pretty awesome!! I really like the play pen idea...........very innovative. I am going to have to look into the dual alternator idea..........looks very slick.

Thanks for the link ;)

zberger

06-03-2005, 02:22 PM

i am going to need to view this at home..

stupid work firewall :mad:

stevo137

06-03-2005, 02:28 PM

Beautiful boat Diesel! Congrats! :steering:

André

06-04-2005, 06:58 AM

Very nice ride!Congrats!

Diesel

06-06-2005, 09:29 AM

I spent some time this weekend working on the boat a bit more. My efforts were focused on the amp rack and the dual aux battery tray.

The Kicker 900.4 is a very long amp (26"!!) so it was difficult finding a place to mount. I wound up creating a divider between the bow storage and the passenger seat compartment. The amp rack was constructed out of 3/4 MDF and once completed will be coated with Line-X and a layer of matching carpet. The Kicker 1250.1 sub amp mounts right below and both amps just barely fit in this space. The rack has a double wall so all wiring will be concealed behind the rack. All power distribution was mounted to the front side of the second wall and is accessible from the bow storage. Here are a few pics of the amp rack.....

http://img237.echo.cx/img237/8087/dsc016004tv.jpg

http://img237.echo.cx/img237/2936/dsc016024qz.jpg

Diesel

06-06-2005, 09:33 AM

Here are a few pics of the power distribution in the bow storage. The cap and distribution blocks are mounted on the front wall of the dual wall amp rack and all wiring is concealed between the two layers. Pics.....

http://img237.echo.cx/img237/3417/dsc016103yi.jpg

http://img237.echo.cx/img237/6306/dsc016090nz.jpg

Diesel

06-06-2005, 09:45 AM

I also made and installed the dual aux battery tray. I have a total of 3 blue top optimas for the boat. One will be a starting battery and two will be auxiliary for the stereo. The starting battery will be in the factory location under the passenger compartment in the floor. I thought long and hard about where to put the other two aux batteries. I did not want to give up valuable storage space so I had to get creative. After taking a bunch of measurements it seems two blue top optimas will fit absolutely perfect just in front of the engine in the bilge. Here is a pic of what I finally came up with........

http://img237.echo.cx/img237/9048/dsc015925as.jpg

The battery tray was constructed using 1"x 1/8" angle and is secured between the two walls of the motor box. It rests on the downward slope of the hull which bears the weight of the batteries. A BW 3098R battery isolation relay is used to isolate the starter battery and the aux bank of batteries. 0 Gauge Stinger Expert Wire was used for connecting the batteries and to power the amp board. Here is a pic of the wiring.........

http://img237.echo.cx/img237/1230/dsc015953or.jpg

Diesel

06-06-2005, 09:47 AM

More........

http://img237.echo.cx/img237/8782/dsc015988oe.jpg

Here is a before pic of all the wiring, distribution blocks, and terminals I used in the install.

http://img293.echo.cx/img293/333/dsc015864rf.jpg

Diesel

06-06-2005, 09:57 AM

I also had to build a crossover rack for the Kicker RS 65.2 series crossovers, four total. I wound up taking a piece of starboard and attaching it to the inside of the wall opposite the hull. I used the factory 3/8 bolts that hold the upholstery to secure the board to the inner wall. Here is a pic..........

http://img237.echo.cx/img237/8475/dsc016124tp.jpg

bcampbe7

06-06-2005, 10:19 AM

Awesome install Diesel!
How often do you get to Table Rock?

Diesel

06-06-2005, 10:28 AM

JEREMY79

06-06-2005, 10:30 AM

sweet looking stereo setup.

BriEOD

06-06-2005, 10:55 AM

Very impressive OD. Nice work.

Ric

06-06-2005, 11:17 AM

NICE boat and very impressive work!
Ok, how did you get a look at the front of the foot rest? After some crazy contortions of my body, I cannot figure how to get up there in a 197. Does the 209 have a larger opening under the bow seats or something?

tph

06-06-2005, 11:50 AM

Ric

06-06-2005, 11:53 AM

My boating experience is definitely "old school" so excuse me if my question is lame. Is it OK to install batteries in an engine compartment? I thought manufacturers located them away from that area because of the explosion hazard.
ok then I am also going to ask if when you get water in your bilge, it will affect the batteries?

Diesel

06-06-2005, 12:04 PM

My boating experience is definitely "old school" so excuse me if my question is lame. Is it OK to install batteries in an engine compartment? I thought manufacturers located them away from that area because of the explosion hazard.

I would like to hear everyone's opinion on this one as well.

I have seen many boats that have the batteries in the engine compartment and therefore saw no problem.

Diesel

06-06-2005, 12:09 PM

ok then I am also going to ask if when you get water in your bilge, it will affect the batteries?

I would have much worse problems if water reached the top of the batteries!! :D

In fact I think the aux batteries sit at the same level maybe even higher than the factory battery in its hole.

BTW, Ric my back has been hurting for the past week from working under the console! :( Don't forget the 209 does not have a passenger seat right next to the drivers seat. I can see the back of the foot rest from both the front (bow storage) and by just crawling up under the console. I would guess there is much more room under the 209 compared to the 197.

bcampbe7

06-06-2005, 12:21 PM

Not enough............ but we do try to make it a couple of times a year. We always stay in Holiday Island and it is usually on the big weekends since it is a fairly long drive. I am trying to get something toghether for next month sometime. You close to Table Rock??

No, not close to Table Rock, but my grandparents live on the lake and we get down there once or twice a year. We will be there July 11-15. They live fairly close to Holiday. I will listen for you, if you plan to be there at that time! :D

Ric

06-06-2005, 12:26 PM

I would have much worse problems if water reached the top of the batteries!! :D

In fact I think the aux batteries sit at the same level maybe even higher than the factory battery in its hole.

BTW, Ric my back has been hurting for the past week from working under the console! :( Don't forget the 209 does not have a passenger seat right next to the drivers seat. I can see the back of the foot rest from both the front (bow storage) and by just crawling up under the console. I would guess there is much more room under the 209 compared to the 197.
I have a slightly undersized enclosure for my sub that I "might" be able to fenagle into the opening in front of the footrest in the 197, but I will be working blind (even if I remove the drivers seat)
O/T
I was looking at the loaner 197 I have the other day and I can see daylight where the fancy aluminum vent in the starbord bow connects to a vent line in the storage area
seems like water could get in there in odd situations... Do all of you have the same "gap" where the bow vent is found?

erkoehler

06-06-2005, 12:47 PM

If I "dip" the nose, I do get a little dripping of water in the storage area.

DanC

06-06-2005, 01:01 PM

Outstanding :worthy: , thanks for documenting with the pictures.

I especially like the way you mounted the circuit breaker panel. It will be interesting to see how the battery location works out, innovative idea.

SteveO

06-07-2005, 08:22 AM

SWEET ride Diesel.

I see you are remaining true to the OK state with all that Kicker gear. You got a connection in Stillwater?

zberger

06-07-2005, 09:19 AM

I would like to hear everyone's opinion on this one as well.

I have seen many boats that have the batteries in the engine compartment and therefore saw no problem.

Where is your battery in your car?

Its gonna get ALOT hotter in your engine compartment in your car, than it will in your boat one i'd imagine.. with people saying they barely hit 140 in the boat, I wouldn't be worried at all. Those batteries are designed to take a beating, I wouldn't worry about em at all.

Are they secured at all?

Diesel

06-07-2005, 09:44 AM

Where is your battery in your car?

Its gonna get ALOT hotter in your engine compartment in your car, than it will in your boat one i'd imagine.. with people saying they barely hit 140 in the boat, I wouldn't be worried at all. Those batteries are designed to take a beating, I wouldn't worry about em at all.

Are they secured at all?

This was my reasoning as well. If the engine compartment in this boat gets as hot as it does under the hood of my jeep the gel coat would melt. In addition, the optimas in my Jeep are not only subject to the extreme under hood heat but to extended 400-500 amp draws from the winch. Like you said heat should not be a factor.

About the only possible hazard I could see is sparking from loose terminals. That is the reason I went with the stinger terminals..........once tight they do not move. I don't think the batteries when secured properly present any more of an ignition source or risk than the marinized alternator or starter.

I have a few options when it comes to mounting. I might use a 2" wide webbing with a small ratchet tension-er. I am also thinking about making a latch system that would clamp onto the base of the optimas to hold them in the tray. I still have not decided.........

Diesel

06-07-2005, 10:23 AM

SWEET ride Diesel.

I see you are remaining true to the OK state with all that Kicker gear. You got a connection in Stillwater?

It is very nice to support the local economy!! I do know a few people at Kicker but I have always has great luck over the years with Kicker equipment. My last boat had a Comp 12 that would easily out preform most other 12s of that vintage. Before I even started and regardless of personal connections (I know many other people in 12volt industry as well) I knew I wanted to use all Kicker equipment.

The SX series amplifiers are the real deal. I listened to a few in a comp car and was sold. The versatility of the DSP programing is amazing. When done I will have complete control of the system via two remote gain controls. The gain levels of both the sub and the tower speakers will be at the driver's finger tips and can be adjusted on the fly. The configuration of the amplifiers through the DSP is almost unlimited. This allows you to customize the system to your own preferences as well as integrate the system to the the specific vehicle. Very cool technology and I cannot wait to power them up!!

The L7 has made quite a name for itself over the years. This will be my first experience with the Solobaric subs and I am quite anxious to hear this setup. I like the fact that the L7s can play in very small enclosures yet still produce some serious low frequency output. They are bullet proof as well. I will be driving this one at 1ohm with 1250 watts of class D power.............. We'll see how it holds up :D

zberger

06-07-2005, 11:01 AM

This was my reasoning as well. If the engine compartment in this boat gets as hot as it does under the hood of my jeep the gel coat would melt. In addition, the optimas in my Jeep are not only subject to the extreme under hood heat but to extended 400-500 amp draws from the winch. Like you said heat should not be a factor.

About the only possible hazard I could see is sparking from loose terminals. That is the reason I went with the stinger terminals..........once tight they do not move. I don't think the batteries when secured properly present any more of an ignition source or risk than the marinized alternator or starter.

I have a few options when it comes to mounting. I might use a 2" wide webbing with a small ratchet tension-er. I am also thinking about making a latch system that would clamp onto the base of the optimas to hold them in the tray. I still have not decided.........

In regards to those wondering about water or heat..

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/optima/DSC03504.jpg

and the text below that picture says..

All Optimas are also spill-proof, highly resistant to heat and cold, can be mounted in nearly any location within your vehicle and at any angle, and can be stored for long periods without maintenance.

What about making a small rack out of aluminum or something and then either having it powder coated or rhino-lined (line-x, whatever its all the same) then on each side just make a piece come up where you could put 2 wing nuts or something like that up there to hold a bar on top. Real simple and you could make the bar up top how you wanted.

Or if you really wanna go all out.. get this :)

http://www.halbigmachining.com/auto/battmount.html

http://www.halbigmachining.com/auto/dualbatt2.jpg

http://www.halbigmachining.com/auto/dualempty3.jpg

zberger

06-07-2005, 11:02 AM

It is very nice to support the local economy!! I do know a few people at Kicker but I have always has great luck over the years with Kicker equipment. My last boat had a Comp 12 that would easily out preform most other 12s of that vintage. Before I even started and regardless of personal connections (I know many other people in 12volt industry as well) I knew I wanted to use all Kicker equipment.

The SX series amplifiers are the real deal. I listened to a few in a comp car and was sold. The versatility of the DSP programing is amazing. When done I will have complete control of the system via two remote gain controls. The gain levels of both the sub and the tower speakers will be at the driver's finger tips and can be adjusted on the fly. The configuration of the amplifiers through the DSP is almost unlimited. This allows you to customize the system to your own preferences as well as integrate the system to the the specific vehicle. Very cool technology and I cannot wait to power them up!!

The L7 has made quite a name for itself over the years. This will be my first experience with the Solobaric subs and I am quite anxious to hear this setup. I like the fact that the L7s can play in very small enclosures yet still produce some serious low frequency output. They are bullet proof as well. I will be driving this one at 1ohm with 1250 watts of class D power.............. We'll see how it holds up :D

I am going to be running 1 L7 12 in my car when I get the funds rustled up :)

tph

06-07-2005, 12:22 PM

I would like to hear everyone's opinion on this one as well.

I have seen many boats that have the batteries in the engine compartment and therefore saw no problem.

I don't know if this helps or not, but here is an edited exerpt from a USCG web page regarding electrical components and engine compartments/bilges:

1. Each battery must be installed so that metallic objects cannot come into contact with the battery terminals.
2. Hydrogen gas discharged by a battery must not accumulate in the boat.
3. Alternators and starter motors must be intended for marine use.
4. Each conductor must be insulated stranded copper wire.
5. Each electrical component in the engineroom and bilges must be fully enclosed or otherwise protected to prevent the ignition of gasoline vapors.

zberger

06-07-2005, 02:11 PM

I don't know if this helps or not, but here is an edited exerpt from a USCG web page regarding electrical components and engine compartments/bilges:

1. Each battery must be installed so that metallic objects cannot come into contact with the battery terminals.
2. Hydrogen gas discharged by a battery must not accumulate in the boat.
3. Alternators and starter motors must be intended for marine use.
4. Each conductor must be insulated stranded copper wire.
5. Each electrical component in the engineroom and bilges must be fully enclosed or otherwise protected to prevent the ignition of gasoline vapors.

With the style of batteries Diesel is using (and all boaters should use for that matter) this isn't an issue.

Directly from Optima's webpage:

The OPTIMA® is spill-proof and maintenance free. Because of its completely sealed case, OPTIMA® batteries are extremely safe. Acid can't leak or spill, making them clean, user-friendly and environmentally sound. In addition, the maintenance free sealed case design eliminates the need to add water or clean terminals. OPTIMA® Blue Top batteries are spill proof, so they can be mounted anyplace inside a boat or RV, in almost any position.

Diesel

06-07-2005, 02:41 PM

I don't know if this helps or not, but here is an edited exerpt from a USCG web page regarding electrical components and engine compartments/bilges:

1. Each battery must be installed so that metallic objects cannot come into contact with the battery terminals.
2. Hydrogen gas discharged by a battery must not accumulate in the boat.
3. Alternators and starter motors must be intended for marine use.
4. Each conductor must be insulated stranded copper wire.
5. Each electrical component in the engineroom and bilges must be fully enclosed or otherwise protected to prevent the ignition of gasoline vapors.

I think I meet all those criteria.......

Nice pics Z. I saw those billet battery holders and would love to use one. I am limited to space otherwise I would, they are sic.....

I will have everything powder coated once I am done. I like the simplicity of the bar but it might cluter everything up. I am going to try to work it out tonight.

zberger

06-07-2005, 03:29 PM

I think I meet all those criteria.......

Nice pics Z. I saw those billet battery holders and would love to use one. I am limited to space otherwise I would, they are sic.....

I will have everything powder coated once I am done. I like the simplicity of the bar but it might cluter everything up. I am going to try to work it out tonight.

Yeah, I am sure making a small rack would work out nice.. but then again you are space limited. I just looked at that rack again, and I just realized that wouldn't work for how you have yours configured, oh well.

Maybe it will help someone else.

Someday I'll have my MC.. someday!!!!!

Maybe I'll buy yours someday :)

Diesel

06-16-2005, 09:47 AM

Well I got some more work done the past few days. I have always been an alpine fan and my last boat ran all Alpine electronics. I was disappointed I could not use an Alpine HU this time since they do not offer a wired remote. As a result I decided to go with the Pioneer Premier P860MP with a Pioneer wired marine remote. I mounted the deck in the factory location in the glove box. I was glad to see MC had not cut a hole for the radio so I was able to put it exactly where I wanted it. MC also did not run the wiring harness so I had to pull all my own power, acc, and ground connections. Here is how it turned out.......

http://img288.echo.cx/img288/9241/dsc016390cn.jpg

http://img288.echo.cx/img288/7093/dsc016418cv.jpg

Diesel

06-16-2005, 09:54 AM

I also had to install the wired remote. The Pioneer unti is nice but it is quite large. I decided to install it in the factory location just forward of the throttle. For those who have not had the opportunity to remove the driver's trim panel be warned it sucks and my knuckles are torn apart. The lock nuts on the back side are near impossible to reach and it helps to have two people. I removed all the lock nuts and washers from the back side of the trim panel to access the back of the panel to install the remote's mounting bracket. The Pioneer unit requires a 2" hole so I used a hole saw to drill the hole. I was happy to see MC had already drilled a 2" hole in the fiberglass directly behind the trim panel. Here are few pics.......

http://img288.echo.cx/img288/9349/dsc016175re.jpg

Diesel

06-16-2005, 09:56 AM

Another.
http://img288.echo.cx/img288/8526/dsc016219td.jpg

Diesel

06-16-2005, 10:02 AM

I also finihsed up the speaker housings, amp rack, and sub enclosure. I had them all coated in Line-X to waterproof the MDF. I decided to cover the amp rack and speaker housing in matching carpet. Here is a pic of the components back from Line-X.

http://img288.echo.cx/img288/4062/dsc016139mh.jpg

I still have not decided on a covering for the sub box and driver's speaker housing. I kind of like the natural Line-X black finish and it looks pretty good under the console. I think I am going to leave it uncovered for now........

http://img288.echo.cx/img288/5995/dsc016459sf.jpg

Diesel

06-16-2005, 10:05 AM

I also installed my Ipod connections. I decided to put a set of inputs on the driver's side in the trim panel as well as a second set in the glove box for linking boats or for passenger/guest ipod input.

http://img288.echo.cx/img288/4696/dsc016244ce.jpg

Ric

06-16-2005, 10:12 AM

I also finihsed up the speaker housings, amp rack, and sub enclosure. I had them all coated in Line-X to waterproof the MDF. I decided to cover the amp rack and speaker housing in matching carpet. Here is a pic of the components back from Line-X.

I still have not decided on a covering for the sub box and driver's speaker housing. I kind of like the natural Line-X black finish and it looks pretty good under the console. I think I am going to leave it uncovered for now........

Looks good, I suppose the linex cannot really be seen on the sub unless you are looking hard, but where will the other two pieces be mounted?

Diesel

06-16-2005, 10:16 AM

Ric I should have more pics tomorrow. One housing goes in the passenger gunnel and the other mounts next to the sub under the dash. The driver's side housing is temporary until I get enought time to make a fiberglass pod that will mount to the driver's trim panel and fire toward the driver. Probably be a winter project. I am chomping at the bit to get this thing back on the water. Looks like I will have everything done this week and back on the lake Sat for some tuning! :woohoo:

Ric

06-16-2005, 10:17 AM

Again, nice work and you have extra large huevos for whacking into your brand new boat like that! Beautiful work. Get it out, crank it up and shoot some more pics of the honeys

I was thinking of your banged up knuckles. I did the factory tour, and those guys get to install all those hard to reach electronics and trim while the deck is still apart from the hull. EASY

sizzler

06-16-2005, 10:21 AM

diesel ,,,i wish u lived close by......i would be round to get you to pimp up my stereo.....nice work :headbang:

BriEOD

06-16-2005, 10:33 AM

Diesel,

I think I speak for everyone when I say "knock it off!" You're making the rest of us look bad. All kidding aside, it looks outstanding. Very nice work; I am extremely impressed.

AIRCANX09

06-16-2005, 02:56 PM

All for the low price of .......?
Can you convert to canadian $...?

Diesel

06-20-2005, 12:17 PM

All for the low price of .......?
Can you convert to canadian $...?

Too scared to total it all up...................... and too scared to see what the cad. exchange rate is currently................. :D

Diesel

06-20-2005, 12:23 PM

Here are few more pics of the Kicker 65.2 full range speakers.

I built a semi-enclosure on the passenger side trim panel to hold one of the 6.5 Kicker components. I did not want to cut into the upholstry or vinyl so this is what I came up with.......

http://img276.echo.cx/img276/4452/dsc016486us.jpg

http://img276.echo.cx/img276/7632/dsc016496uu.jpg

http://img276.echo.cx/img276/7712/dsc016562jf.jpg

Diesel

06-20-2005, 12:26 PM

Temporary location for the driver's side 6.5 component. It actually does not sound too bad but I am going to build a pod to relocate it closer to the driver for better imaging.............

http://img276.echo.cx/img276/5305/dsc016520ug.jpg

http://img276.echo.cx/img276/4092/dsc016541nq.jpg

Diesel

06-20-2005, 12:29 PM

Rear speakers..............

http://img276.echo.cx/img276/4206/dsc016591ax.jpg

http://img276.echo.cx/img276/143/dsc016613ou.jpg

Diesel

06-20-2005, 12:42 PM

BriEOD

06-20-2005, 01:01 PM

That is sick!! Looks great man. I bet it sounds incredible.

jayocheskey

06-20-2005, 01:14 PM

I've been following this from day 1. Diesel, this is NOT a job, it is a work of art!!! It takes some serious imagination and creativity to come up with this masterpiece. I'm anxiously awaiting the end product.

Diesel

10-04-2005, 03:41 PM

So it looks like my season has come to an end. The boat is going back to the dealer for some small warranty work next week and I have started my list of winter projects. I will post up some the the changes I have in store for my system this winter as they progress. Overall I was very happy with the system and drove the system very hard many a weekend with not one single hiccup. The SX amps are punishing in the amount of clean power the put out..........very little distortion and exceptional sound, not to mention very loud.

In the meantime zberg reminded me earlier that I had not posted any final pics of the system so here you go..............

Amp rack.
http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/4667/dsc016518ny.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/1336/dsc00934r1ol.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/5674/dsc016508ls.jpg

Diesel

10-04-2005, 03:45 PM

Power distribution/cap.....

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/7048/dsc00945r1wf.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/6312/dsc00943r2vy.jpg

HU
http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/2756/dsc016428op.jpg

Diesel

10-04-2005, 03:51 PM

Diesel

10-04-2005, 03:56 PM

12" L7 Kicker Sub.........

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6376/dsc00948r6ku.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/666/dsc016459ex.jpg

ski_king

10-04-2005, 04:00 PM

Great looking system. I can only imagine how good it sounds.

Do you find yourself saying "what" alot when someone speaks to you softly?

Footin

10-04-2005, 04:00 PM

Beautiful install. And here I am with a cheap Sony head unit a 4 Pioneer 6.5 inch speaker debating weather or not a cheap 4 channel amp would help.

I feel belittled.......

Ric

10-04-2005, 04:03 PM

AWESOME!!!!!!!! hey what is a power distribution cap and when do you need one?

Diesel

10-04-2005, 04:18 PM

AWESOME!!!!!!!! hey what is a power distribution cap and when do you need one?

Think of it as a very fast battery. It has the ability to deliver high amounts of current very quickly and recharge very quickly. This becomes advantageous when the electrical system does not have the capacity to meet very high current spikes sometimes required by the amps. I use it to smooth out power delivery to the amps to ensure they are getting clean power. The debate is heated on when to use them and and if they are necessary at all. Do a Google search and you are likely to find all the information you could ever want and more.........

jraben8

10-04-2005, 04:19 PM

AWESOME!!!!!!!! hey what is a power distribution cap and when do you need one?

Looks like a Nitros bottle to me...

jraben8

10-04-2005, 04:20 PM

And yes, I am very jealous of that setup... Very professional and very beautiful.

Kevin 89MC

10-04-2005, 04:37 PM

Holy Sh%*!! I think I could hear your set-up a few weekends ago up here in Minnesota! That is just plain sick! Kinda puts my "upgrage" into perspective - the original stereo was shot, so I used the same hole to put an old 100W Sony CASSETTE TAPE DECK in my boat! the deck doesn't work very well, but the tuner works great. I'm pretty clueless when it comes to higher end audio equipment, so here's a dumb question: it does have RCA connectors on the back, can I hook up an Ipod/MP3 etc to it? Might just skip right over that whole CD thing!
Thanks,
Kevin

Danimal

10-04-2005, 04:48 PM

WOW... what a beautiful install job. I have not the skills nor patience to attempt something like that. I would love to have a new system in mine but I just can't bring myself to invest the money paying someone to do the install. For now, I will just stick with the crap that is in my boat.

Diesel

10-04-2005, 05:13 PM

it does have RCA connectors on the back, can I hook up an Ipod/MP3 etc to it? Might just skip right over that whole CD thing!
Thanks,
Kevin

Those are outputs not inputs. It will not work but you should definitely skip the CD thing. I do not use CDs at all any more.

Cloaked

10-07-2005, 04:45 PM

Power distribution/cap.....

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/7048/dsc00945r1wf.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/6312/dsc00943r2vy.jpg

HU
http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/2756/dsc016428op.jpg
Will you re-up pics please (red Xs in several of the posts)? I am interested in your setup. Nice job. :toast:

I think I'll get me a 209 just so I can install this type of setup with XM digital signal...

prostar205

11-22-2005, 03:51 PM

Temporary location of the remote gain controls. One controls the sub gain and the other controls the tower speakers. Eventually I think I will mount these below the ballast switches............... another winter project........

http://img276.echo.cx/img276/7057/dsc016631ns.jpg

http://img276.echo.cx/img276/1739/dsc016625wh.jpg

Diesel -

Back in response #55, you mentioned one of your bass boost controllers control the sub gain and the other controls the tower speakers. I have been told by a stereo shop that the bass boost control is only a low pass filter and therefore only works for the sub. Therefore, it will not work for my 4-channel (KX850.4) amp that will be running the boat and tower speakers. Please clarify.

BTW - I just ordered the S12L5 sub, a KX600.1 amp and the KX850.4. Now, it is on to the cables, connectors and distribution blocks. I will be looking at the Stinger products.

Diesel

11-23-2005, 09:41 AM

Diesel -

Back in response #55, you mentioned one of your bass boost controllers control the sub gain and the other controls the tower speakers. I have been told by a stereo shop that the bass boost control is only a low pass filter and therefore only works for the sub. Therefore, it will not work for my 4-channel (KX850.4) amp that will be running the boat and tower speakers. Please clarify.

For my SX900.4 the included remote is a gain control not a bass boost unless the assigned channels are used for low pass. On the SX1250.1 it is a bass gain control only. I am not 100% sure on the KX series but I assumed it worked the same on the multi-channel since it is a full range amplifier. It will be easy to tell once you get the amp hooked up. If not you can still use the fader on the MP860 to control the level of the tower speakers through the head unit. Just make sure you keep the all tower speakers and boat speakers on separate channels.

Diesel

11-23-2005, 10:02 AM

So my boat has been at the dealer's for the last few month having some minor warranty work done. In the meantime I have been working on relocating the driver's side 6.5 componet speakers. Due to time constraints this past summer I temp. mounted the speaker up under the console with the sub.

http://img276.echo.cx/img276/4092/dsc016541nq.jpg

The sound is less than ideal so I decided to create a fiberglass pod which will mount to the side wall of the hull and greatly increase the imaging and sound quality. Here are a few pics

http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/8366/dsc01153r1uc.jpg

http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/3249/dsc01155r0uw.jpg

http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/4544/dsc01156r2on.jpg

Diesel

11-23-2005, 10:05 AM

After Fleecing..........

http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/9717/dsc01161r3hv.jpg

http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/76/dsc01162r9pt.jpg

http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/1447/dsc01163r9kk.jpg

Diesel

11-23-2005, 10:09 AM

After glassing............

http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/8408/dsc01164r7yo.jpg

http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/6319/dsc01167r8vt.jpg

So far this is all I have been able to accomplish without my boat. I am hopefully going to pick it up today at the dealer's. I am going to try and get it winterized on Friday and do some more work on the pod this weekend. I will keep you all posted on the progress. It sure is nice to work on the boat in the winter when you are not under any time constraint to be done by the weekend!! :)

JDK

11-23-2005, 11:30 AM

The sound is less than ideal so I decided to create a fiberglass pod which will mount to the side wall of the hull and greatly increase the imaging and sound quality.

I think you're getting into an area where, if someone in Vonore is reading this, they should be arranging to see what you've done so they can improve their product.
Your work is awesome.

ksmaristar91

11-23-2005, 12:08 PM

Nice job! I am sure you may have heard this, seeing all of the other materials you have used, but some body filler, and or kitty hair will help strengthen your pod! 12v installer of the past!!!! good luck!

P.S. I went with two L712 and am begining my work on the box cant wait!

SteveO

11-24-2005, 08:23 AM

Rear speakers..............

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/1980/dsc016614qp.jpg

Fusion Tower speakers.......
http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/1392/dsc016608mt.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/1241/dsc00580r9fw.jpg

Diesel,

My Dealer mounted my Fusions with the tweeters on the outside. Based on you extreme knowledge, I am curious the logic on your mounting decision.

Diesel

11-29-2005, 09:34 AM

Diesel,

My Dealer mounted my Fusions with the tweeters on the outside. Based on you extreme knowledge, I am curious the logic on your mounting decision.

No acoustical reason................................... they just fit better that way. If I try to mount them with the tweeter out I cannot space them out far enough because the tweeter housing hits the tower.

Ric

03-13-2006, 07:29 PM

DooSPX

03-13-2006, 08:07 PM

beautiful install... You are the man! what to help me with my prostar? LOL
:banana: :banana:

Diesel

03-14-2006, 09:55 AM

Diesel.... Got any pics of the pods completed and installed? Since you've gotten into the fuel gush problem, I will assume you have mounted the mids?

Unfortunately between my wife's requests, the 9 zone sprinkler system I am installing at the house, and my traveling I have not had a chance to finish the pod. It's on my list and should have it finished up sometime next month :)

The fuel gush problem came about because I was milling around the back of the boat working on the new high-flow ballast system. :D

Diesel

03-14-2006, 09:56 AM

beautiful install... You are the man! what to help me with my prostar? LOL
:banana: :banana:

Sure thing............... at least I will walk you through it!

DooSPX

03-14-2006, 12:34 PM

Sure thing............... at least I will walk you through it!

your the man!! I will let you know when im ready to do it!!!! will be a little bit though...
thanks much Diesel :worthy: :worthy:

prostar205

03-14-2006, 12:38 PM

I would second the comment that "Diesel is the man!!!" He has helped me tremendously on my stereo install to the point that I feel very comfortable in doing the install myself and saving $1,000. Better yet, I get the knowledge of doing it myself and knowing how, why and what was done to the boat so that if it every breaks down, I will be able to fix it.

Diesel - I owe you a beer or two or hundred. If I ever get to Tulsa, I will look you up. If you ever get to Seattle, please feel free to look me up.

ttu

03-14-2006, 01:27 PM

Diesel, I need some stuff done here in Tulsa. Help.

doug

jrcarte78

03-14-2006, 03:12 PM

Diesel, not to beat a dead horse, but that is amazing! I'll be there in 2 hours with all my yet to be installed components..... :)

Diesel

05-05-2006, 09:50 AM

Alright March was project month my house. I did get some time to work on the speaker pod the past few weeks as well as fix a few little things on the boat.

The first thing I did was move the ballast switches. The were mounted under the throttle down by the cup holder and I never liked having them in this spot so I moved them to the dash where the acc1 and acc2 switches were located originally.

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/3623/pod2r5tx.jpg

I then moved the Acc switches down below the throttle and also mounted the amp gains in two open switch cut outs. I am waiting on a 3 axis CNC mill here at work and then I am going to (hopefully) make a matching aluminium bezel to go around the gains and Acc switches to finish it off right.

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/5866/pod3r0hh.jpg

Diesel

05-05-2006, 10:00 AM

So I did a little rough sanding and finishing on the speaker pod. I still have not decided how I am going to finish it off. I am either going to cover it in vinyl to match the dash and trim pieces or take it to Line-X and have it shot to match the sub box.

Since the outer wall is only one layer and less than 1/2" thick you have to adhere some kind of mounting plate to the inner wall to screw into. Last year I saw another install on WW which used these neat little high strength aircraft stand offs to mount amps to the outer wall off the boat. The are made by Click-Bond (http://www.clickbond.com/) have a 1500lbs/in2 rating and look like this........

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/5100/pod8r1ia.jpg

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/5588/pod7r6qd.jpg

prostar205

05-05-2006, 10:02 AM

Diesel

05-05-2006, 10:08 AM

Since loaded speaker pod only weighs a few pounds and butts up to the side trim piece I am only needed one strategically placed stand off.

The stand off was adhered to inner wall of the boat using an epoxy/glass adhesive. I originally wanted to pull back the entire piece of carpet off the side of the boat but I could not get the glue to release without damaging the carpet. As a result I made a surgical cut in the carpet just big enough to insert the stand off.

http://img302.imageshack.us/img302/7766/pod4r0hq.jpg

http://img302.imageshack.us/img302/5013/pod6r9bv.jpg

Diesel

05-05-2006, 10:13 AM

Diesel -

Looks great.

I have a question on your bass boost control pots. I understand you are using one to control the gain on the bass amp. How do you use the other with your 4 channel amp that is in HI PASS mode. My KX850.4 states that the bass boost control pot will only work when the amp is in LO PASS mode.

I am 99% done with the stereo install. I am waiting on new speaker wire (Stinger Expert Series 14 AWG). I have 150 feet of it coming so I can do my boat, tower and sub speakers.

Again, thanks for all the help. I plan in starting a new thread outlining my install with pictures.

Can't wait to see the pics and glad to hear it is coming along. :)

I was unaware of this but it appears on the KX series of amps the remote control pot is only a bass boost. On the SX series it is a remote gain and/or bass boost so it can be used either way. I know it had to be set up in my intial pograming on the SX series before it would control high pass.

Diesel

05-05-2006, 10:19 AM

So here is how the stand off looks after it was glassed/expoxied to the hull. It sits almost flush with the carpet.

http://img285.imageshack.us/img285/93/pod10r4tp.jpg

........the pod mounted using a single #10-32 machine screw.

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/3360/pod12r0kk.jpg

And finally with the speaker.........

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/8706/podr9dz.jpg

http://img285.imageshack.us/img285/3562/pod1r4ob.jpg

Diesel

05-23-2006, 01:35 PM

Here are some final pics of the pod done and installed.

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/5707/dsc02137r1xx.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/2945/dsc02140r9bs.jpg

And the new baffle I made for the sub.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8676/dsc02141r1ys.jpg

rick s.

05-23-2006, 02:01 PM

Hi Diesel,
Very nice boat. We are all humbled by your projecting skills. Very nice job.

rick

Ric

05-23-2006, 03:14 PM

You are a magician!!!!!!

where did you get the stand-offs, or did you make them?

edit woops, never mind I see your link to click bond :o

Diesel

05-23-2006, 03:52 PM

Thanks for the compliments! I had the boat out on the water for the first time this weekend and love the sound from the pod. Finally I have some decent imaging.

Here is another pic of how I moved the sub and tower gain controls and the relocated Acc switches. I was hoping to have a CNC aluminium bezel cut but ran out of time. Maybe this next winter, it's lake time now! :D

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/4262/dsc02132r1hr.jpg

Diesel

08-09-2007, 12:46 PM

Nothing like a few winter projects in the middle of summer!

So if you saw the other thread (http://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=18460) I have installed a pair of bow speakers in the boat. This left me with one problem...........not enough available power. So against all my previous preachings I decided to add a third amp to the mix.

Since I am considering changing tower speakers I decided to move the tower speakers to a dedicated amp. The SX900.4 will still push the four boat speakers and the other two channels which previously pushed the tower speakers will not push the bow speakers.

For the tower speakers I picked up Kicker SX900.2.

http://images.cardomain.net/products/kic/KIC04SX9002_1.jpg

Diesel

08-09-2007, 12:54 PM

Due to the size of this amp (25" long) and the fact that I already have two similar amps mounted in the boat I was really limited in the mounting location. While I try to keep things off the hull of the boat it was inevitable in this case. So I peeled back the wall carpet under the observer's seat, made a few marks, and roughed up the glass a bit for good adhesion.

I then cut two 1.5" strips of starboard and used PC7 to adhere them to the hull. I cut a 2X4 and used a bottle jack to lock the mounting piece in place while the PC7 set up.

Here is a pic,

Diesel

08-09-2007, 12:56 PM

another pic....

prostar205

08-09-2007, 12:59 PM

Nicely done my friend.

What tower speakers are you moving to?

My winter stereo project(s) include getting ride of the stock MC cans that now have Polk Momo MMC6500s and also adding another KX850.4

I will have one KX850.4 running the 4 JL M770-CCS speakers and the other KX-850.4 (or KX850.2 depending on which tower speaker setup I go with) running the tower speakers.

I still have my KX600.1 running my 12" L5.

My biggest issue is going to be building an amp rack for the 3 amps.

Diesel

08-09-2007, 01:06 PM

What tower speakers are you moving to?

Not too sure yet. I am hoping to demo a few soon. Not too sure I am ready for the pro audio yet but I hear they have come a long way in SQ since I last looked into it. I might be completely rebuilding the Fusions with higher level Diamonds or swap in some Kicker gear. Still deciding.

My winter stereo project(s) include getting ride of the stock MC cans that now have Polk Momo MMC6500s and also adding another KX850.4

I will have one KX850.4 running the 4 JL M770-CCS speakers and the other KX-850.4 (or KX850.2 depending on which tower speaker setup I go with) running the tower speakers.

I still have my KX600.1 running my 12" L5.

My biggest issue is going to be building an amp rack for the 3 amps.

Sounds like a good project and keep us posted.

Stay tuned this winter I am going to do an XStar and X80 and both will need amp racks. I have something in mind for the X80 which should be killer.