Since we are on the subject of radios, some help

Zack1978 · 12-01-04, 02:10 PM

Hello,
I have a Pioneer head unit in my 87 fj60 that powers the two front door 4in speakers. Then I use the radios pre-amp output to send the signal to a Coustic 2ch amp that powers the rear ""truck box" full range speakers (they are 8in subs and tweeters). That is the entire system, very simple I would think. HOwever I have developed a crackling sound from all the speakers in the truck. You can hear it in some songs better than others, but I suspect that it is always there. It seems to come out of all the speakers ( but I guess I should try shutting off the amp and rear speakers to confirm that). It also does not matter if you are listing to the radio or a cd. And the sound does not change with the engine RPM's. I guess I can return it to the shop that put the system in, but I suspect that they will say that it is a problem w/ the amp, as I did not buy it there. Any ideas as to what to check, and how to check it? I got a good price on the head unit, so I went for one of their top of the line models, and that was a mistake. It is ment for a very high tech system and it has so many settings that it is a huge PIA to get it set up correctly. Bring back the shaft style cassette deck!!!!

Thanks,
Zack

Jman · 12-01-04, 02:27 PM

Bad ground.

Waggoner5 · 12-01-04, 05:52 PM

2nd

Zack1978 · 12-01-04, 05:56 PM

I guess the bad ground would be on the radio itself? The radio is hooked to the oem wires. Where is the OEM radio ground wire located? How can I check it?

Thanks,
Zack

WALoeIII · 12-01-04, 06:38 PM

On the topic of radios, what is the correct way to install the head unit? I had my unit initially installed by the local shop but I'll be taking it out now as I have to install an amp and sub (free swag is good!) and I've noticed I'm the only one using the black trim piece:

The radio is precariously hanging out in there, are there regular oem backets that I'm missing (PO removed his aftermarket radio when I bough the truck from him, and must have taken the mounts)? Anyone have a photo of it in there?

Also, whats the best place to put a sub? I know it needs to be rear facing, is there enough space to put it against the wall between the back seat and the wheel humps?

Jman · 12-01-04, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zack1978

I guess the bad ground would be on the radio itself? The radio is hooked to the oem wires. Where is the OEM radio ground wire located? How can I check it?

Thanks,
Zack

Thanks to the p.o.'s wonderful wiring skills

I didn't have the luxury of having OEM wiring, so I can't tell you. But, if you have the literature from your head unit, you should be able to find it pretty easily if you pull the unit and check out the wiring harness--just trace the wire to where it attaches to the chassis looking for loose/corroded connections.

WALoeIII--there is no "correct" way, whatever works for you is good. Some people just slide their DIN units in and live with the space around it, some folks use piece of trim. I actually made a piece of wooden trim.

Waggoner5 · 12-01-04, 08:30 PM

I did my radio in 87 similar to how yours is done. I had the complete lower panel out and had a substantial metal bracket that mounted into the metal dash behind the radio, so when you slid the radio in, the radio back brace stud would slide into the hole then you would reach up from underneath and install a nut that as it was tightened, it would suck the radio in tight into the dash. That almost sounded x rated didn't it?

WALoeIII · 12-01-04, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waggoner5

I did my radio in 87 similar to how yours is done. I had the complete lower panel out and had a substantial metal bracket that mounted into the metal dash behind the radio, so when you slid the radio in, the radio back brace stud would slide into the hole then you would reach up from underneath and install a nut that as it was tightened, it would suck the radio in tight into the dash. That almost sounded x rated didn't it?

I don't know but I have absolutly no idea what you are talking about.

Waggoner5 · 12-02-04, 07:46 AM

Sorry about that. On the back of your radio there is a bolt hole. That hole is for attaching a backbrace to the back of the radio to support the weight of the radio. Most older radios came with them, but nobody used them. I made my own bracket that is permanently attached inside the dash. After pushing the radio into its spot, I can reach up from behind the dash and put a bolt through my bracket into the back of the radio. This helps hold it in the dash. It also pulls the radio into the dash tighter. Make sense?

baldredhead · 12-02-04, 08:51 AM

Zack

i'll 3rd the bad ground opinion, and add that you should use the fewest ground points possible. there is something called a ground loop that can introduce noise into the system. i don't know much about it, basically hearsay.

the ground in the factory harness is the black one, i just did the wiring for my stereo last night. my truck is an fj62, though i bet an fj60 is exactly the same

Zack1978 · 12-02-04, 09:28 AM

Baldredhead,
Thank you for the info, but where is the OEM wire grounded to? Can I check without pulling the entire dash. One end is attached to the radio, and the other end?

Thanks,
Zack

BigRed87 · 12-02-04, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WALoeIII

Also, whats the best place to put a sub?

I mounted my sub under the driver's seat. A lot less wiring to worry about running. Just ran it under the front carpet panel, and screwed the amp into place. Simple Easy.

baldredhead · 12-02-04, 10:39 AM

i haven't the slightest idea where the factory ground lead goes, i only had to deal with the radio end. i suspect the problem isn't the factory ground, check your amp. is the ground that it uses touching bare metal?

JDH3 · 12-02-04, 10:54 AM

Off the subject but Im having some new speakers installed today. They are the new blaupunkt Overdrives. They are only 1.48 deep.. If it turns out well I try to post some pics.

http://www.blaupunktusa.com/Blaupunk...ial/ODx652.htm

Jman · 12-02-04, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waggoner5

Sorry about that. On the back of your radio there is a bolt hole. That hole is for attaching a backbrace to the back of the radio to support the weight of the radio. Most older radios came with them, but nobody used them. I made my own bracket that is permanently attached inside the dash. After pushing the radio into its spot, I can reach up from behind the dash and put a bolt through my bracket into the back of the radio. This helps hold it in the dash. It also pulls the radio into the dash tighter. Make sense?

I used zip-ties to secure everything--much easier than worrying about bolt threads, nuts, etc. Just tighten up the zip tie and the radio is pretty snug, also, they give slightly, which reduces shock on the really bumpy roads. And, if you need to take it all out, snip snip!

Heffenoche · 12-02-04, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zack1978

Hello,
signal to a Coustic 2ch amp that powers the rear ""truck box" full range speakers (they are 8in subs and tweeters). Zack

I agree with the bad ground the others have stated. The bad ground could be from the amp as well as the head unit. I have an old Coustic and that has a ground switch on it. This is to help aleviate the noise from not having one common ground ( as some else stated). If you have this switch change it and see if it helps, it makes a word of difference on my system.