FJ40 stereo option

[Coyner]

That all-in-one box is pretty wild! How does it sound? Nice fuel gauge on the front

And jrfj40, don't worry about my pink glue gun! Actually I should mention...I thought I'd stick the boxes to the lip of the tub with hot glue so I could yank them out when I needed to. The first lumpy ride I took, both boxes broke the glue joints. I think I'm going to give velcro a try. My cruiser doesn't need any more random holes drilled.

 

[breckbone]

This thread is timely for me as I'm considering stereo options for mine as well. Coyner, how do you have your's powered? Is it to the fuse box somehow? This type of thing is out of my realm and I'm not sure the best way to go...thanks for any tips...nice setup you have going there!

 

[CruisinMT]

I just have mine in my glove box, and run the spaker wires down next tothe hrear heater hose it's totally hidden. Except for the speakers.

 

[CardinalFJ60]

power on?

How do you have the amp wired to turn on? the amps I've installed have a lead from the radio to tell it to turn on. Is it just on switch power?

 

[cxh10]

I really like this idea. Only thing I don't like is that I have a brand new still in Toyota rapping antenna that I've been saving for a radio install....anyone thing there's some way to rig an antenna up to increase the radio reception that an mp3 player gets?? Or would that just be way too complicated.

 

[Coyner]

This thread is timely for me as I'm considering stereo options for mine as well. Coyner, how do you have your's powered? Is it to the fuse box somehow? This type of thing is out of my realm and I'm not sure the best way to go...thanks for any tips...nice setup you have going there!

I stayed out of the factory fuse box. I ran a power wire directly from the battery to the amp in the glove box, with an in-line fuse on the power wire about 12" from the battery.

Then I ran a wire (hot all the time) from a terminal on the ignition switch through a dedicated switch on the dash to the amp's remote turn-on terminal. This let's me supply power to the amp whenever I want, with or without a key in the ignition. This remote turn on lead is usually the blue wire in almost all stereo harnesses that turns the amp on when your cd player is turned on. I believe there's a relay built into amps that supplies full power from the battery when a small 12v signal is applied to the remote turn on terminal. If I didn't have a hole in the dash for a switch that the previous owner left empty, I would have just wired this remote turn-on lead to the "ACC" accessory terminal on the ignition switch, which is hot when the key is in the accessory or run position. This would be smarter in my opinion.

It's really very simple wiring. If you'd like me to sketch something or take a picture, let me know.

 

[Coyner]

I really like this idea. Only thing I don't like is that I have a brand new still in Toyota rapping antenna that I've been saving for a radio install....anyone thing there's some way to rig an antenna up to increase the radio reception that an mp3 player gets?? Or would that just be way too complicated.

Unless you have an mp3 player that also acts as an AM or FM radio, I don't think you'd be able to hook up an antenna for anything. Are you thinking about when mp3 players are used with an FM transmitter to play through a radio? In that case, you'd already have the antenna wired to the radio. I'm not sure I understand what you're asking...

 

[cxh10]

Actually, my mp3 player and many others have an FM radio feature built into them. The problem is they normally don't get that great of reception because they have no real antenna. I doubt there would actually be a way to incorporate an external antenna though, but I don't know a lot about wiring so I thought it might be a possibility.

 

[kraeji]

Nice! I am thinking about doing something very similar but using Sirius too.

 

[breckbone]

It's really very simple wiring. If you'd like me to sketch something or take a picture, let me know.

If it's not too much trouble, I'd love some visual aids!

Actually, my mp3 player and many others have an FM radio feature built into them. The problem is they normally don't get that great of reception because they have no real antenna. I doubt there would actually be a way to incorporate an external antenna though, but I don't know a lot about wiring so I thought it might be a possibility.

One of my MP3 players that has an FM radio in it uses the headphone wire as an antenna. Maybe if you have a long enough output wire placed high enough it might produce acceptable results...

 

[85roktoy]

Hey Coyner, I tried to PM you but your box was full. Sorry to dig this up guys but I just had a few questions.

Where did you get the wire that goes from your IPOD to the amp? Does it plug into the headphone jack and end with two RCA's? Also, I just need to run the blue (remote) wire from the amp to an ignition controlled power wire correct?? Any info would be great.

 

[Coyner]

Both are correct. I can't remember where the headphone to RCA cable came from, I just had one laying around. I'm sure Walmart or Target would have one cheap. I ran my remote turn on wire to a separate switch, which is unnecessary. You can run it right to the accessory post on the back of your ignition switch to have it powered whenever the key is in the On position. Good luck!

 

[wsmith]

Hey Wes
Let me know where to find those RCA cables.
I still haven't put any tunes in my rig.
I've got speakers and the ipod, just need to pick up the amp and some wiring.
Hope things are going well for you in Athens.
Getting ready to see what those dawgs are gonna do!!

Wes

 

[85roktoy]

Hey Wes
Let me know where to find those RCA cables.
I still haven't put any tunes in my rig.
I've got speakers and the ipod, just need to pick up the amp and some wiring.
Hope things are going well for you in Athens.
Getting ready to see what those dawgs are gonna do!!

Wes

Hey man!

I found the cable at Radio Shack for about 8 bucks. I have the ipod and speakers as well. Just need to get a cheap amp now. You arn't kidding about the dawgs! I'm pretty excited myself! Shoot me a PM if you come to town again.

 

[wsmith]

I'm thinking of hitting the flea market for the cheap amp. I don't need anything too serious being that my rig is still not a DD.
Yeah-- I'll do that. I may be heading over for the opener. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Copenhagen1]

Hey Wes
Let me know where to find those RCA cables.

Wes

I found this thread very interesting so I started studying what other info was out there. I found this link and I think this would not only connect the audio of your ipod to your amp it would also charge your ipod at the same time. It does cost more than $8 but I thought you might want to know there is options.

PIE Precision Interface Electronics RCA-POD ** Enfig Car Stereo ** iPod XM and Sirius Satellite Radio & Auxiliary AUX Audio input specialists

Just FYI.

Copenhagen1

 

[Trollhole]

I found this thread very interesting so I started studying what other info was out there. I found this link and I think this would not only connect the audio of your ipod to your amp it would also charge your ipod at the same time. It does cost more than $8 but I thought you might want to know there is options.

PIE Precision Interface Electronics RCA-POD ** Enfig Car Stereo ** iPod XM and Sirius Satellite Radio & Auxiliary AUX Audio input specialists

Just FYI.

Copenhagen1

Problem is you need a way to control volume. Ipod only controls volume out the headphone and most amps don't control volume. I have seen a voluve control that goes between this cable and the amp though.

 

[Dirtsquirt]

I use this w/mp3 player and 2 amps, subs and speakers

here is the link Clarion U.S.A. | EQS746

here is the only pic I have of it installed.

 

[85roktoy]

Thanks for the link cope. I was thinking about that as well. Don't want it to run dead on me.

About the volume control, won't I be able to control the volume on the ipod?? Will this not adjust the volume going out to the speakers??

Coyner, how do you adjust your volume??

 

[wsmith]

You should be able to crank up the gain on your amp and just use the volume control from the ipod.
Just a thought.

Wes