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Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by mat_the_cat
OK, this is the scenario: Old Sony head unit which I had previously connected up to the factory fitted subwoofers and amplifier in the Disco. Amp and subs stop working, so I swap the radio for another (all factory ISO connections so an easy job). Amp and subs work with a replacement radio, so I deduce the old Sony unit has developed a fault with the line out signal.
Buy new (old!) one from eBay for £16 (bargain!) and connect it up, listen to the radio - amp and subs work fine. Job done (or so I think) so I put the unit in the dash. But when I switch to the CD, nothing from the subs at all. Put the old Sony in the van - line outs work OK! Very strange. :?
It took me about a day to work out what the problem was, just thinking about it rather then looking at it. It was blindingly obvious when I realised - anybody got a clue? Bag of crimp connectors to the winner!

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by jayw
Remote power wire to the amp?

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by mat_the_cat
Git. :wink: :lol:
Very close - the old unit and the replacement had a separate amp power connection and electric aerial trigger. On the old one the aerial trigger was live whenever it was on (until it failed - no obvious fuse) and that pin was connected to the amp. On the temporary replacement to test the system, there was only one general switched trigger lead which turned on the amp. On the new one the aerial trigger was only live when the radio was on hence my puzzlement!
I only twigged when I connected the old unit up in the van and it worked. I was going to ask on here but I did some probing with a meter to prove my thoughts and a quick swap of the wires later it's sorted.

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by jayw
So, are my crimp connectors Spade or Butt? :D

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by Vanny
and if they are spade, how wide are they?

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by jayw
I'm waiting for Bandit to comment on the Butt... :D

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by Bx Bandit
:lol: i was just about too as well! :lol: :lol: Do you use sheathed ones Matt?

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by jayw
Ooooh, sheaths and butts... cue Smiffy :D

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by Vanny
i was gonna mention something about those double ended types you get . . .

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by Bx Bandit
Double ended - the tool of lesbians!

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by mat_the_cat
These do yer Jay?
Image
Usual 6.3mm wide, with sheaths (I always use a sheath for protection)...don't think Smiffy would be interested as these are female.

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by jayw
Oh, i've already got a female... don't think she'd like the competition!

Donate them to CHArittty mate :lol:

Though, i'm quite into the Vice... :D

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 09 Mar 2010
by mat_the_cat
Record no.3 8)
As I keep saying to the missus, I only have the one vice...

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 10 Mar 2010
by Philhod
:) And she's it I suppose :wink:

Re: Here's a test for any car audio expert...

Posted: 10 Mar 2010
by Bx Bandit
Those females look unprotected to me!