What Wires To Run The Low Level Convertor

[anhandrew]

I unpluged my amp wire to run my low level convertor. Anyone know the correct wires to do this? I read a topic on this several times but not sure what wire and where.

please post some sort of diagram. Also is it better to run off the HU or the amp behide the glove compartment?

Thank You,


Andrew

 

[s_giacomo]

I ran mine off of the head unit. I have a post that has the wiring diagram for the head unit. I didn't have much luck running with a low-level converter, so I ended up getting an Alpine CDA-7998. The difference is unbelievable, I hate that I wasted my money on the converter because apparently the factory deck starts to clip the signal at about 26 clicks, so you're better off getting rid of it altogether. Again, just trying to share something I've already been through. Good luck.

 

[02-Z66]

okay, here's the deal. i did have my converter hook-up to the HU. i kept ruining amps. i was told by a professional installer to do it after the amp. the signal from the radio was already a low signal made lower by the converter. this in turn made the amp over-work itself. thus, a overheated amp that shut-off. then another overheated amp that shut-off never to come on again.
i could tell you where i connected behind the radio, but i feel you will run into the same problem. i can't remember the color, but try this method. pull the radio and disconnect the plug. look at the plug and start counting from the bottom right set of pins. the right corner being number 1, the left 10, the top right 11, top left 20.
with this said number 17 is the right rear -, 18 is the right rear +, 19 is the left rear -, and 20 is the left rear +.
now after the amp is where you really want to be. you could do a search on this subject or you could just follow the wires i told you about to the plugs on the amp. someone will read this and help us out i'm sure. i can't seem to find my notes. they are much more precise than my memory.
i recommend that you consider an aftermarket HU. i did. it sounds much better.

 

[02-Z66]

BTW, with the aftermarket HU you can use the RCA plugs. they are much better than those converters.

 

[JimmyP]

Are you guys using the OEM-1 factory sound system interface? This is the unit available through JP Customs. It hooks up to the factory headunit and provides a pair of line level RCA outputs.

 

[timcosco]

Are you guys using the OEM-1 factory sound system interface? ?This is the unit available through JP Customs. ?It hooks up to the factory headunit and provides a pair of line level RCA outputs.

I did. It actually provides two pair of RCA line-outs. They are set mid-range from the factory, but I don't know what the actual value is (I'd guess 4VPP) I recently reset mine to 7VPP before clipping (about 26 clicks, as noted above).

 

[timcosco]

the signal from the radio was already a low signal made lower by the converter.

Using an oscilloscope, I measured the output from the stock head unit at a maximum +0.5VDC to +11.5VDC.

I may be wrong, but I'd think any converter you use should provide an adjustable, ground referenced output signal measuring 8VPP max. That would be -4VDC to +4VDC.

 

[JimmyP]

Timcosco, I just purchased the OEM-1. Am I going to have this same problem with amps burning up?

I may be wrong, but I'd think any converter you use should provide an adjustable, ground referenced output signal measuring 8VPP max.

By the way, what do you mean by "8VPP"?

 

[timcosco]

Timcosco, I just purchased the OEM-1. ?Am I going to have this same problem with amps burning up?

I don't see how. Leave the OEM-1 at the factory setting, adjust your amp to mid-level gain, and you should be fine... but I guess anything can happen. The reason I don't suggest adding the line converter after the factory amp is because the amp clips certain frequencies (400 Hz and 1.5 KHz in particular) at a much lower level than the factory head unit for some reason. See '02 HU and Amp I/O and Clipping Levels for more info.

By the way, what do you mean by "8VPP"? ?

8 Volts Peak to Peak. The factory head unit outputs a signal level that swings from around 1/2 volt to around 11 and 1/2 volts at maximum output. This means the mid-level or no sound output measures about +6 volts.

A converter should take that offset signal, reduce it, then center it around ground so it swings from negative 4 volts to a positive 4 volts maximum, which would be 8 volts peak to peak.

My amplifier accepts up to an 8VPP signal, so I adjusted the converter to output 7VPP at maximum volume.

 

[02-Z66]

guy's i am not real sure about my last posts' info. i am only telling you what the car audio expert told me. i have hooked up a converter before in my Tahoe right behind the radio with no problem. and a couple of other vehicles. i do not know why it did not work this time. could it have been the output setting of the converter? after reading the last couple of post i have to ask myself that. i did not even bother to adjust the setting. maybe??