Aftermarket radio problems - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rzarock · 02-20-2007, 02:36 PM

I've installed a post AM/FM radio from custom auto sound on my 72 C20. Everything sounded fine until I installed a small subwoofer and 150W amp to round out the sound. The sub cuts in and out at idle but sounds great at highway speeds, or when engine is not running. I've installed a new 55 amp alternator (stock was 42 amps), a new external voltage regulator, changed battery cables, upgraded all grounds, upgraded power wire from alternator to battery and the problem still remains. At this point I'm thinking there just isn't enough current to power the new radio and amp. I'm thinking of upgrading to a CS-130 alternator but before I do I was hoping someone could point out something I missed that may solve the problem. Also, has anyone ever used the conversion kit from american auto wire. If so were you satisfied? It seems pretty simple.

http://www.americanautowire.com/prod...rsion_Kits.cfm

Thanks.

Inthuwind · 02-20-2007, 02:38 PM

I'd say change to a bigger alternator with internal regulator. Amplifiers take power.

Idaho Outlaw · 02-20-2007, 02:59 PM

Olms Law: VxA=W

12V x 55A(alternator) = 660W

W/V=A

150W(amplifier) / 12V = 12.5A

I agree that you should go to a larger alternator w/internal regulator. I am also wondering if you have everything hooked up correctly.

In my opinion, you should have the following:
~10ga or larger battery cable running directly from the battery to the amp, with a 20Amp inline fuse.
~Same size battery cable for ground, and make sure that you have a good ground.
~Make sure you are using good quality RCA cables. Cheap one's are CHEAP, and the quality of signal is important.

badpeanut · 02-20-2007, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzarock

Also, has anyone ever used the conversion kit from american auto wire. If so were you satisfied? It seems pretty simple.

I used one of these kits to go to a 61A SI-series alternator from an '81 pickup. Easy and works well.

dave2953 · 02-20-2007, 05:52 PM

Have you thought about buying a capacitor? I'm not really up to date with stereos, but I used to run a Fosgate 1 Farad capacitor with my system and it seemed to help my amperage draw problem. I'm don't know how much of an effect a lack of power has on sound quality.

As2rd · 02-20-2007, 05:58 PM

I am also having an issue with my custom autosound usa-2. But mine is constantly blowing fuses, I sent it back one time and am having a bad experience installing it. Where do you hook up the battery wire, the big fuse is blowing when i hook it up straight to the battery. I also have a brand new alternator installed on Saturday. Its a one wire, 60+ amps. I was thinking about a resistor but i cant find one for my battery (says 13.5v on my volt meter).---Andy

Bob Moore · 02-20-2007, 09:09 PM

Man - it's a TRUCK not a dagone concert seat. This comes from a 65 year old man with one deaf ear who can't tell one note from a chord.

rzarock · 02-20-2007, 10:31 PM

Where do you hook up the battery wire, the big fuse is blowing when i hook it up straight to the battery.

I have my "hot" wire connected straight to the battery's positive terminal. It sounds like you have a short somewhere. Make sure you have a good ground and that the both the hot wire and the ACC wire are not shorting on anything.

As2rd · 02-20-2007, 11:19 PM

Thanks, Ill try that tomorrow, can hooking the Right rear pos. and Right Rear Neg. together cause that sort of problem? Did on both left and right rears. Only have two 5 amp fuses left. Buddy of mine also said hes gonna check the voltage to see if the radio can support the flux

.---Andy

02-20-2007, 02:36 PM	#1
rzarock Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Tucson Posts: 7	Aftermarket radio problems I've installed a post AM/FM radio from custom auto sound on my 72 C20. Everything sounded fine until I installed a small subwoofer and 150W amp to round out the sound. The sub cuts in and out at idle but sounds great at highway speeds, or when engine is not running. I've installed a new 55 amp alternator (stock was 42 amps), a new external voltage regulator, changed battery cables, upgraded all grounds, upgraded power wire from alternator to battery and the problem still remains. At this point I'm thinking there just isn't enough current to power the new radio and amp. I'm thinking of upgrading to a CS-130 alternator but before I do I was hoping someone could point out something I missed that may solve the problem. Also, has anyone ever used the conversion kit from american auto wire. If so were you satisfied? It seems pretty simple. http://www.americanautowire.com/prod...rsion_Kits.cfm Thanks.

02-20-2007, 02:38 PM	#2
Inthuwind Straight jacket required Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 882	Re: Aftermarket radio problems I'd say change to a bigger alternator with internal regulator. Amplifiers take power. __________________ 1968 C10 Short Stepper 350/350 A/C P/S P/B Front disc 3/5 static/ 12bolt rear 3:73 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary/455/4spd 2011 H-D Street Glide - CAMMED n lowered Dad always said,"Son, if you can't be good...be good at it."

02-20-2007, 02:59 PM	#3
Idaho Outlaw Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chukar Hunting Paradise Posts: 80	Re: Aftermarket radio problems Olms Law: VxA=W 12V x 55A(alternator) = 660W W/V=A 150W(amplifier) / 12V = 12.5A I agree that you should go to a larger alternator w/internal regulator. I am also wondering if you have everything hooked up correctly. In my opinion, you should have the following: ~10ga or larger battery cable running directly from the battery to the amp, with a 20Amp inline fuse. ~Same size battery cable for ground, and make sure that you have a good ground. ~Make sure you are using good quality RCA cables. Cheap one's are CHEAP, and the quality of signal is important. __________________ 1972 Chevy LWB K10 Custom/Deluxe Earth first! We'll log the other planet's later.

02-20-2007, 05:52 PM	#5
dave2953 Dave's not here, man Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winder, Georgia Posts: 2,000	Re: Aftermarket radio problems Have you thought about buying a capacitor? I'm not really up to date with stereos, but I used to run a Fosgate 1 Farad capacitor with my system and it seemed to help my amperage draw problem. I'm don't know how much of an effect a lack of power has on sound quality. __________________ - 2014 VW Jetta - 2015 VW Jetta - 1966 Ford F-250

02-20-2007, 05:58 PM	#6
As2rd Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lexington Park, MD Posts: 47	Re: Aftermarket radio problems I am also having an issue with my custom autosound usa-2. But mine is constantly blowing fuses, I sent it back one time and am having a bad experience installing it. Where do you hook up the battery wire, the big fuse is blowing when i hook it up straight to the battery. I also have a brand new alternator installed on Saturday. Its a one wire, 60+ amps. I was thinking about a resistor but i cant find one for my battery (says 13.5v on my volt meter).---Andy

02-20-2007, 09:09 PM	#7
Bob Moore Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 1,365	Re: Aftermarket radio problems Man - it's a TRUCK not a dagone concert seat. This comes from a 65 year old man with one deaf ear who can't tell one note from a chord. __________________ 67 C-20 LWB, tilt, speed alert, vac, 454, T400 67 C-10 SWB, factory air with more to follow

02-20-2007, 10:31 PM	#8
rzarock Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Tucson Posts: 7	Re: Aftermarket radio problems Where do you hook up the battery wire, the big fuse is blowing when i hook it up straight to the battery. I have my "hot" wire connected straight to the battery's positive terminal. It sounds like you have a short somewhere. Make sure you have a good ground and that the both the hot wire and the ACC wire are not shorting on anything.

02-20-2007, 11:19 PM	#9
As2rd Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lexington Park, MD Posts: 47	Re: Aftermarket radio problems Thanks, Ill try that tomorrow, can hooking the Right rear pos. and Right Rear Neg. together cause that sort of problem? Did on both left and right rears. Only have two 5 amp fuses left. Buddy of mine also said hes gonna check the voltage to see if the radio can support the flux .---Andy



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