I did a quick search and didn't really turn anything up on this. I'm doing a modest upgrade to my system but am keeping the stock HU. I just wanted to know what other people who have done this have used for the amp remote turn on lead source? I did the same type of install on my last car and ended up adding an additional wire lead into the HU harness. The HU had the output but it wasn't accessed by the stock harness. I was hoping to find an external source so I wouldn't have to pull the HU this time. Anybody? Thanks.

ron

 

Well, there's no RCA output from the stock HU, so you'll need an amp that takes speaker level inputs, or some line level converters. Either way, you'll have to pull the HU to make up the necessary connections.

As far as turn-on, the easiest solution would be to select an amp that detects input signals and turns on automatically. It's probably possible to find line level converters that also generate a turn on signal. Another possibility would be to rig up a relay (or 2) from the power antenna lead in the radio harness, and use the relays to power the antenna as well as the amp turn-on.

 

Jeff,

Thanks for the reply. I knew the stock HU didn't have line level outputs but what I didn't realize was how easy it pops out on the S! Just from looking at it it looks like it would be a bitch but after checking the instructions on Lucids site I now see that it's a piece of cake . On my last install (an MR2 Spyder) you had to take half the dash apart to get at it.

I didn't want auto-on or speaker level input capability to drive my amp decision. I decided on a Phoenix Gold Tantrum unit and, of course, it has neither. So now I'll be using a high quality transformer-based line level converter and spending some time poking around the wire harness hooking up a 12v turn-on lead.

ron

 

Looks like the antenna amplifier is powered by the yel/grn wire on pin 1. It is undoubtedly switched by the HU, but I have no idea how much current it will drive. Steve

 

Use a relay to be safe