If anyone out there is like me and knows nothing about audio dont feel bad....I was thinking we can start a thread that gives the basics of audio/security....you know the basics..whatever those are...and then have it stickied or something or it can be the OFFICIAL thread...im sure some people on this board dont know squat about audio...like me and would like to read up on what it takes to make one kickin system, whats the best of the best, how to install components and such,etc...if its audio related to newbies than post here...what ya think??

 

MODS: If this thread already exists feel free to DELETE it.

 

The best way to get to know audio is probably to listen to as many systems as you can. Just decide what's best for you. Call some local stereo shops and ask when the competition is coming to town. There's no better place to see tons of systems. At least that would be the first step. That way you can figure out how to create what you want.

Many audio shops have bad reputations , so ask around. You will get many stories about the bad ones.There was one or two shops that would steal the equipment back at night by keeping one of the alarm tranmitters or leaving wires exposed. They'd get your address from the invoice or car reg. I dunno if they still do it but it went on forever and it seemed like everyone knew about it. They had a bad rating with the Better Business Bureau. I finally found a very good shop by word of mouth. I used to work doing installs of security mostly and was out of it for a while.

For any of this, it's important to learn how your car's battery works, what a complete circuit is, the way things in a car ground. And for installation one of the top things to know is how to make a proper connection. These basic skills can serve you for a lifetime and save you lots of frustration.

 

remember..

red is positive++++
black in negetive - - -
6x9's are bigger then 6 1/2's.

hopes that helps!!



[Modified by CereaLand, 10:35 PM 3/12/2003]

 

http://www.mobileaudio.com/rac-faq/

 

A few rules to live by:

K.I.S.S.........Keep it simple stupid ( or other more flavorful sayings) Less problems or at least easy to troubleshoot.

More is not always a good thing. 3-5 well placed and balanced speakers will out perform 10-12 bad ones anyday.

Test,verify,test.....(works well while doing alarms)..if you do something and the effects are negative undo it and try to figure out why. there is nothing worse than
doing an install,putting the car back together then find out you forgot an important step and have to do it all again.

Don't be a cheap ***.....If there is a part available that would make your task so much easier and headache free..then use it. If it means putting off the new deck for a week so be it....**** what buddy says " we dont need it we can do it by cutting this off and wiring it it or I have done this before".... 6 hrs later still no tunes
car wont start and carl is making excuses, It is not worth it.

If you don't know ask professional advice....many of us got are starts just like you
working in our driveways and garages...someone along the way gave us advice...we will always remember that. Plus we really don't like cleaning up
your fuckups....really.

Most of all...have fun,learn some cool **** and enjoy.

laterz

 

This thread could get very long.
Check here some very good websites were listed.

 

Thanks for the replies, keep em' coming....yes this thread might get very long..and thats ok...I decided to post this up for a place for newbies(thats me) to the audio scene so that they can come and find a centralized source of info...sorta. I think it will come in handy.

Keep em' comin!

 

an expensive alarm does not mean good protection. a cheap alarm well installed will give you much more.

definetly keep it simple !

ASK QUESTIONS , research BEFORE you buy!

-rage

 

As said before, Simple is good!

Find a friend that can help you out on your first installs.
Avoid cutting factory harnasses and wiring if you can. Especially the harnass. Spend the 20 bucks on the adapter.
Stay away from test lights, they don't mix with airbags. Use a DMM instead.

 

maybe someone can explain this to me...

WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE RMS WATTS???

cuz i sure as hell have no clue!

 

RMS=Root Mean Squared=continuous output power in English.

Most people, noobs and senior-installers should read through the rac-faq.

 

i have made a down to earth easy to understand Alarm FAQ on my site. It's not totally completed yet, but it's mostly done. With 12+ years as a tech, feel free to ask me any questions.

Security FAQ

 

RMS means the power that the amp or speakers will run comfortably for long periods of time. Maximum usually means just for short bursts.

 

ooohhh...ok i got ya now..but i still dont know how many RMS Watts my sub puts out...oh well..i just listen to the damn thing...lol

 

Manufacturer specs will give you this info.

 

your amp doesn't put out any watts it just accepts them from the amp

Just bustin your chops!

 

"slow clap in the backround"....... SO very well put!!!

 

ok, im not that audio illiterate!

 

Thanks....I try to add something productive every once in a while.

Okay round 2: Its getting warm- audio season is upon us:

No mater what you think...the laws of Ohms,Kirchev,etc did change
overnight!!! There is no way a true 1400 watt amp will be supported by 2-20amp
fuses...so stop trying to tell me it can...please.

a pair of motorola tweeters will not solve the lack of midrange problem you have
in your system...no matter what pookie has told you. Neither will 2 pairs.

Young children ( about 2 or so) like to explore and experiment with things. So if you wondered what became of your toll change,chances are its in the radio...They
perform great disappering acts and make great piggy banks. ( the record was $35.00 in change )

Be honest if at all possible ( or tell a great lie).....if you had gear installed and
your pal pooched it by trying to add on to it ( cause you was a cheepazz) say so,or
at least admit " okay look I was a dumbfuck and let pookie work on it..but I know better,please help me" ( or at least get your hot girlfriend to play this role )
We see you have learned to error of your ways and may do all in our power to help
you..hell we may even bend the rules. **** me off " naw mane...yo-all fucked up and sold me some bullshit.." Uhh we dont use lamp cords and twists locks for our installs..."Yo-all used 'em on that day.." Okay we get it fixed...I sent it out first thing in morning ( by pony express...with a low priority repair tag on it)...Think I wont....try me.

Just because it can go to 35 ( or 11 )..doent not mean it can stay there or sound
anything remotely related to music.

Fuses are your friends...when it blows and you cant find the proper rating...dont stick foil inside of it as a standby so you can cruise. Bad things will happen.

All in a days work.....hmm I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

laterz



[Modified by audioroach, 1:07 AM 3/19/2003]

 

LOL

I thought having employees feeding soda to their computers at work was fun.