THE BASICS |
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Basic DC Electronics for automotive applications
(Voltage / Current / Resistance) |
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Car Audio Basics
(How mobile electronics integrate with each other) |
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Radio Install Basics
(How aftermarket radios integrate into electronics of vehicles) |
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Soldering vs. Crimping your connections
(When and why to each method) |
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Why use radio installation kits
(Why do-it-yourself radio installs look amateur - Do it like the pros) |
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''DIN' vs. Double 'DIN' vs. "Shafted" Radios
(Before you buy learn the fundamental differences) |
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Mounting your new radio to an indash installation kit
(A visual instruction with diagrams) |
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Why use a snap on wire harness adapter when installing a new radio
(A nominal cost prevents a total headache) |
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Wiring your new radio using a snap on wire harness adapter
(A visual instruction with diagrams) |
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Radio Security
(How to stay one step ahead of thieves) |
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Speaker Troubleshooting
(Tips to solve most problems) |
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When new speakers don't sound so good
(It just might be the vehicle design) |
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Testing and verifying power and speaker wires on new radio installs
(Simple checks and tests) |
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Antenna Adapters
(One more install part you might have to purchase) |
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'ISO' mounting a radio
(Using the automakers radio mounting brackets) |
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Parallel vs. Series wiring
(Diagrams to show you each wiring method) |
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SPECIALTY DOCUMENTS |
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Fine tuning an amplifier
(How to properly tune an amplifier for best sound) |
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CD Changer installations
(Stop . . . Before you begin think about this) |
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How to correctly choose a CD Changer
(Your vehicle may actually dictate your choice) |
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CD Changers - Is your vehicle factory wired for one?
(The automakers get you again!) |
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Amplifier installation basics
(Proper preparation, careful attention, smart wiring) |
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Crossovers vs. Equalizers
(Carefully decide which one you really need) |
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Using crossovers to protect speakers
(A quick and enexpensive way to protect speakers) |
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Older vehicles with "common ground" speaker wiring
(An installers nightmare) |
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Speaker Boxes - sealed enclosures or free air mounting
(Correctly match your speaker with the recommended box type) |
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Purchasing a vehicle with or without a factory installed radio
(What is really the best and most economical option?) |
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Power antennas
(What you need to know before adding or replacing) |
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Mazda power antennas prior to 1992
(The problem and solution if adding a new radio) |
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Removing manual window crank roller arms
(A visual instruction with diagrams) |
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Adding RCA outputs to an automakers factory installed radio
(A visual instruction with diagrams) |
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REFERENCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION |
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Crimp terminals and connectors
(A pictoral reference) |
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Relays, the basics of
(The basics of . . .) |
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Relays, applications for . . .
(One of an installers most useful installation devices) |
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Resistors, capacitors, diodes
(The electronic basics of each) |
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REDUCING AND ELIMINATING ENGINE WHINE AND ROAD NOISE |
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How to eliminate engine noise
(For basic RADIO installations) |
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How to eliminate engine noise
(For AMPLIFIER installations) |
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Road and wind noise
(Alternative methods to fight road and wind noise) |
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ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (OEM) PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEMS |
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A basic overview of replacing an automakers premium radio
(BOSE, Ford's Mach and JBL, VW's and Nissan's Active Systems) |
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Dodge / Chrysler / Plymoth "Infinity" Sound Systems
(The basics when trying to add a new radio) |
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PROBLEM SOLVING TECH TIPS |
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AM / FM reception problems
(Simple checks and tests) |
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The radio I just installed has very little bass
(What causes flat bass response) |
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New speakers were installed and they cut on and off while driving
(Simple checks and tests) |
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My new radio was installed and the clock and station presets
lose memory when the vehicle is turned off |
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A new amp was installed but the music stop when the radio is
switched to play a CD, or tape, or external MP3 player |
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