Having amp/wiring problems

[AE86less]

As per the title.

A few months ago my amp got knicked but I couldn't afford to replace it straight away, over the next few weeks the RCA cable somehow got caught in the seat's sliding mechanism and got the plugs yanked off it.

So I finally got a new amp and some Jaycar type RCA plugs to put on the end of the cable, I got it all setup but it didn't go due to what I think was a terrible connection to the new plugs (I just tried wrapping the copper round the metal pin things). I fixed this by buying a new RCA cable, unfortunately this was about 3m longer than it needed to be (and 3m longer than the old one) so I hooked this up and shoved all the excess wire under the carpet down the side of the 'Trans' Tunnel (Keep in mind this is an AW11). This seemed to work, until I tried to drive somewhere; the moment the engine started this overpowering whining popping noise came blasting from the stereo, even with the volume on 0. I assumed that this was due to the large clump of wire "magnetising itself" and creating it's own signal with the aid of some electrical device in the trans tunnel.

To remedy this catastrophe I got brutal and cut 3m out of the middle of the cable. I noticed previously while putting the plugs on the old RCA cable that the wire had a smaller seperately insulated wire running inside it. I stripped both wires and twisted them together while I put the new plugs on the old wire and when I cut and soldered the new cable. When I tried the newly cut cable there was no sound except for buzzing. At this point I got pissed at my lack of electrical knowledge and the stereo in general and left it.



When I cut that new RCA cable and twisted the 'internal' wire into the 'main' wire, did I somehow ruin the signal being sent? Are the two seperate wires connected to two different pins in the RCA plug?

Do I need to go and buy another new RCA cable?

I think I already know these things but I have already done so many things wrong that I wanted to check. Apologies for my longwinded, rambling explanation.

[Alex B]

Let me guess, Pioneer headunit? Possibly rockford amp? If so you have blown the RCA fuseable link. Common problem on pioneers with things like people putting the rca in and out while headunit running, or when an amps distroyed it can kill it too.

[Capin-Neemo]

I can see one big problem here right let me try and explain.

RCA cable are two wire for a reason to get sterio you obiously need two signals left and right and both of these need a ground connection to return signal. I.e sinmple electrics electristy needs a circut. one for left and one for right.

So when you twisted the small signal cable in the center of the wire with the outside sheilding witch is the ground you made a short and probably knackered you head unit try rejoining the cables as in my horrible pic!



So either buy a new cable or connect the signal wires in each together then wrap weith tape then connect the outersheilding and wrap this up. Do for each wire left and right

[tsoob]

new cable mate

[AE86less]

Yup, it's a Pioneer HU with a Kenwood amp. Is it a b*tch to replace this RCA fuse thingo? Or could the HU really be dead? It still seems to run...


I guess I'll need a new cable to matter what though

[Alex B]

Its not really a user replaceable part. Shouldn't cost much for a tech to do it though.

[Rumad]

Solve all your problems by getting 'twisted pair' cables next time. these will rid you of 99.9% if not all of the problem Works off the principle that any current/noise that is induced into one half of the cable is also induced into the other half thereby cancelling each other out and leaving you with nice clean signal all the way thru Also, if you are looking to get a new stereo at some stage, get one with high voltage (anything around 4volts and up is ideal) preouts. this gives you a nice strong signal to begin with and further reduces the chance of noise being induced into the system

Happy listening...

[Alex B]

Twisted pair would not have stopped the fuseable link from blowing though.

[Rumad]

Yes i know but obviously once h/unnit is fixed (or replaced) then running twisted pair cables will avoid the noise issues he spoke of... Problem with blown circuit arose when he tried chopping n modifying cables etc in an effort to eliminate the noise

[Alex B]

He also says the rca's got stuck in the seats slide, possibly causing a short. It doesnt take much at all to take out the link in pioneers, ive had 2 do it to me now. Both my fault, but yeah.

[scotty_ish]

He also says the rca's got stuck in the seats slide, possibly causing a short. It doesnt take much at all to take out the link in pioneers, ive had 2 do it to me now. Both my fault, but yeah.

Yeah I had one go too, very easy to do
Overpowering whining popping noise describes it perfectly

[Rumad]

Ok well my comment was directed at the noise issue, all were valid points was just adding to the conversation and giving one more way to solve the induced noise problem