Car Audio - Sub/Amp Installation - how can I figure out where the issue is?

[AgaBoogaBoo]

I'm helping a friend install an amplifier/subwoofer combination in his car, and we're having some trouble.

We have everything wired up, properly as far as we can tell, and the amplifier is receiving the proper voltage from the car's battery. We're not able to get the subwoofer to make any sound though.

How can I confirm the following things:
1. Headunit is sending the proper signal
2. Subwoofer is working properly with a test signal

I have home audio equipment, but don't want to lug over a receiver from my setup to test with. I was thinking about taking a CD player and connecting that to his amplifier. If that worked, issue is in sending the signal from the headunit to the amplifier, or an issue with how the signal is generated. (Headunit issue)

If it doesn't work, then we have an issue with the amplifier and/or how it's powered. This test would have to be run again once we figure out the issue with the amplifier to eliminate the potential of the headunit not sending a proper signal.

I think I've simplified this and answered my own question by saying that I could simply use a CD player to test this with. Any recommendations on this would be helpful. I would carry over a subwoofer of my own to test with, but that is even harder to carry than a receiver.

 

[imported_nerve]

Some HU's come with the SUB Set to off.

When you turn on the car does the amp turn on?
There is a power light on amps to tell u if its on.


Turn up the voltage on the amp shouldnt be at 0



sub should get some kind of feedback as long as its hooked up correctly.

 

[nboy22]

What is your method of getting the RCAs back to the amp? did you have to install a preamp converter which takes the wires out of the back of the headunit and convert them to RCA, or was there RCA plugs already on the back of the headunit?

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

nboy22: Already had RCA plugs in the back on the headunit, took it from there to the amplifier.

nerve: Yes, amp turned on. I had measured the input voltage, it was getting the proper amount.

I just got back from my quick trip over, and confirmed for them that the issue was just in the headunit's settings. I took an iPod over with a 1/8th inch connector ---> RCA adapter and connected it to the amplifier, the sub was outputting the full signal. The wiring from the headunit was pretty straightforward and I confirmed that it was done properly.

After that, it was just one or two settings in the headunit to get this all working. I think making this post made me realize that any audio source at all would be fine to ensure that everything was fine

 

[spidey07]

RTFM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!