Help with car audio amp

Linh

Platinum Member
Oct 10, 1999
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I'm a car audio newbie. My friend just gave me an amp and a sub and I'd like to install them in my trunk. The amp has 3 power connections labeled +12v, REM, and GRD. I'm assuming the +12v goes to the positive, ground to the negative, and REM?
 

santar72

Senior member
Feb 20, 2001
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REM goes to the head unit REM blue wire. I thinks it turn the amp on when the head unit is turned on.
 

Linh

Platinum Member
Oct 10, 1999
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thanx for the replies. i don't feel like pulling out the head unit and looking for the lead and since my power antenna is in the trunk anyway, i'm gonna try to run it off that lead instead. any suggestions?
 

SupaDupaCheez

Platinum Member
Nov 21, 2000
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Linh:

+12v= Direct connection to the battery's POSITIVE terminal. I would SERIOUSLY think about buying an amp kit from some reputable place like Best Buy, Circuit City, or a local Car Audio shop. Street Wires makes some good ones. If that is not an option, then at the VERY LEAST go to above stores and get an INLINE fuse rated for your amp. This is VERY important to your car's wiring if something were to go wrong. Be sure to use a heavy gauge (no smaller than 8 gauge) wire.

GRND= A direct GROUND to a spot within 12-24inches of the amp. This can be done directly to a METAL spot (preferably to part of the framework of the car) somewhere in the trunk area. Doing this correctly will keep any 'alternator whine' and other spurious noise from entering the system. Depending on the car, there may even be a factory ground somewhere in the trunk area. Be Sure to use the same gauge wire (or better) than your +12v.

Rem = Remote Amp turn-on. This is generally a BLUE wire (no stripe) that comes directly from your headunit. In some instances you can use the 'ANT' or Antenna lead from your head unit. This is (I think) a 5v power lead that only sends a short 'signal' to your amp when you turn on your head unit. This tells the amp to 'turn on'. The opposite is true when you turn off your head unit. This can be of a lighter gauge (12-16gauge is fine). If you don't have this hooked up...your amp will not turn on.

Also, make sure that you don't connect a wire to the REM that is 'always on'. In otherwords, make sure that when you turn the key to the 'off' position, that the amp shuts off. Otherwise, you will kill your battery.

Hope this helps (PM me if you have any more questions)

SupaDupaCheez
 

RaoulDuke

Banned
Jan 1, 2001
952
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solder it on to the lead wire, get a multimeter if needed to see which one is power, wrap with electrical tape, test out. I assume of course, i just hooked my amp to my head unit.
 

DaLeroy

Golden Member
Dec 4, 2000
1,406
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All correct, REM is the remote turn on wire. It however needs a 12V source and your power antenna should be fine :)

Have fun!