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I have been to a lot of car audio shops that use test lights, and not as many that use digital multimeters. Is one really “better” than the other for finding power sources?

Absolutely! A test light looks like a screwdriver with a sharp pointed end, and consist of a small bulb and a grounding wire or cable. It works by grounding the bulb, and once it comes in contact with a power source, it will complete the circuit and light the bulb. This is the easiest way to test power because the bulb either lights up for power or doesn’t if their isn’t any power.

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Here are a few things you should do if your car radio refuses to power up.

1) First, check that your ignition is switched on and that your radio fascia is attached correctly.

2) Ensure that the fascia contacts/connections aren’t worn and that the fascia is making good, solid
contact. Because the fascia is removable, over time the contacts on the fascia and the contacts on the
back of the radio can become dirty or worn. For best results, use Cleaning Alcohol, or to find out
more on how to clean your contacts, consult your radio handbook.

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Car audio installation is a fairly specialized job, requiring at least some knowledge about the basics of car designs and electronics. The final audio output depends to a large extent on good installation. You may buy the best equipment, but if it is not properly installed, then the result will be poor. The entire set up consisting of wires, amplifiers, alternators, and speakers would have to be perfectly set up for that great audio effect.

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There are several noise sources in a car audio setup. In this article, I’ll talk about one where your car speakers produce noise that seems to increase when you “rev” the engine. You’ll get to learn how to eliminate that annoying noise and enjoy your music.

First, you must understand that this is simply interference or induced noise. Induced noise can sound like clicking, popping, whirring, buzzing, whistling, or whining. This noise always has a source such as the alternator, car power wiring, amplifier, etc. So this means that the problem can be tackled at the source. Now, you just have to find it.

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A significant part of your entire car audio system consists of just wires. There are all kinds of cables and wires involved in installing a car audio system. You have power wires, speaker wires, amplifier cables, power capacitors, and what not. It is always better to be equipped with at least the basics before you go in for car audio installation.

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Here are ten things that will help you if your CD changer will not play or if they skip.

1) Before installing your CD changer ensure you have removed the transportation screws, (where fitted). These will be highly visible on the exterior of the CD Changer.

2) Ensure the angle mounting adjustment screws found at either side of the CD changer have been set correctly according to the angle at which the CD changer has been mounted. Consult your handbook for details.

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In the realm of car audio, the possibilities are endless. There are hundreds of brands and thousands of products out there. Majestic Modifications would like to help restore some order to the chaos of building your system. Lets look at some of the components that make up a car audio system.

The Head Unit

The Head Unit is the brains of the operation. Without this component, your car audio system can’t and won’t work. The head unit is the central processing device in the system. The head unit controls all the functions in your car audio system. Music too loud? Turn down the volume. Too soft? Turn it up. Want more bass? Add bass input. In addition to volume, bass, etc., the head unit may contain other systems within its casing. These include: tuner, cassette, equalizer, CD or amplifier.

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The information below will eliminate 97% of iPod adapter/car kit errors or “non functioning product” issues for the Dension Ice Link Plus Car Kit, Connects2 iPod Car Kit and iPod-incar Car Kit.

The first step is to ensure your iPod is running the latest operating software. Apple release regular updates to ensure the iPod is compatible with all iPod add-on products such as the ice>Link Plus. 97% of operating issues will be resolved by downloading a simple update, Here’s how . . .

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The radios in VW cars (1998 model and onwards) use an amplified aerial for improved radio reception. This amplifier is built into the base of the aerial and is powered by a feed from the stereo. This power feed is sent down the center of the aerial cable.

Therefore, if the factory-fitted stereo is replaced with an aftermarket unit, the aerial will no longer get this power feed and the amplifier in the aerial will not be turned on. This will result in poor radio reception.

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Car audio amplifiers, to a large extent, determine the final audio output of your car audio. Selecting a location for the amplifier is therefore of great importance. Select a location that has good air circulation. It could be in the trunk or under a seat. It is always recommended that you use cables with larger diameters like RCA cables to connect the low level output of the radio to the low level input of the amplifier. Just in case your radio does not have a low level output, you will have to use a high-level speaker output. This arrangement is not preferred by most because of the noticeable increase in sound distortion. This arrangement works best when your amplifier is meant for bass only.

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