C5 RF Changer Install Qs
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 106
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From: Littleton, Co, USA
C5 RF Changer Install Qs
I have the factory 12 disc. Still too much of a pain for me. Thinking of pulling it and installing the new Sony 10 disc MP3 changer. Don't want to screw with the Bose wiring so I'm planning on the RF modulated unit.
I saw the tech tip on installing the RF mod - I assume I'll tap the antenna there.
2 Questions:
I believe I'm going to need 12v continuous and acc power. Any suggestions for tapping points. Can I keep retained acc power working. Perhaps the wire at the antenna selector will work for acc power.
Any problems with screwing in the unit mounts in the rear storage compartment. I'm not sure what that material is and want to make sure I don't cause some kind of damage with the screws.
Thanks
I saw the tech tip on installing the RF mod - I assume I'll tap the antenna there.
2 Questions:
I believe I'm going to need 12v continuous and acc power. Any suggestions for tapping points. Can I keep retained acc power working. Perhaps the wire at the antenna selector will work for acc power.
Any problems with screwing in the unit mounts in the rear storage compartment. I'm not sure what that material is and want to make sure I don't cause some kind of damage with the screws.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: Taylor TX
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: C5 RF Changer Install Qs (David_Levin)
the accesory wires you want are already provided in the passenger footwell behind the false floor. they're taped in a 3-wire bundle (yellow = switch, orange = +12, black = ground).
these are NOT retained power points, and you probably won't find one anywhere. The RAP function isn't like a relay that is held on. The BCM communicates to the various other modules to keep retained power. IE: the radio has constant power and the BCM tells the radio to shut off, and it does that internally - 12V is never removed from the radio.
these are NOT retained power points, and you probably won't find one anywhere. The RAP function isn't like a relay that is held on. The BCM communicates to the various other modules to keep retained power. IE: the radio has constant power and the BCM tells the radio to shut off, and it does that internally - 12V is never removed from the radio.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 106
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From: Littleton, Co, USA
Re: C5 RF Changer Install Qs (lotzahp)
Thanks
From the tech tip:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=161&TopicID=1
I take it this is incorrect (otherwise, this would allow the CD changer to work during RAP power).
these are NOT retained power points, and you probably won't find one anywhere.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=161&TopicID=1
You can use the green wire in the Connector to the RAM(1) for power, it’s only hot when the radio is on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,326
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From: Taylor TX
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: C5 RF Changer Install Qs (David_Levin)
hey David:
that info is probably accurate, but it is sourced through the radio. Without knowing the amount of current it can source (probably not much), I wouldn't try to run the changer off it for fear of damaging the radio.
that info is probably accurate, but it is sourced through the radio. Without knowing the amount of current it can source (probably not much), I wouldn't try to run the changer off it for fear of damaging the radio.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 106
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From: Littleton, Co, USA
Re: C5 RF Changer Install Qs (lotzahp)
I can't argue with that. Darn, it would be a great way to get power (and keep rap working).
Thanks for the responses.
Thanks for the responses.
hey David:
that info is probably accurate, but it is sourced through the radio. Without knowing the amount of current it can source (probably not much), I wouldn't try to run the changer off it for fear of damaging the radio.
that info is probably accurate, but it is sourced through the radio. Without knowing the amount of current it can source (probably not much), I wouldn't try to run the changer off it for fear of damaging the radio.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
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From: Windermere FL
Re: C5 RF Changer Install Qs (David_Levin)
Remember that an RF unit only sounds as good as your FM. If you hear a difference with the same song with the FM vs. CD, you will hear this difference with an RF. You will loose highs and deep bass. FM doesn't have as broad a frequency range available as the CD does. :yesnod:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,326
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From: Taylor TX
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: C5 RF Changer Install Qs (David_Levin)
However, if you want to run a couple more wires - you could use that green wire to trigger a relay which you could power the changer with. A small SPST relay would draw less than 50mA for the coil. The radio can probably source that extra amount without any trouble.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 106
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From: Littleton, Co, USA
Re: C5 RF Changer Install Qs (lotzahp)
However, if you want to run a couple more wires - you could use that green wire to trigger a relay which you could power the changer with. A small SPST relay would draw less than 50mA for the coil. The radio can probably source that extra amount without any trouble.
Hey, that's a great idea. Might try that. I need to double check that wire with a volt meter and make sure it has power when I want it to. Does radio shack have those relays? Seems like I just need 1 wire from the diversity box to the passanger area (I'll put the relay there).
P.S. I'll live with the RF modulated sound quality - I'm satisfied with the FM sound. And, that's also how many of the XM people are hooking in.
I'm expecting the CD changer Tuesday next week.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,326
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From: Taylor TX
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: C5 RF Changer Install Qs (David_Levin)
the 'shack does carry some small relays. Look for one that can switch just a few amps, you don't want (or need) a big-azz fog light relay that swicthes 30A. Just make sure the coil is 12V, and has a resistance of 250ohms or greater to minimize the current the coil will pull.
The relay you'll find probably find will be a PCB mount type. You can just solder some wires to the leads and tape it up with the changer.
The relay you'll find probably find will be a PCB mount type. You can just solder some wires to the leads and tape it up with the changer.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Warminster PA
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'06-'08-'10-'11
Re: C5 RF Changer Install Qs (lotzahp)
This thread might answer my question about where to grab power for my new Pioneer XM install. Thanks. I also saw a different thread that explains where the antenna selector is too. This forum is awesome.
[Modified by JT-C5, 9:46 PM 6/7/2002]
[Modified by JT-C5, 9:46 PM 6/7/2002]