Audio Annoyance..., my subs thump when the lights go on Options

[axelrduvirage]

AAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!!

my subwoofers thump loudly whenever i step on the break, shift into reverse, open a door or turn on the lights. there is definately a DC pulse going down the audio line somewhere. will a capacitor cure this or is it just a crappy installation (BTW the audio shop that did the install is on my BLACKLIST already)

[D-Man]

Audio shop was your first mistake. Capacitor will do little to nothing for THAT problem (IME) Chances are they've given you a ridiculously loud noise'd ground(-) connection. Follow the black wire to where it's mounted onto the chassis, and move it to a clean, unpainted metal surface and bolt it back in.

Also, Where is your AMP located? It may be picking up some kind of frequency from the lights, rare, but is known to happen. Try relocating the amp if all else fails.

NOTE: if you took it to a shop, and you dont know what your doing as far as the wiring goes, then run a search. there are several HOW TO threads. It's pretty easy, G/L!!

[aflacattack]

crappy installation i'd say, mine only thump when i shut the door and the stereo's off, but thats gotten more quite since i redid my grounds.
edit: waht d said

This post has been edited by aflacattack: Aug 11, 2008 - 7:57 AM

[axelrduvirage]

i may have mislead you on the origin of the problem. i should have said the ORIGINAL install of the headunit and speakers done by said audio shop seemed crappy to me. lots of engine whine (could be the unit itself according to research done on the Web) and loose wiring everywhere. the rest i have to blame on myself. i did the subs install and i do have a reasonably good idea of how these things work. i used heavy gauge wiring and all the runs are only as long as they need be. the audio runs down the passenger side and the power (B+) and remote wire run down the driver's side trough. the amp is mounted on a wedge that is holding the subs. the speaker leads are short and of equal length. the ground wire is 4G and is on an unpainted (sanded to bare metal) surface close to the amp and held inplace by gold-plated hardware. i will relocate it and see (listen?) for any changes. thanks for the tips.

@D-Man: the amp is only a few centimeters from the centre-rear of the cargo area. could it really be picking up RF from the lights coming on? that would be interesting if it were. i will reposition the amp and listen for changes.

peace

(edited for spellos and parentheses)

This post has been edited by axelrduvirage: Aug 11, 2008 - 9:25 AM

[D-Man]

well, i've picked up noise from fuel pumps, relays, lights, cellphones, pagers, wife (that noise is constant though ) and all kinds of stuff.

If that doesn't work, then I'd recommend checking your head-unit wiring second, Because you could have a common ground with a relay to the tail lights or w/e else is causing this "thud". Hell, your RCA's could have an expansion point near a whole harness

If thru the ground: You wouldn't hear it in your speakers because they do not play at those freq; as well as the fact that most head-units have noise filters built in. Amps usually do not; for the simple fact that they need to move that power quickly, not play with it and delay the music.

If your picking up noise thru the RCA's expansion points, then you'll need to tape that up or move the wiring a bit.

This post has been edited by D-Man: Aug 11, 2008 - 9:37 AM

[axelrduvirage]

well, i've picked up noise from fuel pumps, relays, lights, cellphones, pagers, wife (that noise is constant though ) and all kinds of stuff.

If that doesn't work, then I'd recommend checking your head-unit wiring second, Because you could have a common ground with a relay to the tail lights or w/e else is causing this "thud". Hell, your RCA's could have an expansion point near a whole harness

If thru the ground: You wouldn't hear it in your speakers because they do not play at those freq; as well as the fact that most head-units have noise filters built in. Amps usually do not; for the simple fact that they need to move that power quickly, not play with it and delay the music.

If your picking up noise thru the RCA's expansion points, then you'll need to tape that up or move the wiring a bit.

thanks D-Man.
i have quieted the "constant noise" in my Celica by inserting a "BitchSwitch". 4,99$ at Canadian Tire and 1/2 hour to install . it even lights up!!! when i have a few hours to myself i will go over the wiring and see what's up. like the title says it's an annoyance, not a problem-- for now.

peace

P.S. say hi to Jack for me (luv the sig)

[D-Man]

thanks D-Man.
i have quieted the "constant noise" in my Celica by inserting a "BitchSwitch". 4,99$ at Canadian Tire and 1/2 hour to install . it even lights up!!! when i have a few hours to myself i will go over the wiring and see what's up. like the title says it's an annoyance, not a problem-- for now.

peace

P.S. say hi to Jack for me (luv the sig)
[/quote]
I'd call it a problem!

WTF is a "BitchSwitch"? Ground loop isolator?

[axelrduvirage]

I'd call it a problem!

WTF is a "BitchSwitch"? Ground loop isolator?

hahahahahaha!!

it's a remote shut off (illuminated SPST rocker switch) for the subs. you referred to "the constant noise" coming from the wife in an earlier reply. i have the same problem...it's too loud, there is too much bass, don't drive so fast, do you ever signal your turns, watch out for the kid on the bike...that constant noise. and you are right the "thumping subs" is a problem it is probably doing no good to my amp or woofers. i have to do this sooner than later.

thanks for the follow-up.

[D-Man]

it's a remote shut off (illuminated SPST rocker switch) for the subs.

I've never in my live wired nor seen a sound system w/o a manuel power switch. There is nothing "bitch" about it.

you referred to "the constant noise" coming from the wife in an earlier reply. i have the same problem...it's too loud, there is too much bass, don't drive so fast, do you ever signal your turns, watch out for the kid on the bike...that constant noise. and you are right the "thumping subs" is a problem it is probably doing no good to my amp or woofers. i have to do this sooner than later.

No, it's probably causing harm to your amp and/or subs. When it does that, it's a excess flow of power seeking a way out; if it did not blow out the subs, it would blow a fuse (depending on your wiring and equip) possibly destroy equip faster.

I'd reccomend on jumping on that first thing. Or keep your manuel switch handy, and kill the amp when you know that'll be happening. I just dont wanna see your equip jacked up and have to buy new. (btw if you need a new amp, i've got 6 ) lol.

Yes the W.I.F.E is a very loud audio component. however it seems to have remote power coming from outside the closed circuit line, and despite my best efforts, i cannot remove this device from any of my audio setups. The only thing I've found to counteract the effects of W.I.F.E. are alcoholic and/or car related. It seems that this device cannot be heard over a roaring engine. I recommend a 12pk and some performance tuning

This post has been edited by D-Man: Aug 12, 2008 - 8:05 AM