True to its purpose, a car serves as an investment to most people. With this, one of the most significant parts of a car is its amplifier that comprises the audio set-up. Of course, a car owner looks for an amplifier that does its job well of strengthening the car’s audio sign. However, some owners are still new in discovering how to turn on amplifiers without remote wire.
Table of Contents
What Is a Remote Wire?
The remote wire is also known as a turn-on wire, which is a blue wire with a white stripe beneath the head unit that connects the stereo with the amplifier. It is tasked to inform the amplifier to turn on whenever the head unit is on. Without the turn-on wire or remote wire, it would take time for owners to turn amplifiers on, which is an essential step to not drain the battery of the vehicle. Even if the amplifiers are strong enough to turn on, it is still best to consider having a remote wire to avoid some major problems.
How to Turn on Amplifiers without Remote Wire
There are various ways to turn on amplifiers without a remote wire. Listed below are some of them.
High-Low Adaptor
Using a high-low adaptor with a trigger (also known as a line output converter) is the simplest way to turn on the amplifier without a remote wire. You can also either use a wire to plug it into the cigarette lighter only if the cigarette lighter is turned on and off by the ignition key or you can connect the amplifier to the ignition switch.
When the adaptor senses that the head unit is turned on, it will provide a remote output to trigger and turn the amplifier on and when it detects an inactive signal. It will automatically switch off the trigger as well. Its main purpose is to convert high-level signals to lower frequencies to accommodate aftermarket amplifiers.
Fuse Box
Another method is using the Fuse Box to turn the signal on which is considered as one of the best ways to deal with an amplifier without remote wire. Using a multimeter, a low-current wire can successfully be connected to a fuse box or any fused output terminal like that of the radio. With this, it is assured that the fuse only receives power when they switch the ignition on. The first step is to get the accurate wire, which is ideally a size 18-gauge wire.
Remote Turn-On Module
You can also use a remote turn-on module or trigger. A turn-on module is a small inexpensive device, yet does a good job of sending a signal to the amplifier. As soon as it is installed, it sends a +12-signal voltage to the remote wire after sensing the electricity on the head unit’s speaker wires.
Ignition Key
An ignition key can be used if it has a source that switches it on and off. This voltage source is part of the vehicle’s electrical system. The first step is to make sure that the source only turns on when the ignition is in the accessory or position before tapping and connecting the wire to it.
Lastly, use a switch and wire the remote turn-on to it, a manual method by the switch to control the amplifier. First, connect a switch with a steady power and ground wire, and then connect the switch’s output to the amplifier’s remote turn-on switch. However, this may seem to be exhausting for the battery because it will keep on doing its job even when the electrical system is not charging, especially when you forget to turn it off.
Conclusion
The remote wire is essential in turning amplifiers on, but even without it, you can successfully turn the amp on through various yet effective methods. Notice how most of the methods send out +12 electricity or volts for everything to work out. Vehicle care is important, and it includes caring for its parts and systems. Here’s to stronger and more efficient use of your vehicle audio system.
FAQs
Can I use speaker wires as a substitute for remote wires?
Yes. Any copper metal can be used effectively as a remote wire and since a speaker wire is a copper wire, then it can act as a substitute for it.
What can be a substitute for wire cutters?
Sharp scissors, knife, or hammer will do the trick. However, more pressure is required to make sure that everything is connected properly in the vehicle’s electrical system.
What will I do if my amplifier fails to power on at all?
First is to make sure that the remote and power wires are turned on before checking for inline fuses. Then, confirm that everything is properly connected and installed — no loose or shortened wires.
