Audio upgrade with Bluetooth (DIY) planned. looking for opinions and samples...

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Aug 15, 2013 | 11:09 AM

AAWAV

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From: Las Vegas

Audio upgrade with Bluetooth (DIY) planned. looking for opinions and samples...

Got Polk MM651 and RF PBR300x2 for in my SG fairing on the way (coming in today)... yes I am aware of the MM651 issues...

condidering building mounting bracket for RF myself.

Someone got a picture of how to wrap the speakers with polyfill as suggestion by Ultranutz (how to keep the polyfill sit tight around the speaker) or alternatives?
Also found comments on "padding" on the inside of the outer fairing as well, anyone that did those DIY, and if so what material/where to get?

In the extra options, I will do the HD stock radio aux back outlet mod.

Want to run aux hard wire to saddlebag as well as (multiple) 12v power outlet into saddlebag to provide ability to charge phone(s)/Ipod/Bluetooth unit (using usb plug-in).
Currently also determining how to do a nice/tight/save & easy to connect cable connector (12V as well as audio going in) onto saddle bag when I need to take it off (I hate wires hanging around) - any suggestions are welcome.
Probably using Open Aux switch to disconnect 12V power to saddlebag, so I do not have to worry about bluetooth staying on (or manual turning off for that matter)...

I am planning to shoot pics of all steps & materials including where bought & cost, following ultranutz step by step guide... and will combine into 1 guide...

Also shooting video of sound before and after upgrade

Aug 15, 2013 | 12:49 PM

UltraNutZ

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From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAWAV

Got Polk MM651 and RF PBR300x2 for in my SG fairing on the way (coming in today)... yes I am aware of the MM651 issues...

this is a very nice setup.. hopefully you'll have my luck with the MM651. Been using them for 2+ years without issue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAWAV

condidering building mounting bracket for RF myself.

I understand the premise behind a "solid" mount but man to be honest with you it's a whole lot of trouble for something that can easily be achieved with heavy duty velcro and then a large zip tie for backup piece of mind

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAWAV

Someone got a picture of how to wrap the speakers with polyfill as suggestion by Ultranutz (how to keep the polyfill sit tight around the speaker) or alternatives?

the polyfil can be had at walmart in the crafts section. make sure to get the thin layered polyfil roll. You don't want the wadded up kind as it's difficult to work with. Simply cut 3 pieces 12"x12" and tuck it tightly around the speaker into the front of the speaker adpater ring. It will stay put I assure you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAWAV

Also found comments on "padding" on the inside of the outer fairing as well, anyone that did those DIY, and if so what material/where to get?

the foam padding doesn't do what polyfil does for you. You don't need and I highly suggest you don't use both. Foam padding absorbs sound waves. You don't want your sound waves absorbed, you simply want them slightly slowed so as not to return to the cone of the woofer as it's firing backwards therefore cancelling out your bass response.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAWAV

In the extra options, I will do the HD stock radio aux back outlet mod.

doing this yourself or having ironcross do it for you. Doing it yourself is very easy to do. Will take you longer to get the face off the radio than doing the actual mod. Makes for a great "wireless" mod.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAWAV

Want to run aux hard wire to saddlebag as well as (multiple) 12v power outlet into saddlebag to provide ability to charge phone(s)/Ipod/Bluetooth unit (using usb plug-in).

if you want it to be "constant on" then wire it directly to the battery just make sure to fuse appropriately at the battery to protect your electrical system. If you want it to be a "switched on" then there is a spare accessory connector under the seat forward of the battery for tapping into.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAWAV

Currently also determining how to do a nice/tight/save & easy to connect cable connector (12V as well as audio going in) onto saddle bag when I need to take it off (I hate wires hanging around) - any suggestions are welcome.

i use a nylon wire sheathing material in various sizes to hide wires. I myself will never drill holes in a saddlebag lower but I have done it for others without issue and looks good as well as seals very well. Here's a pic of my 16ga. speaker wires going into my saddlebag simply draped over the lip of the bag. Can't even tell it's not stock.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAWAV

Probably using Open Aux switch to disconnect 12V power to saddlebag, so I do not have to worry about bluetooth staying on (or manual turning off for that matter)...

I am planning to shoot pics of all steps & materials including where bought & cost, following ultranutz step by step guide... and will combine into 1 guide...

Also shooting video of sound before and after upgrade

awesome.. let us see how it turns out for you...

Aug 15, 2013 | 02:43 PM

AAWAV

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Joined: Aug 2013

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From: Las Vegas

thanks UltraNutz...

FYI... on the audio before and after I will probably use high end system (read mic - got an SM58 floating around here somewhere; audio only obviously) to record instead of a crappy smartphone (both recordings obviously under the same conditions).

Aug 15, 2013 | 03:40 PM

yzergod

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Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 1,553

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From: Four Corners

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAWAV

Want to run aux hard wire to saddlebag as well as (multiple) 12v power outlet into saddlebag to provide ability to charge phone(s)/Ipod/Bluetooth unit (using usb plug-in).
Currently also determining how to do a nice/tight/save & easy to connect cable connector (12V as well as audio going in) onto saddle bag when I need to take it off (I hate wires hanging around) - any suggestions are welcome.
Probably using Open Aux switch to disconnect 12V power to saddlebag, so I do not have to worry about bluetooth staying on (or manual turning off for that matter)...

They also make one that plugs right into your accessories plug...

Having the original battery charger cable still installed, I picked up a SABEUS-1 so my wife can plug her iPhone in and charge it as well. Works pretty good and I can toss it to a buddy in need during a ride as well. Again, plugging into the charger cable uses another inline fuse.

SABEUS-1

For quick disconnects at the saddle bags, I used some spare deutsch connectors from a softail console. But, your local parts monkey should be able to get you some based on how many wires you want to connect. If not, places like Jegs has them.

Hope this helps!

Last edited by yzergod; Aug 15, 2013 at 10:02 PM.

Aug 15, 2013 | 05:17 PM

UltraNutZ

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Joined: Nov 2007

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From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon

Quote:

Originally Posted by yzergod

OK, finally something I can contribute to!!

I have two...

For a permanent mount I used a "Tapp Lite" waterproof port. This has an inline fuse between the battery and the USB port and is rated at 1 amp for the iPhone. They also make one in a 2 amp if you were wanting to charge an iPad.
http://www.pashnit.com/product/3br/3...p_usb.html#top

They also make one that plugs right into your accessories plug...

Having the original battery charger cable still installed, I picked up a SABEUS-1 so my wife can plug her iPhone in and charge it as well. Works pretty good and I can toss it to a buddy in need during a ride as well. Again, plugging into the charger cable uses another inline fuse.

sweet products and thanks for sharing yzergod.. damn.. something else I need to go buy now.. LOL

Aug 15, 2013 | 05:18 PM

AAWAV

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Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2013

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From: Las Vegas

thanks for the suggestion...

I found similar units for less on ebay (shipping from usa!).

Once I got the bike "open" this weekend I will decide how to go (bluetooth in fairing or under seat or perhaps in saddlebag).
I do want a (usb) charge point in saddlebag (for whater purpose - iPod/Phone/...).

The bluetooth needs usb as well... I also want to have hard line (aux) to the saddlebag in case i want to play my old ipod...

As you can see I want options (you should see my house audio/video options... a little ****... airplay/media servers/bluetooth/hardwired with total of 9!!! amps and 7 computers thru out the house, front/backyard, pool and my man cave aka Garage ... no comments

...)

the bluetooth and hard line will share the stock aux input BTW.

Last edited by AAWAV; Aug 15, 2013 at 05:57 PM.

Aug 15, 2013 | 05:25 PM

UltraNutZ

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 14,670

Likes: 139

From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon

if you're not looking to be able to control the iPod through the head unit/handlebar controls (except for volume of course) then check out Tony and the guys at Iron Cross Audio. They can add an iPod cable to the back of the stock head unit that will also keep your iPhone/iPod charged while playing through the aux circuit of the stock head unit.

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Aug 15, 2013 | 06:02 PM

sl33py

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Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 297

Likes: 1

From: Pacific Northwest

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAWAV

Someone got a picture of how to wrap the speakers with polyfill as suggestion by Ultranutz (how to keep the polyfill sit tight around the speaker) or alternatives?
Also found comments on "padding" on the inside of the outer fairing as well, anyone that did those DIY, and if so what material/where to get?

I thought i had a good pic of mine, but found a decent one of my brothers. I used some zip ties end-to-end to get one long enough to go around and secure the polyfill to the speaker. Loosely. I know it will stay w/o, but felt better having it slightly secured to the speaker.

Doing it a second time w/ my speakers - it was a bit more uniform and looked "prettier"... practice makes perfect.

"padding" on the internal surface of the batwing is not super helpful. You'll find that it can add to the difficulty fitting the batwing back together and several have had to "notch out" portions to get it to fit snug again.

If you still want to do it - check out any of the quality closed cell foam (think neoprene). There are some audio specific ones (Ensolite) that are ever-so-slightly better (for 2-3x the cost of others). I have some for a car install still and can grab a pic if you want. It's foam, black, and squishy neoprene looking (though apparently "better").

To be clear - for something like this to work you use it as a decoupler to keep one vibrating surface from transmitting to another surface... sticking it to your fairing internally is not going to help appreciably. Stick with the Polyfill for actual gains/improvement in sound.

my .02

HTH - GL!

Aug 15, 2013 | 10:09 PM

#10

yzergod

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 1,553

Likes: 36

From: Four Corners

Quote:

Originally Posted by UltraNutZ

sweet products and thanks for sharing yzergod.. damn.. something else I need to go buy now.. LOL

Thanks sensei!!

I have the Tapp Lite routed under my tank to my bars just left of the Road Glide console. That way I can charge my iPhone and throw it in the little glove box while riding AND it is right there for the USB cord to charge my Zumo GPS also!

You can see it in this picture (barely). It is the little black square at where the clutch cable meets the bars. You can also see my empty GPS mount above that. The radar detector sized box on the right side of the dash is my Sirius SV1 that uses a 3.5mm input into the front of the JVC head unit. I too LOVE my electronics hoo-haa!!