Amp Install Done! Sorta
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,656
Likes: 8,261
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Amp Install Done! Sorta
First a big thank you to Ultranutz, setting up my gain with a DMM was a piece of cake. I installed an Elf Amp with Hogtune Speakers and Hawg Wired Tweeters. When I turned it on with the fairing off, I was disappointed, but when I put the fairing back on it was a big improvement.
Ultranutz, I left the switch for LPF...ALL...HPF, in the All position, HPF sounded no different, and LPF was like a terrible woofer. As far as Bass Boost, 0db...9db...18db, I set it at 9db. The two adjusters for LPF and HPF made no difference to me in sound, so I set them in the middle.
Only problem is I lost my FM reception. Under my tank sitting on top of the frame is a molded plastic wiring conduit. It looks like the letter "Y" upside down, all the wiring, and there is a LOT goes through there.
The antenna cable runs up the left leg then crosses over to the right side after the two legs merge. I ran my power and ground from the battery up the right side leg, so after the merge it was basically in the same run as the antenna cable.
I know they talk about keeping one of the wires, I don't remember if it's power or ground away from the antenna cable. I'm thinking I might have to unplug the antenna cable from the HU, pull it back to where it changes sides and run it by itself up the left side if it has to be away from the power wire. If it's the ground, then I'll cut it and connect it to the neck.
Jim
Ultranutz, I left the switch for LPF...ALL...HPF, in the All position, HPF sounded no different, and LPF was like a terrible woofer. As far as Bass Boost, 0db...9db...18db, I set it at 9db. The two adjusters for LPF and HPF made no difference to me in sound, so I set them in the middle.
Only problem is I lost my FM reception. Under my tank sitting on top of the frame is a molded plastic wiring conduit. It looks like the letter "Y" upside down, all the wiring, and there is a LOT goes through there.
The antenna cable runs up the left leg then crosses over to the right side after the two legs merge. I ran my power and ground from the battery up the right side leg, so after the merge it was basically in the same run as the antenna cable.
I know they talk about keeping one of the wires, I don't remember if it's power or ground away from the antenna cable. I'm thinking I might have to unplug the antenna cable from the HU, pull it back to where it changes sides and run it by itself up the left side if it has to be away from the power wire. If it's the ground, then I'll cut it and connect it to the neck.
Jim
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
I don't think running the antenna wire anywhere different is going to help as the interference is being generated from the amp itself. You can try the trick of the ferrite cores and wrapping your power and ground wires through it. Look in the SS and FM Interference thread..
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,656
Likes: 8,261
From: Ottawa, Ontario
No FM Reception
Kinda makes the OEM audio system with the Boom Audio upgrade look a lot easier and trouble free.
Anyway, I read the thread on Ferrite cores, still sounds kind of hit and miss. I have an idea. My remote wire is connected to the headlight. I'm wondering if I make my remote wire/amp switchable by controlling it with the Accessory rocker switch so I can shut off the amp, would I still be able to hear sound?
This way I could listen to the radio when I wanted to, but use the amp for my tunes.
I doubt it, sounds too easy of a solution.
Jim
Anyway, I read the thread on Ferrite cores, still sounds kind of hit and miss. I have an idea. My remote wire is connected to the headlight. I'm wondering if I make my remote wire/amp switchable by controlling it with the Accessory rocker switch so I can shut off the amp, would I still be able to hear sound?
This way I could listen to the radio when I wanted to, but use the amp for my tunes.
I doubt it, sounds too easy of a solution.
Jim
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
yeah i don't think will solve anything either Jim.. sorry man... and not to bask in your FM sorrows but glad to see ANOTHER brand added to the list. Folks come here bashing the SS amps but in reality it's nothing to do with the manufacturer's name but the technology of Class D amps itself.
Even BT, HT, HW, among many others are having these issues. John @ J&M swears his small class D amp doesn't cause FM interference and that just may be the case (since it's an ARC amp) but I'm not going to pay for one to "try" it out and see. If John want's to send me one I'll be glad to put it through it's paces... And if it doesn't it'll be the first that I know that does not cause the interference issues.
Even BT, HT, HW, among many others are having these issues. John @ J&M swears his small class D amp doesn't cause FM interference and that just may be the case (since it's an ARC amp) but I'm not going to pay for one to "try" it out and see. If John want's to send me one I'll be glad to put it through it's paces... And if it doesn't it'll be the first that I know that does not cause the interference issues.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,656
Likes: 8,261
From: Ottawa, Ontario
[quote=roussfam;11561886]
Only problem is I lost my FM reception.
Hang on a sec...I was just out in the garage...last night I tried everything out, with the fairing off...sounded like crap...and FM was all static....I installed the fairing and was amazed at the sound but I never did try the FM again even though I took the bike to work (75 mile round trip).
Well I just went outside and tried FM, and it works??? Beats me. I'll have a better idea on the quality of reception when I go to work tomorrow. I'll let you know if it's the same or worse.
Jim
Only problem is I lost my FM reception.
Hang on a sec...I was just out in the garage...last night I tried everything out, with the fairing off...sounded like crap...and FM was all static....I installed the fairing and was amazed at the sound but I never did try the FM again even though I took the bike to work (75 mile round trip).
Well I just went outside and tried FM, and it works??? Beats me. I'll have a better idea on the quality of reception when I go to work tomorrow. I'll let you know if it's the same or worse.
Jim
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: McKinney, Texas
Ah yes, you will get times of nice reception, but wait until you hit the throttle, or turn left, or a cloud goes by, and the interference returns...... It is aggravating... and if your experience with ferrites is like mine, you will get generally lower volume and slightly better sound, but not much... but your cd and aux sound will be very nice indeed...
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,656
Likes: 8,261
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Turk05 you're right. I can still get my strong station but the rest are pretty well hit and miss.
Geez a guy tries to do as much research as he can before he makes the leap, then he finds out the bad side after.
I wish there had been a warning posted, something like....WARNING IF YOU INSTALL A CLASS D AMP THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT YOU WILL LOSE THE USE OF YOUR FM RADIO...my advice now, to anyone that wants a little more, just go with the Boom package from HD. It's designed for your bike and you know it's going to work fine. (please don't flame me) I'm only pointing out a surefire, no worry option. I know you can put together a better aftermarket system but I'm starting to think my fairing should have came with velcro fasteners I've had it off so often.
Jim
Geez a guy tries to do as much research as he can before he makes the leap, then he finds out the bad side after.
I wish there had been a warning posted, something like....WARNING IF YOU INSTALL A CLASS D AMP THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT YOU WILL LOSE THE USE OF YOUR FM RADIO...my advice now, to anyone that wants a little more, just go with the Boom package from HD. It's designed for your bike and you know it's going to work fine. (please don't flame me) I'm only pointing out a surefire, no worry option. I know you can put together a better aftermarket system but I'm starting to think my fairing should have came with velcro fasteners I've had it off so often.
Jim
Last edited by UltraNutZ; Jul 26, 2013 at 04:19 PM.
Trending Topics
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
I wish there had been a warning posted, something like....WARNING IF YOU INSTALL A CLASS D AMP THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT YOU WILL LOSE THE USE OF YOUR FM RADIO...my advice now, to anyone that wants a little more, just go with the Boom package from HD. It's designed for your bike and you know it's going to work fine. (please don't flame me) I'm only pointing out a surefire, no worry option. I know you can put together a better aftermarket system but I'm starting to think my fairing should have came with velcro fasteners I've had it off so often.
Jim
Jim
Class D AMPS and FM reception issues
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 558
Likes: 2
From: Richardson, Tx
