A few questions about changing to an aftermarket system?

[alpha]

I have a few questions regarding the stereo system for a 4th gen.
I've been thinking of getting an aftermarket system. It probably won't be anytime soon, but sometime in the future, maybe in the next year. So I'm starting to do some research on what type of system I want to put together, and which head unit I want, amps, etc. etc..

Anyways, for the questions:

1. I have read on here that there is an antenna connection that got power from the stock h/u, but needs to be powered if an aftermarket h/u is installed; however, it was in the thread about the Camry NAV being installed. Does this apply to aftermarket h/u's or just NAV systems? Would you also have to power it with a 12V source if you aren't installing NAV?

2. If you do have to power it, how did you guys power it? Did you just connect it to a wire that is a key-on source? Or did you connect it straight to the battery? And if you went with it straight to the battery, did you fuse that wire? And if so, what amp fuse did you use? Also, what guage wire (24awg, 22 awg, ...) ? And if it is connected straight to the battery, does it continue to draw power while the stereo is off?

3. If you have an amp installed, did you mount it under the seat? I'm thinking of that as a possible location, or building some kind of custom build. I'm thinking of possibly adding a sub, so something similar to the JL box that goes around the rear right wheel well. I looked under the seat, and saw that it wouldn't be mounted evenly, and there are two black openings there. What are those openings for? And is it advised to cover with something like an amp? Due to that, I'm leaning more towards installing the amps on the custom enclosure. I don't want to place them on the back of the rear seats, as to still be able to lay something flat down across the cargo area with no worry about damaging the amps. If you could state where you chose to mount the amp(s) and why you chose that location, it would be helpful.

4. For amp installations, where did you run the power cable? I know it is dependent on location; however, I'm probably more looking towards having the amps in the rear right of the cargo area. I'm looking for the best side to run the power cable as to prevent the most interference. I'll probably run the RCA's in the middle, so I'm wondering if it would be best to run the power cable on the driver's side or the passenger's side? It looks more like the driver's side since the battery is on the driver's side. I'll run it through the firewall on the driver's side, but wondering if it's best to go from the front of the cabin to the back on which side.

Thanks.

- alpha

 

[alpha]

Oh, another question..

Considering a lot of head units are single din, what's the possibility of an ISO mount? Considering that something may be fabricated to cover the rest. In your experience, have you found the toyota brackets to allow for an ISO mount?

Thanks.

- alpha

 

[rando]

1. Yes, you need to power the antenna amplifier with +12v.

2. I wired it to ACC since my system is based on a CarPC and no longer has a head unit. If you put in an aftermarket headunit or navigation system, you would wire it to the power antenna output or amplifier turn-on signal of your head unit.

If you hook it strait to the battery it will be on all the time and your battery will likely drain!

3. I have an amplifier and installed it undert the passenger seat. It doesn't mount evenly and sits on top of the hvac ducts (the two little black things). Obviously this restricts the airflow to the rear right passenger foot area but otherwise isn't a problem for the 4runner. It may be a problem for the amp as it might cause it to overheat or collect condensation. So far, it's been working just fine. Since I'm using the factory speakers, I never turn the volume super loud and the amp never really even gets hot. I suspect it will be fine even with the heater on.

A cleaner way to use this area would be to remove or reroute the duct. It's quite easy to remove the final segment of the duct. In that case you'd probably need to block it off. I never really looked at a good way to reroute it, but I'm sure a custom fab shop could do it.

I chose this location because I didn't want to see the amplfier and it wouldn't fit in the rear right cubby. Also, the rear right cubby is where I put my CarPC (though the amp wouldn't have fit in there anyways unless I removed the oem shelf).

4. My power cable runs through the factory grommet in the firewall, down the drivers side, and under the second row. I put a distribution block under the 2nd row also. I can get to the fuses by simply lifting the 2nd row seat bottom. From there power goes back to the rear right cubby AND up under the passenger seat. I don't have an issue with RCAs and noise because I use a USB connection back up to a USB sound card located next to the amp. I then run very short RCAs (inches).

5. ?

Good luck.

 

[alpha]

Thanks for the info. It definitely helps with planning out where to install, and how much of the interior needs to be taken out.

Another question, has anyone sound deadened the interior with Dynamat or something similar? Do you think it is worth it? What product did you use, how much did you sound deaden, and about how much did that cost you?

Thanks again.

- alpha

 

[steve5300]

All I did to turn on the amplified antenna is hook up the power antenna wire and all my raido stations came in crystal clear thats it.