Remote Wire - amp turn on

[jay_marx]

I have two amps in my 04. Both running from the remote wire off the aftermarket radio. With the sub amp plugged in, my radio reception sux! as soon as I pull the remote from that amp, reception works.

SO, any recommendation on where to get a second remote wire for the second amp? Or any idea how to fix this?

 

[Liq]

All I can think of is the power antenna and remote turn on wires coming from the head unit share the same feed, and when you turn on the second amp it draws too much current thus killing the power antenna. What head unit are you using?

A solution would be to use a relay to supply power to the 2 amps, using the head units remote turn on lead as a trigger. If you are unfamiliar with relays,
All About Relays
explains the basics.
for your application:

all common relays have the same terminal reference designators

30 = a source of constant or ignition based 12V (you could use a piece of 18 gauge wire coming from the large gauge power wire input to the amp for example)
85 = ground this terminal to the chassis
86 = connect the remote turn on lead from the amp to this terminal
87 = run 2 wires from this terminal to your amps remote turn on
87a = unused (cap it to prevent it from accidentally getting grounded)

 

[riceandpho]

Relay Diagrams - Weak Positive Output to High Current Positive Output

 

[jay_marx]

Interesting answer, never thought about using a relay. I've never used one before, but with your diagram it totally makes sense. Would that be better then running another remote turn on for a second amp?

I'm using and Eclipse 726E as the headunit...

 

[Liq]

Running a second wire wouldn't help your problem due to the fact that they would still be coming from the same source. When you use a relay you are taking power from another source and just using the remote turn on wire from the head unit to "switch" on the power.

 

[haganwalker]

try the 12 volt plug in the rear quarter panel of your 4runner. you can use the hot on that to make your amp come on when the key is turned on. maybe that'll help!

 

[subst4nce]

Do you have a Class D amp? Class D amplifiers interfere with an FM signal IIRC.