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TheMobileElectronicsCertifiedProfessional(MECP)programisownedandoperated
bytheConsumerElectronicsAssociation(CEA).Theprogramstartedin1991and
servesastheonlyindustrywideautomotiveelectronicscertificationsprograminthe
world.Sinceitsfounding,MECPhascertifiedover40,000professionalsandcurrently
boastsover3,900activecertifications.MECPcertifiedprofessionalscanbefoundininstallationbays,retail
outlets,andwithelectronicsmanufacturersthroughouttheUnitedStatesandaroundtheworld.
LevelsofMECPCertification
BasicInstallationTechnician:TheMECPBasiclevelismeantasanapprenticelevelcertificationfor
thosethathavelimitedornoexperienceintheautomotiveelectronicsindustry.Theintentofthis
certificationistodemonstrateacandidate'sabilitytounderstandthefundamentalsrequiredonthejob.
Itisexpectedthattheindividualwillfollowtheexambygainingonthejobexperienceandchallenge
themselvestomoveontothenextlevel.Thiscertificationisvalidfortwo(2)years.
AdvancedInstallationTechnician:TheMECPAdvancedlevelisintendedfortechnicianswhohaveat
leastoneyearofonthejobprofessionalexperienceinautomotiveelectronics.Thiscertificationlevel
coversagreaterdepthofelectronicsandvehicleelectricalsystems,installationknowledgeand
technique,mobileaudioandvideosystems,securityandremotestarters,invehicleinformation
systems,troubleshootinginstallationsandmore.Thiscertificationisvalidforfour(4)years.
MasterInstallationTechnician:TheMECPMasterlevelismeanttodistinguishthebestofthebestin
automotiveelectronics.Thislevelrequiresthreeyearsofonthejobexperienceandcoversthe
electricalandtroubleshootingaspectsofthediscipline,includingMasterleveltroubleshooting,audio,
electroniccomponents,OEMaudioandvideointegration,security/remotestart,wireless
communicationswithmoderntechnologies,andvehicleelectricalsystems.Thiscertificationisvalidfor
four(4)years.
MobileProductSpecialist(MPS):TheMECPMobileProductSpecialist(MPS)Certificationisforsales
professionalsintheindustry.Thepurposeofthiscertificationistohelpsalespeopleandinstallation
techniciansseeeyetoeyeonmanytechnicalissues.Thiscertificationisintendedtoempowerthesales
peoplewhogobeyondtheactof"sellingboxes"tounderstandsystemdesign,someverybasicelectrical
concepts,audio,video,security,remotestarters,and
navigation,aswellasidentifyingwhatcustomersare
Guide
Prometric Proctored
Level
tellingthem.Thiscertificationisvalidforfour(4)
Cost
TestCost TestCost
years.
Basic
$35
$85
$60
Advanced
$55
$105
$80
Master
$75
$125
$100
MECPTesting
MPS
$35
$85
$60
Foreachlevelofcertification,thereisacorrespondingstudy
guideandexam.Techniciansareencouragedtopurchasea
studyguideasthisisthemosteffectivewaytostudyforand
passanexam.PassingtheMECPexamwithascoreof70orbetteroneachsectionisrequiredtoachieve
certification.TherearetwowaystotakeanMECPexam.Technicianscanmakeanappointmentatanyoneof
thousandsofPrometrictestingcentersthroughouttheUS.Techniciansalsohavetheoptionofarrangingfora
proctoredtestatanindustrytrainingschool,publiclibraryorsimilarlocation.Testtakerswishingtotakea
proctoredtestshouldcontactmecp@mecp.comformoreinformation.MECPtestsare100%supervisedand
computerbased.
ContactMECP
AnyquestionsaboutMECPshouldbeemailedtomecp@mecp.com.Answerstomanybasicquestionscanbe
foundonourwebsiteatwww.mecp.com.
StudyGuideSamplePages
BasicInstallationTechnicianStudyGuide
Table of contents
Introduction
Table of contents
Margin Notes
Floor/Center Console..........................................................317
Running any 120VAC Devices............................................317
Wireless Headphones..........................................................318
Troubleshooting Common Mobile Audio System Installation Problems................. 320
Identifying and Troubleshooting Audio System Noise.....................320
System Noises.....................................................................320
Limited Bass Response........................................................320
Enclosure Construction.......................................................321
Polarity Conflicts................................................................321
Position of subwoofer vs. other speakers............................321
Power Problems..................................................................323
Distortion at High Volumes................................................324
Clipping..............................................................................324
Voltage Drops.....................................................................326
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Table of Contents
Margin Notes
Broadcast Entertainment..................................................................387
In-Band On-Channel (IBOC) Digital AM/FM Radio............387
Satellite Radio.....................................................................389
Introduction to Bluetooth Hands Free Communication..................401
Bluetooth Basics..................................................................401
Bluetooth Hands Free Communication Devices and Installation.....406
Hands Free Capability and Installation Kits........................406
Introduction to Navigation and Safety Related Systems...................412
How the GPS Satellites Work..............................................412
How and Where to Place GPS Navigation Antenna.............413
Rear View Camera Systems.................................................414
Reverse Sensor Systems.......................................................417
How to identify a reverse trigger input...............................418
Front View Camera Systems...............................................418
Sample Test Questions for Chapter 5..............................................420
Glossary of Terms................................................................................424
APPENDIX...................................................................................................462
RESOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL READING. ................................................467
Acknowledgements, Trademarks, etc...........................................468
index..........................................................................................................471
even caller ID functionality. Instead of just talking and listening, the HFP allows
more control and access to the phone.
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403
Margin Notes
of enclosures. Some are better suited for one environment or the other. Its always
best to contact the manufacturer or read technical support resources to see whats
recommended for any particular subwoofer.
The sealed enclosure is also referred to as air-suspension or acoustic-suspension. The sealed box is the easiest type of subwoofer enclosure to design and
build, which makes this a good all around design if the subwoofer is suited for a
sealed enclosure environment. The idea behind a sealed enclosure design is that
the air trapped inside the box will work to assist the speakers suspension, which
gives us the term air-suspension. As the speaker moves outward, the air behind
it is pulled with it, creating a decrease in pressure inside the box. This acts like a
vacuum and pulls the speaker back inward. Similarly, when the speaker moves
in, the air that is compressed pushes out on the speaker. Logically, the more the
speaker moves in or out, the greater these forces are. If the speaker were designed
with a loose suspension and a long excursion, the sealed enclosure would provide
smooth bass response, since the stiffer air pressure within the enclosure would
control speaker excursions.
n
Benefits of Sealed Enclosure Designs Box volume is small in comparison to other enclosure types. Good output for all music types. Easy
to build and tolerant of small errors in calculation of volume or if you
forget to subtract volume for a brace, etc. Many well built pre-fabricated
sealed enclosures available offer good results.
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212
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Floors should be swept as often as possible. Stray screws can easily find
their way into tires and cause tire problems. The last thing you want is to
be responsible for a customers flat tire (particularly with the high cost of
some high end performance tires).
Boxes that equipment came in should be put in the owners car or properly recycled.
A heavy-duty shop vacuum is essential for cleaning up the floor and the
vehicles carpets, particularly with small bits of wire or insulation that
inevitably end up on the floor carpet.
Whenever possible, do wood working or any other fabrication in a separate, ventilated area so unnecessary dust is not settling on the vehicle.
Everyone has habits. Some of them are good and some of them are not so good.
MECP best practices are about establishing good habits in the shop that can save
time and money as well as assuring a positive customer experience. MECP installation technicians should exemplify professionalism in everything they do.
Before Beginning the Install
The installation process actually begins long before a vehicle enters the shop. It is
a cooperative effort between the sales staff as well as the installation staff. The process begins when a consumer enters the store. Before attempting to sell anything,
the MECP certified sales associate should check their database to learn everything
necessary about the customers vehicle (see the next paragraph for details). The
associate should know about vehicle wiring specifications, interface issues, and
anything that may require additional parts, labor, or other considerations before
attempting to sell a customer anything. Depending on the shops policies, the
140
for security and remote starter interface applications, you will often find that 5%
or even 1% tolerances are recommended to avoid intermittent circuit behavior
caused by out of range values.
Margin Notes
Figure 34. The resistor color code chart indicates the resistance and tolerance of 2 watt or
smaller carbon resistors
Since resistors almost always open (break the circuit) when they go bad, troubleshooting resistive problems is pretty straight forward. An open resistor in a series
circuit will stop current from flowing in the circuit. An open resistor in a parallel
circuit will increase the circuit resistance and decrease the total current.
Schematically, a resistor is represented by zig-zag lines that straighten out at either
end. When there are multiple resistors in a circuit, they are assigned the letter R with
a subscript number (such as R1, R2, R3, etc.) just like the characteristic of resistance.
While the resistor schematic represents a specific component, resistance that does
not come from a resistor can appear in the circuit path from things like poor
connections, corrosion, etc., that should not be there under normal operational
circumstances. In some cases for problem solving, the symbol for the resistor may
71
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charge).
n
Ions ARE atoms except they are atoms with either extra electrons or
missing electrons.
An ion will exhibit the charge of the parts that are greater (positive if
more protons, negative if more electrons).
Valence electrons are easiest to break away and change the charge of the
atom left behind. These are called free electrons.
When negatively charged electrons move to the next ion with an open
spot that the previous electron left behind, this is how electricity begins
to move in a circuit. This gets repeated over and over.
Figure 2. Electrons moving from one atom to another is how electricity moves in a circuit.
Electricity simply means electrons moving. Once you have that basic idea down,
youre one step closer to understanding the puzzle in electrical circuit behavior.
At this point its really just the details of what terms describe how the circuit
performs and moves electrons in a path from beginning to end. Electrons moving are really what electrical circuits are all about. When, how, how much, and
why those electrons move or dont move is all part of this chapter. Sounds a little
complicated at first, but really its not.
37
AdvancedInstallationTechnicianStudyGuide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HEADLINE
Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 13
Contacting MECP .................................................................................................................... 36
CHAPTER 1 ADVANCED ELECTRONICS AND VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
CHAPTER
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
10
CHAPTER
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
11
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Amplifier
6. What is the nominal impedance of the subwoofers shown as they are wired
to the amplifier?
a. 1 ohm
b. 2 ohms
Load
c. 4 ohms
at the
Amplifier?
d. 8 ohms
BRIDGED
Left +
(+)
(-)
2 Ohm
Left -
Right + Right -
(+)
(-)
2 Ohm
574
in different ways for different applications. For example, a four-channel amplifier can have two channels bridged while the remaining two channels operate in
stereo. This creates a three-channel system. A six-channel amplifier can have two
channels bridged while the remaining four operate in stereo. You can accomplish
any number of combinations with multi-channel amps. For example, you can use
a four-channel amp in three-channel mode, where the low pass crossover sends
bass to the mono channel for subwoofer input, while the remaining stereo signal
drives a pair of components in the doors in a high pass mode.
Margin Notes
Bridging Channels
Two main factors limit the output power in a common two-channel mobile audio
power amplifier:
Q The impedance of the speaker(s) connected to the amplifier
Q The internal power supply voltage
An amplifiers bridging
capabilities depend upon
the load impedance
connected to the output
terminals and internal
power supply voltage.
467
way the audio system will maintain a better quality of sound over the entire range
of useable volume.
Margin Notes
The other concern is that with increases in the gain overlap, a more notable
hiss to the system becomes noticeable with the volume all the way down. Its
best to limit any gain overlap to 10dB or less for this reason. MECP recommends
+5-6dB of overlap on amplifiers connected to mid/tweeter components (only
if needed) and not more than +10dB of overlap on subwoofer amplifiers.
If the mid/tweeter component amplifiers are already powerful and dont really
need added gain, the benefit to you is that leaving the adjustments at 0dB with
no overlap will keep any amplifier hiss (also called floor noise) to an absolute
minimum. Keeping a very low noise floor with a high dynamic range is why some
mobile audio systems use a bigger amplifier on mid/high speakers, but leave the
extra power in reserve for when the music demands those big peaks of power.
Amplifier Mounting Location
Choosing an amplifier mounting location has many more variables than simply
where it will fit and look good. Amplifiers in modern vehicles must be able to
adequately dissipate heat while maintaining a safe distance from sensitive electrical system components. In addition, amplifiers must be placed out of harms way
so that the heat sink is not covered by packages in a trunk or the electronics are
not damaged by an accidental spill.
Avoid mounting amplifiers upside-down because the heat transferred into the
heat sink has no way to dissipate. When mounted upside down, the convection
process of heat sink thermal management only keeps the heat sink running hotter. If you must mount an amplifier upside-down, consider adding a fan and do
not run heat inducing loads like 2, 1, or ohm loads. Keep it at 4 ohms and
the amplifier will have fewer thermal problems overall, especially when mounted
upside down.
Another mounting orientation to avoid is mounting amplifiers directly to a subwoofer enclosure. The excessive panel vibration produced by low frequency
information may vibrate critical solder joints on the circuit board loose. Additionally, excessive external vibration can also cause a power supply oscillation.
One general consideration for any amplifier placement is that routinely warm
(even hot) climates often generate temperatures in excess of 130F in the trunk
area of the vehicle. Most amplifiers have a thermal protection circuit that shuts
the amplifier down at 170-180F, which is a relatively small range considering
the way some amplifiers are continually required to pound out hours of sound.
CHAPTER 2. ADVANCED INSTALLATION KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUE
371
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Examples of Air Core and Iron Core inductors as well as a ring shaped toroidally
wound iron core inductor.
88
Margin Notes
Example 1
Suppose you have a single resistor with a measured value of 8 Ohms (R = 8), and
you measure the amount of current that flows through the resistor at 2 amperes
(I = 2). What is the voltage supply in that circuit? Simply apply Ohms Law:
To find Voltage, simply cover it up and do the math of the remaining parameters.
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
R=8
I=2
Cover up the parameter E in the Ohms Law T-I-R-E chart.
Whats left is current and resistance so youll multiply those.
E=IxR
E=2x8
E = 16 Volts supplied in that circuit
51
MasterInstallationTechnicianStudyGuide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
CHAPTER 1: VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Advanced Electronic Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Zener Diodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Current Limitations of Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Bipolar PNP and NPN Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
JFETs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
MOSFETs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Operational Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ICs in Headunits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Logic Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The AND Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The OR Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The NOT Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The NAND Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The NOR Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The XOR Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The XNOR Gate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Switching Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Data Bus Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Serial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Electronic Control Units and Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
OBD-II (the most basic of data bus communications) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
OBD Scan and Diagnostic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
OBD-Compliant Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Overview of Multimedia and Control Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
What is this type of network and why is it there? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
In what vehicles or applications are networks found? . . . . . . . . . . 29
What types of network messages are there? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
How can you identify the network (visually, electrically
and operationally)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
What areas or OEM components of the vehicle are affected?. . . . . 31
How does this change my installation process or how
does it affect my job? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
What are some things NOT to worry about? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
What are some of the things TO worry about? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Whatif anythingis an aftermarket solution or approach? . . . . 34
ANSI/CEA-2012-A Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Hybrid Gas-Electric Vehicle Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
High-Voltage System Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Integrated Starter Alternator (ISA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Regulatory Groups and Rules Affecting Mobile CE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) . . . . . 285
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) . . . . . . 287
Wireless Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Headset Profile (HP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Hands-Free Profile (HFP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Object Push Profile (OPP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
WWAN, WiMax, and other Network Access Solutions . . . . . . . . 294
Telematic Systems Using Wireless Communications . . . . . . . . . . 295
Vehicle Infrastructure Integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
TABLE OF CONTENTS
xi
Margin Notes
Beta or H
FE
is the gain of
the transistor
Margin Notes
A serial data stream contains bits that each hold a specific place in the data
stream. Bits can represent a message being sent or even a separation (pause)
between messages. These bits are being sent at precise time intervals. The
speed at which bits are transmitted is known as baud rate. The digital messages are sent one after the other in a single direction. In order for electronic
control module number two to understand the signal from electronic control
module number one, they must be synchronized with an internal clock,
which is based on the prescribed baud rate.
It is also possible for two computers to send and receive on the same conductor (or group of conductors). The very basis of a network using control
modules in modern vehicles is multi-tasking electrical signals over a common conductor path. This is often called multiplexing in electrical terms,
but the implementation and evolution in vehicle electrical systems has
changed dramatically.
Synchronous refers to data signals that are constant, meaning the signal
never stops as long as the computers are active. Asynchronous refers to
signals that are sent only when necessary, meaning they are NOT constant.
The computer that sends messages includes start and stop codes with the
asynchronous signal so that the computer that receives the data can correctly
interpret the information and understand when the message is finished.
These are often called start of frame (SOF) and end of frame (EOF) identifiers. In data bus systems that transmit asynchronous data, there is usually
another section of the messages that contains a section called arbitration.
This means that when two or more messages are sent and arrive at a particular destination at the same time, one must always win as a matter of priority.
For instance if an ABS brake signal and an oil level warning signal arrived at
a computer at the same time, the ABS brake signal would take priority.
20
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Vacuum forming allows consistent production of larger panels in which flexible plastics are used. This is an ideal process for door and side panel parts,
as well as other large dimension interior panels. Such parts create greater
challenges in integrating aftermarket mobile electronics products because of
the type of material used, the color and the texture. All of these points must
be considered in an integration job.
PUR (polyurethane)
UP (polyester thermoset)
67
Margin Notes
Figure 34a.
This is the
setup for the
Hall Effect
current clamp.
Figure 34b. Step 8 is a reference charging current measurement with no accessory loads
done at 2000 RPM. Remember
1mV on the meter equals 1A
measured at the Hall Effect
Clamp jaw.
C. With hands and test leads clear of any obstructions, start the motor.
D. All accessories should be off.
E. Advance engine speed to 2000 rpm.
F. Read and record the DC current measurement. If your measurement
reads out in negative numbers (e.g., 22 instead of 22), you simply
have the clamp placed backward on the wire. Reverse it if you wish to
confirm the measurement.
Note: Record the highest measurement you see, but leaving the MAX
function off allows you to see how frequently that measurement holds. This
is because the loads on the alternator are dynamic.
Current: No Load, No Accessories, Car RUNNING (2000 rpm) ___________
Step 9
89
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Figure 38. Adhesive sheet damping materials on the inside skin and outer skin are important
for controlling any unwanted resonances.
that the speaker fires parallel to the windshield and is located as close to it as
possible, then reflections can be minimized or eliminated.
Some reflections in a car will be unavoidable. No car audio system will ever
be able to control all reflected energy because reflected energy is what human
hearing systems cue on to determine the sense of space in which we are listening. Therefore, its a good idea to experiment with controlling reflections
that occur close to the speakersor close to our earsthat can have negative effects on the overall soundstage, imaging and frequency response.
A good technique for controlling reflections off of surfaces like the side
windows and windshield is to attenuate the energy from the speaker acoustically pointed toward that surface before it can reach the offending reflective
surface. For example, the direct sound from the speaker is the desired sound,
the sound you want. If the speakers in the right kick panel have a direct path
to the listeners right ear, that is good. However, if the sound from the right
speakers can also travel directly to the left side window, and be reflected back
to the listener, that can cause problems. Since it is not possible to place
absorptive material on the left side window, why not place foam material
between the right side speaker and the left side window? Place the foam so
that it does not affect the direct path to the listener, but does attenuate the
path toward the left side window.
Another technique for controlling reflections is to re-orient panels in the
vehicle to direct reflected energy to areas where it will not affect the desired
sound. An example might be a reflection off of the center console from the
kick panel-mounted speakers. The console panels could be reconstructed so
that the reflection is directed elsewhere, preferably into an absorptive panel.
An absorptive materials effectiveness at controlling a reflection depends on
its density, surface type and thickness. The lower the frequency of the reflec-
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Many of the latest OEM integration devices that are intended to allow adding
an aftermarket amplifier on to the OEM headunit offer one or more auxiliary
inputs. This is an excellent option for sound quality and to gain the benefits
of that particular device, whether it is equalization, signal buffering or something else. However, the drawback is that there must be an external volume
control to be able to vary the signal so it can closely match the signal levels
of the OEM system inputs. This can be the volume control on the carry-in
device itself, or a separately installed volume knob elsewhere in reach of the
user. Typically in this scenario, the user would set the level of the connected
portable device(s) as well as the OEM headunit, and use a single volume
control for the volume function on all the sources.
CUSTOM MODIFICATIONS
Some vehicles can simply use a changer cable that is interrupted via solidstate switching to allow input as if the audio were coming from a changer,
but still maintain the changer communication loop. Other, more intense
modifications take place inside the unit, which may reside in the dash or
even in a hidden location for a tuner or factory amplifier. The modification
usually involves using an audio source input that already exists (such as the
weather band tuner in BMWs) and making modifications. That gives the
installation technician a set of full-range, preamp-level analog inputs. Again,
this is a case-by-case basis and is the audio equivalent of the engine tuners
modifying ECUs in modern street-racing cars.
ADDING A HEADUNIT TO AN OEM AMPLIFIER
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255