Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega Electrical and Audio Help => Topic started by: lee4206 on 04 February 2008, 22:47:28

Title: Two radios
Post by: lee4206 on 04 February 2008, 22:47:28
Can i run two radios though the same speakers safely.
I want to install a indash dvd/screen whilst keeping my radio (radio has multichanger) and conect them to the same speakers.   Obviously only one at any time but will it be ok or will it blow the radio that isnt being used Or do i have to put relays in the speaker wires.
Hope that makes sense
Tia
Lee
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: Kevin Wood on 04 February 2008, 23:41:35
Your best bet would be to use one unit to drive the speakers and run the line output from the other radio to a line input on the one driving the speakers.

Do not connect the speakers to both simultaneously.

In addition, make sure you have sufficient current carrying capacity on the supply cables to power both radios. To be on the safe side, run an additional fused power supply for the second radio.

Kevin
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: lee4206 on 05 February 2008, 00:05:04
Quote
Your best bet would be to use one unit to drive the speakers and run the line output from the other radio to a line input on the one driving the speakers.

Do not connect the speakers to both simultaneously.

In addition, make sure you have sufficient current carrying capacity on the supply cables to power both radios. To be on the safe side, run an additional fused power supply for the second radio.

Kevin


Thanks kevin thats what i thought.
What do you mean by line input and output if you mean aux or rca i cant because the dvd player is only a cheap one and only has normal iso connector on back and one aux in and one aux out which i want to use to connect play station and extra screens to.
Lee
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: Dave DND on 05 February 2008, 10:01:26
Look at what I do for a job, and trust me when I say

NO GOOD WILL COME OF THIS !!

Your aftermarket head unit obviously has all the features you are after, loads of inputs and a good graphic display. I`ll also bet it has a better tuner and power output than the OEM piece of junk that is in there already. Ditch the standard head unit and installation headaches and simply buy a compatable CD Changer for your new head unit.
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: Admin on 05 February 2008, 13:36:18
I don't do the same as Dave ;) but I echo his comments.

Don't go to all this trouble. It is not worth it and if not done right, could trash you good headunit.

The OEM equipment (unless Bose) is not very good and the aftermarket unit will be hugely better.

If it is a DVD player then you have the capability of storing more on 1 disc than a normal 10 disc changer!
MP3/WMA is the way to go there (and no arguments about difference in sound quality, this is a car we are talking about ;) )

I honestly see no benefit whatsoever in keeping the original equipment in there.
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: Kevin Wood on 05 February 2008, 16:27:56
Quote
I honestly see no benefit whatsoever in keeping the original equipment in there.

You're right. No use in having a CD changer as you can load DVDs with MP3 music (or even connect a HD player if you're still stuck).

On the other hand, getting two head units to work together is going to get really dirty by the sound of it.

Kevin
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: lee4206 on 05 February 2008, 21:56:24
Thanks for all your coments but!!!!!!!!!!!!

I already have an aftermarket radio with the mutichanger that im happy with replacing the oe one      The main reason i want the dvd player in there as well is so the kids can use it for there ps2 and watching dvds ect. I want to put the dvd player on the passenger side where the upper glove box is (so its out of my way and the kid that's in the passenger seat can see it ok  i already have screens for the back of the seats for the other two. But if its on the passenger side i cant reach it without stopping every time i want to turn it over or up ect..

I know this sounds a lot of hassle but if you had my kids you would understand why i am trying to do this.

So is it possible at all (in any way shape or form) or do i have to put seperate speakers in.

Thanks again all that responded.
Lee
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: Entwood on 05 February 2008, 21:59:55
The only way I can think to do it would be to wire in a "changeover" switch, so you only ever connect one source to the speakers...
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: lee4206 on 05 February 2008, 22:14:25
Quote
The only way I can think to do it would be to wire in a "changeover" switch, so you only ever connect one source to the speakers...

That sounds good any idea where to get one
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: Entwood on 05 February 2008, 22:21:32
there are loads ... someting like this..

http://www.maxiaudio.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=A098TC

but a google will find many more of different sizes
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: Dave DND on 05 February 2008, 22:58:49
Easier to buy a remote !!
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: Kevin Wood on 05 February 2008, 23:07:46
Quote
there are loads ... someting like this..

http://www.maxiaudio.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=A098TC

but a google will find many more of different sizes

I'd be very careful about using one of those. Car audio speakers are usually driven by a bridged amplifier whereas that type of switch will probably only switch the positive lines to each speaker, so you will still end up with two head unit amplifiers fighting each other.

Kevin
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: Dave DND on 05 February 2008, 23:33:22
If the DVD player is purely for the kids, and the OEM system is for the driver, then there is another option.

Put an IR / RF transmitter on the back of the DVD player, a set of headphones on the kids, and they will have their own stand alone system - no need to integrate with the rest of the car !
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: zirk on 06 February 2008, 01:51:29
Im keeping out of this one.
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: lee4206 on 06 February 2008, 20:21:11
Thanks  all.  I thought it might be a pain is the backside just have to decide what to do now.
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: omegamonkey on 12 February 2008, 13:51:32
Quote
Thanks for all your coments but!!!!!!!!!!!!

I already have an aftermarket radio with the mutichanger that im happy with replacing the oe one      The main reason i want the dvd player in there as well is so the kids can use it for there ps2 and watching dvds ect. I want to put the dvd player on the passenger side where the upper glove box is (so its out of my way and the kid that's in the passenger seat can see it ok  i already have screens for the back of the seats for the other two. But if its on the passenger side i cant reach it without stopping every time i want to turn it over or up ect..

I know this sounds a lot of hassle but if you had my kids you would understand why i am trying to do this.

So is it possible at all (in any way shape or form) or do i have to put seperate speakers in.

Thanks again all that responded.
Lee

If it's just for the kids, why don't you forget about connecting it to the car's speakers and wire it to a multi-socketed headphones panel? They get to watch DVD's while you enjoy your CDs... everybody wins!  :D
Title: Re: Two radios
Post by: lee4206 on 12 February 2008, 21:47:19
Quote
Quote
Thanks for all your coments but!!!!!!!!!!!!

I already have an aftermarket radio with the mutichanger that im happy with replacing the oe one      The main reason i want the dvd player in there as well is so the kids can use it for there ps2 and watching dvds ect. I want to put the dvd player on the passenger side where the upper glove box is (so its out of my way and the kid that's in the passenger seat can see it ok  i already have screens for the back of the seats for the other two. But if its on the passenger side i cant reach it without stopping every time i want to turn it over or up ect..

I know this sounds a lot of hassle but if you had my kids you would understand why i am trying to do this.

So is it possible at all (in any way shape or form) or do i have to put seperate speakers in.

Thanks again all that responded.
Lee

If it's just for the kids, why don't you forget about connecting it to the car's speakers and wire it to a multi-socketed headphones panel? They get to watch DVD's while you enjoy your CDs... everybody wins!  :D


i wish          one of the reasons for wanting to wire it into the speakers is that my kids dont like headphones (they hurt there ears  in ear or larger over ear type)