speaker switch

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=131865
Printed Date: June 06, 2024 at 10:59 AM

Topic: speaker switch

Posted By: smileysock
Subject: speaker switch
Date Posted: July 22, 2012 at 11:20 AM

Hi,

I currently have an aftermarket audio system installed in my car. Works great. Sounds great. Problem: Kids can't hear their DVD shows as speakers are installed only in the front (with the exception of the sub).

I have stock tweets on both rear pillars which were disconnected when the aftermarket system was installed. Wiring is still there though. What I want to do is wire the tweets directly to the head unit rear speaker outputs and have them controlled via ONE switch on the dashboard. This is a similar setup to other cars which have, say, a sub installed and it can be controlled by the switch. However, I have 2 speakers instead of 1.

My question: How do I wire 2 speakers to be controlled (on or off) using 1 switch on the dashboard? The switch I plan on getting is an OEM backlit switch which I think should be plug and play as far as that is concerned.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

Replies:

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: July 22, 2012 at 1:03 PM

Well if you just want to switch the extra speakers on or off, a 4-pole relay would work.

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Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: July 22, 2012 at 4:41 PM

From a cost effective standpoint, you can use a Double Pole relay and interrupt the positive wire of each speaker.

Posted By: smileysock
Date Posted: July 23, 2012 at 5:13 AM

DYohn] wrote:

Well if you just want to switch the extra speakers on or off, a 4-pole relay would work.

Sounds doable. Is there any wiring schematic you can point me to? Right now I'm not sure where I should be connecting the 4 speaker cables on the relay and how the switch then connects to the relay.

Also, should I be putting a fuse on the red cable? If so would 30amps suffice for stock tweets?

Sorry if they're dumb questions.

Cheers.

Posted By: auto enhancers
Date Posted: July 25, 2012 at 3:13 AM

Are you wanting the tweeters to play the video? If so you will not be happy as the tweeters are not full range speakers. Meaning you will not hear all that being shown. Or you will but for a very short time.

Posted By: smileysock
Date Posted: July 25, 2012 at 6:32 AM

auto enhancers wrote:

Are you wanting the tweeters to play the video? If so you will not be happy as the tweeters are not full range speakers. Meaning you will not hear all that being shown. Or you will but for a very short time.

My existing setup will take care of the range. I just want the option to turn on the stock speakers that are already there so that there's greater clarity for the kids right at the back. They worked well with the stock setup so I see no reason it won't work if I turn them on now.

When the kids aren't in the car I'll turn them off otherwise the EQ will be crap :)

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: July 25, 2012 at 9:53 AM

smileysock wrote:

DYohn] wrote:

Well if you just want to switch the extra speakers on or off, a 4-pole relay would work.

Sounds doable. Is there any wiring schematic you can point me to? Right now I'm not sure where I should be connecting the 4 speaker cables on the relay and how the switch then connects to the relay.

Also, should I be putting a fuse on the red cable? If so would 30amps suffice for stock tweets?

Sorry if they're dumb questions.

Cheers.

You could use a 12V double-pole relay. Connect the negative speaker wires to the head unit negative speaker outputs. Connect the head unit positive speaker outs to the two input terminals on the relay. Connect the positive wires for the speakers to the NO outputs on the relay. Use your dash switch to provide 12V power to the control coil on the relay. Wire the dash switch in series with the coil, and connect it to some 12V source in your vehicle. Yes, it is a good idea to fuse the power lead, but use no larger than a 1A fuse. You do not need to place a fuse on the speaker wires.

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