Locking volume at safe maximum?

(I tried the New Ideas forum for this but they locked me out...they obviously know something.)  But this is the great all-purpose forum so I'll post it here.

New concept or old idea, I really don't know.  It is this:  We know that when the system is installed we find the maximum point on the head unit volume at which there is clean signal and no distortion.  Then we adjust the amp gain to that signal.  If someone were to mess with our stuff without us being there to supervise, they can easily turn that volume up past that point and possibly do some damage.  I haven't heard of any locking devices that can be installed on a HU to limit the volume to that particular max point.

I can think of three ways.  One is simple and not at all foolproof.  It is what I am going to do.  Place a red arrow sticker on the HU at that critical point.  I'm using a HU that has dots going left to right.  It wouldn't work with numeral readouts.

Better, a volume knob that has a pointer sticking out, and an adjustable.knob just behind the volume.  You set the adjuster, and the volume knob can only be turned up to the point where the pointer hits the stop.  This works only on normal round knobs.  I've seen this on something else before but I can't remember what.

Then for all those push button type radios, there could be something that the manufacturer would have to add.  A 'max volume set position', so when you find that point you can push the 'max' button and the volume will never go past that point.  Maybe even get a Robbie the Robot voice "DANGER! Will Robinson!"  Maybe also send some voltage to a hidden Bass Shaker in the driver's seat

Are there units available with a feature like this?

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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

Why would anyone even consider this? Aren't you forgetting that YOU don't own the equiptment, the customer does. If your shop doesn't want the problems dealing with the warranty issues then don't, just tell the customer to send it back the manufacturer.

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Certified Security Specialist
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I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

uh, dude, this is my equipment.

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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

stevdart wrote:

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uh, dude, this is my equipment.

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All the "we", "our", and "us" stuff in your orignal post must have confused me into thinking that you were talking about your shop. If you had stated my system or my install in your original post, my take would probably have been different. I don't know of anyone that makes a locking type device for gains or settings. If you are worried about the amps being messed with then you could always put them behind plexi or something that would make them less accessible.

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Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

Oh, ya know I didn't even think if it that way.  In my mind it was we, meaning all of us who get our system tweaked right but have wives and girlfiends and teenage kids and their friends...etc., who have access to our cars.  It's the head unit volume that they will crank up.  For example, my HU delivers clean signal to exactly the halfway point, and anything above that is distorted.  I know the limit, but there is now way to stop it from being turned higher.  And I figure that's just as bad as tampering with an amp.

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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

Actually there are several power limiting devices available in the professional audio world that are used to protect speakers and amplifiers from being over-driven.  HERE'S a page from Rane that describes one of their products.  The same ideas and circuits could be applied to car audio... indeed, it sounds like a potential money-making product if done right...

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...doesn't shake head...NODS head...

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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

you know actually if there is an installer installing your system, it should be mandatory for him/her to tell you dont go passed a certain point on the HU cause you'll do some damage. either that or have smarter customers asking how far i should turn it up on the HU.

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xTimx

Sorry dude, I too interpreted it as a customer issue, not a personal one.  Nods head

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

Thanks, forbidden.  You guys da true pimps.

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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.