Blaupunkt Head Unit Power & Illumination

R. Aster · 07-22-2004, 09:15 AM

Hey guys,
Just installing new audio in my 89 Targa. I've got a Blaupunkt Monte Carlo (15wx4 RMS CEA) test-wired and working, but a couple questions before I button it up:

The available power leads include a fat +12v switched and a thin +12v constant. The MC unit will run, by design, even when the key is off, obviously drawing power from the constant +12v. I suppose from this I should infer that it gets most of the power from this lead all the time whether the key is on or off, with only trigger power on the switched lead? Which means I need a fat lead here, which I should wire straight to the battery, while I'm at it -- sound right?
There is a wire on the power harness for 'illumination,' and there appears to be a pin in that spot on the HU, but the docs say that lead should have no connection. Anyone know if that feature works on the Monte Carlo? Little afraid to just try it, don't want to smoke test the HU.
For now I'm just running the preamp outs into my factory amp under the seat (I know this makes the power lead question irrelevant) having fabricated an RCA to DIN-8 connector. I haven't pulled the seat to see what model it is. Anyone know the model and have a thought about its SQ vs. the head unit's amps? (I'll be driving Infinity Kappa 6.5" components in the doors.)

That's it. Thanks. So far I'd say the the MC HU sounds nice but looks rice (a little, anyway). That's why I'd like to get the illumination dimming working...

BUZZ1981SC · 07-22-2004, 10:43 AM

i recently installed a Blaupunkt head unit (not a monte carlo) but this is what i did.

the unit will turn on and off without the ignition being on, but should shut off when the car has been running and the ignition is turn off.

i didnt run a new line from the battery, i just used the one thats there. i dont know if that the best way, but i havent had any problems so far.

i spliced the illumination lead into one of the dash light leads. when the lights ge turned on and power goes to this lead it dims the display.

R. Aster · 07-22-2004, 05:50 PM

Buzz,

Thanks for the reply. I tried the illum lead -- no effect on this unit.

And I plugged in the speakers and cranked it up for an hour with no noticable ill effect on the skinny +12 lead, didn't even get warm, so I guess it's OK. I did spend most of that time looking for a hole through the firewall to the cabin to run the +12v if I decided to and I couldn't find one (it was dark). Anyone know an easy one? (And no jokes about finding a hole in the dark...)

RA

ruf-porsche · ruf-porsche's Garage

The skinny constant 12 volt lead is to provide a constant power for the station memory, clock, and anti theft code if equipped. The large switch lead is to provide power to the head unit and amp. If you want to keep the radio on while the engine is not running, wire it so that when the key is in the accessory position or run position, the switch lead has power. This way you don't need to keep the engine running to listen to the stereo.

R. Aster · 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ruf-porsche
The skinny constant 12 volt lead is to provide a constant power for the station memory, clock, and anti theft code if equipped. The large switch lead is to provide power to the head unit and amp. If you want to keep the radio on while the engine is not running, wire it so that when the key is in the accessory position or run position, the switch lead has power. This way you don't need to keep the engine running to listen to the stereo.

Hi Ruf,
Thanks for the response. I understand what you said and know that is the most gear has worked in the day, but this unit has a logical rather than physical switched power response -- turing off the key turns off the unit if wired in the usual (correct) way, but the unit can then be turned back on with the key out and will run for an hour and then time out (by design). So the unswitched +12v, which was traditionally used just as a trickle for the memories and clock, is clearly used to power the whole unit including internal amps in this mode. (This was new to me.)

So. I just got to worrying that the small unswitched lead Porsche supplies in the radio area intended to provide a trickle for memories, etc. is probably powering the whole unit in every mode, with the switched +12v just being trigger power. The unswitched lead is pretty small (~18awc) and I thought it might melt. It seems OK, but I'll still rewire it if I can find a convenient hole through the firewall.

Thanks again,
RA

p.s. Yeah, I know it's not really a firewall-- what's it called in a 911? A bulkhead? That's what my wife calls me, or at least it sounds kind of like that...