The presence of a radio in a car depends on its assembly. But, as practice shows, many drivers, when purchasing vehicles, prefer options with an already built-in audio system. It is of good quality and provides clear sounding music.
Process
Progress does not stand still, and new device models appear regularly. They are equipped with additional functions that improve acoustics. This system makes it possible to listen to music without distortion with a huge dynamic range. As a result, musical compositions sound bright, natural and authentic.
Linear output on the standard radio: features
In practice, it has been proven that an external power amplifier is the main additional device to the radio, which helps to reveal and improve the quality of sound diversity. This procedure can be carried out in several ways. The simplest and most inexpensive option is installing a subwoofer. It improves the sound quality of low-frequency musical compositions.
Another way is to replace the acoustics and install an amplifier. You can also carry out more radical manipulations. They involve installing a new crossover, surround sound processor, and more. But this is not the entire list. There are quite a few ways to help improve the musical picture in the car.
What all these methods have in common is that external devices are used. But you can also use a linear output for this purpose, which many radios have. In this case, the signal quality will be much higher and will be reproduced throughout the entire audio system.
Linear output of car radio
If you do not come across radio tape recorders, amplifiers and other sound-reproducing equipment every day, then you may well have a question - what is this “linear output” on the radio tape recorder, why is it needed and what is the importance of their number.
The line level output is intended for connecting external audio amplifiers. These can be acoustic amplifiers, or an active subwoofer - a linear output is used to transmit sound from the source (car radio) to the amplifier.
The term “line output” refers to an unbalanced type of audio signal transmission that uses one signal conductor and ground; in automotive electronics, RCA connectors (the so-called “bells”) are used. It also assumes that the signal level corresponds to the standard. In car radios this level is usually up to 2V; some devices (high class) have a signal level up to 4.5-5V. The level of the signal at the linear output in automotive electronics is of serious importance, because the car is a source of a huge amount of interference and the higher the level of the useful signal transmitted through the intercomponent cables, the less noise induced from the electronic systems of the car will be heard.
The higher the signal level at the linear output, the better; it’s not for nothing that all high-end car radios have a high-level linear output, and this is especially emphasized in the technical specifications.
How many linear outputs should a car radio have?
Indeed, if you choose a car radio, then in the technical specifications you can read about the number of linear outputs, which can be different, for example one pair, two pairs, three pairs. The more expensive the radio, the more linear outputs it usually has “on board”. How many should there be?
- A pair. Usually found in all even the most inexpensive radios. Most often used to connect a subwoofer. It’s good when a radio with one pair of linear outputs can control the level of this output (to adjust the subwoofer); if there is a built-in filter for the subwoofer (LPF), then this is generally excellent.
- Two pairs. Usually these are front and rear outputs for building a system with “front+sub” or “front+rear” amplification. Usually these are mid-price radio tape recorders; they already have the necessary settings for the subwoofer (see above); in general, it’s great when you can turn on the low-pass filter (HPF) on the front outputs.
- Three pairs are the best option for creating a full-fledged system with an amplifier on all channels (front + rear + sub) or even complex options with channel amplification if the radio has a built-in crossover or even a processor.
The more pairs of linear outputs a car radio has, the more sophisticated an audio system can be created. When purchasing, decide how much you need.
So when buying a car radio, decide which amplifiers you will connect to it in the future. If amplifiers are not planned, then having at least one line output in stock for connecting a subwoofer is still a good idea. What if you still want to install a sub?
How to make a linear output on a standard radio?
If the radio is not equipped with linear outputs, then you should not be upset. After all, the situation can be easily corrected. To do this, you can use different methods. For example, unsolder the linear output on the device itself or use special attachments that will help achieve the required signals. If in the first case you use an additional preamplifier, the sound will improve significantly.
Speaking about these methods, they are divided into two main groups. The first category includes those devices with which no additional actions are performed. But the second one provides for them. But do not forget that any interference with the integrity of the head equipment leads to the loss of the opportunity to use the guarantees that are provided for the radio. Therefore, it is better to give preference to the first method.
Line output on the standard Toyota radio
Unsoldering linear outputs from a standard radio is not a complicated process, but it requires care and a responsible approach. Especially if you do it yourself. The first thing you need to start with is selecting a microcircuit. Its appearance is shown in the photo. Moreover, it is connected to the radiator.
Once the circuit has been determined, markings must be installed. Next, you can start searching for the datasheet. This will allow us to determine which wiring is already on the circuit, and which one can be used in our case. This information is extremely important, since a signal is received from the input.
Recently, set-top boxes that reduce the signal level have become especially popular. This design is quite simple and has no special features. Therefore, everyone can handle its preparation and setup. It is enough to use the appropriate scheme.
Soldering a linear output from the radio using a preamplifier is very similar to the previous one. The course of action is no different. Therefore it works the same way.
Wiring of linear outputs on the standard radio
Wiring of linear outputs involves carrying out several activities. First you need to remove the frame that is around the device. This must be done carefully, as it is easy to damage. Next, all the screws that are visible are unscrewed and removed. This will allow you to remove the face of the radio and disassemble it into two parts.
Having disassembled the device, you can see the processor and amplifier inside. Then everything becomes simpler. So, near the amplifier there is a sawing. She is responsible for the connection. Then you need to find the four legs that are at the input of the amplifier. Soldering is carried out to them, and rulers are drawn out.
You can use another method. It consists of using tracks on the board that go from the input to the amplifier. One is sent first to the resistor, then to the capacitor and amplifier. This configuration does not allow transmitting all the acoustics. But the situation can be improved. To do this you will need to solder a capacitor and resistor. This will allow you to get a much cleaner and more natural sound.
Output wiring on a Chevrolet: instructions
Another method of obtaining linear outputs requires the following actions:
- Removing the radio frame;
- Unscrewing screws;
- Removing the device. To do this, you need to disconnect the connectors and antenna;
- Disassembling the radio. To complete this step, you need to unscrew the screws, remove the cover located on top, and unscrew the screws that secure the CD drive. In this case, the device is lifted and the cable is disconnected from the board;
- Preparing RCA connectors;
- Soldering connectors and contacts. These elements are very small. To get the job done, you need to use a soldering iron that is equipped with a thin tip;
- Attaching the drive to the board.
The resulting line outputs allow you to get left and right channels that are located in front. In this case, the supplied signals are regulated by the volume and equalizer of the device. To get the rear channels, you need to use other resistor points.
With such simple actions - desoldering the linear outputs from the standard radio - you can make spending time in the car much more comfortable and enjoyable. In addition, the wonderful sound of the radio can improve your mood and charge you with positivity. After all, a modern person spends quite a lot of time in his car, and it is extremely important to make it comfortable.
Radio line output voltage
The standard Lada XRAY radio (which migrated from Renault) does not have linear outputs. This means that it will not be possible to achieve high-quality music sound when using an amplifier and subwoofer. There is a way out - desolder the linear outputs yourself.
You will need : RCA connectors (4 pcs), capacitors with a capacity of 10 mF 16 Volts (4 pcs), soldering iron, hot-melt gun.
Task : find linear outputs on the board and solder RCA connectors to them using capacitors.
We remove the radio and disassemble it. Location of linear outputs in the photo:
- on a radio with buttons.
- on the Media Nav Evolution radio (you can determine Front and Rear at random: balance to the left, sound back and look, and so on with each option).
First we solder the capacitors, lay them sideways and fix them with a drop of hot glue.
Next, solder the tulips (RCA connectors). The screens from the audio wires were twisted in pairs, then we soldered thin wires (0.5 mm 2) to them and heat-shrink them. Solder to the nearest patch of ground on the board. Next is the process of soldering the signal wires to the terminals of the capacitors.
If, after such modification, a crackling sound appears in the speakers when the engine is running, it means that the voltage at the linear outputs is too low. In this case, it is necessary to use a line output amplifier.
You can also unsolder the Remout line (needed to automatically turn on the amplifiers after turning on the radio), circuit for implementation:
The control signal from the board to Remout was determined with a multimeter (pin 3 or 4 of the microcircuit, which is screwed to the case through sealant, where + appears after the system boots).
Before reassembling, don’t forget to apply fresh thermal paste under the base of the UMZCH chip. We take the wires out of the radio casing and secure them with a plastic clamp.
Let us remind you that without linear outputs, you can connect the amplifier and subwoofer on the Lada XRAY to the rear speakers. By the way, do you know that the firmware of the Media Nav Evolution radio can be replaced. This will allow you to watch videos, use other navigation programs, etc.
Often, owners of modern cars want to improve the music in their car without changing the standard radio. The matter is not always limited to replacing the speakers; for a better effect, install an amplifier on the acoustics and an active or passive subwoofer with an amplifier. This raises the question - how to connect the amplifier to the standard radio if it does not have linear outputs? We have the answer!
