Putting in a CD player

[Ralph Wiggum]

Next weekend I'll be putting in a stereo in a pontoon. I've installed several in cars, and I'm assuming that putting one in a boat will be similar, but I was wondering if anyone could offer any tips? Can you wire it into the ignition like you would a car, or is it better not to? A basic wiring method would be greatly appreciated so that it doesn't take too long.

Thanks.

[caseymcq]

If you have a master power switch that may be a good place to wire it into. That way it won't have to have the ignition on to listen to it while the motor isn't running. That way there is also a way of making sure that the power to the CD player is cut and prevent unintentionally draining the battery.

[Ralph Wiggum]

LOL, thanks, didn't even think of that. I guess you wouldn't want it wired to the ignition

[HaywardBound]

You'll want to hook up the memory wire to a hot positive wire also. This will hold the stations and settings in memory when you turn off the master switch.

Is there already a place to put the CD player?

[Ralph Wiggum]

Quote:

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Is there already a place to put the CD player?

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Nope, we're going from scratch.

[Bushwacker]

I have put a few CD players in boat the past couple years and it is easier to do than in a car in my experience. Usually there are less speakers so it usually is just one right, one left, power, and your antenna. I would make sure I have it hooked to constant power, or else it will reset itself everytime you shut it down. The clock on the radio takes a minimal amount of power. A tiny watch battery can power a clock for years, and a starting batter has much more reserve than that.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Well, the 72 hours of continous rain cancelled that plan for the weekend, but all the supplies are in order, at least. One more question, though. Should it just get grounded back to the battery, and if not, where would I ground it?

[Guest]

I would ground it to the battery.. then you will have no doubt you have a good ground source. There may be a grounding block somewhere that you can also hook up to.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Thanks This is all pretty basic, but just a tad different that wiring one up in a car (or in a boat that previously had a stereo). So, I'm planning on running one cable from the positive terminal and hooking it to the constant power and the accesory power wire, then running the ground on another cable back to the negative terminal. I'll tape off all the other wires (power antenna, alarm, etc). Does this sound correct?

[HaywardBound]

Quote:

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So, I'm planning on running one cable from the positive terminal and hooking it to the constant power and the accesory power wire,

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On mine I hooked up the memory wire and the main power wire to the positive side, but my stereo's lighted buttons (illimination?) would stay on after I turned the radio off.

I thought it would be fine, but it did drain my battery.

Try it the way you said above, but if your lights stay on after you turn off the power, then you might want to put a switch inline with the main power wire leaving the memory wire hooked up to a constant hot positive.

I hope that makes sence. I have not added a switch yet, I just detach the face and it has been fine so far.

Let us know how it goes.

Jon

[Big Roy]

Also, make sure you install a marine FM antenna.

[BandB]

when you hook it up you should have a 12v constaint and a 12v switched if you hook the switch wire up to a nother switched power source on you pontoon like the horn. you will keep you stations in the radio. If you hook them up to the same power source you will have the same problem as one of the other posters the radio will never turn off.I hope this helps.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Thanks for the help, guys. I got the project completed on Saturday and it works well. I did put in a switch just to make sure that we don't have problems draining the battery. Looks great, sounds great, and it will be great to have some tunes while cruisin' this summer.

[mobydick]

where is the best place to pick a marine FM antenna up

i have tried those cheap rubber ones not impressed

what are u using on your pontoon

thanks

good luck

[Ralph Wiggum]

I just used an automotive one and it works just fine. Got it at Walmart.

[Big Roy]

mobydick

I bought my last marine AM/FM antenna through Overtons. I've owned it for 20 years and it has been in the last 3 boats I've owned. Makes a huge difference for picking up stations.