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rio car dot org FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Category: Main -> Car installation questions

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· Where can I find basic information about car audio electronics and installation?

· Should I install the player myself, or should I have it installed by a professional?

· What are the most common installation issues?

· What exactly is a ground loop?

· If I am using a separate head unit, in what order should the outputs be connected?

· How do I run a subwoofer if the player doesn't have a subwoofer output?

· What are the known issues installing a Rio Car into my (model X) car?

· At what angle(s) can I mount it in the dash?

· What's the best way to keep the player safe from harm or theft?

· Can I run 4 volt outputs into 1 volt inputs?

· Can I hook up a steering wheel remote?

· Can I mount it in the trunk or the glove box?

· Can I run a display extension or 'Y' off the display board?

· Can I output the display to a video monitor?

· Can it control a CD changer, or be controlled as if it were a CD changer?

· Is it difficult to remove the car docking sled? For instance, to install the tuner or move to another car?

· What's up with the 'Grounding leads' on the Mark 1 player?
(Entry last updated on October 5th, 2002)

The Mark 1 player had a different kind of output stage than the Mark 2 and Rio Car players. The Mark 1 used something called floating-ground output, which caused problems with some amplifiers.

The Mark 1 player shipped with ground adapters. These were RCA connectors with grounding wires attached to the shrouds. Some Mark 1 owners will need to use these adapters to prevent ground loops and alternator whine. The proper connection scheme is to insert them into the signal chain, attached at the amplifier end of the connection. Then the ground wires need to be connected to the same grounding point that is used by the amplifier.

So the Mark 2's output stage was completely redesigned, and all noise and grounding problems were solved. The Mark 2 and Rio Car should not have any more trouble with ground loops than any other aftermarket stereo.

· How can I fix the gap around the edge of the docking sled??

· Will installing the player affect my car alarm or my keyless-entry system?

· I have no room directly behind the sled for my tuner module. Can I make the cable longer?

· Do I need to combine the front and rear outputs of the player when connecting to a 2-channel input?

· What are the pinouts of the sled docking connector?

· I can't get my cell phone mute feature to work.

· Now that I've got my player installed, how do I get the best sound?

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