Car Audio & Electronics

If you want to improve the sound of your existing car audio system, replacing the factory-installed speakers when necessary is an excellent first step. You'll usually get your best results by...

The Cobra 29GTL is a classic 40-channel CB radio primarily intended for mobile use. Once your Cobra is installed, you can contact any nearby CB owner on the CB channels, which range in frequency...

Fuses are used to protect electronic gear. Aftermarket car stereos, like those made by Pioneer, come equipped with a fuse, either plugged into a slot on the back panel of the stereo (normal for...

Genie Intellicode garage door openers offer a higher level of protection than standard models. The Intellicode technology chooses a new code out of 4.3 billion possible combinations each time you...

In the past, most music was played via tape players or CD players. Today, portable MP3 players are becoming the norm. MP3 players can store much larger amounts of data than tapes or CDs, and they...

Speakers blow, wires short, and car vibrations can cause other malfunctions of car stereos. Troubleshooting audio speakers with no sound can be an easy visual examination, and fixing or replacing...

Teflon coating is used on wires to protect them from damage and to keep the electrical charge contained within the wires so that it does not create sparks or shock someone. When connecting wires...

Downloading your favorite songs as MP3 files on your computer provides you with a wide variety of musical entertainment at home, but when you want to take those tunes on the road--and play them on...

The process of splicing an FM antenna cable is similar to splicing any coaxial cable for a TV. The structure of the wire is the same, though it may vary in size depending on its use. Coaxial...

If you want to upgrade the radio in your 2000 Mercury Marquis, the first thing you'll need to do is to remove the old radio. If you haven't removed a car radio before, you might find this to be a...

Most new subwoofers for installation in cars and trucks are equipped with RCA-type audio jacks for fast connections with a stereo or amplifier. This is convenient when connecting compatible...

Replacing original factory-installed speakers with higher quality aftermarket speakers is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the sound of your car's stereo system. The first essential...

Sometimes one amplifier isn't enough. Whether it's for system flexibility or more power, the second amplifier can be the difference-maker when it comes to system efficiency. Large subwoofers...

In certain German vehicles, including BMW and Mercedes, the radios are locked when the car starts. This feature prevents the radio from being used by unauthorized users. To unlock the radio, you...

The tachometer was invented to monitor the speed of engines to prevent over-revving and the undue wear or destruction of the engine. Tachometers measure revolutions per minute (rpm) of the drive...

One of the benefits of having an MP3 player is the ability to take your music with you wherever you go, including your car. Many cars and car stereos made after 2000 include a built-in jack for an...

Factory stereos are typically underpowered, feature-limited affairs that scream for replacement. Whether an auto sound enthusiast, or simply an individual who demands better sound in the car,...

Factory car stereos often leave much to be desired. Fortunately, upgrading the speakers in the doors is not only possible, but also many high-end designs are available. If correctly done, the...

Bazooka subwoofers offer superb sound for your mobile listening experience. They offer powerful bass and a rich, clean sound without filling your car with large and unsightly speaker boxes. A...

Noise in your car radio can come from many places inside the car and under the hood. The noises can be whines, clicks, rumbles or just plain old static. Is the noise on your AM radio or on the FM...

Over time, all electronics develop small scratches and blemishes from normal use. In a car, these marks may occur with greater frequency, given that the user handles a car stereo more than a home...

The Sirius Sportster is a satellite radio receiver designed for use in cars. There are several models for sale, including the Sportster 4 and Sportster 5. While the Sportster has received...

A subwoofer box that is used in a car or other vehicle is typically made out of medium-density fiberboard, or MDF. This type of material is sturdy but can easily be damaged when it is dropped or...

If you want to get just the bass from your car or home theater speakers, you will need to separate the bass frequency from the treble frequency. Changing your speaker settings and installing a...

Installing headrest monitors into your car is a straightforward process that can be completed in a matter of hours, if done correctly. Headrest monitors in cars allows backseat passengers to enjoy...

If the battery in your 2003 Honda Civic dies, or if the car's audio system gets disconnected from electrical power for some other reason, you probably will find that you cannot operate the radio...

MINI currently offers SIRIUS Satellite Radio as a factory installed option in the Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman and Clubman S models. For MINI owners who would prefer to listen to XM Satellite...

Installing a new stereo system in you vehicle can include wiring a car audio amplifier to power a set of sub woofers or additional speakers. A car audio amplifier is connected to your car's...

You can save a lot of money by wiring your audio system yourself and not paying a car mechanic to do it. Before you work on your car's audio system, you need to understand its components. It is...

Mag mount antennas can stick to the metallic sheet of the vehicle's trunk or roof through a strong magnet. These antennas are best suited for individuals with several cars or people who are not...

People are aware that CB radios can be used in cars, but there are also those who prefer to use their citizen band radios from the comfort of their homes. You can build a Dipole antenna to use...

I-Pass is Illinois' electronic toll road collection system. Frequent drivers on Illinois and Indiana toll roads can purchase electronic devices called flatpak transponders, which are mounted onto...

Songs on a CD are .CDA files, or Compact Disk Audio files, according to gizmosfreeware.com. If you have ripped songs from a CD on to your computer, they are saved as MP3 files on the hard drive....

An inverter allows anyone to power their alternating current (AC) devices from a direct current (DC) power source. The most common use of inverters is to allow travelers to enjoy the conveniences...

People that like to listen to music usually like for it to sound good. Most basic radios and sound systems, both in homes and cars, tend to sound a bit anemic, especially at the lower end....

Undesirable noise, a lack of sound, and amplifiers stuck in protection mode are all things that hinder enjoyment of car audio systems. Although time consuming and sometimes frustrating, learning...

HD car radios play HD digital AM and FM radio broadcasts through your car's speaker system. Although HD radios operate similarly to analog car radios, they also have additional unfamiliar...

Wiring a multichannel amplifier into a car need not be a daunting process, if proper procedures are followed. With a focus on safety and proper mounting locations, installation of a multi-channel...

The choice of whether to aim a car subwoofer towards the front or the rear of the vehicle can dramatically affect system performance and bass response. It's a decision based on aesthetics and...

Deep cycle batteries, also known as gel cell batteries, are commonly found in wheelchairs, radios, and motorcycles. They are considered "premium" batteries, since they do not deteriorate in...

Crossovers in any stereo system are essential, ensuring proper frequencies arrive at the proper speakers. This prevents damage and helps to ensure the best possible sound quality. Small speakers...

Having one device that does the job of several will clear up some space on your workbench. A multimeter performs the functions of several different kinds of meters. Typically, the jobs are...

Garmin GPS devices are among the most popular GPS brands. Many Garmin GPS devices come complete with maps of North America, and even Puerto Rico. But if you are taking a trip to a country in South...

Power efficiency is calculated as the expected power output times the actual power output (expressed as a decimal percentage), minus any incidental losses such as priming losses. This calculation...

In order to attach an MP3 player to your VW Rabbit, you need a wireless FM transmitter. You can buy these devices for a reasonable price at your local electronics store or at many places online....

Playing MP3 digital audio on a car stereo provides great convenience, as it eliminates the need to transport CDs and tapes. Instead of resorting to the radio or carrying around bulky audio...

Many car stereo manufacturers produce car stereos that prevent theft by requiring a unique code. Removing the stereo from the vehicle disables the unit by requiring the entry of a specific code....

Would-be car thieves are sometimes scared away by the flashing light of a car alarm. You can make a fake car alarm that will look like the real thing and encourage the would-be thief to go away....

Honda Civics are popular with drivers seeking reliable cars that get above-average gas mileage well into the life of the car. If you purchase a 1995 Honda Civic, you may find that the previous...