RE: Newbie
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RE: Newbie - 10/10/2006 11:08:12 AM
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HummerGuy
Posts: 6684
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Man if you have HDMI A/V connections in your H3, I will drool looking at it, literally!
HummerMike is going to be installing a Siruis system Saturday morning. I'm probably going over there to help, so if you want we can take some pics of how we do it and post them. It can get you some ideas. If you want to run the antenna to the rear, there is plenty of room under the door guards. They are really easy to pop off. You can stuff the wires under those and under the body panels on the sides. All of the H3 panels just pop off for the most part. As for getting the wire through the frame, good luck! I'll have to post how I wired my wiring from the engine compartment to the cabin. It worked, but not the greatest in the world. i REALLY didn't want to drill a hole through the firewall, as much as I know it wouldn't be an issue with the right tools and plugs.
If I'm over there on Saturday, I'll take some pics for you and hopefully we can figure out how to do it in a good way. Why don't you just buy a dash mounted antenna? I thought they sold one like that. I also thought I saw one that was adhesive metal strip you stick on the top inside of your windshield.
I know the Pioneer unit you are talking about. I think it's overkill for the 5'6 inch screen(s) I'm going to have. If I was going to have a pro AV setup, I would definitely go that route, but I'm just doing this so I have something to pass the time every other day when there is a traffic accident and I'm stuck in a parking lot. And NO Dennis, I won't be watching the screen while I'm moving!!!! 
I just gave half my co-workers a lesson in Home Theater wiring. I started talking to my friend here about how he HAS to use a HDMI cable between his new HD Cable box and his LCD TV he bought. Everybody started asking me about HDMI. That day I went to radio shack with three of them so they could buy the cables for their DVD players and Cable boxes. They were using COMPOSITE RCA video cables when they all had HDMI connections. I told them that is like serving Kool-Aid at a presidential election convention
< Message edited by HummerGuy -- 10/10/2006 11:16:10 AM >
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RE: Newbie - 10/10/2006 11:23:28 AM
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ZYNE
Posts: 2453
Joined: 10/9/2006
From: Cincinnati, OH
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: HummerGuy
Man if you have HDMI A/V connections in your H3, I will drool looking at it, literally!
HummerMike is going to be installing a Siruis system Saturday morning. I'm probably going over there to help, so if you want we can take some pics of how we do it and post them. It can get you some ideas. If you want to run the antenna to the rear, there is plenty of room under the door guards. They are really easy to pop off. You can stuff the wires under those and under the body panels on the sides. All of the H3 panels just pop off for the most part. As for getting the wire through the frame, good luck! I'll have to post how I wired my wiring from the engine compartment to the cabin. It worked, but not the greatest in the world. i REALLY didn't want to drill a hole through the firewall, as much as I know it wouldn't be an issue with the right tools and plugs.
If I'm over there on Saturday, I'll take some pics for you and hopefully we can figure out how to do it in a good way. Why don't you just buy a dash mounted antenna? I thought they sold one like that. I also thought I saw one that was adhesive metal strip you stick on the top inside of your windshield.
I know the Pioneer unit you are talking about. I think it's overkill for the 5'6 inch screen(s) I'm going to have. If I was going to have a pro AV setup, I would definitely go that route, but I'm just doing this so I have something to pass the time every other day when there is a traffic accident and I'm stuck in a parking lot. And NO Dennis, I won't be watching the screen while I'm moving!!!!
Well, I don't really understand the word moderation and I never have LOL! I realize for a 5.6 it may be a bit much to spend but I'm of firm belief that even if it's not used right away, it's cheaper and easier to do it once and do it right the first time than to later replace the stuff you already spent time and $$ on. I made that mistake in the Av and it cost me dearly, not just from a money aspect but blood sweat and tears too LOL! To each his or her own though. I want something I can control from the HU or it's remote so this makes more sense for me.
I'm actually in an H2 (did I fat finger that earlier??) but I assume the panels are the same as far as removal. The Av was that way too so not a huge surprise. I know the door sills on these things are huge and that's a no brainer routing wiring in. I had 0 and 1 gauge power feeds to my Av system and even in that I had enough room to route them.
I'm not big on dash mounting antennas. I've tried and I've noticed it cutting out a whole hell of a lot more due to my truck now blocking the sat feed rather than an overpass. Roof mount is the only way to go, I just need to get the damn cable in to the cabin. Will check my weather stripping and hatch options tonight. If you get pics I would be very interested in seeing them, if nothing else to maybe get a better idea than what I'm currently working with.
Power cables through the firewall? It's a red royal pain in the rear ain't it? I too ended up having to drill when pulling the 0 gauge feed and lemme tell you, that's one serious size hole LOL! Shy of running under the cabin along the frame you don't have much along the lines of options ... I still think drilling is the best approach though I saw someone run it along the rocker on an Av and up through some access holes in the rear. That's an awful lot of cable and I think he ended up have to step it up from 4ga to 2 or possibly 1 just to accomodate the length of the run .. :/ Drilling is ok as long as it's not in my !@#$%!@#$!@#$ roof LOL! I still cringe seeing my truck like that :/
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RE: Newbie - 10/10/2006 11:50:54 AM
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HummerGuy
Posts: 6684
Status: offline
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You typed it right. I just read it as a H3 for some reason. That's what I love about the H2; there is so much room to run cables and wiring. The H3 is really tight, BUT under the dash there is quite a bit of room to work with. I'm used to wiring in small imports and compacts, so not slicing my fingers on every other sharp dashboard mount is a plus with this thing ;-) I agree with buying stuff and doing it right the first time. I don't like skimping on things at all, and would rather do it right the first time, BUT, I have this little deal where I'm closing on my new house in 4 weeks, so I have to do things affordably for now, then maybe in a few years when I'm even more broke and come to the realization I will be that way until I retire, I will upgrade! For now, I honestly just want to watch/hear the news while I'm driving to and from work every day, and on the Highway I will be taking, there are frequent accidents that cause completely stopped traffic. ICK
What do you suggest as far as the TV Tuner antenna? Can I get away with mounting a dual antenna setup inside the windshield? I was going to mount one on the pass. side and one on the drivers side, right where the piller cover meets the windshield. Or, I can run a wire up to my light bar and mount an antenna using that. Here is a pic of that:
http://www.hummerforums.com/m_18571/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm
Let me know what you suggest. I can wire anything, but don't have enough experience with REAL auto AV equipment to know what is good while moving and what isn't. Thanks!
< Message edited by HummerGuy -- 10/10/2006 11:51:16 AM >
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RE: Newbie - 10/12/2006 1:41:13 PM
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ZYNE
Posts: 2453
Joined: 10/9/2006
From: Cincinnati, OH
Status: offline
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Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, been stuck driving a desk a couple of nights :/
The antenna on the pioneer unit is 4 channel but it's recommended mounting position is at the rear roof of the vehicle, not the sides. I'm not 100% sure exactly what side mounts will give you or possibly not give you. The one I've helped install was also roof mounted. I'm not sure what the features are on the tuner you're looking for but I know the pioneer unit will continuosly re-evaluate signal strength and switch to the strongest it can get. I would think that would provide the best possible reception unless you're stationary and have a dish mounted in the back :)
As far as recommending an antenna I'll have to ask my buddy up in NJ. He runs a car A/V customs shop so I'm sure we'll get some good feedback from him. I'll fire off an e-mail to him tonight when I get home. If you don't hear back from me/him right away don't be surprised, he's usually a little slow to respond.
Yep, those door sill channels are a life saver when running heavy gauge electrical feeds. You can pretty much run your average 4 or 8 gague under the carpet if you have to but when you get up in the 1 or 0 gauge size you better have a sill to stuff it in or you're stuck with a hump or rocker panel install {{shudder}}
Compacts sucks as far as under dash work. The wifes Mazda 6 was a bloody nightmare, literally; to get a Sirius tuner/car kit installed in. I think they designed that dash with the intention of pulling off a slice n dice. I don't think I've ever been so cut up trying to run antenna and electric in a car before. At least with full size trucks and SUV's you can get up in there with out risking limbs.
I know how closing on a house will put preasure on a wallet. Believe it or not but I went through that right around christmas time last year (we closed Dec. 30th) and it was no fun. I spent I don't know how many weekend nights at the river boats playing poker to make up the difference between costs and available fundage. I guess impulse buying/having a house built can come back and bite you pretty good sometimes huh ... LOL! Nahh, see the trick here is to refinance that house once these @#$%!#$%! rates go down a bit and stick your vehicle loan in there too ... suck that equity out and pay the truck off then pray Uncle Same does you good on your taxes instead LOL! Assuming interest rates favors such an endevour that is. I know I wouldn't do it right now ....
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RE: Newbie - 10/12/2006 1:50:47 PM
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ZYNE
Posts: 2453
Joined: 10/9/2006
From: Cincinnati, OH
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: HummerGuy
Man if you have HDMI A/V connections in your H3, I will drool looking at it, literally!
HummerMike is going to be installing a Siruis system Saturday morning. I'm probably going over there to help, so if you want we can take some pics of how we do it and post them. It can get you some ideas. If you want to run the antenna to the rear, there is plenty of room under the door guards. They are really easy to pop off. You can stuff the wires under those and under the body panels on the sides. All of the H3 panels just pop off for the most part. As for getting the wire through the frame, good luck! I'll have to post how I wired my wiring from the engine compartment to the cabin. It worked, but not the greatest in the world. i REALLY didn't want to drill a hole through the firewall, as much as I know it wouldn't be an issue with the right tools and plugs.
If I'm over there on Saturday, I'll take some pics for you and hopefully we can figure out how to do it in a good way. Why don't you just buy a dash mounted antenna? I thought they sold one like that. I also thought I saw one that was adhesive metal strip you stick on the top inside of your windshield.
I know the Pioneer unit you are talking about. I think it's overkill for the 5'6 inch screen(s) I'm going to have. If I was going to have a pro AV setup, I would definitely go that route, but I'm just doing this so I have something to pass the time every other day when there is a traffic accident and I'm stuck in a parking lot. And NO Dennis, I won't be watching the screen while I'm moving!!!!
I just gave half my co-workers a lesson in Home Theater wiring. I started talking to my friend here about how he HAS to use a HDMI cable between his new HD Cable box and his LCD TV he bought. Everybody started asking me about HDMI. That day I went to radio shack with three of them so they could buy the cables for their DVD players and Cable boxes. They were using COMPOSITE RCA video cables when they all had HDMI connections. I told them that is like serving Kool-Aid at a presidential election convention
Regarding the Sirius install, yes, PLEASE, pictures!!! Looked over the rear hatch and weather stripping ... shy of taking it out through the 3rd taillight I don't see any good exit points that doesn't involve a drill {{shudder}} Interior wise it's a cake walk to run it up to the dash though ....
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RE: Newbie - 10/12/2006 2:09:37 PM
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HummerGuy
Posts: 6684
Status: offline
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I hear you buddy on the cutting and slicing of your limbs. I had a '89 Suzuki Swift GTi (which most people have never heard of) that I had all kinds of audio stuff on. I still have scars from that car, literally. What is it with them trying to squeeze as much cable in a space so small you need a vacuum to suck out the extra air just to make space for the cabling?
As far as the house thing goes, I was one of the suckers that decided to lease right when they came out to get the good deals. At the time, it WAS a good deal. I have a cheap buyout price though, so I actually did pretty good!
I mounted the little LCD screen today. I haven't soldered the wiring yet but I'm going to sometime this afternoon (I'm going to sneak into my work parking garage and do the work). I'm anxious to see how my lame $39.99 screen will look! At least it's active matrix!
Thanks for the info. I want to get the tuner in the next month or so, but I'm going to wait until your friend gets back to you. I want to do it right. I don't want to watch a screen full of static. If it means spending the money on the pioneer unit I probably will. If I can get a cheaper one unit i might. Are all of the antenna hookups for TV tuners universal, or are they proprietary? It would be nice to just have a separate amplified antenna hooked up to the tuner.
I appreciate the help. Thanks for getting back to me! I'll post a pic in the next day or two of how I have the monitor mounted.
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RE: Newbie - 10/12/2006 2:27:49 PM
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ZYNE
Posts: 2453
Joined: 10/9/2006
From: Cincinnati, OH
Status: offline
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40 bucks for the screen!? Where? I'm almost inclined to pick one up just for the cost alone!
I'm sure there are other tuners out there besides the pioneer unit that will do you good without having you pay for the Pioneer brand name/logo. If I don't hear anything from my guy by Saturday I'll swing through the one "custom" shop I have close to me and see what they have to say. I need to stop in there to pick up some stuff anyways so no big deal.
I wish I had the option to lease but try finding an SRT-10 on a lease LOL! You either buy it or stand there drooling while someone else does. Only vehicle I've bought without test driving it, it's not allowed *rolls eyes*. I can see why though, I'd never come back if I ever got my hands on a set of keys again :-) Too much fun!
I don't think they are intentionally trying to compromise on space in compacts/sub compacts. I honestly think it's an after thought. The car is designed and THEN the electrical and audio guys are brought in to deal with what they are given. I have a hard time accepting some of these cars actually being designed to be THAT bloody difficult to work on. Hell, look at the old Mustangs with the 428 engines in em, you actually have to undo the motor mount bolts and lift the engine to change spark plugs ... I'm guessing they have similar design approaches ... or lack there of rather :)
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RE: Newbie - 10/12/2006 2:49:39 PM
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ZYNE
Posts: 2453
Joined: 10/9/2006
From: Cincinnati, OH
Status: offline
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Bummer, no 15" drop downs or I would've picked one up. I have a 7" now and it's waaaaaaaay too small to be a drop down. Would be a far better fit for the dash! Looks like good pricing but I'm picky about brands when I buy this stuff. I'd like to see some JL Audio, Alpine, or Pioneer stuff at those prices. I'd be broke as a joke but I'd have a hell of a lot of toys :-)
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RE: Newbie - 10/12/2006 3:06:19 PM
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HummerGuy
Posts: 6684
Status: offline
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Well you know this is probably all the stuff manufactured in third-world countries for like $5 in materials! If I was serious about this stuff I would go with all LCOS displays and get me some REAL name stuff, but this will have to do for now ;-)
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RE: Newbie - 10/12/2006 3:43:05 PM
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ZYNE
Posts: 2453
Joined: 10/9/2006
From: Cincinnati, OH
Status: offline
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Yeah, I did notice the off brands but there were some brand names on there. I saw they had an alpine iva-d310 on there for $999 but I can probably beat that through my buddy's "cost plus ten" offers he gives me through his shop.
The Jensen's are ok but that's about all I'd buy if I didn't go with a big name. I wouldn't depend on it as a part of a big high priced system though, maybe throw it in my toyota for some added entertainment... I dunno.
LCOS? I wish!! How about a 27" - 30" LCD TV retrofitted and mounted on the back of the front seat backs for the ultimate in (personal) rear seat entertainment? If I had access to a spare seat I could trash I could probably make a good looking fiberglass frame for it or have it upholstered .... And so it has begun .. I swore up and down every wall in my house I was NOT going to do this stuff to another truck ... Now I'm getting the bug, great! Ohh well, I didn't need that new dining room set anyways ..... LOL!
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RE: Newbie - 10/12/2006 3:58:32 PM
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HummerGuy
Posts: 6684
Status: offline
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It's called CLOSEOUT and CLEARANCE! I bought my entire new home's furniture with almost everything being one of those two. Unfortunately, it's ALL literally sitting in my two bedroom apartment right now, nicely stacked up and waiting for delivery lol.
If you are looking for a seat to play around with, you should check out eBay. There are ALWAYS Hummer seats being sold on there.
Have you ever seen the LCOS stuff up close? Those displays are so sweet. The home theater and electronics market was supposed to start coming out with the larger versions for the home. I remember reading early on in the home theater magazines about how LCOS was the up and coming thing, and it's half the cost to manufacture as plasma and LCD displays. Yeah sure. I have yet to see a LCOS screen over 8.4". They may be out somewhere, but where else can you get almost true HD quality picture from a 8.4" screen?
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RE: Newbie - 10/12/2006 4:33:32 PM
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ZYNE
Posts: 2453
Joined: 10/9/2006
From: Cincinnati, OH
Status: offline
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Yep, seen some of the LCOS units. I've done the home theatre bit too but opted for DLP due to costs being a little bit closer to the sane side of the spectrum. Ended up with one of Samsungs 61" DLP's, 1080p of course. Wish I could've gotten something in that size or slightly bigger but LCD/LCOS/Plasma .. unfortunately by the time you hit 50" or above suddenly those things turn real ugly on the sticker front and to be quite honest ... I've been more pleased with my DLP TV than I have with my LCD's. Granted, 720 vs. 1080 but even the 720 version DLP of what I have I think looks better.
Yep, I'm a big e-bay junkie, I just don't want to pay for a seat just to muck around with it. If I took something like this on that would mean the house projects would have to wait ... which means I'd have to endure endless amounts of whining until said projects were done ... NO THANKS! LOL!
Hehehe, gotto love having enough furniture for a house crammed in an apartment. We had a 1,800 sq foot apartment before the house and I could've sworn I could hear the seams come apart ever so slowly due to being so over packed with years upon years of furniture and "stuff". Now I think I hear my foot steps echo instead ... funny how that works.
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