Amp Install

[Txjetter17]

Got a JL audio M series amp off eBay and installing in a 2017 ar210 just for 4 speakers. I have a pretty good idea on how to install. Any tips or pictures of installs just so I don't run into any problems.

 

[Txjetter17]

I keep seeing a wire in some diagrams go to a remote turn on. Is this just connecting to the head unit?

 

[swatski]

Yes - the remote or power antenna. It is blue.

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[Txjetter17]

Still deciding if I want to put the amp in the battery compartment or under the dash.

 

[Markk]

Got a JL audio M series amp off eBay and installing in a 2017 ar210 just for 4 speakers. I have a pretty good idea on how to install. Any tips or pictures of installs just so I don't run into any problems.

Here is my amp install. Many on here have made PVC amp boards of different flavor. Do a quick search and you'll find many.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/14-242ls-audio-upgrade.13537/#post-242796

Blue remote wire is for remote amp turn on. Makes amp power turn off/on with head unit power.

 

[Txjetter17]

Do I need to upgrade the speaker wire that runs to the speakers?

 

[Markk]

Do I need to upgrade the speaker wire that runs to the speakers?

Biggest thing is to make sure connections are clean and secure at both ends. Verify polarity matches at all locations. I pulled new wire to all locations for a couple reasons:

1. Speaker wire is very affordable. 16 gu covers all mains, 12gu for subs.
2. I had new locations to add that factory harness did not cover. Once you're pulling 1 pair down a side of the boat, it's not much more work to pull additional. Make sure you mark/number all wires on both ends to make identification easy.
3. I'm OCD and like it my way.
4. Earlier in my career I was an installer so the skill set was easy.

If you pull all new wire, make a service loop near amp for future termination changes. Basically find a place to coil up an extra 2'-3' of extra line. This allows you to make changes in the future without re-pulling runs.

 

[jeff_s]

Following this thread as I plan on installing an amp in the next few weeks to power the (4) new MX650's I bought to replace the stock speakers.

I think im going to install the amp behind the stereo.

 

[Txjetter17]

I have the same speakers. I think I'm going to install the amp behind the stereo as well. I also bought new speaker wire since the stock stuff is small.

I am also wondering what size fuse I should use. I was looking at one of the Blue Seas

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/blue-sea-systems--285-series-thermal-circuit-breakers-panel-mount--P011975505?recordNum=31

Will this work? If so what size should I get?

 

[jeff_s]

I think I was reading over the jl amp instruction manual, it may call for a 40 amp fuse. But I'm not a 100 percent sure

 

[Txjetter17]

You are correct sir @jeff_ s. I just looked at it online. 40A

 

[jeff_s]

You are correct sir @jeff_ s. I just looked at it online. 40A

My plan is to run a 4awg wire from the battery switch to an inline fuse (40amp) then to the amp.

 

[Txjetter17]

Ya same here. I'm going to pull the full tank cover and see if running thru there is a possibility.

 

[jeff_s]

I plan on the same route. I'm running 1-4awg and 1-6awg(for a blue sea fuse block) both across the top of the fuel tanks. I'll probably use the pool noodle method for a wire covering.

 

[Txjetter17]

I'm going to try and pre run all the wiring this week and install the amp Friday before we go to the river.

 

[Txjetter17]

Have you measured the length of the power and ground cable you'll need?

 

[jeff_s]

Have you measured the length of the power and ground cable you'll need?

Not yet. I'm good at wasting $ and not having enough time. So I'll probably buy 15' of each wire and pray that's enough.

My bigger concern is properly crimping the wire ends with staycons. I would hate to do all this work just to have the ends not crimped properly.

 

[Txjetter17]

I'm pretty sure they can crimp it for you at west marine. I'm about Togo check it out and get a tough length

 

[jeff_s]

Shoot. I'll have West Marine crimp it then.
Good looking on that one. I never knew they could do that

 

[Txjetter17]

I'll let you know for sure in a bit.