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Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to the items
below, more information may be found on our
Message Board.
If you have a question
that is not answered above, please contact our Customer Service
Department toll free at 800-240-6845 or
email us for further assistance.
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What head unit model are you
currently shipping with DeckTunes?
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How many speakers can I attach to a
DeckTunes unit?
-
How do I connect
speakers to the unit?
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Is speaker wire included or do you sell it?
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Is there a dealer near me or
do you even sell through dealers?
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What size speaker wire should I use?
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Is the remote control waterproof?
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Does the remote control
operate off of Infrared or Radio Frequency?
-
Can I connect the audio from a television to
the unit?
-
How powerful is the unit?
-
Can the unit be mounted in an outdoor BBQ
island?
-
It gets really hot here. Can
DeckTunes be mounted in direct Sunlight?
-
It gets really cold here. Should I
store the unit inside during the Winter?
-
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee?
-
Can I purchase DeckTunes without the head
unit and install my own?
-
Do you sell speakers by themselves?
-
Can I use speakers other than the ones you
sell?
-
Will my settings be retained when I power
off the unit?
-
Is the user manual available on the site?
-
Does DeckTunes include a CD player?
-
The case size seems a little larger than
necessary. Why?
-
Can I wash my DeckTunes unit?
-
What is a GFCI Outlet and why do I need
one?
-
What happens if water gets in the case?
-
How often should I change my vent & fan
filters?
-
What are the arrows for on the 12 Volt
Receptacle?
-
How safe is DeckTunes?
-
Why do I hear a slight buzzing or humming
sound sometimes?
-
Can I order a custom color unit?
-
Can a sub-woofer be connected to
DeckTunes?
-
What is the 12 Volt
receptacle for?
-
Can Apple Airport devices be used with
DeckTunes?
-
How far away from the unit will the remote
work?
-
My remote control's performance seems poor.
What can I do?
-
What other mounting options are available
besides wall mounting?
-
I want to hide the power & speaker cables.
What do you recommend?
-
Are the speakers you offer waterproof?
-
Why are some songs louder/quieter when
playing from a Flash Drive or MP3 player?
-
Do you offer a satellite radio model?
-
How do I attach my iPod® or similar MP3
Player?
-
Why do I see slight color
variations on my DeckTunes unit?
-
Can I attach more than 4 speakers to a
DeckTunes unit?
-
Can I combine amplifier channels to
increase the wattage to a single pair of speakers?
-
Which of the
speakers that you sell sound the best?
-
Can I use
wireless speakers with DeckTunes?
-
The price seems high. Why not
build my own?
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How can I improve AM/FM radio station reception?
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How do I replace the battery in my remote control?
-
If I only hook up 2
speakers, will each speaker get 90 Watts of power?
-
How loud is the cooling fan
in DeckTunes?
What head unit model are you currently
shipping with DeckTunes?
The actual stereo in
our current generation of DeckTunes is manufactured by JBL
Marine. You may view the
operation and details of this stereo
by clicking here.
Back To
Questions
How many speakers can I attach to
a DeckTunes unit?
The head
unit included with DeckTunes is only intended to operate a
maximum of 4 speakers however, if wired correctly, it is
possible to connect a total of 8 speakers to the unit. Multiple speakers may be wired in one of
two ways, in parallel or series. As long as the impedance of the
speakers you intend on using is identical, between 4 and 8 Ohms and
you wire them in parallel, you may connect a total of two speakers per amplifier channel (4 amplifier
channels - Front L/R and Rear L/R).
When wiring speakers in
parallel, the impedance, or electrical resistance, of each
speaker is effectively reduced by 50 percent. For example, the
impedance of two 4 ohm speakers in parallel will become 2 ohms
each. Because the overall load on each amplifier channel is the
same, as if only one 4 ohm speaker is connected, the volume of
each speaker will remain the same as if it were connected in a
single speaker per channel configuration. Please visit the
following URL for specific wiring details:
http://www.termpro.com/articles/spkrz.html
Back To
Questions
How do I connect speakers to
the unit?
The
DeckTunes head unit has four amplifier channels: Front Left, Front Right,
Rear Left and Rear Right.
Each
channel has two wires: Positive (+) and Negative (-)
Each
Speaker has two connectors: Red which is Positive (+) and Black which is
Negative (-).
Speaker Wire has two
conductors: Conductor 1 and Conductor 2
One of these conductors
will be discernable from the other by way of printed markings or a
colored dash/stripe on one of them or by differing colors.
Connecting the wires:
Note:
Please use the proper gauge wire to connect your speakers.
Failure to do so could damage the amplifier and compromise the long-term
dependability of your unit. To determine the proper gauge wire, please
consult the chart below. Although the suggested sizes in the chart below
are technically accurate, 14 AWG is the most commonly used gauge and is
the best overall choice.
(1) Strip a bit of the
insulation from both conductors on one end of the speaker wire. Insert
each conductor into the connectors on the back of a speaker. Make sure
the "marked" conductor (one with stripe / writing / different color) is
inserted into the same connector all of the speakers you choose to
connect to the unit. (i.e. all striped conductors connected to negative
(-)(BLACK) connectors - OR - all striped conductors connected to
positive (+)(RED) connectors.) Note: Failure to heed this procedure will
cause your speakers to
operate out-of-phase with one another resulting in poor quality sound.
(2) Connect the opposite
ends of the speaker wires from each speaker to the amplifier channel of your choosing inside the DeckTunes unit
by striping insulation from the opposite end, depressing the appropriate
speaker block tab, inserting the stripped end and releasing the tab. (Be sure to
connect positive (+) from speaker to positive of channel and
negative from speaker to negative (-) of channel.) Which channels you
use is totally up to you based on how you would like to be able to
distribute the sound from the speakers using the FADER (Front/Back) and
BALANCE (Left/Right) control features of the head unit.
For further details,
please see page 9 of the
DeckTunes Installation & Owners Manual.
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Questions
Is speaker wire included or do you
sell it?
We do not include speaker wire with our
products because there are simply too many shapes, sizes, colors and gauges
available to make everyone happy with a single option. For the same reason, it's
impossible to carry sufficient inventory to suite everyone's individual tastes.
Speaker wire and connectors are readily
available at home improvement, hardware and electronics retailers in your local
area.
Back To
Questions
What size speaker wire should I use? Please
consult the Speaker Wire Gauge chart below.
Although the suggested sizes
in the chart below are technically accurate, 14 AWG is the most
commonly used gauge and is the best overall choice.
Back To
Questions
Is the remote control
waterproof?
Yes and it also floats which keeps it easily accessible when
used in a pool or hot tub.
Back To
Questions
Does the remote control operate off
of Infrared or Radio Frequency?
The remote control
included with DeckTunes operates using a Radio Frequency or RF signal
which means that the remote does not need to be aimed directly
at the unit to control it in most cases.
Back To
Questions
Can I connect the audio from a
television to the unit?
It is possible to connect the audio from a television to
DeckTunes using the Auxiliary Input jacks however, you'll need to obtain a
dual, male-to-male RCA cable of the appropriate length for your
installation to complete the connection. Such a cable may be
purchased at your local Radio Shack, Best Buy or similar electronics retailer. For a
visual example, see Model Number: 240-046 on
www.partsexpress.com.
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Questions
How powerful is the unit?
The stereos in our
DeckTunes units are capable of providing 45 Watts per channel X
4 channels for a total peak power output of 180 Watts. The RMS
(Root Means Squared) or "constant average" power output of each
channel is 18 Watts.
Back To
Questions
Can the unit be mounted in an outdoor
BBQ island? DeckTunes
was designed to be mounted in an open air environment however, with a little
creative carpentry, the unit has been successfully incorporated into several BBQ
islands. We generally advise against this due to the potential for exposure to
excessive heat and lack of proper airflow to vent and cool the interior
electronics however, if your island is rather large and contains an area that is
well ventilated and completely isolated from the heat of the BBQ pit, building a
DeckTunes unit into the structure may be suitable. This decision will need to be
made by your contractor after carefully reviewing the acceptable storage and
operating temperatures of DeckTunes as indicated in the product
specifications.
Please note that this type of installation, although possible, is not supported by
Outdoor Audio and will immediately void your Satisfaction Guarantee and
Warranty.
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Questions
It gets really hot here. Can
DeckTunes be mounted in direct Sunlight? Although
DeckTunes was designed for just such a situation, conditions such as those
found in the desert Southwest and near the equator can be a bit
extreme. We recommend mounting the unit in a location that will
provide the best protection from direct exposure to sunlight.
The side of a house adjacent to a deck that may only receive a
few hours of direct sunlight each day is fine. An uncovered boat
dock in Arizona in the middle of Summer is less than optimal but
is still acceptable. Not to tempt Murphy however, several
units have been in use in areas such as Las Vegas and Phoenix
since 2006 without incident.
Although our units
are designed to handle extreme outdoor conditions, it is an electronic device and
the cooler it's kept and the better it's protected, the longer
it will continue to operate problem-free. Please see the
DeckTunes Specifications Page for acceptable operating and storage
temperature ranges.
Back To
Questions
It gets really cold here. Should
I store the unit inside during the Winter?
The coolest recommended "storage"
temperature for any of the DeckTunes components is -4°
Fahrenheit however, considering the insulation factor of the
enclosure and lack of exposure to wind-chill, the actual ambient
air temperature would need to drop to and remain at or below
-20° for extended periods of time to actually affect the
internal components. Considering the above, as long as some form
of insulating cover is applied to the faceplate on the exterior
of the unit during extreme winter conditions, the remaining components should be well protected
against the elements year-round. A good rule-of-thumb here is to
compare the components of DeckTunes to those found within an
automobile. If it's alright for an automobile to remain outside,
your DeckTunes unit will most likely be alright exposed to the
same conditions however, the unit should not be operated at or
below 32° degrees Fahrenheit.
Back To
Questions
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee?
Our number one goal is your
satisfaction. DeckTunes is guaranteed to be free from
workmanship and functional defects for one year from the date of
purchase. If for any other reason you are unhappy with our
products, you may return them within 30 days for a refund
however, some minor restrictions apply. Please see our
Warranty page for details.
Back To
Questions
Can I purchase DeckTunes without the
head unit and install my own?
No. The units included in DeckTunes
have been specifically matched to our enclosure and internal
electronics. Other head units may not fit and could be
incompatible with the power supply and other included
components.
Back To
Questions
Do you sell speakers by themselves?
Yes we do and if you
prefer speakers other than the ones we offer or if you can find a
better price elsewhere, feel free to purchase our
DeckTunes unit alone.
Back To
Questions
Can I use speakers other than the
ones you sell?
Absolutely. Any speakers with
either 4 or 8 Ohm impedance will work fine. Due to the power
output of the head unit in DeckTunes, each speaker should be
rated to handle peak power of 50 watts or more. If your speakers will be
mounted or placed in an unprotected outdoor location, they will
need to be weatherproof and rated for outdoor use to ensure
longevity.
Back To
Questions
Will my settings be retained when I
power off the unit?
Yes. Thanks to an
on-board memory module, all of your
settings such as the time and your favorite stations will remain
in tact even when the unit is powered off or unplugged. Also, each time the
unit is powered on, it will be in the same state as when it was
last powered off. (i.e. If you were listening to FM Station 96.1
at a volume level of 20 when the unit was powered off, the next
time it is powered on the music source and volume level will
remain the same.)
Back To
Questions
Is the user manual and
technical specifications available on the
site?
Yes. Manuals and
Specifications for all of our products may be viewed by
clicking here.
Back To
Questions
Does DeckTunes include a
CD player?
No. The latest
version of DeckTunes was designed as a stereo receiver and
digital music player since digital media and portable media
devices are now the most common formats for audio storage and
playback. As a result, our current model does not include an
internal CD player but an external player may be connected using
the auxiliary input jacks and included RCA to 1/8" stereo cable
however, please allow us to explain a little further.
Although connecting
an external CD player may be accomplished, please be aware that
due to the physical size of external CD players, they will not fit
within the included weatherproof media drawer which will leave
them exposed to the elements when connected and in use.
Connection may be accomplished by connecting the RCA ends of the
included auxiliary cable to the internal auxiliary jacks and
running the end with the 1/8" stereo plug out of the enclosure
via the fitting on the bottom through which the speaker wires
enter the unit. This would allow the connection of a CD player
when desired and the cable could simply be wrapped up and
secured against the bottom of the unit when not connected.
The bottom line is that an external CD player may be connected
to the units but we wanted to be sure you understood the details
prior to your purchase.
One last note, our current DeckTunes model does include 1GB of
on-board, internal flash memory for the storage of digital audio
files. This is enough space to store approximately 250 MP3 files
or around 20 CDs worth of music. Using many popular audio
software applications, several of which are completely free, you
could convert the content of your CDs into MP3 files, copy them
to a USB thumb drive, connect the drive to a DeckTunes unit and
transfer the files to the internal storage for future access
without further need for an external device.
Back To
Questions
The case size seems a little larger
than necessary. Why?
The laws of thermal dynamics. The
power supply in DeckTunes has to provide significant power for
the head unit's amplifier. This requires room to accomidate the power
supply's size and secondly, the result of producing all that power is heat
which requires adequate airflow to ensure the
enclosed components remain properly cooled. Please do not store
ANY items inside the unit as doing so could impede this airflow.
Back To
Questions
Can I wash my DeckTunes unit?
Yes, with caution. The design of
DeckTunes eliminates the possible ingress of water during normal
use. During washing, the design works to minimize the
possibility and provides for safe drainage in the unlikely event
that water does enter the case. Before washing your DeckTunes
unit, make certain it is unplugged from the power outlet
and that the front cover is securely closed and the screws are
snuggly fastened. While washing, avoid directing the spray from your
garden hose or pressure washer directly towards the faceplate or the underside of the unit. After washing, open
the enclosure and inspect for the presence of any
water. Dry any damp surfaces by wiping with a soft towel and
re-secure the enclosure cover with screws before plugging back into
a
GFCI protected outlet. (If the case is only mildly
soiled, 409 or a fiberglass cleaner of your choice and a rag
should be all you need to restore it to a factory fresh finish.)
Waxing the unit after washing is recommended and will keep the
finish nicer, longer.
Back To
Questions
What is a GFCI Outlet and why do I need
one?
The following is an excerpt from
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL):
Ground fault circuit
interrupters (GFCI) are a type of outlet that can help prevent
electrocution inside and outside the home. GFCIs are an
effective means of protecting against electrical shock, however,
they must be tested regularly -- UL recommends once a month --
to verify they are working properly. The advantage of using
GFCIs is that they detect even those amounts of electricity too
small for your fuse or circuit breaker to activate and shut off
the circuit. Like all products, GFCIs can be damaged. GFCIs
damaged by lightning or electrical surges may fail to provide
adequate protection. A simple test once a month and after any
violent thunderstorm should be conducted.
If you
own an older home and your exterior outlets are not of the GFCI
type, one may be purchased at your local home improvement store.
Unless you are extremely experienced with home electrical
wiring, we strongly suggest contacting a licensed electrician in
your local area to add or upgrade a GFCI outlet for you. Also,
just because your outdoor outlets may not look like GFCI
outlets, they may be part a daisy-chained GFCI circuit. If you
are uncertain, consult with a licensed electrician before using
our products with your outdoor outlets. In addition to a GFCI
outlet, a weatherproof outlet cover is recommended. If you're
interested, you can find the specifics of how a GFCI outlet
works
here.
Back To
Questions
What happens if water gets in the
case?
The only way water can enter the case is during pressure washing the unit. In the unlikely event that this does
occur, any water will safely drain away from all interior
components and harmlessly out the bottom of the enclosure through
the vent grills.
Back To
Questions
How often should I change my vent
& fan filters? We
suggest evaluating the condition of filters every 6 months. If
they appear soiled, dusty or otherwise clogged, remove them and
wash in warm water with mild detergent. Allow to dry thoroughly
and replace. You may conduct this procedure one to two times
with the same filters before replacing them with new ones. A
replacement set is included with the unit and others are
available for purchase.
Back To
Questions
What are the arrows for on the 12 Volt
Receptacle? For the
most part, nothing. Some 12 volt chargers include a special
"locking" feature however, most do not. If a charger you will be
using with DeckTunes happens to include this feature, insert it
with the tongs in line with the arrows and twist to lock charger
in place. Simply twist back in line with arrows and pull towards
you to remove. Chargers without this feature will still fit and
operate properly with this outlet.
Back To
Questions
How safe is DeckTunes? Our
enclosure is constructed of 100% non-conductive fiberglass and
all internal electronics are protected by multiple protection circuits
including: Short Circuit Protection, Over Voltage
Protection, Over Load Protection and Over Current Protection.
When used in conjunction with a
GFCI outlet, DeckTunes is as safe as any other electrical
appliance or device rated for outdoor use.
Back To
Questions
Why do I hear a slight buzzing or
humming sound sometimes? This
may only occur when charging and listening to a non-Apple
branded MP3 player
at the same time that is connected via the auxiliary inputs and is due to the design of certain MP3 players
and/or chargers on the market. Simply reduce the volume, change
the sound quality (SQ) setting or, listen to an alternate music
source while charging your player to eliminate the noise.
Back To
Questions
Can I order a custom color unit? While it
is possible to make our enclosures in any shade imaginable, it
is cost prohibitive unless sufficient demand exists for a
particular color. We love getting feedback from our customers
and compile all special requests to determine when a change or
additional option makes sense. If you would like a color other
than those we currently offer, please send us an
email and we'll notify you if that color becomes available
in the future. Please note, a key reason we have chosen to offer
the particular colors we do is that they reflect heat from direct sunlight
whereas some other colors tend to absorb it. Keeping the unit as
cool as possible is paramount to ensuring the longevity of the
enclosed components. As with most fiberglass surfaces, you may
paint DeckTunes however, we strongly recommend avoiding dark
colors as they tend to absorb heat.
Back To
Questions
Can a sub-woofer be
connected to DeckTunes?
The outputs of
DeckTunes may NOT be bridged to drive a sub-woofer however, you
may purchase and connect an outdoor rated sub-woofer that
contains cross-over circuitry. In this scenario, you would
connect the outputs of two DeckTunes amplifier channels directly
to the sub-woofer and then run two satellite speakers off of the
sub-woofer. Such subs are available from multiple sources and an
example can been seen by
clicking here.
One note of caution, if using a sub of this type, be sure to
note the acceptable impedance range for the satellite speakers.
Back To
Questions
What is the 12 Volt
receptacle for?
The intended purpose of the 12 Volt receptacle is to provide
power for charging small portable devices such as MP3 Players
and Cell Phones. Please refrain from using the
receptacle for any purpose other than for which it was designed
as Failure to do so could result in permanent damage to the unit
thus voiding your warranty.
Back To
Questions
Can Apple Airport
devices be used with DeckTunes? Yes.
Devices such as Apple's Airport Express may be connected and
used to stream music to DeckTunes from a remote location. We are
aware of several customers who have implemented this solution
using the auxiliary input jacks on DeckTunes along with the
included RCA to 1/8" male stereo plug cable for connection and
according to them, it has worked great and they've been very
happy with the results. By the way, it's a cool idea and a neat
way to take full advantage of the convenience and flexibility
our DeckTunes units offer.
Back To
Questions
How far away from the unit will
the remote work? In our
tests with a fresh battery and under ideal
conditions, approximately 60 to 80 feet.
Back To
Questions
My remote control's
performance seems poor. What can I do?
Because
the signal from the remote can be impeded by certain types of
building materials, if
you are experiencing difficulties using the remote, make sure no
objects are between you and the unit. You may also consider installing a new battery in the remote
to increase its range and performance if desired. For battery
replacement instructions,
please
click here.
Back To
Questions
What other mounting options are
available besides wall mounting?
In
addition to walls, DeckTunes can be mounted to most other
surfaces in various ways. For metal posts, we recommend our
post mounting brackets or
similar square U-Bolts. For wooden poles, posts or rails, you
may purchase our post mount kit or mounting board (See
Product Page). You may also opt to drill holes through the back of the enclosure and
secure the unit using lag bolts or traditional bolts and nuts.
When mounting, ensure that the condition and thickness of the
surface is sufficient to bear the entire weight (17 lbs) of the
unit. Also ensure that you use adequate length and diameter
fasteners with appropriate washers for your particular mounting
application. Please note that while modifications to the
enclosure such as drilling holes for mounting will not affect
your warranty, it will prohibit the
return of the unit for a refund. In addition to mounting
the unit, it may also be placed upright on a suitable surface
such as a table by using our
Free Standing Foot Kit.
Whatever mounting solution you choose, make sure all hardware
used is non-corrosive Stainless Steel.
Back To
Questions
I want to hide the power & speaker
cables. What do you recommend?
If you
plan on running the cables along the surface of a wall or other
flat surface, many options are available for concealing the
wires and can be purchased at your local home improvement or
hardware store. The product you'll be interested in is called
surface "raceway" or "wire-mold" or "flat conduit". Most all
types are available in different shapes, styles and colors to
match your decor. The most common method for applying it to your
surface is with double-sided foam tape. Some brands and types
can also be nailed, screwed or glued in place. If you have an
application where it is feasible to totally hide all the cables,
you may do so by drilling through the back of the enclosure. If
doing this also involves hardwiring of the unit, we strongly
recommend that this be done only by a licensed electrician in
your area. Be certain to drill the smallest holes possible and
seal them on both sides extremely well with an outdoor rated
sealant to prevent any moisture from entering the unit. More
complete details are included in the
Owners Manual. Please note that while modifications to the
enclosure such as drilling holes will not affect your
warranty, it will prohibit the return of the unit for a
refund.
Back To
Questions
Are the speakers you offer
waterproof? All of
the speakers we offer are "weatherproof" meaning they are
designed for use outside. We are not aware of any quality
speakers under $200.00 that are truly waterproof. Outdoor
speakers should be mounted in a manner which will prevent water
from directly impacting the face or grill straight-on. As long
as the speakers are mounted vertically, horizontally and
slightly tilted downwards, or placed under an eve, they will
provide years of trouble-free enjoyment.
Back To
Questions
Why are some songs louder/quieter
when playing from a Flash Drive or MP3 player? When
converting (or ripping) audio to MP3 format, one has the ability
to control or modify the quality and volume of the source.
Depending on the settings of these options when the files were
encoded, one may be of greater or lesser quality and/or volume
when compared to another. This is also true of songs purchased
on Apple's iTunes site. If you own an Apple branded MP3 player
such as an iPod, you can control the volume of songs to keep
them consistent using a feature called Sound Check. Please see
your player's user manual for more information. You may also find more detailed information
regarding this topic by searching the Internet for "MP3 FAQ" and "MP3 Standards".
Back To
Questions
Do you offer a satellite radio
model?
Yes. All of our
DeckTunes units now include an internal Sirius satellite
receiver that is installed and ready to use. All you'll need to do to start enjoying satellite radio
after receiving the unit is to follow a few additional
installation steps and activate your Sirius subscription.
Please note that at the present time, we only offer a Sirius
receiver however, you may add "The Best of XM" package to your
Sirius subscription to enjoy the most popular XM channels. You may view the steps necessary
to activate your Sirius receiver by
clicking here.
Back To
Questions
How do I attach my iPod® or similar MP3
Player?
If you own an iPod,
you may connect it using the included Apple standard connector
located within the weatherproof media storage drawer on the
right side of the unit. Simply pull the drawer open, flip the
lid upwards, connect the cable to your iPod or other Apple
branded player (ie. iTouch or iPhone), close the lid and slide
the drawer back into the closed position. Once the player is
connected, you may browse and control the unit from the
faceplate and associated remote contol. Also, with your player
safely stored in the media drawer, you can rest easy knowing
that it is protected from the elements should you wish to leave
it in place or simply forget to disconnect it.
You may also connect
non-Apple branded MP3 players or other portable audio devices to
DeckTunes using the Auxiliary Input jacks and included RCA to
1/8" male stereo cable. The 12 Volt receptacle may also be used to
charge or power such devices.
Back To
Questions
Why do I see slight color
variations on my DeckTunes unit?
The color of our enclosures is not
painted but rather molded into the fiberglass during the
manufacturing process. In addition, special UV inhibitors are
added to prevent fading and damage to the enclosure's surface
and finish due to extended exposure to the elements and direct
sunlight. As a result of this process, our enclosures may
exhibit areas of slight color variances or marbling and very minor
imperfections. This is normal and not a defect.
Back To
Questions
Can I attach more than 4 speakers
to a DeckTunes unit?
Please see topic: "How many speakers can I attach to
a DeckTunes unit" above.
Back To
Questions
Can I combine amplifier
channels to increase the wattage to a single pair of speakers?
No. This procedure is called "bridging" an amplifier and is not
supported by the head unit included in DeckTunes. Attempting the procedure can
harm the unit and any resulting damage will not be covered by the warranty.
For those who care to know more
about the subject:
When you bridge an amplifier,
you combine the power output of two channels into one channel.
Bridging allows you to drive one speaker with more power than
the amp could produce for two speakers. Because of this high
power output, bridging is an ideal way to drive a single
subwoofer.
If your amp is bridgeable, the owner's manual will have
directions that tell you how. Usually, an amp is bridged by
connecting the speaker leads to the positive (+) terminal from
one channel and the negative (-) terminal from the other
channel. However, you should be sure to consult your owner's
manual before attempting to bridge your amp.
Also, keep in mind that most amplifiers need to see a 4-ohm load
when bridged to mono operation. If you want to bridge your amp,
you should use one 4-ohm speaker or, if you prefer multiple
woofers, wire two 8-ohm speakers in parallel. (Again, consult
your manual before operating your amp in bridged mode.)
More detailed information may
be found by
visiting this link.
Back To
Questions
Which of the speakers that you
sell sound the best?
This is one of the most frequently
asked questions we receive and in response, we've placed a small
graphic at the bottom of each speaker model we offer which
depicts how we perceived the Bass, Treble and maximum Volume
(before distortion) during our evaluations. We realize that
everyone's ears are different and that some of our findings
don't necessarily make sense based on the "technical
specifications" of particular models however, we love music and
this is what we heard with the actual speakers attached to
DeckTunes. This rating is only meant to be used as a guide and
actual results may vary based on music source, speaker distance,
environment, custom settings and other factors. You may view
these ratings in the Speakers section of our
Products Page.
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Questions
Can I use wireless speakers
with DeckTunes?
Wireless
speakers require a transmitter to provide signal to the
speakers. The transmitter is normally connected to
the audio outputs of a stereo system in same manner as
speakers. Considering this, it should not be a problem
to use wireless speakers with DeckTunes however, there
are some things to be aware of:
(1) If
the transmitter will be located in a location exposed to
the elements and it is not weatherproof, you will
somehow need to protect it. Any attempt to accomplish
this, such as a separate enclosure, may impede the
single preventing it from reaching the speakers.
(2) Most
wireless transmitters require 110 volt power to operate.
(3) Each
speaker is powered by an internal amplifier which also
requires power. The power required can range from 110
volts down to AA batteries. If powered by 110 volts,
you'll need weatherproof outlets in each location you
intend to place speakers. If powered by batteries, the
volume from each speaker will be very minimal due to a
small amplifier and the batteries will need to be
replaced often to maintain peak volume and sound
quality.
(4)
Electrical signals from power lines, cell phone towers,
cordless phones and similar sources can significantly
interfere with and disrupt the reception of wireless
speakers. This is especially of concern in outdoor
locations where there is a lack of barriers such as
walls and floors to intercept and block interfering
signals.
Although
using wireless speakers with DeckTunes is possible, it
is not recommended due the high probability of
dissatisfaction regarding overall system performance.
Eliminating the challenges and shortcomings of wireless
speakers is actually one of the primary reasons we
developed the DeckTunes solution.
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Questions
Is there a dealer near me or
do you even sell through dealers?
Currently, our
products are not sold through any dealers. Selling direct to the
consumer allows us to keep costs as low as possible and to
personally support every item we offer.
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Questions
The price seems high. Why not build my own?
Although we
are in business to make a profit, if you researched the retail
cost of all the components included with our DeckTunes units and
consider our wholesale buying power, you will discover that we
are merely charging a "convenience fee" to assemble the units
and deliver them to you. If you are a handy, electrically
inclined individual with the resources, tools and time to
determine all the necessary items, locate vendors and to
assemble & wire the components, you may actually be able save a
few dollars by doing-it-yourself and building your own
unit. If you do decide to do this, we will be happy to provide as
much advice as we can as our time permits and would also
appreciate any feedback or suggestions you may have for us as a
result.
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Questions
How can I improve AM/FM radio station
reception?
Unlike a vehicle
which has an exposed antenna that is most often completely
unobstructed as it travels among open roadways, reception of
radio stations from stationary receivers such as home stereos
and DeckTunes will vary greatly depending on mounting locations,
obstructions, building construction and other factors. Although
DeckTunes does include a powered, amplified antenna, the
connection of an external antenna is sometimes necessary to
acquire a clean signal from certain radio stations.
Accomplishing this
is fairly easy. First, you'll need to select an external antenna
with a connector that's intended for connection to auto and
marine stereos. This type of connector is referred to as a
"Motorola Connector" (Click
here to see what one looks like.)
If you will be mounting the antenna in a location that is
exposed to the elements, you'll want one that is rated for
outdoor use. Marine retailers such as
Overtons,
West Marine and
Boaters World all
carry a variety of weatherproof antennas. Another option is to
use an antenna that is intended to mount on the roof of
automobiles. These are available from sources such as Best Buy,
Radio Shack,
Metra Electronics,
Crutchfield and car audio retailers. Although there are some
weatherproof antennas such as one offered by Terk that are
specifically made for residential environments, they are much
more expensive than the other options we've mentioned and aside
from looks, their performance won't be any better than the
cheaper alternatives.
When choosing an antenna, you'll want to keep in mind how you'll
mount it, ensure it is rated for outdoor use, that it is an FM
and AM antenna vs just FM (if you wish to receive AM stations)
and that it includes enough cable to reach your intended
mounting location.
Once you've decided on and purchased a particular antenna:
(1) Simply remove the two screws on the cover of your DeckTunes
unit.
(2) Remove the four screws at each corner of the backboard and
carefully lean the backboard towards you from the top.
(3) Insert the antenna cable through the right hand hole on the
bottom of the enclosure. (You'll need to remove the black strain
relief fitting to accomplish this step.)
(4) Unplug the internal antenna and plug in the external one.
(5) Carefully return the backboard to it's original position
making sure no wires or cables are near the media drawer or fan
that could impede their operation.
(6) Replace the four screws and washers in each corner of the
backboard and barely tighten them (do not use a power driver) to
avoid stripping out the nylon threads of the standoffs.
(7) Optional Step: If desired, replace the black strain relief
fitting into the bottom right hand hole. Should the cables be
too tight to accomplish this step, simply discard the strain
relief fitting.
(8) Close the cover, apply slight pressure to it while replacing
the two screws and barely tighten them with a hand held
screwdriver.
(9) Move the external antenna around your environment to
determine the best signal reception of desired stations, mount
the antenna and conceal wire as desired.
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Questions
How do I replace the
battery in my remote control?
The remote control
included with DeckTunes contains a single CR-2032 button cell
battery. These batteries are readily available at drug, grocery,
hardware and electronic stores in your local area and may also
be purchased on-line from retailers such as
batteries.com
For detailed battery
replacement instructions, visit the Tech Specs page of our site
or
please
click here.
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Questions
If I only hook up 2
speakers, will each speaker get 90 Watts of power?
No because the
amplifier in our DeckTunes units is rated at 45 Watts per
channel X 4 independent channels and is NOT bridgeable. This
means that regardless of the total number of speakers connected
to the unit, each speaker will only receive 45 Watts of maximum
power. For more information, please see the related topic "Can
I combine amplifier channels to increase the wattage to a single
pair of speakers?" above.
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Questions
How loud is the cooling fan
in DeckTunes?
What little
noise that is produced by the single cooling fan in our
DeckTunes units is negligible and completely inaudible even
within very close proximity to the unit. This is because the fan
itself does not produce much noise in the first place and
furthermore because there is a filter and louvered grill between
the fan and exterior of the enclosure.
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Questions
this is a test link
In addition to the items
above, more information may be found on our
Message Board.
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