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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 888-932-8346 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?
-
What size speaker wire should I use?
-
Is the remote control waterproof?
-
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?
-
How many CDs will DeckTunes hold?
-
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?
-
My unit won't turn on. What could be wrong?
-
Why does the fuse for the 12 Volt
receptacle keep blowing?
-
Does the remote control work with the cover
closed?
-
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 MP3 disc or 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?
What head unit model are you currently
shipping with DeckTunes?
For the 2008 model
year, we are shipping Panasonic CQ-RX400U head units in our
DeckTunes and DeckTunes Max products. This unit offers AM / FM /
Single CD / MP3 Disc / Auxiliary Input / USB Connectivity for
connection and control of iPods / 50 Watts per Channel X 4
Channels (Peak. RMS = 18 Watts per Channel.) / Optional
Satellite receiver connection for Sirius and XM receivers and
includes a wireless Remote Control (Infrared). You may view the
full details of this stereo on
Panasonic's site by clicking here.
Our most basic
model, DeckTunes Lite includes a Panasonic CQ-C1305U head unit
which provides AM / FM and MP3 Disc functions only. (Due to low
demand, this item is likely to be discontinued when current
stock is depleted.) You may view the full details of this stereo
on
Panasonic's site.
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 drive more. 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 4-8 Ohms and
you wire them in parallel, this should be fine
up to 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 pre channel configuration. Please visit the
following URL for more 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 (-)
Please
refer to the included Panasonic Users Manual or the small Yellow chart on
the inside of your DeckTunes cover for details of each channel wire color
and which is 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. If you’re unsure of the exact distance to your
speakers, keep in mind that it’s always better to use a larger gauge
than you need versus one that is too small.]
(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
negative (+)(RED) connectors.) Note: Failure to heed this procedure will
cause your speakers will
operate out-of-phase with one another resulting in poor quality sound.
(2) Connect the opposite
ends of the speaker wire conductors from each speaker to the channel
"wire pair" of your choosing inside the DeckTunes unit. (Be sure to
connect positive (+) from speaker to positive of channel and
negative from speaker to negative (-) of channel.) Which channel(s) 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 10 of the
DeckTunes Installation & Owners Manual.
Back To
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. We do however offer a single color and gauge of speaker wire that is
specifically suited for direct burial in areas such as yards and flower beds.
More details may be found on our Products Page.
Back To
Questions
What size speaker wire should I use? Please
consult the Speaker Wire Gauge chart below. More detailed
information may be found on page 10 of the
DeckTunes Installation & Owners Manual.
Back To
Questions
Is the remote control
waterproof? No.
Although the remote is water-resistant, if you intend to use it
near a pool or hot tub, we recommend drying your hands before
operating it. You should also take appropriate precautions to
prevent it from entering the water.
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Questions
Does the remote control operate off
of Infrared or Radio Frequency?
The remote control
included with DeckTunes (not included with DeckTunes Lite)
operates using an Infrared signal. An RF or Radio Frequency
remote is on our "to-do" list but there are no current plans to replace
the IR remote anytime in near future.
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Questions
Can I connect the audio from a
television to the unit? It
is possible to connect the audio from a television to DeckTunes (not available
on DeckTunes Lite) using the 1/8" Auxiliary Input jack located on the front of
the unit however, you'll need to obtain a cable to convert the audio signal from
your TV to a 1/8" stereo male plug. The most common type of audio outputs found
on televisions are called RCA jacks. If this is the case with your TV, you'll
need an RCA male to 1/8" or "mini" stereo male cable in the appropriate length
for your particular installation. Such a cable may be purchased at your local
Radio Shack, Best Buy, Circuit City or similar electronics retailer. For a
visual example, see Model Number: 42-2483 on
www.radioshack.com.
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Questions
How powerful is the unit?
The stereos in our
DeckTunes units are capable of providing 50 Watts per channel X
4 channels for a total peak power output of 200 Watts. The RMS
(Root Means Squared) or "constant average" power output of each
channel is 18 Watts. In addition, the amplifiers sections of our
Panasonic head units are CEA-2006 compliant.
The Consumer Electronics Association standard CEA-2006, "Testing
& Measurement Methods for Mobile Audio Amplifiers" is a
"voluntary" standard which advocates a uniform method for
determining an amplifier's RMS power and signal-to-noise ratio.
Using 14.4 volts, RMS watts are measured into a 4-ohm impedance
load at 1 percent Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) plus noise, at
a frequency range (for general purpose amplifiers) of 20 Hz to
20,000 Hz. Signal-to-Noise ratio is measured in weighted
absolute decibels (dBA) at a reference of 1 watt into 4 ohms.
This applies to both external amplifiers and the amplifiers
within in-dash receivers.
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, while possible, is not supported by
Outdoor Audio and will immediately void your Satisfaction Guarantee and
Warranty.
Back To
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
for more than a year without incident.
Although the unit
was 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 the
removable stereo faceplate is stored indoors during the Winter
months, 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. Because our head unit
amp contains 4 channels, you may wire a total of 2 pair of
speakers to each DeckTunes unit. If your speakers will be
mounted or placed in an unprotected outdoor location, they will
need to be weatherproof and rated for outdoor use.
Back To
Questions
Will my settings be retained when I
power off the unit?
Yes. Thanks to our
proprietary module and power supply circuitry all of your
settings such as the time and your favorite stations will remain
in tact even when the unit is powered off. 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.) Like most modern electronics, if a total power
outage occurs, your settings will need to be reset.
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. If you are an Outdoor Audio
customer and have misplaced your manual, please
contact us and we'll be happy to
send you a replacement.
Back To
Questions
How many CDs will DeckTunes hold?
One. The head units in both
DeckTunes and DeckTunes Max are single CD capable.
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 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 stereo cover is securely closed and latched. Also
ensure the screws on the face of the enclosure are snugly
fastened. While washing, avoid directing the spray from your
garden hose or pressure washer directly towards the edges of the
stereo cover or the underside of the unit. After washing, open
enclosure and stereo cover and inspect for the presence of any
water. Dry any damp surfaces by wiping with a soft towel and
re-secure 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. In 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 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 fuses and a
power supply which also contains 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
occurs only when charging and listening to an MP3 player
at the same time 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
White and Gray is that they reflect heat from direct sunlight
whereas darker 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
My unit won't turn on. What could
be wrong? Several
things. Please following the checklist outlined below. If none
of these steps resolve your issue, please contact us via phone
at 888-932-8346 for further assistance.
(1) Please make sure
you are attempting to power on the unit by pressing the power
button on the faceplate and not the remote control as the
remotes batteries may be exhausted.
(2) Attempt to power
on the unit with the enclosure cover open and take notice
to see if the translucent exhaust fan is running or not. This
will determine if the it's the power supply or the head unit
that's the problem. If the fan runs, please skip to step 7.
(3) Check your circuit breaker and the breaker on
your GFCI outlet to make sure neither have tripped. (If either
has tripped, thoroughly inspect unit and power cord to determine
if any obvious sign of short circuit exists such as a pet or
rodent biting
through the cord, yes it's happened.
(4) Please be sure
the end of the power cord that is connected to the power supply
inside the enclosure is pushed into the socket all the way and
seated well.
(5) Unplug the unit from power outlet, wait 20
seconds and plug back in.
(6) There is a small
black switch located on the bottom of the silver colored power
supply inside the enclosure. Try flipping that switch to the
opposite position and see if the unit will power on.
(7) Open the unit and check
all fuses to ensure none are blown. (If a fuse is blown, replace
it and attempt to power on the unit again.)
(8) Above the power
supply inside the enclosure, there is a small black plastic
square (relay) with wires connected to it. Please push on the
red connectors to ensure each wire is securely connected to the
relay.
(9) Remove the stereo faceplate by depressing the small button
located on the top right of the faceplate and then replace it
making sure it seems to seat well and engages the main stereo
unit with a distinct "click" when pushed in place.
If none of these steps resolve your issue, please contact us via
phone at 888-932-8346 for further assistance.
Back To
Questions
Why does the fuse for the 12 Volt
receptacle keep blowing? The
intended purpose of the 12 Volt receptacle is to provide power
for charging small portable devices such as MP3 Players and Cell
Phones. It has a very low amperage rated in-line fuse to allow
the majority of the power supply wattage to be dedicated to the
stereo amplifier. If you attempt to use the receptacle to power
a high demand device such as a Q-Beam® spotlight, the
fuse is going to continually blow. Please refrain from using the
receptacle for any purpose other than for which it was designed.
Failure to do so by replacing the factory installed fuse with a
higher rated one could result in permanent damage to the unit
thus voiding your warranty.
Back To
Questions
Does the remote control work
with the cover closed? Yes it
does but, the range of operation will be slightly decreased.
Back To
Questions
How far away from the unit will
the remote work? In our
tests with a fresh battery and the cover open under ideal
conditions, approximately 60ft.
Back To
Questions
My remote control's
performance seems poor. What can I do?
Because
the remote utilizes traditional infrared technology, it requires
a direct line-of-sight to the head unit in order to operate. If
you are experiencing difficulties using the remote, make sure no
objects are between you and the unit. You should also try
reorienting the remote so it is directly in-line with the head
unit or install a new battery in the remote.
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 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 MP3 disc or 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. You may find more detailed information
by searching the Internet for "MP3 FAQ" and "MP3 Standards".
Back To
Questions
Do you offer a satellite radio
model?
Yes. You may
purchase our DeckTunes with an optional Sirius or XM Satellite
receiver installed and ready to use. We call the model DeckTunes
Max. 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 or XM subscription.
You may view the steps necessary by
clicking here.
In addition, many portable devices are available that can easily be
used with DeckTunes. Such devices can be connected using an 1/8"
male-to-male stereo cable and can be charged / powered by the 12
volt receptacle on DeckTunes. The cable can be purchased at your
local Radio Shack or on their web site. (Part Number 42-2497)
Here is a
direct link. You may view a list of portable
XM players here and portable
Sirius players here. Other models may be available through
other sources. (Note: The cable mentioned above can also be used
to connect MP3 players and other audio devices with an 1/8"
stereo output.)
Back To
Questions
How do I attach my iPod® or similar MP3
Player?
If you own an iPod,
you may connect it using your USB cable to the USB jack located
on the front of the faceplate on the Panasonic stereo. This
method will provide the best sound, display iPod information on
the stereo's display and allow for direct control of the iPod
from the stereo and remote control.
You may also connect
your iPod, similar MP3 player or other portable audio devices to
DeckTunes using the Auxiliary Input jack located on the front of
the unit and an 1/8"
male-to-male stereo cable. The 12 Volt receptacle may be used to
charge or power such devices. The cable can be purchased at
your local Radio Shack or on their web site. (Part Number
42-2497) Here is a
direct link.
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 and very minor
imperfections. This is normal and not a defect.
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Questions
Can I attach more than 4 speakers
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 drive more. 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 4-8 Ohms and
you wire them in parallel, this should be fine
up to 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 pre channel configuration. Please visit the
following URL for more details:
http://www.termpro.com/articles/spkrz.html
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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.
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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
The price seems high. Why not build my own?
Although we
are in business to make a profit, if you research 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
hundred dollars or so 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
In addition to the items
above, more information may be found on our
Message Board.
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