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How to turn on amp without remote wire [3 Easy Methods]

Do you have a car with an amplifier but no remote wire? Don’t worry, you can still turn on the amp using other methods. This is a great solution if you don’t have an extra wire available or if you just want to save some time and hassle. In this blog post, we will discuss three ways to turn on your amp without a remote wire. Keep reading for the step-by-step instructions.

How to turn on amp without remote wire
How to turn on amp without remote wire

How to turn on amp without remote wire

Method 1: Use a power switch

If you have a power switch on your amplifier, you can use that to turn it on without a remote wire. Simply flip the switch to the “on” position and your amp should power up. If your amplifier does not have a power switch, you can skip to Method 2.

Method 2: Use a 12-volt trigger

Another way to turn on your amplifier without a remote wire is to use a 12-volt trigger. This method requires an extra piece of equipment called a 12-volt trigger, which is readily available online or at most electronics stores. Once you have a 12-volt trigger, follow these steps:

1. Connect the positive (red) lead from the 12-volt trigger to the remote wire terminal on your amplifier.

2. Connect the negative (black) lead from the 12-volt trigger to a ground point on your car.

3. Run the 12-volt trigger wire to a switched 12-volt power source in your car. This could be the ignition switch, a headlight switch, or any other switched 12-volt power source.

4. When you turn on the switched 12-volt power source, it will send a signal to the 12-volt trigger, which will in turn on your amplifier.

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Method 3: Use a voltage sense relay

The third and final method for turning on your amplifier without a remote wire is to use a voltage sense relay. This method is a bit more complex than the previous two, but it is still relatively simple to do. Here’s how it works:

1. Connect the positive (red) lead from the voltage sense relay to the remote wire terminal on your amplifier.

2. Connect the negative (black) lead from the voltage sense relay to a ground point on your car.

3. Run a wire from the “voltage sense” terminal on the voltage sense relay to any constant 12-volt power source in your car. This could be a fuse box or an unused wire in your car’s wiring harness.

4. Finally, connect a wire from the “trigger” terminal on the voltage sense relay to a switched 12-volt power source in your car. This could be the ignition switch, a headlight switch, or any other switched 12-volt power source.

When you turn on the switched 12-volt power source, it will send a signal to the voltage sense relay, which will in turn on your amplifier.

These are just a few ways that you can turn on your amplifier without a remote wire. If you have any questions or need help troubleshooting, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to assist. Happy amplified driving!

FAQ’s

Does the remote wire have to be connected?

No, the remote wire does not have to be connected in order to use these methods. However, if you do not connect the remote wire, you will not be able to turn off your amplifier using the remote wire.

What is a voltage sense relay?

A voltage sense relay is an electrically-activated switch that can be used to turn on your amplifier without a remote wire.

What is a 12-volt trigger?

A 12-volt trigger is a device that sends a signal to your amplifier to turn it on. It requires an extra piece of equipment called a 12-volt trigger, which is readily available online or at most electronics stores.

These are just a few ways that you can turn on your amplifier without a remote wire. If you have any questions or need help troubleshooting, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to assist. Happy amplified driving!

Can I use speaker wire for remote turn on?

Yes, you can use speaker wire for remote turn on, but the gauge (thickness) of the wire needs to be at least 18 gauge. The thinner wire will not carry enough current to trigger the amplifier’s on the circuit.

Where do I hook up the remote wire for an amp?

The remote wire for an amp is typically hooked up to the 12-volt ignition wire in your car. This ensures that the amplifier is only turned on when the car’s ignition is turned on. This allows the amplifier to turn on when the car is turned on, and off when the car is turned off.

Can I use any wire for AMP remote wire?

No, you cannot use any wire for AMP remote wire. The wire must be at least 18 gauge and should be of a good quality so that it can handle the current draw of the amplifier.

How do I know if my amp has a remote wire?

If your amplifier has a remote wire, it will typically be labeled as such on the amplifier itself. If you’re not sure, you can always consult the owner’s manual for your particular amplifier.

How do I wire an amp without a remote wire?

If your amplifier does not have a remote wire, you can still use it by connecting it to a switched 12-volt power source in your car. This could be the ignition switch, a headlight switch, or any other switched 12-volt power source.

Can I use a toggle switch for remote turn on?

Yes, you can use a toggle switch for remote turn on, but it must be rated for the current draw of your amplifier. Mosttoggle switches are not rated for high current applications like amplifiers, so be sure to check the rating before using one.

What is a good remote wire for an amp?

A good remote wire for an amp is typically at least 18 gauge and of a good quality so that it can handle the current draw of the amplifier.

What can I use as a remote turn-on wire?

You can use any wire that is at least 18 gauge and of good quality as a remote turn-on wire.

Can I use a 9-volt battery for remote turn on?

No, you cannot use a 9 volt battery for remote turn-on. The voltage is too low and will not be enough to trigger the amplifier’s on the circuit.

Do I need a relay for remote turn on?

No, you do not need a relay for remote turn on. However, if you are using a toggle switch to turn on your amplifier, you will need a relay rated for the current draw of your amplifier.

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James Williams, the founder of CarAudioSense and a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional, has been in the industry for over 10 years. He specializes in providing custom solutions to make customers' car audio systems sound amazing.

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