Pimp My RIB 2

Biggles · 28 September 2006, 22:16

My next project is to fit a CD Radio. I have found a waterproof one for a reasonable price with 4 X 50 Watt output at 4 ohms. I shall be fitting 2 speakers only. I have also found some reasonably priced waterproof speakers to go with it. My question is for those with first hand knowledge. How well am I going to be able to hear this at any sort of speed.

I've looked at boosting the output by buying a waterproof amp but they seem ludicrously expensive (£200 minimum for 200 watts). I didn't even look at the speakers to go with it because I knew they would be mega expensive. I might be tempted to buy such kit for my house or car but not a boat when I intend to leave it in a marina for extended periods.

Can anyone advise me of a good working setup ?

Nos4r2 · 28 September 2006, 22:23

With 2x50 watts going do you really need an amp?

Biggles · 28 September 2006, 22:26

Matt,

I honestly don't know. Its all numbers to me. Is that loud. I WANT LOUD. Got to pis_ my mate off in the MODPLOD at Pompey Docks. Will probably get banned in the process but what the heck.

Nasher · 28 September 2006, 22:42

Biggles

Hello Mate, I've just set up my MP3 player system using a normal(cheap) car amp in the console. I'll rip it out when the boat won't be used for a while.
The MP3 player will stay in the glove box whilst in use and is connected via a wire through the back of the glovebox into the rest of the console. I'll just unplug it and take it home each time.
The Amp is 100W per Channel running 100W RMS Speakers.
Sunday will be the first trial.
I've only tried the Amp/speakers so far connected to my old CD walkman as I only brought the MP3 player today. I'm a little worried as I'll obviously be plugging into the headphone socket on the MP3 and when I did this on the CD max volume wasn't that loud. But when I plugged into the Line out on my CD the speakers nearly leapt out of the console.

Nasher.

Biggles · 28 September 2006, 22:43

I'll have a look at that on Sunday. And listen to it hopefully.

Tim M · 28 September 2006, 22:45

Arn't most factory fitted car speakers about 50 watts? I think that would be more than enough volume unless you intend to chav ur rib up and put a sub in your anchor locker and some cold cathodes on your console.

PS. Marine AV do some really nice looking kit - had a look at the boat show. Have a word with BoatcareUK as he is a distributor for them.

Nos4r2 · 28 September 2006, 22:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Matt,

I honestly don't know. Its all numbers to me. Is that loud. I WANT LOUD. Got to pis_ my mate off in the MODPLOD at Pompey Docks. Will probably get banned in the process but what the heck.

LMAO Hooligan

My car has a 4x50w CD/MP3 player in it and only 2 speakers connected. It sounds like a boy racer car when I turn it up...

Besides, you can always add an amp afterwards if it's not enough.

Bear in mind btw that audio gear uses quite a bit of power-you might want a small 2nd battery so you know you can start your engine if you're going to use it for long periods without the engine running.

Nasher · 28 September 2006, 22:48

I'll play Ride of the Valkyries as we all cruise into Yarmouth!

Nos4r2 · 28 September 2006, 22:49

LOL As long as you don't play The Rime of the Ancient Mariner....

Biggles · 28 September 2006, 22:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

I'll play Ride of the Valkyries as we all cruise into Yarmouth!

Nasher,

Damn you spoilt my party peace. This is what I have been aiming for for 3 years.

If your going to do it on Sunday give me awarning so I can get the video camera going.

simmons0 · 28 September 2006, 22:59

I did the same thing last summer, fitted a CD player with 4x50watt outputs with only 2 speakers in the console.

Its certainly not LOUD. Loud enough while your at idle but sound quality is terrible if you really turn it up. Can barely hear it at speed, but that isnt a problem for me because the CD skips anyway.
Sound quality goes because if you fit waterproof speakers the plastic cones are not a patch on car speakers.

If i was doing it again would have am mp3 input to an amp with a pair of meaty speakers instead of cheap ones.

Harry

Nos4r2 · 28 September 2006, 23:00

You'll improve it loads if you box the back of the speakers in. (don't forget to leave a small water drain hole though)

Nasher · 29 September 2006, 16:38

Biggles

Tried the MP3 with the set up I described yesterday, and can confirm its definatly loud enough.

Full volume on the MP3 is just at the point of the 100W RMS Marine spec speakers distorting.

Sounds quite good too.

Just have to see how long the AAA batteries last.

Nasher.

Nasher · 02 October 2006, 21:36

Now fully tested in the worst conditions, and I'm very pleased with it.

Costs
100W RMS marine spec 2 piece speakers. Ebay £26:00
100W per channel Sony Amp. ex display at Halfords £35:00
Creative 256Mb MP3 player. Comet £44:00
Phono to Stereo Jackplug lead. FREE, Thanks Olly

Speaker surrounds made from 3mm Black plastic sheet found in garage.
All Wires and connectors from my collection.

With hindsight I'd have brought a £20 MP3 player without the useless FM tuner that loses its signal once its in the glove box.

Nasher

Biggles · 05 October 2006, 23:32

Nasher,

We could hear it on Sunday. Just.

Biggles · 12 October 2006, 17:17

So as anyone that is interested can get an idea. I've now finished Pimping My RIB, for now anyway.
I saw this Waterproof CD player at RIBCRAFT and it looked pretty robust. The price wasn't too bad either. Also sounds pretty loud outside my house.
Now I've got it fitted I actually realise its quite useful. It has loads and loads of connections, for Subwoofer, MP3 player, sat Radio and a few speaker connections as well. It can also have IR remotes and up to 4 wired remotes. You'd need a big RIB for that.
Anyway once I've given it a bash on the 28th October I'll report back with my findings. I suspect i might need to put an amp on and get some bigger speakers but thats for Pimp My RIB 2 part 2.

Thanks to Nasher for the wiring diagram help.

The only confusing thing when wiring was the two power wires. The yellow was supposed to got to the ignition and the red to permanent 12v +. In the end I joined both wires and put them on the fuse box. It means the CD Player doesn't keep the time but it also measn I don't have to have the ignition key in to use the CD Player.

Biggles · 23 November 2006, 21:13

Just managed to get my hands on an extension cable for CD player that I fitted. Its a genuine Marine AV product that gives you a waterproof outlet on your dashboar/Consol. This means you can just plug in any MP3 player and access the MP3 controls easily.

I'll post some pictures when its fitted but for now here's a stock photo.

I got the lead from a fellow RIBNET member MikeCC http://www.allgadgets.co.uk/ whos doing all the Marine AV stuff at good prices for RIBNET members.

Besides that I can thouroghly recomend the Waterproof unit I fitted as I've had a few outings with it and for the price I'm really impressed. The radio works well with just the £5 aerial that is just a piece of wire. The CD player that plays MP 3s although not able to withstand all RIB bouncing with stands a heck of a lot. Much more than I expected. And because it plays MP3s on CD it can play hundreds of tracks on one CD. I think my MP3 extension lead with a £20 MP3 player will be the ultimate RIB music machine.

I've just got to decide if I'm going to fit some mega speakers because at anything over 30 Knots you start to lose the sound, although not when your sat in the back.

Nos4r2 · 05 December 2006, 11:19

Make sure you cover the din plugs with a good coating of anti-corrosion grease to keep the atmosphere out. Nickel plated connectors won't last too long otherwise.

I think maybe I'll have to pimp the sr4 now I've seen that lead.

Biggles · 05 December 2006, 12:31

All exposed connectors, and internal, covered in vaseline. (Has many uses)

Nos4r2 · 05 December 2006, 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

All exposed connectors, and internal, covered in vaseline. (Has many uses)

Aye Aye, Cap'n