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Question Regarding Audio Device For Jeep Cj

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by bigbendhiker, Aug 2, 2020.

  1. Aug 2, 2020
    bigbendhiker

    bigbendhiker Member

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    I'm looking for something that may not exist, but I thought if it does someone here will know. What I'm looking for is a small device powered by 12 volts, has an amplifier, at least 2 speaker outputs (right and left channels), and is Bluetooth capable. It could be mounted on a flexible stalk or possibly under the dash. What I would like to be able to do is to send audio from an app on my phone. It could be SiriusXM, Google Play music, or a local radio station, whatever is on the phone. The device would then amplify the signal and send the output via wires to speakers that I would most likely mount to the rollbar. If with the addition of a small microphone it could be used as a hands free phone device that would be a plus, but not necessary. I don't need this device to have AM/FM or any kind of player. I could go with a standard car stereo, but I don't want to cut the dash or fool with having to install an antenna. And I don't need that capability.

    I almost think someone here posted something like this awhile back, but I don't remember who. I may wrong and it may have been something else. I tried searching through Google, but either it doesn't exist or more likely I'm not using the correct words to describe it. Anyone know of something like this?

    Note to the Moderators: If this is better suited somewhere else feel free to move it.
     
  2. Aug 2, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    Why do you believe that your iPhone would send BlueTooth music to this device? Certainly you could connect your earphone jack to an amplifier and send that to speakers. My hands-free head set for my iPhone has four conductors, one of which I presume is the microphone. You could cannibalize a head set and send the audio out to a jack on your amp, and connect the mike wire to a lapel mike or such.

    Never mind - apparently this capability is present between two bluetooth devices.

    bluetooth music from my iphone - Bing

    https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-CDE-HD149BT-Single-Din-Bluetooth-SiriusXM/dp/B00CKYH9Q2/ref=sxin_10
     
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  3. Aug 2, 2020
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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  4. Aug 2, 2020
    bigbendhiker

    bigbendhiker Member

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    Thanks for the responses. Walt that looks like it would work. For my use I could mount it out of sight since once it's set up I could adjust the volume from my phone or if I needed to change anything else I could possibly accomplish that through the remote. It also accepts SD memory cards or a USB stick so it would be possible to load music to a memory card and have it available that way.

    Tim, yes the PO of my Jeepster had put a Retrosound radio in the dash. It looks similar to any old style dial radio, but has a lot of bells and whistles. My phone which is a LG Android will automatically connect to the Retrosound when I enter the vehicle and turn the key on. I can then transfer audio or phone calls via BlueTooth to the radio. It's almost too complex for what I need. I'm sure it has features that I'm not aware of.

    This device is something I would like to use in the CJ6.
     
  5. Aug 2, 2020
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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  6. Aug 2, 2020
    bigjohn

    bigjohn Active Member

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    Kicker used to have a little setup like this with just a small controller I imagine would be velcro to the dash . I've not been able to find it for years. Otherwise search motorcycle stereos, that should get you pointed in the right direction.

    On a slightly different note, I've been using a few jbl Bluetooth speakers, 2 flips and a charge. They're killer, sound decent, easily move from one jeep to another, and out around camp or wherever I am outside. I primarily use the charge, but you can link up to 100 of them
     
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  7. Aug 2, 2020
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

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  8. Aug 4, 2020
    CHUGALUG

    CHUGALUG Member

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    Check out Pioneers Digital Stereos No CD player full Blue tooth capable you would have AM/FM and the ability to source from your phone as well as a USB memory stick or any source you could transfer via 3.5mm RCA plug. And it works with your phone. I got mine for about $70 local.
     
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  9. Aug 4, 2020
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

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    I wanted the same thing, here's what my Son made me for my birthday and my jeep. Take 1 50 cal ammo can, mix in two waterproof speakers, toss in a power supply for power, mix in a bluetooth receiver, stir in a switch and outlet for 5 volt usb power, add led volt meter. It fits between the seats and plays/links to my android phone plays for days on a charge. Also has a charger for the battery just plug it in at home. My Son added a lockable hasp to lock box closed and in jeep. With room for phone/wallet too.

    It currently on pool entertainment duty
     

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  10. Aug 4, 2020
    bigbendhiker

    bigbendhiker Member

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    I like this. It wouldn't be too hard to add an Anderson connector to the box and then run a power supply line from the battery with another Anderson connector on the end. You could leave the power supply line under the seat and connect when needed. With this could even use in multiple vehicles.
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2020
  11. Aug 4, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    Neat. Where's the Bluetooth antenna? I would guess that ammo can is an excellent rf shield.
     
  12. Aug 4, 2020
    Jeff Kline

    Jeff Kline Member

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  13. Aug 4, 2020
    bigbendhiker

    bigbendhiker Member

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    Something like the radio you posted looks good and functional. Being marine grade it should be good in a Jeep exposed to the elements. I don't want to cut a hole in the dash, but if I could come up with a cup holder that it would fit inside and attach it to the end of something like this Mega Grip Seat Rail or Floor Phone Car Holder Mount with 22" Arm for iPhone 11, XS, XR, X (without the phone holder) that would be nice.
     
  14. Aug 4, 2020
    Jeff Kline

    Jeff Kline Member

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    Wonder if it would fit in a Tach Mount with the harness ran out the back Tachometer Mounting Cup for 3-1/8 and 3-3/8 Inch Gauges, Black
     
  15. Aug 4, 2020
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

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    Its in the can and has about a twenty ft radius from the phone with the can closed. Usually just leave the phone in the can or in my drink holder on the dash

    It has room for improvement but works great for us.

    Found this antenna that probably would work and add range for the bluetooth, small enough to not be in the way on the end of the box.
    "External Bluetooth Antenna Kit" from www.parts-express.com!
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2020
  16. Aug 4, 2020
    bigbendhiker

    bigbendhiker Member

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    Looks like that would work. I had to read 3 of the installation manuals before I found one that gave the diameter of the unit. On the Clarion unit it said it needed a 3" cutout.
     
  17. Aug 4, 2020
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

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    Just be aware those units mentioned will not put out enough volume to hear much in a running jeep.
     
  18. Aug 4, 2020
    bigbendhiker

    bigbendhiker Member

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    Definitely something to consider. I'm hoping that by mounting speakers on the roll bar fairly close to my head I'll be able to hear the sound. I will have to make sure the unit has enough output to drive the speakers.
     
  19. Aug 4, 2020
    bigbendhiker

    bigbendhiker Member

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    jeeper50 likes this.
  20. Aug 4, 2020
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

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    Should be able to hear you coming down the trail at Barnwell Mountain for quite a ways!
     
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