#1609844 - 03/08/09 04:24 PM
Some sound problems with standard JBL radio+dampening?
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Remobeater
SD Ralph Wiggum
Registered: 09/25/08
Posts: 64
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We just got our first boat last year, and we've had some problems with the radio. It was cutting on and off at one point, but I think we were starting it with a low battery and now we have a trickle charger. Since we've had it its been getting static anytime the HU is on, I checked the speakers and they seem to be in good shape with around 16g wire going to them all. Could it be a problem with the ground or something? Its really annoying because if we are just sitting there trying to listen to some tunes you have to turn it up fairly loud to get any quality.
I don't know if this is normal for a marine speaker or not, I assume there should be no static at all.
Also, another question, whats the best way to dampen my engine compartment? I was thinking about spraying some second skin spectrum but I'm not sure if this would be best for marine. It also says something about priming the fiberglass before spraying.
Edited by Remobeater (03/08/09 06:38 PM)
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#1610572 - 03/09/09 05:35 PM
Re: Some sound problems with standard JBL radio+dampening?
[Re: Remobeater]
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BDiggity
SD Newbie
Registered: 08/16/08
Posts: 19
Loc: Olathe, KS
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i would check all the power connections to the stereo. i would also check the switch (assuming the stereo is wired to one) to make sure all connections are good. if you are using the onboard receiver amp, its possible its not getting enough power. not knowing anything about your boat, but some builders dont put a lot of thought into the electronics. in my old Baja, i ran dedicated cables so they werent shared w/ trim tabs & other electrical items. you may also want to make sure one or more of the speakers arent out of phase.
not sure about dampening. i would just make sure its marine certified tho if you plan on having it in the engine compartment.
_________________________
91 Cigarette Cafe Racer
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#1610669 - 03/09/09 10:44 PM
Re: Some sound problems with standard JBL radio+dampening?
[Re: BDiggity]
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Remobeater
SD Ralph Wiggum
Registered: 09/25/08
Posts: 64
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From what I could see there was two fuses of some kind. It seemed like there was a plastic cylindrical 20A fuse going in and 1A fuse going out. Didn't make any sense. I may try to replace the power, if it only needs 20A it doesn't seem like it needs real heavy power wire. I have some 10 awg copper wire, would that work well? I need to take the box out though, I didn't have my stereo removal tools in my car and I could only look at it from underneath the compartment.
It will probably be awhile before I get back down to our lake house though, I won't get to see the boat for awhile.
As far as the dampener goes, I found a marine foam sound barrier, with a layer of heavy rubber barrier, foam absorber, and aluminum heat/dirt protector lining. So it looks good and we are going to use that.
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#1611738 - 03/11/09 10:52 AM
Re: Some sound problems with standard JBL radio+dampening?
[Re: Remobeater]
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chargeit
SD Ralph Wiggum
Registered: 02/13/09
Posts: 29
Loc: Lawrence, KS
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What does the system consist of, sounds like you have a head unit and at least one amp for the sub?
Are the boat speakers separately amplified or just from the head unit?
Where is the "static"? all speakers, including the sub? Its odd you would "turn it up" to get quality???
Is it static like a distant radio station or humm or buzz or crackling?
Is it while radio listening? CD? mp3 player plugged direct or wireless?
As far as sound dampening the engine compartment.....
It was not intended to be an accoustical enclosure. I think you will be disappointed with any sound quality. Hoses and hardlines vibrate, the partion between the engine and storage is not solid, etc.
If you are mainly sitting and listening, pull it out while sitting and accept the compromise while underway.
Better would be to mount the sub where the cone or port can be exposed to the listening environment.
Like BD said, without knowing what kind of craft we are dealing with its hard.
Otherwise, when you are out on the water, find a few that have good sounding systems, compliment them, if they seem to know what they are talking about and not just paid to have it installed, politely ask them to check out your setup.
(do this early, once alcohol takes effect later, forget it 
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#1612034 - 03/11/09 05:43 PM
Re: Some sound problems with standard JBL radio+dampening?
[Re: chargeit]
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Remobeater
SD Ralph Wiggum
Registered: 09/25/08
Posts: 64
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I believe the boat is a Maxum 1800 MX Bowrider or similar model. The speakers are all stock:
-2 front 6.5" 2-way JBL marine speakers
-2 back 6x9" 2-way JBL marine speakers
No sub. No amp.
I get static whenever the HU turns on, so listening to direct MP3, CD, or Radio. It sounds like white noise, it first pops then there is a constant volume, kind of a mix of a humm and buzz, in all speakers. So if you turn it up, the music will overcome the static/white noise. I'm curious if it has to do with it sitting on the lot for a year.
The dampening is not for sound quality in the speakers, we would just like to quiet the engine a little. Here is a little product we were considering: Marine Grade ULTRA BARRIER Plus
When we were shopping we saw a boat with some egg crate in the engine hatch and it was much quieter. We would like something similar for the boat we got.
The boat isn't just for sitting and listening, we use it for general boating, fishing, wakeboarding/skiing, etc. but I was just saying that when we are listening to the music it is usually when it is sitting or idling.
Edited by Remobeater (03/11/09 05:57 PM)
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#1612419 - 03/12/09 11:01 AM
Re: Some sound problems with standard JBL radio+dampening?
[Re: Remobeater]
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chargeit
SD Ralph Wiggum
Registered: 02/13/09
Posts: 29
Loc: Lawrence, KS
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Much better info. dont have year or geographic location. The older or salt water enviro, the more corrosion can play a part with all electrical. You say new and shopping, so I will assume it is less than 3 yr and non costal.
You have two fuses. 1A is the constant on that holds your presets and hooked to someplace that is constant hot. 20A should be main power which is usually switched though a separate dash turn on but sometimes not.
Look up the owners manual on the mfg site for wiring diagrams.
Assuming "static" occurs regardless if the engine is on or OFF which rules out ignition interference. If it is only when motor is running, you should get a filter.
The fuse holders will usually corrode first, if they have corrosion present, you may try cleaning but replacment is prob better. I prefer the spade type for better connection over the small cylinders.
If no corrosion, I would suspect a faulty HU. test by unhooking the 2 power leads and ground and hook directly to a battery or 12v jump pack. Use some spare wire to extend the leads a little if needed.
If static is gone, you have bad ground or switch probs. try hooking to another switch like your anchor light see if it returns.
If connected to battery only, and still static, I would suspect you have something faulty in the HU. Prob not worth trying to repair. buy a new HU. I would not bother with a marine unit if not in salt water. look into a cover.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_120999005/Metra-99-9005.html?search=radio+cover
Sound dampening.... I hope you are proud of anything you own and take care of it, but honestly Maxum is midgrade at best, combined with the small size, mfg cut some corners to hit price points and sound proofing is definately one.
For general enjoyment, the sound deadener will help but weigh the cost vs inconvience. Looks like quality sound mat but dropping $300-600 in sound deadening is a cost you will never recoup in resale.
It is your first boat, its small, stastics and experience say you will not have it very long. (2' every 2 yrs )
Summer cant get here fast enough!!!
Edited by chargeit (03/12/09 11:10 AM)
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#1612940 - 03/13/09 02:04 PM
Re: Some sound problems with standard JBL radio+dampening?
[Re: chargeit]
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Remobeater
SD Ralph Wiggum
Registered: 09/25/08
Posts: 64
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The mat looks pretty easy to install for our setup. To coat the whole interior of the engine area it will only take 16 sq ft, so only about $160. That's all we were looking at doing. We aren't looking into getting a new boat for awhile, we are keeping in a garage and it just barely fits. Its at a vacation house so we don't get to it a lot. Its from the east coast, Northern Virginia area. We will be using it in brackish water near the Chesapeake bay. I believe its a 2008 model. As long as we don't have any major problems it should last at least 2-3 more years. I've heard that about upgrading the boat being pretty normal, but we weren't really looking into doing that.
I will have to look into the radio, the fuses are probably fine and I bet the HU is just bad. I'll try and test it next time I get down there. I don't really know how to check for corrosion in the fuse, they looked pretty enclosed and solid, so I'de probably just have to replace them. And yes, the static is still there when the engine is off.
Thanks for the info,
Ian
Oh, and the radio already has a cover inside the "glove compartment" area in front of passenger seat.
Edited by Remobeater (03/13/09 02:07 PM)
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