BL_Protege

ok i'm finally gettin an Infinity Basslink. I want to do this installation myself instead of bringin it somewhere and paying to have it done. I know I need like an amp kit or something like that. Thing is, I dont know what size gauge I need for the Basslink, like is there a certain size that you're supposed 2 use? Also, for that 12V turn on thing, does that wire come with the Basslink or is that also a separate wire? Any info on this is appreciated thanks a lot.

MisterT

I am not sure how the BassLink is shipped (if it comes with wires or not). I don't know if I would go out and buy all the wires just yet until you find out for sure. Does their website specify? Also, if Crutchfield and/or SoundDomain carry it, they have book marks with categories such as what you will need to install it, pics, what is included, detailed info, etc. Check that out too!

MiStErT

BL_Protege

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...=108BASSLIN&a=

well that's the link that shows "Other Items You May Need"

so now i take it that i need 10 gauge amp wires, but does it matter which one there i would get? I know nothing about these wires. like it says patch cable but i have no clue what that's supposed 2 mean. someone clear this up for me. thanks.

MisterT

If you have to go out and buy wires, I recommend knuconceptz( www.knuconceptz.com) They sell amplifier kits which should have every thing you need in one kit taking the guess work out of it. I recommend them because they make high quality products and sell them at wholesale cost. They also just sell wires and accessories, so you won't have to wait months for **** (like I did with Crutchfield when ordering wires---they were on back order forever it seemed).

MiStErT

hihoslva

First question really is: Stock head unit or aftermarket?

For the stock head unit, all you should need are power, ground, and remote wires. Power & ground will be the 10 gauge mentioned, and the remote wire can be thin stuff.

You may also need some extra speaker wire, to extend the wires from your speakers for use as the signal input to the Basslink (hi-level input). You can use a length of speaker wire for the remote wire also - you don't need "special" wire for remote.

If you have an aftermarket head unit, you will need RCA cables (patch cables). These will go from the deck to the inputs on the basslink, in place of the speaker wire (hi level input) mentioned before.

Power wire goes to the + battery terminal, ground goes to a bolt somewhere near the Basslink. See what bolts are around that you can loosen. Then strip any paint (sand it away) so the wire has good metal-to-metal contact. Then just tighten the bolt onto the stripped end of the ground wire (you can use a ring terminal if you like, but it's not at all necessary). Keep the ground as short as possible - find a close bolt.

Remote wire goes to a 12 switched source - so that the basslink will turn on and off with the car.

For remote with a stock deck, simply find an accessory that only turns on when the car is on, such as the cigarette lighter. Some people recommend not using the lighter (for possible noise issues), so you can use any other source that works the same way - off when the car is off. You can also find a fuse in the fuse panel that is switched this same way, and use that connection.

Nearly all aftermarket decks will have a dedicated remote wire hookup, so that's what you'd use for a non-stock deck.

To summarize:

Power wire: Get at least 20 ft. Nothing worse than being caught short. Feel free to use 8 guage if you like - often 8 gauge and thicker is higher-quality wire, with more strands and thicker (but more flexible) insulation. The price difference should be negligible, especially from a place like knukonceptz.com.

Ground wire: Use the same gauge as the power wire. Buy 3-5 feet, but keep it as short as possible when hooking things up. Yes - you CAN use an extra piece of the 20 foot power wire if you want - only issue is that you won't easily be able to tell the wires apart without marking them somehow. But that's okay - feel free to order 25 feet of power wire and use the same wire for power and ground.

Remote wire: You can get this from Radio Shack if you want. No need for thick stuff - anything from 18 to 22 gauge should be fine. Remember, you can use just an extra piece of speaker wire.

Speaker wire: For stock-deck install. Tap into the factory speaker wires for signal to the basslink. I find it's best to just buy a 50-100 ft roll - stuff just comes in handy. Again, no need for thick or fancy 18-22 gauge is fine. I just got a 100ft roll of 22 gauge speaker wire from RatShack for $6, so it's not pricey.

RCA cables: For aftermarket deck. Lots of companies go with "meter" lengths now, you'd need a 3 meter or so. Most cables made for car audio will be plenty long enough, as they are designed to be used in many different vehicles (of all sizes).

And that's about it.

~HH

doctor_r

Just a personal thing here but 10guage wire seems very small to me... One thing I never skimp on when doing installs... I would recommend at least 8awg if not 4.... it always seems to make things run better not to mention getting the cleanest and most power useable power to amplification...

*** I once had a SS reference 500sx that melted down 8awg, even 4 got hot when running hard - probably because I had it loaded down to 1ohm...***

MisterT

I am using 8 gauge on my SS Class A amps with no problem. I have them running maybe 12-16" from distribution. From the battery to the front, I ran 4 gauge. I am running two DVCs at 1 ohm also. I don't think 8 gauge is bad for an Infinity Basslink. Anything else may be killing gnat with an elephant gun.

MisterT