I replaced the cheap Jensen Stereo in my Jayco Eagle with a Pioneer Car Audio head unit with touch screen. Have replaced stereos in other RVs, so know a bit about wiring these units up. Wasn't hard this time and Stereo unit fired up and seemed to work well in all modes. A week or so later, I'd turn the screen display off and awhile later the screen lit up on it's own. Continues to happen. Then I got a screen with vertical lines running through it....hasn't been repeated to date. I talked to an audio installer in town and he stated that the head unit needed 14.4 volts and no more. Sure enough, that's what the spec sheet states....14.4 volts. He also stated that some RV converters can produce more than 14.4 volts and if that is the case here....there is my problem. He mentioned I may need a resistor for the head unit....but could give me no further help, other than to check the voltage with a meter.Anyone here give me some guidance? Thanks

Some converters do produce more that 14.4. Most don't. Please post the make and model of your converter.

What's the spec on that head voltage?We know that max, what's the minimum and what's the current draw if listed?

Yes some stereos can act goofy. It could be some AC ripple or surges. Over voltage is possible but I would not suspect that. Others have mentioned finding their stereos turned on mysteriously. I too had an rv with that happening.Since you are not likely completely turning the device off, that is it uses voltage to keep things alive in memory, it could be sensitive to the converter kicking into high gear.Now lets suppose you disconnect from shoreline for a few weeks and let the rv sit idle. There could be a chance the stereo could slowly drain your battery. I do not know the size of your battery bank but a single battery system could be an issue.I would first check the wires for any loose connections to power and then if those are fine, install a real power off switch to isolate the critter completely.

Change it out including the Tech. You been had. You just have a bad unit. 14. volts is only when the engine is running at high idle. How many people run there car while listening to there stereo. Most of the components inside are 3 to 5 volts, micro-processor etc. Only the Mos fet will require 12 volts for the speakers. Oh, look at your cell phone, GPS do they require 14 volts?

I seriously doubt the unit will fry at 14.5 volts. Hook it up and enjoy ...

Need Professional Stereo Voltage advice. | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

Gdetrailer
Explorer III
Sep 16, 2015
Harley Dude wrote:
SCVJeff wrote:
What's the spec on that head voltage?
We know that max, what's the minimum and what's the current draw if listed?

road-runner wrote:
Some converters do produce more that 14.4. Most don't. Please post the make and model of your converter.

Thanks All....can't answer these 2 questions for a week or so as our trailer is on a seasonal site 200 miles away and we won't be up to it for a while.

Perhaps you should read the Pioneer manual..

In the specifications on pretty much all Pioneers they are listed as 10.5V TO 15.1V RANGE of operation.

The 14.4V spec is what the unit is rated at for output wattage.

Unless your converter has bought the farm and is supplying a higher voltage or ripple on the output the radio you have is most likely DEFECTIVE.

I would suggest getting a replacement radio AND replace the "tech" you are dealing with.. They don't have a clue.
Harley_Dude
Explorer
Sep 16, 2015
SCVJeff wrote:
What's the spec on that head voltage?
We know that max, what's the minimum and what's the current draw if listed?

road-runner wrote:
Some converters do produce more that 14.4. Most don't. Please post the make and model of your converter.

Thanks All....can't answer these 2 questions for a week or so as our trailer is on a seasonal site 200 miles away and we won't be up to it for a while.
kellertx5er
Explorer
Sep 15, 2015
I seriously doubt the unit will fry at 14.5 volts. Hook it up and enjoy ...
gatorcq
Explorer
Sep 15, 2015
Change it out including the Tech.
You been had.
You just have a bad unit. 14. volts is only when the engine is running at high idle. How many people run there car while listening to there stereo.

Most of the components inside are 3 to 5 volts, micro-processor etc. Only the Mos fet will require 12 volts for the speakers. Oh, look at your cell phone, GPS do they require 14 volts?
YC_1
Nomad
Sep 15, 2015
Yes some stereos can act goofy. It could be some AC ripple or surges. Over voltage is possible but I would not suspect that. Others have mentioned finding their stereos turned on mysteriously. I too had an rv with that happening.

Since you are not likely completely turning the device off, that is it uses voltage to keep things alive in memory, it could be sensitive to the converter kicking into high gear.

Now lets suppose you disconnect from shoreline for a few weeks and let the rv sit idle. There could be a chance the stereo could slowly drain your battery. I do not know the size of your battery bank but a single battery system could be an issue.

I would first check the wires for any loose connections to power and then if those are fine, install a real power off switch to isolate the critter completely.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Sep 15, 2015
What's the spec on that head voltage?
We know that max, what's the minimum and what's the current draw if listed?
road-runner
Explorer III
Sep 15, 2015
Some converters do produce more that 14.4. Most don't. Please post the make and model of your converter.

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Need Professional Stereo Voltage advice.

17 Replies

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