Alpine 9835 losing radio signal when wired to amp...

[FishinMike]

As the subject suggests, I've got an Alpine 9835. I've also got a Hifonics Brutus 1000w amp. Whenever I connect the remote wire to the amp, I lose most of my FM signal. Some stations come in almost perfect, while others have pretty much no signal at all. The signal will constantly be coming in and out with the amp on while listening to FM. I've found that if I disconnect the remote wire, I get my radio signal back. It plays Cds fine, though. I've tried alternate ground and load locations, but it always has the same effect. Attempting to find a resolution, I used an "external" remote source(cigarette lighter source) to see if that would change anything, but it always does the same thing. For some reason, whenever a load is placed on the electrical system in that car from the amp, my FM signal goes away...

Does anyone have any ideas as to what might possibly be going on here?

I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks

Mike

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[jrdnhsnbrg 10+ year member]

What's the make, model, and year of the car? What happens if you disconnect the remote wire from the amp, then use a small jumper from the amp positive to the remote terminal to turn the amp on? If it is a load issue maybe invest in a HO alt or an additional battery.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

i would suspect you are connecting the amp to the power antenna lead and robbing the amplified antenna of power.

the blue/white lead is the turn-on lead for amplifiers.

the blue lead is the power antenna lead.

but you tried an external remote - good trouble shooting.

is it only when the sub amp is running or if it is just connected but idle?

i suspect you neglected to adequately power the factory antenna and any drop in voltage affects it...

make/model/year of the vehicle would help. verify if the antenna shield is also properly grounded and if the vehicle has a stock amplifier for the antenna.