Switchable Source Setup (Not Typical Application - For a Cooler Stereo)

[kholbrook1303]

Ok, let me start by stating, this is not a normal setup and is not necessarily ideal, but for my implementation it is perfect.... just need some advice.

Every year I float the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels Texas, and like many folks i have put together a cooler that is waterproof that floats in a cooler with us for entertainment. What i am trying to do is put together a setup that allows the power for the Amplifier and the Head unit to be separate, and the source from either head unit or amp to be switchable. The reason for this is i want the extra power when i am in a noisy outdoor environment but i would like to disable the amplification and only use the head unit when not necessary (Which will allow me to conserve power from my 12v battery).

I have attached a quick wire diagram that i have compiled but am looking for advice on where i can get something that can switch between the two audio sources. Essentially i would need an 16 conductor (8x2) switch but i cannot find one for this application.

Legend for diagram:

Yellow/Orange = Remote

Red = Constant 12v

(I did not include the ground)

Blue = Audio Signal

View attachment 26539431View attachment 26539432

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!!!

Click to read more...

 

[SourDeez 10+ year member]

I feel like all you would need is an RCA splitter/switch.

 

[Canaan 10+ year member]

You could just use 4 SPDT relays and a switch to control them.

Use 30 to speaker. 87 and 87A as power inputs from the amp/hu.

 

[kholbrook1303]

So in essence, if i added a SPDT relays, it would need to be installed on the amp output to ensure that when the amp was powered off it switched to the head unit output correct? Sorry if this is a dumb question, I used to be "hip" to the electrical engineering aspect of it but went down a career in Malware research so i have forgotten allot!

 

[Canaan 10+ year member]

So in essence, if i added a SPDT relays, it would need to be installed on the amp output to ensure that when the amp was powered off it switched to the head unit output correct? Sorry if this is a dumb question, I used to be "hip" to the electrical engineering aspect of it but went down a career in Malware research so i have forgotten allot!

Yes, just connect the 12v turn on switch used to throw the relays up to the amp's remote also. That way when you switch input for the relays, the amp will turn on/off also.