2012 Road King audio project

[Low Down]

I've been wanting to get this going for some time now, but procrastinated on getting this rolling.  Now almost everything is ordered and should be arriving sooner or later!  Here's the goods...

Color matched vented lowers
CVO speaker pods
CVO speaker grills
Biketronics
-BT2180
-pair of Titan II 6.5" speakers
Kicker PXiBT50.2

Just need to get some polyfill and I should be good to go once I finally get the lowers in 3 to 5 weeks.

Stay tuned....

[Low Down]

And here's the bike it's all going on...

[tdgriff]

Nice good looking bike. I think you will be happy.

[UltraNutZ]

 


by all means bud, follow up and let us know how it turns out.  Good choice in equipment no doubt.  You do realize that once you start, it never ends right?      Next will be saddlebag lids.

[Low Down]

Thanks guys.

Hopefully the system will fulfill my needs... but maybe some speaker lids will happen at some point.  Ya never know, lol.

I did catch the bug pretty bad when I cut my teeth on doing car audio many moons ago.   

[Low Down]

OK... so while I'm in a holding pattern waiting for all this kit to come in, I took the measurements of the BT amp and the Kicker and did some fab work on cardboard to see how this is gonna work in the spot I want to stab it.  The tray that's there now will have to be cut down for sure!  I'm thinking of using some 1/8" aluminum to make a tray that I'll secure to the remainder of what I cut out of the way to fit this stuff.  Any thoughts on how to construct it so it allows the gear to breathe but also protects the gear from the elements (this is a spot next to the battery on the right)??

[Low Down]

Well chit... I'm the only one replying to my thread!   






So that tray I mentioned, it's cut completely out now.  To obtain the best amount of space to mount a bracket that I fab for the gear, and to be able to protect it from the elements, I'll need to relocate the TSM.  Anyone have any experience with this?  It looks like I could get the TSM (and the harnesses for the O2 sensors) moved toward the front of the battery tray and secure it so it still functions like it should... that would open up a hell of a lot of space for me to place a secure mount for the bracket that will hold the BT amp and the Kicker. 

I noticed in another thread that the spot that I'm mounting all this is frowned on.  I'll be using a pre-filter to keep any moisture and dust at bay, so the more space I have to get this stuff covered up - the better.  What say you about the TSM relocate??

[UltraNutZ]

man I'll go on the record and say this.  I've pulled those side covers off before and it's wet/damp behind there after a ride or after a wash.  I don't think that's a good idea for a mounting location especially with such an expensive amp as the BT amp.  I would put that thing in the saddlebag if it were mine.  Just my .02   

[Gannicus]

  Saddle bag gets my vote as well.  Why take the unnecessary risk?

[Low Down]

From Biketronics:

"The Titan BT2180 enclosure is water resistant using a special baffle
system to prevent water from entering the custom enclosure. However,
please exercise good judgment when locating Titan to minimize
exposure to any potential source of water."

From Kicker:

The PXiBT50.2 Amplified Controller with Bluetooth delivers the weather-resistant, superior sound quality expected from KICKER powersports gear, while allowing users to enjoy their personal soundtracks without a head unit and through wireless Bluetooth.

Ideal for bringing entertainment to motorcycles, hot rods, UTVs, boats, golf carts, farm tractors, snowmobiles, ATVs or even riding lawnmowers."

I do appreciate the concern NutZ, and while using a saddlebag would seem like an ideal solution for someone with a RK, mine has Öhlins on it front and rear.  Anytime I ride with a passenger or add a significant load I'm moving the saddlebags to adjust the preload collars on the shocks... that would be a major pain in the dick if I had to mess with a bunch of wires anytime I needed to gain access to them.

My bracket will shield the electronics from water, and the pre-filter will add peace of mind keeping the air passing through dry and dust free.  Works for air filters on engines, yeah? 



I guess I'll temporally relocate the TSM and give it a shake down before making it permanent. 

[UltraNutZ]

no worries man.. just throwing it out there.

also am I mistaken in my thinking that the BAS (bank angle sensor) is located within the TSM?

[Low Down]

That is correct, NutZ.  I was taking a look at it in my PDF electronics manual, and that little bugger does a hell of a lot of stuff!  It also recalibrates itself any time the bike is started and run upright for .25 mile.  If the orientation stays the same and it's not allowed to move around, I should be golden.

[Low Down]

Got an email from the local Harley dealer... the lower fairings are in!  I'll grab those tomorrow and give the speaker pods a little love before I go make a trip for work.  Should be able to button this up Sunday.

[Coyote]

From my personal experience testing TSSMs, I don't think you can relocate its orientation.  But if you find that you can, please snap a pic and let us know. 

[Low Down]

I did relocate the TSM and gave it a shake down... no problems, but I did not like how/where I had to stab it (in front of the negative terminal on the battery).  So it will stay in the spot it was intended to be, and I'll mount the BT amp and Kicker in separate spots.  Still not going in a saddlebag!

[Low Down]

Hey NutZ... I shot ya a PM this morning regarding some stuff I wanted your take on.  Don't worry about it, I went ahead and made a judgment call that'll give me peace of mind with the install.

I guess sometimes you just gotta help yourself...   

[Low Down]

The system is installed, and working as advertised.... HOWEVER, there's some kind of electrical gremlin.  Seems to affect the preamp (kicker).  Crazy hum going the speakers.  If I disconnect the harness from the taillight/turn signals it totally disappears, if I only remove the relay that keeps the turn signals illuminated with the tail light the hum is removed, but when the right/left signal is activated I'll hear a ticking sound through the speakers.

Poor connections at the tail light?  Something else I'm missing?  Checked the ground in several places (have it going to battery), changed up the ignition source, you name it.... Anyone have this issue?  Funny thing is that this only affects the preamp.  I bypassed it by using a RCA to 3.5 mm cable to my phone to the BT amp, and no problems.  Just when the preamp is in the mix and there's power to the tail light.  Gonna tackle it more tomorrow.  Any suggestions appreciated!

[UltraNutZ]

sounds like a ground loop issue.  do you by chance have a custom dynamics load equalizer or rtb controller?

[Low Down]

This is what I had to remove to eliminate the humming noise:

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/auxiliary-brake-running-turn-signal-conversion-kit-pa-11-6946106b--1

Took the tail light apart and cleaned the circuit board and wire harnesses... no dice.  I noticed during a ride that I was getting some interference through the speakers consistent with RPM, and the Bluetooth was cutting out intermittently.



If not a ground loop, I'm betting that the preamp is very susceptible to EMI.  Going to relocate it and see if there's any difference.  I'll check all the grounding points to ensure the connections are clean and solid.  Don't know what else to do...

[UltraNutZ]

Custom Dynamics has know EMI issues.  Check their website was my point

[Low Down]

There's no custom dynamics load equalizer on the bike.  Thanks anyway.

[UltraNutZ]

do you have ANY load equalizer or RTB light controller?  If so, unplug it and plug your rear lights back in stock format to test.  what you are describing is exactly what I've found with these modules in certain situations.

[Low Down]

Come on man, like I said before, I removed this form the tail light harness to eliminate the humming noise:

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/auxiliary-brake-running-turn-signal-conversion-kit-pa-11-6946106b--1


I'm about half way through relocating the preamp.  I had it installed below the tank where the top and bottom of the frame come together (on a piece of aluminum plate I fabricated and mounted above where the spark plug wires pass through the fame to the coil).  Now it's going on the back side of the aluminum plate I mounted the amp to.  I had reservations on installing the preamp so close to the coil, not to mention all kinds of electrical wiring for the bike... I guess I'll find out soon enough if moving it to a different location will do the trick.

[Low Down]

Don't know why the hell I'm posting this, lol, but I guess I'm tryin' to help someone who finds themselves with a similar setup/situation.

Relocating the preamp and grounding the amp/preamp to the frame ground post opposite of the one that has the lead for the battery helped a bunch... still a little noise, but not noticeable when the bike is running and the volume is up.

Still need to figure out what is going on with the Bluetooth cutting out intermittently (waiting on a call back from Kicker R&D), and I'll need to make a solution for the preamp to stay on long enough for the amp to shut down to avoid a pop in the speakers.  Maybe some kind of delay trigger or relay wired inline with the 12v ignition cable.  Right now I've got that cable going to a constant hot, and manually turning the preamp on before I flip the switch for the ignition, and manually turning the preamp off after the bike is shut down.

[Low Down]

Took a longer ride this morning and used my Ipod touch instead of the phone.   No cutting out.  May just be an Android issue.  I also should be receiving an Axxess Trigger later today so I can delay the preamp powering off when I kill the ignition.  It'll be nice not having to dick with it manually!

Anyway, here's the new look my RK is sportin' now...

[UltraNutZ]

one of these days I'll buy me another RK.. love that nostalgic look.. best looking bike IMO HD makes.

[Low Down]

Well, if you decide to add audio to it... don't expect to get help on any Harley forum!  You gotta look elsewhere for innovation...   



On a serious note, my favorite attribute of the Road King is the ability to yank the windshield off and experience riding in clean air, and being able to toss it on for the rides that stretch out a ways above 65.  The one true HD touring steed that allows form to follow function.

Good stuff!

[Low Down]

Wired up the Axxess Trigger yesterday for adding a 2 second delay on the preamp shutdown.  And it does just that... but it also has a lag on powering on too.   

Called Metra tech support, and basically got nowhere.  Their suggestion is to use one of the 'custom' modes.  That requires downloading a program that you use to set the parameters of the mode, and using a USB-CAB cable to upload the settings to the module.  I'm not ready to buy the cable for $48-$54!  If I can find one to borrow, I'll give it a shot, otherwise the bike is wired up the way I know works.

[UltraNutZ]

that is a standard USB cable that can be found with a lot of smartphones and gps units.  Amazon, $4.99
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-USB-2-0-Micro-Cable/dp/B00C28L5UW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1423864142&sr=8-8&keywords=usb+micro+to+usb+adapter


you can get them at walmart also.  The cable that goes to my Samsung Galaxy S4 and S5 work perfect.

[Low Down]

No it is not... this is what would need to be used:

http://www.amazon.com/Axxess-USB-CAB-Update-Interface-Modules/dp/B001JSY69S

Don't I wish it was though!  I've got at least a dozen of em'.

[UltraNutZ]

damn that sucks.. every Axxess device I ever bought used that USB to USB 2.0 cable..

[z71_fourwheelin]

Did you try using a different mode like Mode 14? also, saw this and it looked interesting http://www.delcity.net/store/Time-Delay-Relay/p_804415.h_804416.t_1.r_IF1003?mkwid=p8K1eNNo&crid=38094426869&gclid=CJ-04JGg4MMCFYI_aQodFZgANg

[Low Down]

Thanks for the suggestion Z71... but I'm afraid that after the convo with the tech dood, that I'm up a creek without paddles unless I use the custom mode (and that may be total BS too).  Thanks for the link!  That could do the trick... I'm just not sure how much coin I'm willing to throw at getting the timing sorted out.  Rolled the dice and lost on the Axxess Trigger... Oh well.  I'm very happy with the system overall.

The input is truly appreciated!!

[shagyluke]

No it is not... this is what would need to be used:

http://www.amazon.com/Axxess-USB-CAB-Update-Interface-Modules/dp/B001JSY69S

Don't I wish it was though!  I've got at least a dozen of em'.

Low Down,

I think I have one of this at my office. If I can find it I can mail it to you and you can mail it back when your done. I am off on Monday but can check Tuesday morning. Don't know what kind of time frame you are in but thought I would offer.

[Low Down]

By all means shagy, take a peek at the cable and get back to me!  Keep in mind this USB-CAB cable looks a lot like a USB/TTL cable... which is supposedly something that could work if I was game to risk shorting the module.  The other thing that I need to do some homework on is if the module reverts to a default mode once it loses battery power (and that would be a huge PITA).  That time delay relay that Z71 posted a link for really has my attention.  I'll need to find out if that relay would cause the same issue with power up lag.

Should have something figured out by Tuesday when you get to check on that cable.  And thank you for the offer!

[UltraNutZ]

Without me going back and reading all 34 posts above.  If you disconnect the RCA inputs, does the popping stop?

[Low Down]

Yes.  All this is narrowed down to the preamp... I just gotta remember to turn the preamp on before starting the bike, and turn it off after the bike is shut down.  No popping with that sequence.

[z71_fourwheelin]

Just a thought and could be way off.... but why not see what kinda power comes out of your run switch and use that as your remote on power supply.

[Low Down]

This 'popping' issue all comes down to the timing.... that's the long and the short of it.

[UltraNutZ]

have you tried the PAC SNI-1?

[shagyluke]

By all means shagy, take a peek at the cable and get back to me!  Keep in mind this USB-CAB cable looks a lot like a USB/TTL cable... which is supposedly something that could work if I was game to risk shorting the module.  The other thing that I need to do some homework on is if the module reverts to a default mode once it loses battery power (and that would be a huge PITA).  That time delay relay that Z71 posted a link for really has my attention.  I'll need to find out if that relay would cause the same issue with power up lag.

Should have something figured out by Tuesday when you get to check on that cable.  And thank you for the offer!

Low Down,

Sorry. I have had no luck in finding that cable. When I imploded the Frontier Hotel and Casino, I boxed up pretty much everything from their IT dept as they pretty much left everything behind. I know I have seen that cable numerous times in the past. I just cant find it.

[Low Down]

have you tried the PAC SNI-1?

I have not. 

[Low Down]

Low Down,

Sorry. I have had no luck in finding that cable. When I imploded the Frontier Hotel and Casino, I boxed up pretty much everything from their IT dept as they pretty much left everything behind. I know I have seen that cable numerous times in the past. I just cant find it.

No worries, thanks for looking.

[Low Down]

OK... Here's the latest on my system...

I tried the PAC SNI-1 between the Kicker and the 2180 last week.  It did help, but did not completely eliminate what interference was left.  I noticed someone in the Touring sub-forum on the other side of the hall talk about a system he had installed on his RK using a Bluetooth controller made by Wet Sounds... and said it worked great.  So, I figured I'd give it a try.

Just got done ripping out the Kicker and installing the WS controller.  HOLY FHUCKIN HELL, it works flawless!!!  Zero interference.  NADA!
I even put that brake/tail/turn module back into the mix.  No problem at all.  Since I already had a mini jack (3.5mm) and a 5v mini USB running from the Kicker into one of my saddlebags, I just added a stereo Y cable between the WS stereo jack and the mini jack to RCA cable going to the 2180.  For the USB, I used a 12v to 5v converter.  Now I have all the amenities that I had with the Kicker, and it cost less to boot... just wish I would have known about it beforehand!  Oh well... it sure has been a learning experience.