hidden radio preformance

chuck stevens

chuck stevens

Well-known member
Has anyone used one of the hidden radios? I was wondering how the reception and sound quality is with a conventional antenna. Thanks, Chuck S.
 
This is what I did.. Hid a AM/FM/MP3 receiver behind the original radio bezel. Used old Drive in speaker enclosures for modern speakers, and mounting those on the back seat speaker shelf. The receiver is remote controlled, so no modern controls to mess up the dash. Mounted the original knobs to the face. They are cosmetic only and have no function. But this works very well, and loaded up with over 40 albums in MP3 format (using a 2gb SDHC card.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSkBECYiZoc
 
Here it is with the original knobs put back on the face.

P1100857_zpsdbb5ffc9.jpg


P1100858_zps83282b58.jpg
 
This is the unit I am using. Very inexpensive at $36 and works very nicely. Sure its not high end hi-fidelity, but I've outgrown that years ago. There is no CD player in it, which you don't need anyway seeing it plays MP3s, so no need to store CDs in the car, and it also makes this unit very small, and light weight. About half to 2/3rds the depth of a unit that has a CD player in it. You can switch from playing MP3s to AM or FM radio using the remote control that comes with it.. It's very functional, and works fine for those cruise nights..

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008S0DJMU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 
Yeah, I was trying to figure out how to use the push buttons. I still plan to work on that some. For now, the holes for the push button is how the IR remote gets to the the IR pick up on the new radio. If I put the original buttons on there, it would block the remote and render it useless. So, have to leave just the holes, which fortunatly doesn't look too bad. I plan to put a smoked peice of plexi back there that will block them from being just holes, and still let the IR work. I think I can build a panel that will mount behind those buttons to activate buttons on the face of the unit. But that will take some engineering that I will be looking into a bit more. But for now, it does work out very well.

gmc1941 said:
Great idea. Keep up the good work. Too bad you couldn't use the push buttons, display only
Click to expand...
 
Install all buttons that will not interfere with the RF remote. Drill a hole in the one that will block the RF. Probably no one would notice a hole in one button or drill a shallow hole in 5 and paint the holes black so they all look like the one with the hole.
 
Tudorp said:
This is what I did.. Hid a AM/FM/MP3 receiver behind the original radio bezel. Used old Drive in speaker enclosures for modern speakers, and mounting those on the back seat speaker shelf. The receiver is remote controlled, so no modern controls to mess up the dash. Mounted the original knobs to the face. They are cosmetic only and have no function. But this works very well, and loaded up with over 40 albums in MP3 format (using a 2gb SDHC card.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSkBECYiZoc
Click to expand...

I've been looking at the hidden systems also. Your solution fits the bill at 1/10th the cost. Nice! As long as the IR sensor can see the remote it should work as a hidden system.
BTW, If the IR sensor is behind the dial window the unit will work with the buttons in place. IR will pass through clear or lightly tinted plastic or glass.
 
I have one of those remote radios. It will be tucked under the seat of my coupe as the build continues and the remote control device will be stuffed in the glove box out of sight until I need it to change stations or play MP3's. My antenna will be mounted under one of the running boards out of sight.
(I still liked the old 8 tracks though. Had one of them right after I took my old Edison crank up phonograph out to "upgrade" my sound system to the then new 8 track. HA!)
 
I actually thought about drilling a hole in one of the buttons. It would work, but you would have to be sure to point the remote directly in front due to angle of the IR. I was hoping the remote was RF (Radio Freq) because RF doesn't need "line of sight" like IR (Infaread) does. But, it's IR so I need to be sure the IR receiver pick up in in line of sight. It has a 30 degree angle of sight, and that works well with either seat position. But having the IR have to see through the tube the button would create, IS doable, but your remote would have to be pointed directly in the middle at it. With it the way it is, I can change songs, or channels without having to worry about that, and keeping my eyes on the road. Sooner or later, I may open the unit up. I have extensive electrical/electronic skills, and may just take the front face off, pull the control buttons out of the unit, including the IR receiver pick up, extend them out and make a unit that can utilize the original radio buttons for the main functions of the unit, and bring the IR pick up out into the dash somewhere inconspicuous. It would only require a very small 1/16th " hole drilled. But, that is down the road. This unit was done simple pretty much as "proof of concept".
 
To answer your question Chuck, if you are referring to Custom Auto Sound, it works fine with regular antenna.
 
My buddy Matt - invented a really nice radio conversion that does not mess with the cars and uses original or new speakers

I asked him to post details here so others may see the product and just how it benefits our historic cars ( I.e no mods to the car )

Best
John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top