Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: dke1955 on June 03, 2016, 10:14:28 am
Title: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: dke1955 on June 03, 2016, 10:14:28 am
When I bought the 295 I was aware the service to the two direct tv boxes would have been dc'd by the PO so they obviously would not work, but in addition I found the company that made the satellite system had gone out of business and according to Mel at MOT when we turned the system on he stated it "would either work or it wouldn't", well I bet ya 20 bucks you can guess how that went. Also the Bose entertainment center seems to be shot. The entire Bose system can only be operated by remote, the remote in the coach did not work...the batteries had deteriorated and leaked all over the battery bay...cleaned that...still no success. Bought another remote off an E-bay seller....no luck (that was 90 bucks). The entertainment center/system in the coach will be my first big redo...gotta have it up and going for the wife. I would like to know what y'all have done and could use some ideas. Here are some questions/ideas I have please feel free to offer any advise! Thanks everyone! 1.Keep Bose speakers but replace Bose entertainment center (receiver) the speakers are 8ohm and apparently several receivers can run the speakers without damaging them, thinking about upgrading to a 7.1 dolby receiver with bluetooth, USB port ( I have a lot of music on MP3 stick I use in the truck), and keeping the bose speakers for now..(lots of visible drill holes if I pull them down). 2. Would like to add XM radio to the coach but I am not at all keen about putting a hole in the roof for the antenna wire. I guess I will just have to put on my big boy pants and do it if I want XM. 3. DIrect TV...$2400.00 at MOT to install satellite on the coach...wow...thinking about say a portable King system...your thoughts? 4. The dash radio is cassette....so the technology is outdated....the sound is great...but no real way to play music in the formats music comes in today (CD, MP3, bluetooth pandora, etc).....what have you done in this area....LOTS of options here....
Again, thanks in advance for any ideas/replies.....stay dry!....going to rain again today here in Texas. Dave E. (supposed to say NONE not NON in the topic line...tried to fix that....need more coffee...see ya!)
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on June 03, 2016, 10:19:34 am
Regarding the dish, I am going through that now. Our TracStar dish is obsolete. I bought the Wineguard Slimline Traveler and rolling surface from Amazon for about $1,600.00. Shipping was free through Prime. Tennessee RV is installing it next week for $450.00. We plan on moving our receiver between home and the coach.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: craneman on June 03, 2016, 10:28:41 am
Regarding the sound system, the coach I bought had the Bose replaced by a Yamaha hooked to original speakers. It has the usb input which can be used instead of dash unit. I would replace the dash unit except it has the 10 cd caddie which still works. If it fails I will upgrade to a Bluetooth and usb port model.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on June 03, 2016, 10:43:06 am
So many ways to go with this project - you'll get lots of answers to pick from...
Regarding Sirius XM, no need to punch holes for the antenna. Our antenna just lays on the dash cover at the base of the windshield. We have never had any problem with reception.
Link below to a couple of old threads, showing my audio upgrade solutions. May or may not be helpful...
Satellite Radio (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=25422.msg201236#msg201236)
Upgrading Audio and Video Components (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=20490.msg149453#msg149453)
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: ltg on June 03, 2016, 11:51:06 am
1. If your current Bose speaker system is a 5.1 system, you will need to add two more speakers if you go to 7.1. 3. Most (if not all) King portable satellite antennas will not receive Directv HD. If you do not mind using Dish TV, there are some inexpensive dome units that have a roof mount kit, use a single coax cable for signal and power and receive Dish HD. If your current satellite antenna is a Tracstar, it only has a single coax cable for signal and power.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on June 03, 2016, 12:04:44 pm
The Travl'r dish on Jeff and Sandy's coach may fit better than it does on the 1995-2005 coaches. The curve of the roof in our 2001 is more than Winegard says it will fit. (I think the spec is 3/16" max on either side of the 24" base when it is level. The dish base needs to be level (when the coach is level). I mounted ours on an aluminum plate and made spacers to fit the curvature of the roof. The dish base is mounted to the plate. The plate is mounted into structural frames in the roof. (Good idea from Barry and Cindy). I did the whole thing myself. Not particularly hard.
Make sure your Bose system has power, there is a power supply in the spaces above the windshield. Lots of cables plug into the Bose, any could be loose.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: ltg on June 03, 2016, 12:18:39 pm
I replaced the Tracstar antenna on our coach with a Winegard Pathway X1. The Tracstar SV360 is mounted to the roof on four aluminum feet. Each mount has a rubber spacer. I removed the Tracstar and then removed the large aluminum plate from inside the Tracstar. I then bolted the Winegard Pathway to the aluminum plate and set it back down on the four aluminum feet and spacers. No new holes in the roof and the new antenna is in the original position on the roof.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: dke1955 on June 03, 2016, 03:23:17 pm
Been out in the coach for a while listening to the rain, trapped by the rain, hating the rain......sorry....trying to get a handle on the entertainment system.....I am overwhelmed....wow....QUESTION....where did FT stick the acoustimass module?? All speaker wires should be lead to the module then a single wire from acoustimass module to the bose receiver....wow....what a nightmare...maybe I'll just get a portable DVD player from walmart for 80 bucks and call it a day....
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Dave and Nancy Abel on June 03, 2016, 03:28:30 pm
QUESTION....where did FT stick the acoustimass module?? All speaker wires should be lead to the module then a single wire from acoustimass module to the bose receiver...
Howdy Dave, On our '00 U320 the acoustimass was located under the couch.. Good Luck, Dave A
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Tim Fiedler on June 03, 2016, 03:57:08 pm
module on floor, kitchen cabinet base usually behind screen, often black or bronze
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Carol & Scott on June 03, 2016, 04:07:52 pm
The Accoustimass in our coach is below the cabinet by the kithen sink, is behind the recliner and also behind a metal perforated metal grill. Our counter is in an "L" configuration with the sink in the "L".
When we bought our coach it had the Sony Trinatron TV and I could not find the Bose amp. We installed a 42" Samsung and matching sound bar. We removed the Bose speakers and plugged the holes with black plastic plugs from HD.
Our Tracstar dish just died in March of this year and had SatsToGo in the Houston area do the install. We also carried a Winegard G2 for a coup[e of years in case we were under trees. Only happened once - which prompted us to buy it. SatsToGo purchased the G2 from us when he did the install. Did a nice job. Thought of doing it my self but glad I did not. We have had DTV box problems and if I had done our install DTV would have been very hard to deal with. But that's another story. Dave , SatsToGo, removed the SV260 and placed the Travler next to it. It is working fine. HD now and a DVR. We are livin in high cotton now. ;D
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: John and Stacey on June 03, 2016, 04:26:36 pm
I have used Sats To Go twice now, he is up on Lake Conroe, and comes to you within reason. He has been in business for many years and does a good quality job. Just install a 43" Sony 4K and love it. ;D
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Lon and Cheryl on June 03, 2016, 04:51:28 pm
Once you find the subwoofer / control box (all the speaker and power wires lead to it if you can trace them). you might be able to fix it. Mine didn/t work either. I found a fuse inside the box, I replaced it and all was good. I had the fuse blow several times when I would power up the entire coach, I moved the fuse to the outside of the box so it was easily changed if i blew again. I tied the 5-1 system to my blueray player and TV and use the TAPE output to source it. Mine was located under the sofa.
If it fails I will replace the Bose system, I'm not a big fan of Bose as far as the audio goes, Its there now and works, but someday it will be replaced with something much better..
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Tony Pasquale on June 03, 2016, 04:53:51 pm
Been out in the coach for a while listening to the rain, trapped by the rain, hating the rain......sorry....trying to get a handle on the entertainment system.....I am overwhelmed....wow....QUESTION....where did FT stick the acoustimass module?? All speaker wires should be lead to the module then a single wire from acoustimass module to the bose receiver....wow....what a nightmare...maybe I'll just get a portable DVD player from walmart for 80 bucks and call it a day....
Dave my woofer is located under the couch. A year ago my system quit so I called a Bose technician who suggested I try resetting the woofer by unplugging it. After struggling to get to the woofer and plug under the couch it has worked fine ever since. Hope that helps and you have the same result.
Tony
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: dke1955 on June 04, 2016, 06:22:25 am
Dave my woofer is located under the couch. A year ago my system quit so I called a Bose technician who suggested I try resetting the woofer by unplugging it. After struggling to get to the woofer and plug under the couch it has worked fine ever since. Hope that helps and you have the same result.
Tony
That is great to know!....it's 5am, dog got me up to let her outside...couldn't go back to sleep then I read your post now I know I won't be able to go back to sleep cause I want to go try to reset the Bose!!....the wife will kill me if she sees me sneaking out to work on the coach....oh well....mans gotta be a man!....I hope this works too!...if it does you just saved me some serious $$$$$....i'll let you know!
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Michael & Jackie on June 04, 2016, 10:03:58 am
Probably not what you are needing at this point Dave, but on the amp and player side, MOT sent me to Walmart to buy a $150 home entertainment system....took out most stuff except the bose speakers. That runs dvd, cd, directv, antenna and cable to the tv. Tossed the spare speakers
My woofer as some already told you, behind recliner in cabinet on floor. Not know about 02 coach.
I know some more component parts with this if want to talk. Took off the non functioning sat receiver from roof, repaired delam under it and installed winegard. Also put in double din radio for XM.
Looks as though we will see sun after today for sure. Enjoy your coach!
Mike
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Geoffh on June 04, 2016, 11:02:37 am
Perfect timing, I hope someone can advise me how to fix my 'no sound' problem? The original Sony radio / cassette unit in my dash stopped working a long time ago ( when I blew my alternator ). I finally purchased a Kenwood KDCX998 receiver, Bluetooth etc, cut off the old wires from the previous plug adapter and spliced the new wires, matching colours etc. I found a blown fuse inside the dash. I have power to the receiver and the led screen shows all the tuning instructions etc but NO Sound! My 1994 GV 240 is not equipped with a bose system, but could there be an external power supply unit for sound somewhere? GeoffH
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: lgshoup on June 04, 2016, 12:57:31 pm
Dave, Don't let your wife learn how to drive the coach then she'll need you and not kill you for sneaking out to work on it. It's kinda like choosing a bad vice president so you won't get shot, just sayin
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on June 04, 2016, 03:08:57 pm
Perfect timing, I hope someone can advise me how to fix my 'no sound' problem? The original Sony radio / cassette unit in my dash stopped working a long time ago ( when I blew my alternator ). I finally purchased a Kenwood KDCX998 receiver, Bluetooth etc, cut off the old wires from the previous plug adapter and spliced the new wires, matching colours etc. I found a blown fuse inside the dash. I have power to the receiver and the led screen shows all the tuning instructions etc but NO Sound! My 1994 GV 240 is not equipped with a bose system, but could there be an external power supply unit for sound somewhere? GeoffH
Sometimes the wire harnesses are unique to the radio and will also need to be replaced. The Sony harness may not work with your new Kenwood.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Geoffh on June 04, 2016, 11:46:35 pm
Thanks for responding Jeff, the wiring harness that comes with my new unit has matching colours for the existing wires put in by FT for the sony unit, the unit has additional wires that may or may not need to be given power from somewhere under the Dash? Maybe some other forum members had a similar wiring problem resulting in no sound? Geoffh
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: MichaelU295 on June 16, 2016, 03:18:48 pm
Hi Dave, Any news on your entertainment system? Regarding the Bose, I keep it. Sounds great, powerful bass, and clear vocal. It also feed the two speakers at the bed playing the same or separated audio sources using a separate remote control so it's a nice touch. I feed the audio output from my TV to the Bose so I have surround sound for anything playing : Bluray, Sat, VCR, Antenna, and MP3. The Bose LifeStyle 25 System is notorious for the complete display to burn out. The system may still work, you just cannot see anything on the display. If you buy a new remote control, you have to program it as instructed in the manual to get it to work. I could not think of a way to replace the Bose with another system without redoing the whole wiring which is a lot of works. The Bose speakers do not work with other brand receiver/amplifier. I bought a complete replacement Bose system from Craigslist at good price but only need the head so got a spare in my garage... maybe forever. Share your finding. Thanks, Michael.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on June 16, 2016, 05:59:53 pm
I replaced the Tracstar antenna on our coach with a Winegard Pathway X1. The Tracstar SV360 is mounted to the roof on four aluminum feet. Each mount has a rubber spacer. I removed the Tracstar and then removed the large aluminum plate from inside the Tracstar. I then bolted the Winegard Pathway to the aluminum plate and set it back down on the four aluminum feet and spacers. No new holes in the roof and the new antenna is in the original position on the roof.
Do you have a picture of ther Pathway on your roof? They look kinda' tall in the vendors pictures.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: John/Pat on June 16, 2016, 08:23:52 pm
My bose speakers in the kitchen work perfect for the commercials and stops as soon as the show returns. Which makes the wife unhappy. Is it because commercials are in stero? Any suggestions are appreciated. The coach is 1998 u270
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: John Haygarth on June 16, 2016, 11:02:07 pm
have you checked that you have all speakers on on the remote control? JohnH
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: dke1955 on June 20, 2016, 12:00:10 am
Hi Dave, Any news on your entertainment system? Regarding the Bose, I keep it. Sounds great, powerful bass, and clear vocal. It also feed the two speakers at the bed playing the same or separated audio sources using a separate remote control so it's a nice touch. I feed the audio output from my TV to the Bose so I have surround sound for anything playing : Bluray, Sat, VCR, Antenna, and MP3. The Bose LifeStyle 25 System is notorious for the complete display to burn out. The system may still work, you just cannot see anything on the display. If you buy a new remote control, you have to program it as instructed in the manual to get it to work. I could not think of a way to replace the Bose with another system without redoing the whole wiring which is a lot of works. The Bose speakers do not work with other brand receiver/amplifier. I bought a complete replacement Bose system from Craigslist at good price but only need the head so got a spare in my garage... maybe forever. Share your finding. Thanks, Michael.
As of this writing I found the sub woofer (under the left kitchen cabinet), removed it...unplugged it and plugged it back in as suggested and still no results. SO rather than have 20 lbs of dead weight in the coach I have pulled the unit. My current thinking is wireless. I have wireless home theater in my home and it is awesome in sound and ease of set up and operation. I do not want to run or add any more wires to the sea of copper already in this coach. I actually found a CB mike (the orig. unit placed in the FT MH) stuck up under the dash...I pulled it out turned it on and it came on!..wow..so now I am thinking what else has been replaced and rather then taking the time to remove the old the PO just pushed whatever it was out of sight. I can't let myself think about it or I'll never get any sleep! Anyway, technology has truly progressed to the point where wireless is a true alternative without sound quality being sacrificed. I will keep you informed.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Lon and Cheryl on June 20, 2016, 01:59:56 am
Did you open the sub-woofer and check the fuse?
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: Don & Mary Catherine Allen on June 20, 2016, 01:26:15 pm
Have 2000 U320, purchased new at factory. We have recently replaced our complete video and audio system. I have the complete Bose system available if someone is interested. The only issued we had with it is the cd player started malfunctioning. Let me know if anyone is interested. D. R. Allen Kerrville, Tx. 830-257-5430
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: John Morales on June 24, 2016, 11:28:33 pm
My subwoofer is under the sofa. It's also the main amplifier for all the speakers. All of the wires are routed under the floor panel of cabinet above the driver side and go down the column where my thermostat is mounted, then run under the carpet behind the sofa. I've already removed all the equipment, now to pull all the speaker wires up so I can reroute them to the electronics cabinet above the dash. Looking for a system also. Was considering Marantz NR1606 7.2 Channel Network AV Surround Receiver with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. We will still use the Bose speakers.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...UPDATE
Post by: dke1955 on July 08, 2016, 10:08:29 am
Wanted to post an update and see if anyone has an idea for me. Ok...decided not to remove bose...got a replacement unit off of ebay for $160.00 which works great BUT....no video to TV. I bought a tv at walmart with s-video component to connect to video out of the new bose and confirm video coming out of bose is working and it is. A while back I had to get in behind the VCR which is in a cabinet over the entry door. VCR sits on top of a box with LOTS of buttons on it. When I first got the coach the vcr would send video and sound to the tv just fine....now...nothing. Obviously I must have pulled something loose when I was cussing and trying to move the vcr. It was in trying to move the vcr I discovered FT LOVES to velcro everything down so it won't move...which is great until it has to be moved. I'm guessing this little button box will send direct tv to the back bedroom, and is designed to control all the other entertainment functions of the coach. I want to get rid of it. I see no need for it now other than sending cable tv to back bedroom. All I want to have is direct tv in the front and rear, just one box...one box will send the same signal to both areas, a dvd player for the front, a dvd player for the back and that is it. It seems to me the little button box was for back in the day and has outlived its usefulness. But if I remove it won't I eliminate the ability to send cable signal to the back bedroom....I'm having a time with this one guys...it is keeping me from doing the other things I need to do to get ready to go and enjoy myself....really frustrating. If I am finally successful at posting a pic you will see the button box in the pic attached.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: craneman on July 08, 2016, 10:30:08 am
If you eliminate the box you lose the ability to feed from your cable in or your air antennae to the bedroom. It might be frustrating but you can have what you are asking for and keep the box. I had to redo what you are doing when I bought our coach. The biggest problem I ran into is most DVD and VCR's don't have coax out. They have to go to one of the TV inputs.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: MichaelU295 on July 08, 2016, 02:41:43 pm
Hi Dave, If I understand correctly, you want idea on 1/VCR signal and 2/Removing the Switch Box or Not.
1/ Check coax cable from VCR to the Switch Box at both end, check coax cable from the Switch Box to the TV, make sure to press the button "VCR" for front TV at the Switch Box, and tune your TV to channel 4 to receive signal from the VCR.
2/ Keep the Switch Box. it works for your need. You got a separate DVD Player for front and rear so no issue there. If you want to play both TVs from a nowadays DVD with no coax output, I don't know how myself.
Title: Re: None of sound system components worked when I bought the coach...
Post by: craneman on July 08, 2016, 04:48:37 pm
I bought one similar to this converts hdmi to coax