[nasdakboy]

Can someone please explain to me the reason for using a low voltage trigger with an amp install? I've never used one of these in the past and just curious why so many are using it on our cars. I'm not sure of how it helps. Thanks

[cassey]

I used a low voltage trigger because there is no 12v remote power wire on the factory amplifier. Some people have used the cigarette lighter as the remote wire connection, but the cigarette lighter only powers up when the car is running. The low voltage trigger can use a speaker signal to switch it on, so my subwoofer amp turns on when my stereo is on. There are probably some good ignition switched remote power wire sources at the front of the car, but I wanted to limit the install to the trunk area, so a low voltage trigger was the best solution for me. Let me know if you still need more explanation.

[nasdakboy]

Originally Posted by cassey

I used a low voltage trigger because there is no 12v remote power wire on the factory amplifier. Some people have used the cigarette lighter as the remote wire connection, but the cigarette lighter only powers up when the car is running. The low voltage trigger can use a speaker signal to switch it on, so my subwoofer amp turns on when my stereo is on. There are probably some good ignition switched remote power wire sources at the front of the car, but I wanted to limit the install to the trunk area, so a low voltage trigger was the best solution for me. Let me know if you still need more explanation.

Ok, makes sense, but why not just tap the remote wire itself into a power wire going to the factory amp? Wouldn't that just trigger it to power the aftermarket amp on?

[cassey]

The power wire on the factory amp is always live, so your sub amp would stay on at all times. The factory amp remote power wire is only ~5v, so it will not turn your sub amp on. I only wanted to limit the entire install to the trunk area. You could find a good source somewhere else in the car, but I just didn't feel like taking my interior apart to hunt for it.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by nasdakboy

Ok, makes sense, but why not just tap the remote wire itself into a power wire going to the factory amp? Wouldn't that just trigger it to power the aftermarket amp on?

You would need a relay to use that OEM remote wire as a full 12V trigger for aftermarket components, as it is not rated at 12V as cassey stated.

[nasdakboy]

Cool, thanks for the help fellas