in-dash monitor with other head unit?

[whiteracer]

Does anyone know if a Kenwood CD/MP3 head unit will fit in the small cubby above the cup holders in my car (98 civic)? I got a in-dash monitor and i don't want to by a cd changer, too much money. Can i keep what i have and play cd's through the unit i have already?

[91EF3ZC]

yes, you can put a head unit down there. you will need to do some custom work for it tho. depending on what monitor you have, if you are using a seperate unit DVD or playstation 2 , you will need an RF unit for the audio. I don't think your Kenwood has a audio input.

[whiteracer]

ok i kinda understood that.
Does Circuit City sell a RF unit? I work across the street from them and they do most of my electrical work. I gotta get another amp and sub installed, along with this monitor and two headrest units. I can't physically do some of this stuff and though they don't do custom work, they take care of my needs and are really conveinent (sp?). But yeah, i want to connect my PS2 to it and i also need a way to power it. And i don't want to cut that area so i might just stick my Kenwood unit in the glovebox for now.

[whiteracer]

ok, hold on. what's a RF unit?

[CraniumDesigns]

http://www.partsexpress.com/tech/MVS5.gif

Basic instructions on a typical layout for a mobile video setup. Should give you an idea of what you need, especially if you want to add more stuff later. That site is also dirt cheap for LCD modules, so check it out.

[whiteracer]

how can i power my PS2? with a power inverter? do i need a rf unit?

[CraniumDesigns]

You will need a power inverter. A PS2 or XBOX drains about 72 watts, so a 100-150 will do you fine.

[91EF3ZC]

Originally posted by whiteracer
ok, hold on. what's a RF unit?

The RF unit alows you to play sound through your stereo from an external unit. You will tune your radio to 88.3 and turn the RF unit on, then you will only hear that external unit. and you need the inverter for powering the PS2. it takes the 12v DC current and inverts it to 110v AC current. SONY just came out with an inverter for the PS2. It plugs into the cigarette lighter.

Mike

[CraniumDesigns]

the rf unit is also more commonly called an fm modulator.

[whiteracer]

ok thanks. i understood all that. The monitor i got came with a tv tuner and a fm modulator, am i set to go?

[91EF3ZC]

Originally posted by whiteracer
ok thanks. i understood all that. The monitor i got came with a tv tuner and a fm modulator, am i set to go?

yup, you should be good.

[whiteracer]

ok when i went to circuit city to by the power inverter they reminded me not to leave it on cause it will drain the battery. I want to have my underbody neon, 3 sets of 9" interior tubes, two JL subs, and an Eclipse amp all hooked up so my question is can/should i get another battery and put it in the trunk or whatever and how practical of an idea is that?

[CraniumDesigns]

naw, you don't need an extra battery. neons don't drain much poer and only 2 subs won't do anything. you're fine. i would do what they said an remember to unplug the invertor though, or hard wire it to your 12v when your car is on. that way it would only only be on when the radio was powered. your engine wouldn't have to be on, but the key would have to be turned to the ACC position. so just wire it to your radio's red wire or something, or put it on any fuse that is on when the car is on.

[91EF3ZC]

you could also get an OPTIMA yellow top battery, to replace the one you have now. it has a big reserve and can be deep cycled.

[whiteracer]

yeah i've seen a few people with those. what's the deal with those batteries? The battery that's in the car is the original and i have to get it replaced soon. Can i pick one up at Sears or somewhere?