GL1500 Radios, Original and Aftermarket etc..

[bbrackett]

Hi,
completely informational, not asking for help, but thoughts welcome

I have a '88 1500, 108K
the PO installed an signal booster, but it works better connected and Off.
I swapped out the front speakers for KICKER CS Series CSC4 4 Inch Car Audio Speaker with Woofers, Yellow (2 Pack) - used fender washers to help secure them
They work well in the mids n high freqs with the original radio, lows ya no.. not a thing, but this is because of the dash and it's lack of acoustics, not the speakers, even the originals were non-existent.
It's possible some insulation treatment and sealing it up better would help.. maybe someday
I installed some cheap Walmart ones in the back, because of the sealed enclosure there, got a little bit o' bass.

maybe interesting part:
I tried installing a $50 "Marine" 400w RMS maybe Amp with BT, and the BT was great, a bit more volume than the factory radio but not much.
I connected using the amps high level inputs, designed to be used with Speaker Outs.. this worked on the first test, then the LEFT Channel when Gably.. very odd.
connect back to the speakers.. no problems, loud n clear, then back to the amp.. nah.. junk and the Right Side was fine.
swapped right and left.. issue stayed with the left.
I then connected things in a not normal way, and when I turned the bike off, the radio had like 9V and it was showing that on my V gauge which is setup from power from the left fuse panel to only get power then on ACC..

just a bit of an FYI..
I removed the amp, removed the GW Speaker Fade, direct connected and seems bit louder, hopefully the amp is seeing 1.5ohms vs the normal 3ohms
I think with the Fader the speakers are in series, vs parallel, to protect the radio from low ohm load...

anyway, haven't tested with a ride yet.. but.. Hope our connection to create new GW Radio Panels for the GL1500 gets up and running soon !!

[WingAdmin]

I've never found a "signal booster" that didn't make things worse. The problem with using these to boost a weak signal is, they boost the noise just as much as the signal. And if there's little or no signal there to begin with (due to distance, antenna/cable problems, or whatever) then boosting it (along with the noise floor) isn't going to fix it. You need to fix the problem at the source, and that's the antenna/cable.

[ncdave]

following with curiosity. would like to find a good bluetooth solution. pictures of your setup would be helpful too, if you can.

[bbrackett]

First time uploading pics here

I have a Cassette to 3.5mm adapter, works great, retains the "Surround Sound"
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-CPA-Audio-C ... 143&sr=1-5

in my left side pocket I have this Dual USB Port providing power for the BT Adapter and my phone - https://photos.app.goo.gl/rFgt8Ce65TXgQdRY9

Flush Mount USB Power - https://www.amazon.com/MMOBIEL-Universa ... 83&sr=1-49

I found this I think on GW Docs, - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R67HN8R/?tag=goldwingdocs-20 ... ct_details

https://photos.app.goo.gl/PjZcxhBoGqvSVWv66 the 3.5mm audio cable from the cassette adapter plugs into the USB BlueTooth device,
the USB port provides the power, I also have a cable going to my phone, keeps the phone charged as well.

it connects to this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R67HN8R/?tag=goldwingdocs-20 ... ct_details
it's set to receive (switch on the side), my phone BlueTooth finds and connects.. when on accessories the BT Turns on and Charges the phone as I have the 12V USB Adapter connected to my left side Fuse Panel and protected with a 10amp fuse.

[PowerSlave]

I bought a bluetooth adapter with a 3.5mm outlet. I wired it directly to the radio like most do with a 3.5mm socket. Here is a link to the post about it.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=65783

[bbrackett]

Just took a ride, no windshield, modular helmet, the BT audio was OK, but if you have an iphone, leave the Music EQ setting to Default (if you play songs from your phone)
I might try a this - https://www.amazon.com/Headphone-Amplif ... C87&sr=8-4

thinking of trying some sound treatment behind the front speakers.
trying to get something from nothing, should just get a headset with JBL speakers.

thanks all, yea, lots a possibilities.

[ncdave]

I bought a cassette insert with bluetooth to connect my phone to. it has a power cord. when I tried to put it into the cassette player it rejected it because the power cord blocks it from seating properly into the machine. Only thing I can see is to trim things a bit to allow space for the power cord. did anyone run into this?

[bbrackett]

Yea same mines tight almost cutting the cord
need to use a dremel or file or knife etc
and make a bit of a trench for it

[bbrackett]

Went to Walmart, they have a rectangle style $25 Dual Radio is like 2" deep, and their 4x7" is also very shallow.
hope someone gets the radio adapters made soon, I really would like a clean install option

[01196505gw]

Low freqs? Meh. It’s a motorcycle

[bbrackett]

picked up speakers from ShowChrome for the front
rated at 120w a pair, sound great so far

had a pair of Kicker CS 4” speakers in the front they worked ok but didn’t sound very good,
I installed those in the back and they sound better than the cheap Skosch speakers from Walmart

maybe I’ll get a proper headunit, amp and sub
Im also thinking about adding a couple speakers to the side pockets up front

[DenverWinger]

Subwoofer and 6 disc CD/MP3onCD changer

Front of subwoofer

400w Kenwood and Equalizer in R saddlebag

My Sandisk MP3 player sticks to the velcro pad below the gauges and CD Changer controls. Alpine CD changer system feeds audio into the system via FM modulator, no direct connection to the stock stereo or added equalizer and amp. Just tune in the signal on FM radio. Alpine CD system also has a selectable AUX input, the MP3 player also received in the stock stereo via FM Modulator. Alpine FM Modulator is in left pocket under the speaker with insert connections to radio antenna. If you turn the Alpine system off, the FM modulator bypasses itself from the antenna connections and puts the radio back on the antenna instead of the modulator.

Boston Acoustics Speakers in place of pockets. MP3 player sticks to velcro with AUX in. CD Changer controls below gauges.

[bbrackett]

would love to add a sub but need the space for groceries

Haha, I have an old Sandisk Mp3 player as well

what is that piece for the gauges, where can I get one?

[DenverWinger]

Unobtanium 2.0 - see link
Might be sold out though......
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=47921