HU Ground?

[DJ_B_Easy]

Anyone have a pic of where they grounded their head unit behind the dash? Im driving an '08 Coupe and not sure Im good where I grounded...which is on the left side of the opening when the radio is removed, into one of the small holes on the left brace.

[D#1Status]

Are you using any after market amps in the system? If so it's actually way better to ground your h/u back with the amp. We rarely use factory locations.

[DJ_B_Easy]

Why is this? Ground is ground, no?

[D#1Status]

Absolutely not.. where the equipment is grounded is physically where the current gets its 'return' from, without it the power wont flow just basically stop. when you ground components in a system that are related to each other in different spots the resistance also gets pulled in two different directions. so by common grounding you get stronger current and less chance of interference =D

[DJ_B_Easy]

Absolutely not.. where the equipment is grounded is physically where the current gets its 'return' from, without it the power wont flow just basically stop. when you ground components in a system that are related to each other in different spots the resistance also gets pulled in two different directions. so by common grounding you get stronger current and less chance of interference =D

Makes sense...let me ask you this then. Im going to run my power cable down the left side of my car, the signal cables down the right to avoid interference with the signal. Can I run the ground with the signal cables (easier for me) or will this cause interference with the signal?

PS- In case you were wondering, YES I installed this head unit 3 months ago and have not installed my amps, components, or subs yet. Time is NOT on my side.

[D#1Status]

Running the ground for simply the head unit should be fine, just make sure you use a nicely shielded wire not radio shack lamp chord and also nicely shielded RCA's. The HU is only pulling about 5-7 amps of current so there isn't much possibility for bleed to begin with.

[AppleBonker]

A more thorough explanation:

http://www.bcae1.com/ground.htm

[DJ_B_Easy]

OK I think I get it. Even if I grounded closer to the amp ground that would essentially lessen the noise? Not saying I would do that, just trying to make sure I understand. Bigger distance between the 2 grounds means bigger potential for noise? What about bringing the amp ground up front to the head unit ground? Wouldnt that give a path of less resstance to the battery neg.?

[D#1Status]

Not necessary and not only that but the circuitry up front is protected by small fuses which will cause you problems down the line.

[AppleBonker]

I've found it's best to keep the ground for the amps as close to the amps as possible. It's probably not a good idea to be running 10 feet or so of ground cable from the amp.

[DJ_B_Easy]

I've found it's best to keep the ground for the amps as close to the amps as possible. It's probably not a good idea to be running 10 feet or so of ground cable from the amp.

I was taught to keep ground cables as short as possible, which is why I never thought that the head unit ground coming to the back would do any good. I learned most of what I know through residential elec. so I guess it doesnt apply all the time.

Thanks for your help guys.