Radio connections

[sddsddean]

Do car radios have standard connections nowadays, so I can put a new one in without having to do loads of cutting and wiring of new plug blocks? I've got 2 plugs on the back at the moment;both 8 pin (I think) about 1 1/2" x 1/2". Grey one for power, brown one for speakers (and a spare slot on the back of the radio).

[TWR]

Each car has a different Block Connection Sdd, but you can get an adapter from Halfords.

[ChuckFickens]

Most manufacturers use a stand plug configuration these days (ISO10487) which looks like this

http://www.mictronics...ker/becker_pinout.jpg

So you can either get another head unit that conforms to the ISO standard, or (as twr says) just buy an adapter lead to convert the stereo plugs to the ISO standard on the cars harness.

that said.... the head unit in most modern cars are actually pretty good, if you're doing it for better sound I'd look at upgrading the speakers first.

[sddsddean]

Yep, they look right Chuck. Actually its for my truck. The radio that I got with it is cr@p. It doesn't auto tune, can never find a station etc. (like the old days when there wern't many transmitters about). I know the transmitters are OK, 'cos the radios in the car and van are fine. Its a radio made by Bosch especially for DAF. I just want a cheapish radio that works and I might get one with an aux socket for my iPod when I'm working nights and there is naff all on! Thanks for your help both.

[sddsddean]

The truck is only just 1 year old Methyl. I have had a new radio and new aerial and co-axial cable all under warranty and its no better. I think it is just a cr@p make of radio. The one in my old truck was fine (but I don't know what make it was).

[Hopkirk]

I sympathise sddsddean.

I can forgive a crap engine in a truck, but not a crap radio.