Another Concertone Wiring Problem

by schrowang on Tue Mar 23, 2010 3:31 pm

First topic message reminder :

Just purchased a Vizio widescreen for the Cat, so I wanted to wire the sound into the Concertone. Same thing with the XM docking station. So, I planned on using the 1 & 2 audio inputs provided by FR in the coach. Son-of-a-gun, it wouldn't work. I know I had sound coming from the Visio, but no sound going to the speakers.

Pulled the Concertone to take a look at the wiring. What a rat's nest!

Found that both the leads from Audio 1 and Audio 2 inputs are spliced and go to the same female RCA left & right leads from the Concertone. Hmmm! So, the switch on the faceplate simply switches the Audio 1 and Audio 2 signals to the same input on the Concertone.

Also found another set of unused female RCA L & R leads with plastic caps over them. Removed caps, plugged in the Vizio and voila, I had surround sound. Put plastic caps back on the leads that didn't work. Same gig with the XM docking station. So, Vizio is now Audio 1 and the XM is Audio 2. Works like a charm.

Gotta believe that they have to send their wiring techs for a PHD to wire these things right.

by Mopar_Earl on Tue Dec 07, 2010 6:59 pm

Bob Fields wrote:Yes, the next product release - being built now will contain HDMI!

Sweet! Have any information on this new unit with HDMI or when it's expected to be on the market? Will it be the same frame size as the ZX600?

Earl

by Bob Fields on Wed Dec 08, 2010 3:39 am

schrowang wrote:...
Gotta believe that they have to send their wiring techs for a PHD to wire these things right.

Our newest units have the wiring diagram right on a label on the back of the units for easy reference. Yes, there are a lot of wires but simply take your time and double check each connection. The fun part is making sure the wire you "think" goes some where (like left front positive) actually does! It is not just enough to check the connections at the back of the unit. You must also check that the wires actually go where you think they do!

Once you verify that - LABEL the wires for future reference!

ALSO, make sure that you correctly connect the positives (+) and negatives (-) to the speakers. If they are incorrect or "out of phase" they will still work, but the overall sound will not be as good as it should be. I am happy to get into a theoretical conversation, but please know the bass notes (low) will just not be there! The music will probably sound "tinny" (if thats a word).

by Bob Fields on Wed Dec 08, 2010 3:45 am

Mopar_Earl wrote:
Bob Fields wrote:Yes, the next product release - being built now will contain HDMI!

Sweet! Have any information on this new unit with HDMI or when it's expected to be on the market? Will it be the same frame size as the ZX600?
Earl

Manufacturer's disclaimer - the following is in response to the question above and does not consitute unauthorized advertising or spam!" lol!

We EXPECT the newest units to start shipping in the first quarter of next year and yes indeed they will be the same frame size as the ZX600. We will also have some other VERY COOL new features that I really can't discuss yet, but I know those of you who are into smartphones will LOVE!

We will be putting together some purchasing programs for current customers that will make it easy to upgrade without paying full retail pricing. You should all consider putting on in your homes too, like you home office or bedroom!

by Bob Fields on Wed Dec 08, 2010 3:51 am

The Steckelberg's wrote:We have had our WC two years now and have been thur 2 concertones. Has any one hear about the units getting too warm and causing them to go out? I was thinking about venting the cabinet it is in. I have tried to get the unit out , but can not get pass the face plate ! Can any one HELP ?

What Model do you have?
Some units have indeed gotten too hot and you may need to make sure there is plenty of air FLOW behind the unit. Some have actually added holes to the surrounding wall or actually installed a cooling fan as well.

Lets start with you Model so we can at least identify whether you have analog or digital amplifiers and we'll go from t here!

by Bob Fields on Wed Dec 08, 2010 3:53 am

bighornram wrote:Sounds like the newer concertones are a bit different tan my 2005.

yes the Units have changed progressively every year and the newest model are more than a little different! You can see the progression of units by visiting http://concertone.com/product_gallery.html

by jetskier on Wed Dec 08, 2010 4:50 am

WIth the new model have an ATSC tuner built in?

by Bob Fields on Wed Dec 08, 2010 5:01 am

The first units to be released will NOT include a digital TV tuner.

We have had a prototype for some time, but have not seen the demand necessary to bring it to market. Is this something folks would be interested in?

by jetskier on Wed Dec 08, 2010 6:39 am

I would be. I have two converters in the trailer now that require a 120V connection. Having a 12V option built into the Concertone would be nice. If you did, it'd be nice to have outputs for both standard RF out (NTSC) and HDMI or component for the HDTVs simultaneously. In the living room, we have a nice TV that could take the HDMI or component connections. In the front and rear bedrooms, I use the composite or RF to feed the little TVs (12V).

Have you considered a DVR? (just kidding).

by Sean on Wed Dec 08, 2010 7:26 am

Bob Fields wrote:The first units to be released will NOT include a digital TV tuner.

We have had a prototype for some time, but have not seen the demand necessary to bring it to market. Is this something folks would be interested in?

Send it to me I'll test it for you lol!

Sean
Ps don't forget the wiring diagram. rofl. (roll on floor laughing).

by jetskier on Wed Dec 08, 2010 7:29 am

Sean wrote:
Bob Fields wrote:The first units to be released will NOT include a digital TV tuner.

We have had a prototype for some time, but have not seen the demand necessary to bring it to market. Is this something folks would be interested in?

Send it to me I'll test it for you
Sean
Ps don't forget the wiring diagram. rofl. (roll on floor laughing).

Shipping would be cheaper to NV than to the UK. I'd break it in.

by Bob Fields on Sat Mar 12, 2011 3:48 am

jetskier wrote:I would be. I have two converters in the trailer now that require a 120V connection. Having a 12V option built into the Concertone would be nice. If you did, it'd be nice to have outputs for both standard RF out (NTSC) and HDMI or component for the HDTVs simultaneously. In the living room, we have a nice TV that could take the HDMI or component connections. In the front and rear bedrooms, I use the composite or RF to feed the little TVs (12V).

Have you considered a DVR? (just kidding).

Thats interesting, but the thing most folks are doing is the TV digital tuner and feeding the audio back to the Concertone for Surround Sound. I realize this only works for newer TVs but the market will continue to get smaller (while I could be wrong) and not cost effective for either us or the RV manufacturer to include.

Anyone with any thoughts on the business proposition?

by Portagie1968 on Sat Mar 12, 2011 5:48 am

scottz wrote:
schrowang wrote:Gotta believe that they have to send their wiring techs for a PHD to wire these things right.

That's funny. I'm convinced that no two cats leave the factory wired the same (at least the audio system).

You are correct.

by Portagie1968 on Sat Mar 12, 2011 5:50 am

Bob Fields wrote:The first units to be released will NOT include a digital TV tuner.

We have had a prototype for some time, but have not seen the demand necessary to bring it to market. Is this something folks would be interested in?

YES. I still have an old TV and this would clean up the wiring mess I have.

by Portagie1968 on Sat Mar 12, 2011 5:51 am

Sean wrote:
Bob Fields wrote:The first units to be released will NOT include a digital TV tuner.

We have had a prototype for some time, but have not seen the demand necessary to bring it to market. Is this something folks would be interested in?

Send it to me I'll test it for you
Sean
Ps don't forget the wiring diagram. rofl. (roll on floor laughing).

Same here. lol!

by Portagie1968 on Sat Mar 12, 2011 5:54 am

schrowang wrote:Just purchased a Vizio widescreen for the Cat, so I wanted to wire the sound into the Concertone. Same thing with the XM docking station. So, I planned on using the 1 & 2 audio inputs provided by FR in the coach. Son-of-a-gun, it wouldn't work. I know I had sound coming from the Visio, but no sound going to the speakers.

Pulled the Concertone to take a look at the wiring. What a rat's nest! Found that both the leads from Audio 1 and Audio 2 inputs are spliced and go to the same female RCA left & right leads from the Concertone. Hmmm! So, the switch on the faceplate simply switches the Audio 1 and Audio 2 signals to the same input on the Concertone.

Also found another set of unused female RCA L & R leads with plastic caps over them. Removed caps, plugged in the Vizio and voila, I had surround sound. Put plastic caps back on the leads that didn't work. Same gig with the XM docking station. So, Vizio is now Audio 1 and the XM is Audio 2. Works like a charm.

Gotta believe that they have to send their wiring techs for a PHD to wire these things right.

If my brain works well and that is questionable my pictures are in one of these posts. I pulled mine apart and took many pictures.

by Portagie1968 on Sat Mar 12, 2011 5:57 am

Bob - Got a question. According to the Brochure I was suppose to have a outside TV hook up. 29 and 30 RLBS are suppose to have them. Seen a lot 0f 29s and they have them. My trailer was a major problem child from day one and guess what mine was never installed. I have a 110 volt plug on the outside about where the hook up should be. What are my chances the wiring is there but not hooked up?

by Bob Fields on Sun Mar 13, 2011 2:18 pm

Sorry Dan, I have no idea.

My company supplies the entertainment equipment, but we are not involved in the design or build of the RV's.

Wish I could help!

by Portagie1968 on Mon Mar 14, 2011 8:06 am

Thank you kind sir.

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