1. Why should I buy from an authorized SoundGate dealer?

1. What parts are needed to replace my factory radio?
2. What other issues may I encounter?
3. Are there some factory radios that cannot be replaced?
4. I had my factory radio replaced and now my radio reception is very poor. What happened?

1. Can I retain the use of the steering wheel buttons that control my radio if I change my factory radio to an aftermarket unit?

1. Can I add new amplifiers to my factory radio?
2. What Line Output Converter should I use?
3. My SoundGate dealer tells me I must use the LOCB.2 on my car. Is this true?
4. I've had a new amplifier installed and every time I turn my car on or off my speakers pop. Is there anything I can do to stop the popping?

1. What does my OnStar system have to do with my factory radio, and why does it stop operating if my factory radio is replaced?
2. So, Can I keep OnStar if I replace my factory radio?
3. What's the difference between the STARMOD1V2, STARMOD2, and STARMOD2V2?

1. What if I want to add a 10, or 12- disc changer to my car, instead of just a 6-disc?
2. Will my aftermarket CD changer act exactly like a factory changer would have?
3. Can I play MP3 encoded discs in my new aftermarket CD changer?

1. The factory radio in my car has a problem and I want to put in a new aftermarket receiver or CD player. Can I connect my existing factory CD changer to an aftermarket receiver or CD player?

1. My car already has a CD changer. Can I still input my MP3 into my factory or aftermarket radio?
2. My factory radio can control a changer but I do not have a changer hooked up to it. Can I input my MP3 player through the CD changer port of my existing radio?

1. I'm having a problem hooking up the stereo in my car. Can SoundGate help me by giving me wire colors, etc.?

1. I had a new system installed in my car and now I've got a whining type noise coming out of the speakers. It varies in pitch with engine RPM. Is this normal, or is there something wrong?

1. Why should I buy from an authorized SoundGate dealer?

   SoundGate product is known throughout the mobile audio industry as the high-performance, reliable solution to OEM integration, so it is easy to understand why people would be tempted to purchase it from just about any source. It's superior product, right? What could be wrong with it?
   
   Current Product- As with computers, SoundGate interfaces will periodically have software updates that address a number of issues, most often new vehicle information. If you buy from an unauthorized source, will they know what software version they are selling you, or even care for that matter?
   
   Correct Application Information- Because computers are so integrated into the vehicles of today, the likelihood of universal-type of interface working in your car are rare. When you buy from SoundGate, or an authorized SoundGate dealer, you're talking to someone who is either an expert, or has access to the years of research and the mountains of data referred to when a part is recommended. Unauthorized dealers do not have access to the type of information that we feel is critical in you receiving the right part for your car.
   
   Technical Support- SoundGate provides comprehensive instructions with all SoundGate product, and following these instructions will lead you through your installation. Once in a while, however, a question will arise with regard to wire colors, or your aftermarket product may have a variable that needs addressing. These are times that you need some expert advice to perform the installation correctly.That advice comes free with the purchacse of a SoundGate interface from an authorized SoundGate dealer.
   
   Will they even ship your order?- Just because you've given your credit card number doesn't mean an online store will ship your product. With the lack of regulations and policing on the internet, someone can rake in a good bit of money and close down before you even realize you're not getting the goods. Buy from someone you can trust to provide not only the proper product, but the warranty you deserve, and the comfort of unparalleled technical support, should you need it. Buy from an authorized SoundGate dealer.

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1. What parts are needed to replace my factory radio?

   To replace a factory radio a number of parts are usually required. These can include: a mounting kit for the new receiver or CD player, a wiring harness to make the harness in the car match the harness on the new receiver or CD player, and an antenna adapter.
   
   Additionally, most newer cars require an interface to match the audio output of the new receiver or CD player to the audio inputs of the factory amplifier. SoundGate's XR4, PWR1, and LOCSUBA are examples of such interfaces.

2. What other issues may I encounter?

   A lot of new vehicles electrically integrate the radio into other parts of the vehicle. For instance, new General Motors vehicles use the factory radio to create and broadcast the chime functions in the vehicle. They also use the radio to allow OnStar to operate in each vehicle.
   
   When replacing the factory radio in these vehicles, an installer will have to use additional interfaces to ensure these features in the vehicle continue to work. SoundGate's Digistar, Digistar-X, and GMCHIME, are examples of such interfaces.

3. Are there some factory radios that cannot be replaced?

   The factory radios in some vehicles are so well integrated into the rest of the vehicle that the radio cannot be removed without disabling certain functions within the vehicle. Some vehicles that this pertains to are:

   • the 2003 and newer Honda Accords (loss of factory climate controls)
   • 2002 and newer Lexus LS430 (loss of different vehicle functions)
   • 2002 and newer Pontiac, Bonneville, Oldsmobile, Aurora, Chevrolet Impala, and Buick LeSabre. (loss of programming capability of various vehicle functions)

4. I had my factory radio replaced and now my radio reception is very poor. What happened?

   The antenna systems on a lot of new cars don't match the antenna systems on aftermarket radios. When these instances arise, an antenna adapter has to be used to make the vehicle's antenna connector match the one used on the new radio. If the installer doesn't have the proper adapter, AM, FM, or reception of both will suffer.
   
   On older vehicles the factory antenna may be damaged or may be loose. If just AM reception is poor, it is an indicator that the base of the antenna has become loose, or corroded. This causes the antenna to lose its ground connection to the chassis of the vehicle.

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1. Can I retain the use of the steering wheel buttons that control my radio if I change my factory radio to an aftermarket unit?

   SoundGate developed and produced the first interface ever made to allow factory steering wheel buttons to control aftermarket radios - clear back in 1992! Since then we've introduced new technology that allows various new receivers and CD players to be added, using the SoundGate REMOTE3 and REMOTE6 interfaces. Unlike other units that have since surfaced, ours do not require programming and are totally impervious to changing voltage levels in the vehicle. If you have a General Motors vehicle, or one of many Chrysler Corporation vehicles, we can let you keep the use of those steering wheel mounted audio buttons!

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1. Can I add new amplifiers to my factory radio?

   Amplifiers can be added to virtually any system. What makes the addition of amplifiers successful is the use of the correct interface. The industry calls these interfaces line output converters, or 'LOC's', for short.
   
   SoundGate divides LOCs into two categories:
   
   Type 1 line output converters are defined as those that are added to the system after the existing amplification stage. The existing amplifier can be the one built into the radio that directly drives the speakers, or can be an amplifier mounted somewhere else in the vehicle.
   
   Type 2 interfaces are those that are connected between a factory radio and factory amplifier. The audio signals found at this point are usually 'balanced' in nature - similar to those found in the cables between the mixing console and stage at one of your favorite concerts.
   
   Making sure the right interface is connected at the right location is the key to adding amplifiers to factory radios, having the system sound its best, and not damaging equipment.

2. What Line Output Converter should I use?

   The question to ask here is, "Are you adding a four-channel amplifier for all speakers, or are you adding one amplifier just for subwoofers?"
   
   If just one amplifier is being added for the addition of subwoofers, it is usually easiest to obtain the audio signal for the new amplifier directly at the rear speakers, or at the output of the factory amplifier (if so equipped). In this instance one would use either a SoundGate LOCHVA, or an LOC4.2. If the new amplifier does not have a built-in crossover network, the SoundGate LOCSUBA, with its built-in crossover, would be the unit to use. All of these LOCs are TYPE 1 interfaces, as defined by SoundGate.
   
   If a four-channel amplifier is being added to power all four factory speakers, it is typical to install LOCs right behind the factory radio. If a factory amplifier was not present, the factory radio was powering the speakers via its internal amplifiers, and a SoundGate TYPE 1 interface would be used - an LOCHVA, LOC4.2, LOC4.4, or XR4.
   
   If a factory amplifier was present, then the signals exiting the back of the radio are most likely balanced, differential, or a simple single-ended output. The exact output type needs to be known, as each type can require a specific line output converter - either a SoundGate LOCPREA, or a SoundGate LOCB.2. One type, the single-ended output, may not require an LOC at all, but only a skilled technician or hobbyist can make this determination. SoundGate dealers make use of the SoundGate Application Guide, which lists these output types for each vehicle.

3. My SoundGate dealer tells me I must use the LOCB.2 on my car. Is this true?

   The SoundGate LOCB.2 is specifically designed to work with very unique types of audio signals. These signals are of very low power, and are of an output type that cannot be directly connected to the input of a new amplifier. The LOCB uses its built-in amplifier to strengthen these low power signals. The balance of its sophisticated circuitry tailors the audio signals to make them compatible with aftermarket amplifiers.

4. I've had a new amplifier installed and every time I turn my car on or off my speakers pop. Is there anything I can do to stop the popping?

   The most common cause we see of speakers popping when a new amplifier has been installed, has to do with what is called the 'remote turn-on lead', or 'wakeup lead'. This wakeup lead is what tells the new amplifier to turn on at the proper moment. The wakeup lead should be connected to a wire exiting the factory radio that is typically labeled as 'amplifier turn-on lead'.
   
   For a variety of reasons these two wires sometimes do not get connected to one another. Instead, an amplifier's wakeup lead is sometimes connected to an ignition source. Doing so leaves the new amplifier on any time the car's key is turned on. The reason a pop is caused by this method is that the amplifier is 'awake' when the audio signals come from the radio. A small voltage "blip" accompanies the very start of the audio signal when the radio is turned on. Systems are designed for the amplifier to "wakeup" shortly after this blip enters the amplifier - thus the blip is never heard. If the amplifier is already awake when this blip comes through, it amplifies the blip, turning it into a pop.
   
   Some vehicles do not have a turn-on lead that is compatible with aftermarket amplifiers - the vehicle may use a 5-volt signal, but the amplifier needs 12 volts in order to turn on. SoundGate's TRIGLOHD interface remedies this situation, transforming the 5-volt signal into a 12-volt turn on lead. A low-voltage factory amplifier turn-on lead will be found in many Ford Motor Company vehicles, Lexus automobiles, and Infiniti automobiles.

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General Motors OnStar systems first surfaced in 1997 in select Cadillac automobiles. Since, their usage has increased to encompass the entire General Motors lineup - which includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Saturn. If you're thinking about replacing the factory radio in one of these vehicles and you like your OnStar system, you'll have to be prepared to spend extra money to maintain its operation with the new receiver or CD player.

SoundGate introduced the Industry's first purpose-built OnStar interfaces - the STARMOD1V2 and STARMOD2V2. Enjoying enormous popularity since their introduction, these two units are soon to be joined by two new units specifically engineered for the 2002 and newer General Motors vehicles.

1. What does my OnStar system have to do with my factory radio, and why does it stop operating if my factory radio is replaced?

   The OnStar system uses the factory radio as the communications tool to broadcast OnStar messaging throughout the vehicle. When you are speaking with an OnStar operator, you are engaging in a normal cellular phone call. The difference is that instead of hearing the other person talking through a cell-phone, you are hearing them through your factory radio and speakers. When you remove your factory radio you have, in essence, removed part of your factory cell-phone.
   
   When installing a new aftermarket receiver or CD player, a Mobile Electronics Specialist has to recreate what OnStar-related components were lost during the removal of the factory radio. This will require the installation of additional interfaces by your Mobile Electronics Installer. SoundGate's Digistar, Digistar-X, and StarMod-series of interfaces perfectly handle these complex chores.

2. So, Can I keep OnStar if I replace my factory radio?

   Yes, definitely. Your Mobile Electronics Specialist will inform you of the need to purchase an additional interface. They will probably recommend the SoundGate STARMOD1V2, or STARMOD2V2, DIGISTAR, or DIGISTAR-X. If you have a 2002 or newer Cadillac sedan, additional obstacles are created. In these vehicles your Mobile Electronics Dealer may tell you that your factory radio has to remain connected somewhere within the vehicle (like under the rear deck of your sedan). The reason for this is that digital communication has to remain active between the car's digital databus, and the factory radio.

3. What's the difference between the STARMOD1V2, STARMOD2, and STARMOD2V2?

   There are so many variables with regard to the design of sound systems, in the world of car audio, that we have to make different OnStar interfaces for different purposes. SoundGate's STARMOD-series of interfaces are applicable, mainly, to 2002 and older General Motors vehicles.
   
   The STARMOD1V2 is designed to be used in a vehicle that is having a complete system installed - new receiver or CD player, new amplifiers, new speakers, etc. In this application the STARMOD1V2 intercepts the OnStar messaging, amplifies it, and outputs it to a separate speaker that is mounted at a location other than the factory speaker locations. The STARMOD1V2 is wired with the factory match plug for a direct plug-in to the factory wiring.
   
   The STARMOD2 is designed for use in those non-General Motors vehicles that are equipped with OnStar - this can include Saabs, Volvos, and some Acuras. We also use the STARMOD2 to bring the Navigation function back into Honda Odyssey minivans when the factory radio is replaced.
   
   The STARMOD2V2 is designed for those installations where just the factory radio is being replaced. The STARMOD2V2 includes a built-in relay that redirects OnStar messaging back into one factory speaker during OnStar use.
   
   All STARMOD interfaces include a mute output, which will automatically mute the new receiver or CD player during OnStar use.

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Everyone knows that CD changers provide the ultimate in convenience. Just load a magazine with your favorite CDs, take it to your car, slip it in, and you have eight hours of great music! Most cars and trucks became equipped with CD changer capable radios in 1998… the only downside was the price being charged by the automakers for their CD changers - $800 to $1200 for a CD changer? Talk about inflated prices!

Once again, the aftermarket Mobile Electronics Industry came to the rescue with sophisticated devices allowing the connection of reasonably priced aftermarket CD changers, to factory radios. Now, for a mere $250 for the changer, and an additional $120 for the interface, almost any new car owner could be enjoying the convenience of a CD changer!

SoundGate's line of CD changer interfaces began with units designed for Ford Motor Company vehicles. Since that time, we've added more units than any other manufacturer in existence. Our line now encompasses almost every vehicle manufacturer, and we adapt to not just one changer manufacturer, but in most cases to Alpine, Sony, Kenwood, and Pioneer models! Now the choice really is yours!

For 2002, not resting on our laurels, we have brought to market new interfaces that allow not only the control of an aftermarket CD changer via the factory radio, but also the control of Kenwood/Sirius Satellite Radio Receivers, and Pioneer/XM Satellite Radio Receivers. Just think, in one minute you're listening to and controlling your new Kenwood CD changer from your factory radio, and then with the push of one of the radio's buttons, you're listening to your favorite satellite radio station!

1. What if I want to add a 10, or 12- disc changer to my car, instead of just a 6-disc?

   Certain factory radios have a limitation of only being able to control a six-disc CD changer. SoundGate has worked around this limitation, somewhat, by allowing a 10 or 12 disc CD changer to be connected to certain factory radios. Although the user cannot directly access discs 7 through 10, or 12, the factory radio will sequentially play the discs and correctly display the disc/track information on the radio's screen.
   
   Factory radios that have a "disc up" and "disc down" button, can directly access 10 or 12-disc CD changers. Vehicles with this capability include Daimler/Chrysler Corporation and Ford Motor Company vehicles.

2. Will my aftermarket CD changer act exactly like a factory changer would have?

   In most cases the aftermarket changer will fully duplicate the functions of a factory changer. However, there are a very few instances where, due to digital design conflicts, the exact factory function cannot be duplicated (the "scan" function could be an example of this).

3. Can I play MP3 encoded discs in my new aftermarket CD changer?

   Actually, yes there are certain aftermarket CD changers that can play MP3 encoded CDR's. Please check with your favorite manufacturer for details.

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1. The factory radio in my car has a problem and I want to put in a new aftermarket receiver or CD player. Can I connect my existing factory CD changer to an aftermarket receiver or CD player?

   No, unfortunately this cannot be done. CD changers and radios communicate with one another using a digital language - the same method used between a computer and printer, for instance. Digital languages are different from one another, and the languages cannot be mixed without using some type of translator.
   
   A second factor making this impossible to do, and confusing at the same time, is as follows. Some aftermarket manufacturers - Pioneer or Alpine for instance - provide equipment to the car manufacturers. Even though a factory changer may have a small sticker stating Pioneer manufactures it, the car manufacturer has had Pioneer put different digital language in the changer. This makes the changer made for the aftermarket by Pioneer different from the changer made for the car manufacturer.

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A consumer's choice for program material is at an all time high - a short twenty years ago we just had LP's and cassette decks. Now we have CD players, CD changers, Hard-drive-based bulk storage devices (Kenwood's Music Keg, for example), portable MP3 players, etc! The difficult thing can be trying to make some of these devices play through an automotive sound system. SoundGate anticipated this trend and has a full line of interfaces specifically for adding what we call "Auxiliary Sources" to factory sound systems.

1. My car already has a CD changer. Can I still input my MP3 into my factory or aftermarket radio?

   Yes, SoundGate technology has allowed us to bring to market our "Docking Station" concept. SoundGate's Docking Station allows two auxiliary sources to be input into any factory of aftermarket radio or CD player that presently has a CD changer connected to it. In a General Motors sport utility vehicle, for example, one could add a DVD audio source and Satellite Radio to the factory radio at the same time. Any combination of two auxiliary sources can be added using the Docking Station.

2. My factory radio can control a changer but I do not have a changer hooked up to it. Can I input my MP3 player through the CD changer port of my existing radio?

   Yes, SoundGate makes this possible as well. Using one of our Auxiliary Input Interfaces you can input one RCA level source directly into a factory radio's CD changer port. With these interfaces a CD changer cannot be used at the same time because the interface takes the place of the CD changer.

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1. I'm having a problem hooking up the stereo in my car. Can SoundGate help me by giving me wire colors, etc.?

   We're sorry, but due to the liability issues surrounding work performed on new vehicles, we can only provide technical support for authorized dealers who have completed certain levels of training. If you have purchased a SoundGate product, are installing it yourself, and are having problems, you should contact the dealer you purchased it from and arrange for the Mobile Electronics Specialist to perform a professional installation.

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1. I had a new system installed in my car and now I've got a whining type noise coming out of the speakers. It varies in pitch with engine RPM. Is this normal, or is there something wrong?

   There is definitely something wrong with the installation of a system exhibiting this type of noise. This type is noise is created by the vehicle's alternator and is logically termed "alternator noise". There are many ways this type of noise can enter a sound system - much too lengthy to discuss here. It is a rare circumstance that a Mobile Electronics Specialist will allow a vehicle to leave their installation facility with a problem of this type.
   If you have had a SoundGate product installed in your vehicle and you have this type of noise, please return your vehicle to the installing dealer. Please have them call SoundGate and we will work with them to eliminate the noise.

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