I finally added the last speaker to complete the DDX 8017 that has a center channel output. I got a Clarion 3 speaker amplified center channel unit and put it up in the dash tray. This thing makes the whole sound system sound great. The surround is grey and the grille is black so it matches the interior perfectly. I tested it out on a movie and it helps that out a LOT, whereas the voices and main sounds come through the center instead of down at your feet where they used to. I might end up moving it to the back of the tray....I'm not sure yet. Anyway, here's the pics......

 

Cool.

 

Cool! I vote to move it back though.

 

I vote to build a fiberglass enclosure for the tray.

 

I vote two alternate locations:

- above the mirror
- in the ***-tray spot

... where it is now, just isn't doing it fer me lol

 

Looks great. You should build something like this that replaced the tray, even make it recessed some.

 

nice idea

 

A fiberglass pod would look a lot more appealing.

MDF, speaker grill cloth, fiberglass matting, some Bondo and a little sanding would yield a lot better cosmetic results.

Good luck.

 

IMHO - anything up there would still look like a tumor LOL! No offense - just me.


Okay, okay - I'm being a bit premature here and letting the cat out of the bag, but I've been working on & off on an idea I've had for some time - perhaps you guys can use this seed....

That stupid , useless top tray. Undeneath is a bit of room. My idea - a trap-door.

Key ON, or via a manual override, the tray "pops up" at the front (closest to you) revealing a wedge-shaped space suitable to fit gauges, an Edge, a Scanguage, a centre-channel ... what-have-you. Key OFF, the thing trundles on down. and everything is safely out of sight. And clean looking.

The actuator comes out of an old CD-Rom drive - complete with limit switches. I'm sure another type of system would work, but I have many donor drives with which to play, so this is the approach I'm taking. Picture the same, smooth motion a CD drive tray exhibits in use.

Winter's coming - and with it more time to tinker....

Just a thought, fellas.... I figure a guy like Luke280 would have no problems executing this.

bubba

 

Hey now!!! I'm on it!

 

LMAO

How do you think I acquired my donor drives ?

bubba

 

Ha, I love these.



Let me think about the mechanics. Might draw up a schematic today if we are slow here.

 

Yeah, after driving with it for a day, I don't like it there at all. I think im going to lay it flat on the back and have it aim at the windshield and reflect forward like most factory center channels do anyway (like mercedes)

 

dconner did this. he made a plate to fit in the tray that oused the center channel. Search for his gallery.

 

Good recall, buddy!

I remember that.. now !


bubba