Music for a motorcycle. Installing musical equipment on a motorcycle Acoustics from China

Installing a music system on two-wheeled vehicles will help make driving them less boring. This will also allow you to avoid using headphones, which can get tangled or fall out of your ear, making the trip uncomfortable.

Traveling with music is always more enjoyable and comfortable. Installing a radio on a scooter or motorcycle requires very little time, and it does not require a lot of knowledge.

Varieties and general characteristics

A radio for a scooter and a motorcycle is somewhat different from a car radio; it must have a waterproof housing for all components. Have high impact resistance, be resistant to external influences (they must withstand strong vibrations and temperature changes). Many models have additional splash protection.

Many models have larger buttons, this is done for the most comfortable use for drivers wearing gloves, and this also gives an advantage at night and in the evening. Today in specialized stores you can find many models, both for a specific type of motor vehicle and universal devices. You can also assemble a radio from individual components, depending on the capabilities.

Options and additional equipment

The most common configuration without bells and whistles and additional options is:

  • record player,
  • speakers,
  • necessary wires.

When purchasing a radio, pay attention to whether the box contains installation instructions; with its help, you can easily do everything yourself. If the kit does not include protective covers, they must be purchased separately.


To enhance the sound, you can add additional speakers or a subwoofer to the system. Modern audio systems can be equipped with an alarm system with a remote control and a satellite navigator. Have various additional inputs for USB, or others. Such systems can cost significantly more than standard kits.


Installation methods

Connect the radio to the scooter at a service center or by yourself. Connecting an audio system to a motorcycle or scooter is much easier than doing it yourself in a car. Be sure to read the installation instructions first. There are a large number of scooters without a battery, in which case you will need to purchase one separately. Before starting work, check all components and their functionality; you can mark the polarity on the wires so that you don’t waste time reconnecting later.

First option


All parts of the audio system can be placed in the case. To do this, you need to make markings for all the elements in order to correctly install the speakers, decide in which direction to direct them. When facing upwards, install and secure them on the top of the box last.

When facing forward, they need to be installed first. To get high-quality sound, you can buy a soundproof case or prepare it yourself. It is easy to make the necessary holes in plastic cases; for drilling, choose thin drills. The audio system diagram describes in detail how to install a radio on a scooter.

Second option


The system can be installed under the saddle of a scooter. To do this, remove the plastic from the sides, make a podium for the audio system, build in a cigarette lighter and, if necessary, lighting, and secure all the parts. After this, the systems run wires to the battery and install a platform for installing speakers in the glove compartment under the steering wheel. And finally, they stretch the wiring from the speakers to the radio itself. When preparing and creating the podium and platform for the speakers, simple plywood is used.

Look at the photos and videos on how to install a radio on a scooter." All actions in the recordings are clear and accessible. Basically, when connecting with your own hands, there is a high probability of mixing up the polarity of the wires, be more careful when connecting.

To save space, or if it is impossible to allocate space for a radio, many users use simple MP-3 players to install music on their scooter. The procedure will be approximately the same as when installing the radio. You can also place the speakers and the main part of the wires in the case, positioning the speakers so that the sound is directed at the driver.

One speaker can be placed in the case, the second – in the steering wheel area. This way you can get a stereo effect and improve the sound. The cable for connecting a player or phone must be used with a suitable connector and brought out so that connection to a power source is possible while driving. The amplifier is connected to the ignition or directly to the battery. For convenience, you can use a device with an LED, to see its functionality, you need to connect it to a toggle switch. Install it in a visible place, next to the power switch. In conclusion, you need to ensure that all wires are insulated and make sure that the system is fully operational. The player or phone is mounted on the steering panel while listening.

Basic safety rules

Installing a radio on a scooter with your own hands should be as safe as possible. To power it, it is recommended to make a wiring line going directly to the battery. The supply wires must be equal to or larger than the size of the other wires. Self-tapping screws should not be used for mounting on motorcycles and scooters; due to vibration, they can unwind over time, and even fly out on bumps; bolts are better suited.

If you feel the slightest lack of confidence in your own abilities, turn to specialists. The workshops will be happy to help you install musical devices on your vehicle. By turning to specialists, the entire job can look neater and fit well, using expensive audio systems, reducing the risk of incorrect installation or breakage.

In order to brighten up long trips on a moped around the city or on the highway, you can install a compact audio system on it. If you are tight on finances, then you can make music for your scooter with your own hands.

Preparatory work

Before you make music for your moped, take care of purchasing a number of necessary components, namely:

  • speakers (10–15 watt);
  • small amplifier;
  • two-wire wires with which power is connected;
  • switch off;
  • additional power supply for 27–60 ampere-hour;
  • MP3 player, cell phone or any other device that would serve as a sound source.

Procedure

1. First, you should come up with and assemble panniers for your scooter, which will be located at the back or sides of the vehicle (they can be made from plywood or fiberboard). Inside the case you will need to make a system for securing all the wires, speakers and other components. It is better to integrate the speakers into the body so that the sound comes out towards the driver. It is better to install the part of the panel with the speakers last, after the remaining components have been installed, connected and tested.

2. The electronics of your equipment must be equipped additional battery, from which the wires will go to the amplifier.

3. To ensure stereo sound, it is better to mount at least two speakers, one of which will be located in the case, and the other in the steering wheel area. The wires from the speakers need to be brought out to the amplifier and connected so that their polarity is maintained, they do not cling to anything and are well insulated.

4. The cable that is responsible for connecting the phone or player can be taken from unnecessary headphones with the appropriate connector. Try to install it in such a way that you can connect a music source even while driving.

5. The amplifier's power can be connected either to the ignition switch or directly to the battery.

6. An alarm device that will show you the status of the scooter's music system can be made using an LED. It needs to be connected to a toggle switch so that it is always on when the audio system is working. The LED must be installed in a visible place on the case.

7. At the final stage, you need to ensure good insulation of all wire connections, turn on the music system, making sure that it is working. The case, fully filled with electronics, is installed in a pre-designated place and securely attached to the scooter. To add aesthetics, the case can be painted to match the moped, draped with waterproof fabric or leatherette to match the color of the seat upholstery.

Is it even worth putting music on a scooter?

If you asked yourself the question “How to put music on a moped?”, then initially you need to decide - why exactly do you need a music system?

The advantages of such an accessory on a scooter include effectiveness (you can make a unique and removable case with powerful musical “filling”) and the ability to listen to your favorite songs during long and boring trips.

The disadvantages include the rapid discharge of batteries, as well as difficulty in installation for people who have never encountered such types of work.

A radio tape recorder intended for installation on motorcycle equipment, namely motorcycles, ATVs, jet skis, snowmobiles, scooters (mopeds), is a well-known radio device with the basic functions and options of similar devices, such as car and household radios. Accordingly, with the introduction of certain technical changes, taking into account the specifics of the transport itself on which they are mounted.

Car radios are designed to increase the comfort of travel on transport popular in the warm season (snowmobiles in the winter).

Features of radio tape recorders for motorcycles

As can be understood just from the name of the vehicle, a radio for a motorcycle and scooter simply must differ in its qualities from a device with the same purpose (playing music records and radio broadcasts) - from a player installed on a jet ski or snowmobile.

In order not to go into unnecessary technical parameters that vary depending on the type of motor vehicle, we will list only their mandatory characteristics. So, the main distinguishing features of motorcycle radios (by default, all types):

  • Moisture-proof casing of both the sound-reproducing device itself (radio tape recorder) and the devices included in its system: speakers, subwoofer, etc.
  • Increased resistance to external mechanical influences - impact resistance.
  • Resistance to vibration loads and changes in temperature environment.

Depending on the type of equipment, the named technical protective characteristics may also change. In addition to the above, radios installed on ATVs, etc., have enlarged control panel buttons, which makes it easier for the owner to turn on (turn off, switch) the player in the dark without removing protective gloves.

Today, on the free market you can find a radio tape recorder designed for both a specific type of motor vehicle and universal devices. If desired, a motorcycle enthusiast can assemble an audio system from individual devices, depending on individual requests.

Standard equipment and additional equipment for radio tape recorders

The factory kit for a motorcycle radio includes:

  • player with radio;
  • two sound-reproducing columns (speakers);
  • fastening elements for both devices;
  • protective covers and fuses;
  • electrical wiring kit.

The radio can also be equipped with:

  • alarm protection system with attached control panel;
  • subwoofer;
  • additional speakers;
  • satellite navigation.

Functions and options of motorcycle radios

Players installed on motorcycles have the following capabilities:

  • Playing music information from removable media (hard drives, flash cards).
  • Equipped with a USB connector.
  • Connection via AUX.

  • Receiving radio station.
  • Antenna.
  • Adjust the volume and sound level for individual speakers.
  • Program memory function, etc.

Of course, it is impossible to compare car and motorcycle players in terms of functionality. But in general, they significantly increase the level of comfort on long trips.

Connection diagram of the radio to the motorcycle (scooter)

Installing a radio on a motorcycle is much easier than carrying out the same work in a car, primarily for the reason that there is no need to perform the rather time-consuming operation of removing the radio from its mounting socket. There is also no complex pinout of wires connecting individual devices. Let's consider the installation of an audio system on such a popular vehicle as a scooter.

The standard mounts that come with the radio require installation of the device and the front speakers on the steering wheel. And if with the control panel this is the only acceptable option, then with sound speakers you can experiment. Most often they are moved to the motorcycle's turn signals, pointing towards the driver.

If you intend to install additional or non-standard equipment, such as rear speakers and a subwoofer, then in this case it is recommended to purchase ready-made protective cases or make them yourself in full accordance with the size of the devices placed in them and the technical features of the motorcycle. Particular attention is paid to maintaining the parameters and requirements for personal and public safety according to traffic rules.

In addition, you can equip the radio with an autonomous battery with the ability to reconnect to the main battery (or vice versa). All electrical wiring must be carefully insulated at the connections and securely fastened to the vehicle frame.

The connection of the audio system itself is described in detail in the technical instructions attached to the device and consists of a serial connection of wires between the individual components of the system with their connection to the battery through a specially mounted toggle switch or ignition switch. A safety element is installed in the area between the radio and the battery. For ease of use of the motorcycle player, an LED sensor is installed on the control panel or steering wheel, signaling that it is turned on. The rear speakers, located in soundproof protective cases, are oriented towards the motorcycle driver in their position.

Considering that the audio system of a motorcycle is an integral part of its appearance (tuning), then when installing it (especially for non-standard, original forms), the best solution would be to contact specialists professionally involved in tuning and installation of motorcycle equipment.

Music for scooter

I’ll say right away so that later there won’t be comments like: “Why not just plug in headphones from the player?” that riding a scooter with a player is dangerous. But try to think for yourself why, and in what way. We have a head not only to put on a helmet.

So, you have decided to install music on your scooter/moped. The budget for this venture can be either large or very small. Everyone here has their own ideas and financial capabilities. But, I note that you can do everything very well with your own hands.

Firstly, we need at least 1 battery (hereinafter referred to as battery) in the scooter. Yes, some people don’t have it at all. We need a working, normal battery, because... even he will not always cope with the load. If you drive without a battery, I advise you to purchase one. Secondly, you will need speakers, i.e. sound-producing element. Thirdly, the wires. Some people have them at home, others will have to buy them. So here’s a complete list of everything you need, let me remind you that everything is optional!

Working battery installed in a scooter

Speakers (Car or Computer)

Amplifier (Car or computer audio)

Audio cords (for connecting speakers to an amplifier, and an amplifier to an audio source)

Power cable (for powering the audio system from the battery)

Audio source (Car radio, MP3 player)

Prices for all the above equipment are different everywhere, because... and there are different types of speakers and cords and amplifiers, so we did not indicate the cost, so as not to mislead our readers. I can only say that the 2-channel Lada amplifier was purchased used. at the Mitinsky radio market for 1000 rubles, the speakers were received for free, and the audio source was an old but quite working mp3 player. The total amount came out to about 1100-1200 rubles with all audio cords and cables.

So, you have prepared all the necessary equipment, everything lies in front of you. First, we determine what will be located and where. I made the music on a Honda DIO AF-27, it has a front pocket that served as speaker storage. In the “toilet” there is enough space for the amplifier and the battery is located nearby. We will connect the player in the same pocket as the speakers, so as not to climb into the “toilet” every time to scroll a track or turn down the volume.

Take an audio cable and speaker. We take a soldering iron and solder the audio cable to the speaker. We do the same with the second speaker. Then we lower the speakers into the pocket, run the wires under the plastic, without removing it, or at least unscrewing it, you won’t be able to do it. We route the cables under the toilet, to the left and right, respectively, to the speakers. They can be removed, for example, through air intakes. We've sorted out the speakers.

We connect the amplifier. Everything is simple here. 3 power pins on the rear panel of the amplifier. Our contacts are + and -. Why 3? Because 1 of the contacts is used to set the button to turn the amplifier on and off, because keeping it constantly on means killing even a new and reinforced battery.

We connect the wires to the battery by throwing them on the terminals. We put a button on one of the 3 wires, I put it from a chandelier), but it can and SHOULD be made more aesthetically pleasing. We check the performance of the amplifier. Turn it on, the green light should light up in a few seconds. If it lights up, it means everything is ok, there is power.

Now we can connect the speakers to the amplifier. Here, too, everything is simple, we connect, or rather clamp the wires from the speakers into the mount, plus and minus, respectively. The entire structure is almost ready. All that remains is to connect the audio source, i.e. player or car radio.

To begin with, we make almost minimal volume, bass and other settings on the amplifier. This is done so as not to burn your new or used ones. columns. Then, we connect the cable, in the case of the Lada amplifier this is a tulip on the amplifier and a regular “player” 3.5″ Jack for the player. We pass the cable under the player again under the plastic and bring it out under the steering wheel. In the case of a car radio, we place both it and the cable in the “toilet” or trunk.

All that remains is to check the functionality of the entire system. Turn on the amplifier, then turn on the player, the selected track and click “Play”. Now, if there is sound and it is of sufficient quality, then everything is fine. If the sound is bad, this may be due to the following:

Dead battery

The polarity is incorrect when connecting the speakers

You bought bad speakers

You turned on not the track but the radio

I think you can guess how to eliminate the problems described above. After everything plays clearly, we set up the amplifier itself. All adjustments are on it. Volume, bass and treble. We set it up so that the speakers do not strain, because... at such a maximum load they will lose 10 - 15 minutes and burn out.

Now you can ride your scooter with music, this marks you as a noise-emitting vehicle and allows you to additionally enjoy music on the road.

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Amplifier demonstration on TDA2030A
This amplifier can be purchased here:

MUSIC FOR A SCOOTER - THIS IS POSSIBLE WITH MASTER KIT MODULES

I love modeling: at one time I installed air conditioning on a car, music and a subwoofer. After this, the road trip became more comfortable and less tiring.

This summer I set out to make it more comfortable to travel on a moped or, as they call it now, a scooter. You can’t put air conditioning on a scooter, but it’s quite possible to put music on it. I researched the issue on the Internet and found that all scooters are produced even without audio preparation. They don't have a radio, a radio, or even an MP3 player.

I haven’t come across a single car radio for sale that could be installed on a scooter without any problems.

I decided to go my own way: after typing the word “mp3 player” in Yandex, I found this interesting and, most importantly, inexpensive device: MP2388 – an mp3 player with a USB input and the ability to listen to music from a flash drive.

The player allows you to play audio files recorded in MP3, WMA format on any USB drive or SD card.

To ensure that the sound was loud enough when driving around the city on a scooter, I used an inexpensive MP3123 unit (2x20 W) to assemble a stereo sound amplifier.

The MP3123 amplifier is a unit built on the TPA3123D2 chip from Texas Instruments.

A distinctive feature of the module is protection against overheating and short circuit at the outputs with automatic recovery. Wide range of reproduced frequencies. High efficiency - more than 92% allows the amplifier to operate at full power without a cooling radiator. Electronic on/off. MUTE mode. Four-stage, adjustable gain.

Specifications:

Supply voltage: +10..30 V

Output power R = 4 Ohm Up = 24 V: 2 x 20 W

Output power R = 8 Ohm Up = 24 V: 2 x 10 W

Min. Load impedance: 3.2 ohm

Rated input voltage: 1.2V

Frequency range: 20 – 22000 Hz

Dynamic Range: dB

Efficiency: >93%

As you know, the on-board network of a scooter has impulse noise from the generator. Therefore, to filter them, I additionally used a BM037M switching voltage stabilizer.

A switching stabilizer with adjustable output voltage is designed for installation in amateur radio devices. The stabilizer operates in pulse mode at a frequency of about 150 kHz, has high efficiency and (unlike linear stabilizers) does not require a large heat sink. The device has thermal protection and 3A output current protection.
For scooter acoustics, I used plastic speakers from a Sanyo portable music center. The power of the 13-inch full-range speakers was approximately 10 watts. I bolted them into the trunk. And I ran the wires to the instrument compartment.

I decided to place the amplifier with a transceiver and stabilizer in the instrument compartment of the scooter.

It was decided to place an additional battery in the compartment under the driver's seat.

Having found a suitable plastic case, I placed an mp3 player, a stereo amplifier and a pulse stabilizer in it.

I firmly secured the scooter's audio center with screws to the cover of the instrument compartment, connected the audio speakers, and turned on the power.

And on the steering wheel there was a button to turn on the device.

Now a trip to the store, which is 10 km from home in the village where I live in the summer, has become more attractive and takes less time, because... I listen to pleasant music all the way.

I express my gratitude to MASTER KIT employee Konstantin Fekolkin for technical advice and enormous assistance.

Installing music on a scooter

Installing music on your scooter is a great addition to any scooter, especially on long trips. Installation does not require any special knowledge in electrical engineering; it is enough to know how the radio is connected.
To install music we need:
1. Radio tape recorder (preferably with a USB input or aux input).
2.Wires with middle cores (1-2 meters).
3. Columns (in my case it’s 13cm).
4. Speaker wires (usually included with speakers).
5.Toggle switch in two positions (to completely turn off the radio).
*In my case, there is also material for making a platform for speakers and a podium for the radio.
So, let's begin:
For ease of operation, it is advisable to remove the plastic that is located on the sides of the scooter if we place the radio in the seat compartment. We are trying on our radio, thinking about how we will mount it, I made a podium for it, additionally embedding into it: a cigarette lighter and a backlight for the seat compartment (more on this in another topic). I made a podium from plywood and covered it with black carpet. Having secured our radio, we stretch the wires from it to the battery by installing a toggle switch on the positive wire to completely turn off the radio, because even when the radio is turned off, it consumes a little energy with its glowing bulbs. You can also install a fuse on the positive wire. Having pulled out the power wires, we proceed to installing the speakers; in my case, I chose the front panel so that I could cover the speakers with a lid. We make a platform (just plywood adjusted to fit your dashboard), cut out holes for the speakers and cover it (I covered it with the same carpet). We stretch the acoustic wires from the radio to the speakers, observing the polarity (for high-quality sound), it is better to stretch them under the floor and lead them to the speakers inside the driver's compartment. Let's put everything in its place. For convenience, I bought a long aux wire and brought it out next to the speakers. We turn on the system and rejoice. If the kick starter on your scooter is fully functional, then you can listen without thinking that the battery will run out; usually it lasts for 1-1.5 hours of listening at full power.

If you are tired of riding your moped in silence, you can install a small music system on it. At the same time, musical components must have an effective sound, be easy to install and take up almost no space.

We put music on a scooter or moped

You will need:
— moped;
- speakers;
- amplifier;
— two-wire wire for connecting power;
— switch off;
— player or mobile phone as a sound source;
- 27 ampere and 9 ampere-hour motor battery.

Consider and assemble rear or side cases for a moped. Make a trunk from plywood. Inside the case, think over and make the necessary fastenings for all components of the music system. Cut the speakers into the case body so that the sound when installing the case is directed towards the rider.

To make the process easier, when assembling the case, do not install one of its panels - the one into which you will embed the speakers. Secure this panel after all connections and checks have been completed.

Equip the on-board electrical system of the moped with a battery or install a motorcycle battery instead of the standard one. Run wires from the battery to connect the amplifier.

Install the speakers into the pannier panel. When installing multiple speakers, place one of them on the steering column to get a stereo sound effect. Lead the wires from the speakers to the amplifier and connect, observing the polarity. Insulate the connection points of the wires.

Take the cable for connecting the music source from old headphones with a suitable connector. Place it in a convenient place so that you can connect a player or phone without being distracted from the controls.

Connect the amplifier power to the ignition switch or directly to the battery. Lead the negative wire from the amplifier to the frame and secure it, having previously cleaned the connection point. Connect the positive wire through the switch off switch. Install the toggle switch itself on the body of the case in a convenient place.

Make a warning device to remind you to turn off the music system. To do this, take an LED or some kind of signal indicator from another moped and scooter. Connect it to a toggle switch so that the indicator lights up constantly when the music is on. Attach the indicator itself to the outside of the case body so that it is clearly visible.

Carefully insulate all wire connections, connect the music and check its functionality. After this, install the case in the chosen location and secure it securely. To improve the appearance of the case, cover it with leather, cover it with fabric or paint it. So the music for your scooter or moped is ready. Happy listening.

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