Amplifier ACC Power Source in Trunk

[95black318i]

Hello all,
I'm trying to install a powered sub in the trunk of my e36. Since the battery is located in the trunk, it's easy enough to get an "always hot" connection.
What I'm having problems with is getting an "acc/hot" connection, or remote power that is only on when you turn the key.
Does anyone know if there is such a wire that is in the trunk somewhere? There are many wires, but most of these are hot for the lights. I'm not aware of any wire being hot only after I turn the key on.
I removed the left hand side wheel well cover and there were some harnesses but the all looked like they were for the rear lights. Nothing obvious for an optional amp.
The car did have a cd changer, but the only wires that went to the unit were the unilink cable and the rca patch cables.
I am trying to avoid running a wire all the way from the dash out to the trunk!
The car did not have an amp in it so I can't just transfer existing wires.
Any info would be appreciated.

[johnnyBgood]

Is this an "auto on" amp, you are installing?

[95black318i]

Hi again Johnny,
I hadn't seen this section of Audio and Electronics.
Yes, I'm trying to set up a Basslink. It has a switch for auto on. You can set it for on or off.
Any ideas?

[95black318i]

Hmmm I just read on my manual that if you use the speaker level connections, you dont need to install a remote wire because the amp senses voltage, but if you use the line inputs then you do have to install a remote. I am using the line inputs, but I wonder if I tap into one of the speakers with a simple wire, if it will sense with that. I wonder if the sound will be compromised. Tomorrow I experiment.

[johnnyBgood]

Originally Posted by 95black318i

Hmmm I just read on my manual that if you use the speaker level connections, you dont need to install a remote wire because the amp senses voltage, but if you use the line inputs then you do have to install a remote. I am using the line inputs, but I wonder if I tap into one of the speakers with a simple wire, if it will sense with that. I wonder if the sound will be compromised. Tomorrow I experiment.

That's exactly why I asked if it was an auto on.......you can splice right into the rear speaker wires......

johnny,

[da_bull]

The sound wont be compromised. It just takes a sample of the AC signal and tells the amp to start drawing from the main power wire. The speaker level input is such a high impedance, you rear speakers wont know the difference.

[95black318i]

Thanks for all the help guys.
Do you think it will work if I just splice ONE wire rather than a pair?

[da_bull]

I would do both. The bass information (for the most part) is recorded mono, but I have heard a few tracks that are actually in stereo. I'd hook the other up, especially since you are using it also for a remote lead.

to werkz BTW...