Hitachi KM-1520ZC Radio wiring

[mikemerkury]

Original working 73 radio (Hitachi KM-1520ZC) was removed by PO and would like to put it back. Need help in figuring the wiring especially the speaker one.

1) Why 3 wires on the speaker plug ?

2) Is it possible to wire 2 speakers to that radio model and how ?

[Arne]

The three wire connector is not the speaker, but is for the power antenna.

It is possible to power two speakers with that radio, but the speakers need to be selected very carefully to prevent blowing out the amp. I don't recommend it.

[mikemerkury]

Thanks for the pointer Arny. Being electrically deficient, this is why i need help:stupid:

Do understand the danger of blowing the amp. There must be a way to circumvent while keeping the original setup ? My new skeakers bracket are in place and just bought 2 low voltage speakers...

Edited August 4, 2009 by mikemerkury

[Arne]

The main connector has power, ground, dash lights and speaker wires.

The speaker answer is the same as above. Two normal speakers cannot be used. Too little resistance and the internal amp goes "poof".

My answer to this issue was to pack the original in the closet and install a vintage Pioneer Supertuner instead. Vintage looks, better sound, two speakers. All good.

[EScanlon]

To wire two speakers to the original radio, simply wire TWO 8 Ohm speakers in parallel, i.e. Positive to Positive terminals and same with the Negatives and then to the speaker wiring from the radio matching the polarity.

That's all it takes. Just don't try to use monster sub-woofer type speakers, a pair of simple plain old 5-1/4 mono speakers with small wattage will work fine.

E

[Arne]

Thanks for the clarification, E. I can never seem to remember how to do it. All I know is that trying to do a pair in series (the way most people try it) doesn't work.

[mikemerkury]

Thanks to both of you. Will try the parallel wiring and keep you posted.