Thread: question about various power-on methods

Well, your options are:

1) Hack away at the ignition lines. A buddy of mine did this actually. Basically, there are like 4 different ignition wires in your car, but they all go on for the same key positions. You can re-wire your ignitions such that only your radio goes on with ACC1, and during RUN, it all goes on. Then cut the ignition that goes to the computer, and set it to go on only with the remote start and RUN. You'll need to diode isolate them, but it works. My friend has it so that the FAR back position (ACC on most cars) is where you insert the key. Then the old LOCK position is now one where the front speakers and radio turn on. The next step turns everything on, and the next step is for the starter. It's weird having to turn the key and then press it in and turn farther, but it works.

2) Use a simple rocker switch. If you run your ACC wire to a switch and the other side to your outputs separately, you control what goes on and when. That's what I do. Sometimes I'll want music but no screen -- easy. Sometimes I want speakers but no bass -- easy. Sometimes I want no computer -- easy. See my point?