Newbie Radio Question

[JCStewart]

I have driven powerstrokes since 1997. I purchased a used 98 CTD dually about a month ago and love it so I decided to make the switch on my daily driver (see signature).

My questions are:

1. ) Is there a radio mute that I can wire my hands free phone system into?

2. ) Is there a place I can hook the line out on my phone system so the phone will speak over my radio speakers?

(My Ford had a couple of pins in the back of the radio that allowed it to mute when the phone rang and the phone to speak over the factory radio speakers, this to worked great and I would like to have it in this truck. )

3. ) Where is the best place to wire in to get 12 volt? I need two sources one when the key is on and one hot all the time.

 

[rbattelle]

First of all, welcome aboard.



Now, on to your questions.



1). I don't think so, unless changes were made to the radio between 2003 and 2005.

2). Same answer as #1.



3). In my *opinion* the best way to get 12v is to install an auxilliary fuseblock that runs directly off the battery. This has the advantage of being almost entirely isolated from the vehicle electrical system and can provide lots of ignition hot/constant hot circuits for you to attach accessories to later on. Such a fuseblock can be made on your own, or purchased from somewhere like Painless. Installation of such a kit is not complicated.



-Ryan