It looks like I'm finally ready to buy my aftermarket deck. I want to do the install myself because it looks really easy and I want to get some know how from the experience. I checked out www.installdr.com and it looks easy enough, except it for one small detail. I plan on getting the Alpine 7894, which requires the built-in amp be wired straight to the car's battery. So my question is, how do I go about wiring the Alpine to the battery?

I haven't purchased anything yet, this is what I figure I need to get:
Honda Mounting kit
Wiring harness
Head Unit :naughty:
12 guage wire kit for wiring amp (from what I've read)

Is that all I need to get up and running? Are there any tools required that wouldn't commonly be found around the house? I read voltmeter, but I figure with the wiring harness that would be unnecessary.

Also, I'm almost dead set on getting the Alpine 7894, but there's a new Alpine out that's very similar in specs, the 9813. It would probably run me an extra $50-100 (CND) more, does anyone know if it would be worth it? The main difference I notice is the support for WMA files, which I have never used. It's just I don't want to buy a deck, then find out I could have paid a bit more and gotten some excellent new feature.

I know of devices out there that enable the use of steering wheel controls with aftermarket decks. I've seen two, and they both run about $100 CND. That seems pricey, considering I'll be getting a remote with my deck. If there's a cheap alternative I would definitely bite, because I'm so used to the using those controls. Anyone know of one?

Some ballpark prices for the mounting kit, harness and wiring for the amp would be appreciated as well. I'm a starvin' student, I'd like to save where I can. :thumbup: