Learning Through Life

A documented timeline of a lifelong learner ~ Thank you for joining me

Category: Free Inquiry

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Final Reflection of my Journey

November 30, 2024 /

This is one last reflection on the things I’ve learned during my Inquiry Project journey

A picturesque road extends into the distance, surrounded by autumn trees displaying vibrant orange and yellow leaves. A single yellow line runs down the center of the road, leading toward a foggy, mist-covered horizon.
Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

There have been many ups and downs with this inquiry project, namely the premonition that my stereo upgrade was undoubtedly going to happen. I felt disappointed, to say the least, when I learned that the budget I had originally started with was well below the anticipated costs.

Lets take a look at the things I learned along the way:

  • Leave it up to AI: I asked Copilot and ChatGPT to give me a full stereo setup for under $1000 (my budget) and they delivered. However, what I didn’t consider was all the other parts and tools that I would need to replace or remove any of the existing equipment in my vehicle, which ran the cost way up
  • Space for Subs: I learned that my vehicle has a neat area in the trunk/wagon that could be used for the storing of the amplifier and sub-woofer so I don’t lose cargo space
  • Under-seat Storage: If I bought the *mildly expensive* sub-and-amp in one combo, I could get a small enough one to fit snugly beneath the driver’s seat which would also reduce the possibility of new equipment taking up too much space
  • Stereo Found: During my hours of extensive research, I was able to find the exact digital media receiver I want to install and a video showing me how to do it. When the time is right, and gold coins rain down from the heavens into my pockets, I will know what I want and how to install it
  • Financial Frustration: After weeks of research and countless hours watching videos, reading forums, and adding more items to carts, my dream of upgrading my stereo system in my car has come to a pause. I know it won’t stay paused forever, but for now my financial focus has to be on school, rent, and bills. There will be a time, but that time is not now

In summation, I still dearly love my vehicle. Crackly speakers and all. It is my dream car and I am more than grateful that I hanifested it into my life this year. That has been my true dream come true. It continues to serve me very well and I hope to upgrade it’s stereo system one day. Now, at least I know how.

The image shows the back of a blue car with its trunk open, filled with large pieces of firewood. Another car is parked nearby, and trees can be seen in the background under a clear sky.
Photo by Hanne

Slowing my Roll…

November 16, 2024 /

How Financial Escalation May Kibosh Plans

two rugged hands holding open a brown, worn leather wallet to reveal nothing inside the wallet, indicating a lack of money. The background shows the out-of-focus torso of a person that the hands belong to wearing a white short and black or dark blue jeans.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

After a conversation with Sound Advice Ltd. to gain some insight about how much this project could run me in terms of expenses if the installation goes sideways, I discovered it could cost far more than previously expected.

A pile of assorted Canadian coins, including pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. The coins feature various designs and different metals, creating a mix of copper, silver, and bronze hues.
Photo by pina messina on Unsplash

I asked how much for installing a new stereo into my stock system would cost if I had bought the digital media player on my own and brought it in to be installed. They quoted me about $1000 because they will likely have to calibrate the new technology to be cohesive with the existing system.

I then asked them how much it would be if I started the installation on my own, then was met with a challenge and needed to bring the car in to be corrected. They thought about it and said, “hmm, about $1000.00.”

A person with long hair in a bun is standing against a brick wall, holding an open book in front of their face. They are wearing a dark jacket and appear to be immersed in reading. Light and shadow patterns are visible on the wall.
Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash

So Where Does That Leave Me?

In all honesty, I was very excited about this project, and I’m feeling like I am at a crossroads. I can either spend the money, and try the installation on my own, which could reward me with a new stereo system and either garner great frustration and a new learned skill… or I can posit that, throughout my research, I have gained the knowledge on how to do a stereo upgrade, what the potential costs and benefits are, and what resources I have access to in the community to make this a reality. Regardless of which path I take, I have learned a lot throughout the process of my inquiry project.

Moving Forward

How can I achieve a more favourable outcome in the future after spending weeks conducting the research to fulfill this inquiry project. Lets take a look at the actions or decisions I can make for the next time to set a more achievable goal:

  • Gauge the financial stage I am at in life, appropriate to my academic and occupational position. Propose whether I am willing to drop a band on just a new stereo set-up, without the addition of speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier
  • Propose an alternative plan (back-up plan) for when things start to become too expensive or extend beyond my realistic capabilities (this would’ve helped the process feel successful because I would have still met a goal, even if it was Plan B)
  • Enlist the expertise of someone who has made a similar or exact upgrade to their stereo system in the same make and model as my vehicle. This would’ve allowed me to gain a better perspective for how the process could alter my existing, and favoured, multi-function steering wheel
  • Access to disposable funds so that I don’t have to consider how the finances would impact my current position as a student and renter
A dark blue station wagon is parked on a wet concrete driveway in front of a white garage. The car has roof racks and the surrounding area features some grass and a hedge.
Photo by Hanne

Final Reflection

This inquiry project was very interesting and had some educational components to it. I learned how to manage and post on a website, how to research for products and processes, like removing the interior panelling of a car door. I do feel a bit disappointed that I won’t be able to install a new stereo system for my vehicle yet, but I do feel accomplished in knowing that when the time is right, I could get it done confidently because I know the steps and where to find more information. Next time I will consider a project that does not require as much of a financial sacrifice, or -ideally- no financial sacrifice. Perhaps I will come into a large sum of money and be able to complete my inquiry project of upgrading my VW’s stereo system.

Thank you for following this journey with me!

A black and white short video Gif of a hand-drawn outlined cat dancing doing the running man, twirls, shaking it's backside, and throwing it's hands up in the air while moving back and forth across a stage with half of a window on the left-hand side of the gif and a squiggle in the top right of the gif
Gif from Giphy

Target Acquired

October 21, 2024 /

Could This Be The Unit For Me?

Alpine UTE 73BT

Screenshot taken by Hanne from Crutchfields

I like this digital media receiver because of these following reasons:

  • It is single din instead of double din (which allows for a storage space for my phone and house keys)
  • It doesn’t have capacitive touch, which I prefer because the buttons can become unresponsive, activate from accidental or ghost touches, may have sensitivity issues, and ~worst of all~ leaves fingerprints on the piano black glossy surface
  • The buttons are small, but I a multi-use steering wheel which features all the buttons I regularly use
  • There is an option to charge a phone though the USB port
  • It has high ratings and the reviews feature a lot of positive feedback, especially mentioning the bass which is something I am looking for
  • It is relatively cheap (in terms of upgrading) at just under $150.00:
A screenshot of a computer screen that shows an imagine of an Alpine UTE-73BT Digital Media Receiver. Imagine shows the item is in stock and offers features such as variable colour illumination, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music streaming, and Pandora playback with iPhone and Android. In green text below prior information shows that it fits into my VW. On the right-hand side of the picture shows 4.5 stars out of 5, 1065 reviews, free shipping, $149.00 Canadian for the item and a red box around the words 'Add to cart.'
Screenshot taken by Hanne from Crutchfields
  • It has been installed in a VW MK4 before so I feel confident to try the upgrade in my own vehicle:

Video from YouTube by San Diego VDub Life

Above is a video that shows the installation process of the Alpine UTE 73BT into the radio of a Volkswagen MK4. The demonstration is executed on a Golf, however the Jetta shares the same stock audio system as the Golf, so there should not be any unknown factors with the differing models.

Complete Installation Parts

Crutchfield recommended the following items to complete the installation:

  • PAC RP4-VW11 Wiring Interface + $151.37
  • Metra 40-EU55 Antenna Adapter + $22.30
  • Scosche VW2317AB Dash Kit + $22.30
A screenshot of a computer screen that shows an imagine of an Alpine UTE-73BT Digital Media Receiver. Imagine shows the item is in stock and 4.5 stars out of 5, 1065 reviews. It shows the price has been reduced from $219.00 by $70.00 to $149.00. On the right-hand side of the picture shows the price $149.00 Canadian for the item and a box around the words "For your 2006 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan without amp under driver's seat" The bottom of the screenshot shows, 'YOUR INSTALLATION ITEMS' where there is a PAC RP4-VS11 Wiring Interface, quantity 1, for $151.37 reduced from $189.99. A Metra 40EU55 Antenna Adapter, quantity 1, for $22.39 reduced from $27.99. And a Scoche VW2317AB Dash Kit, quantity 1, for $22.39 reduced from $27.99.
Screenshot taken by Hanne from Crutchfields

As you can imagine, this will increasing the costs of upgrading my stereo system. In my experience with doing my own upgrades, and even some maintenance tasks, unexpected costs and unaccounted hours compile onto the project quickly.

And the Price Climbs…

These additional tools have been recommended to aid me in the removal of my old, stock head unit:

Screenshot of three items from Crutchfields: On top of the photo there is an imagine of blue Bojo Trimp Panel Tools with a description reading 'Set of 3 pry tools - helps remove interior and exterior door panels.' The item has 4.6 stars out of 5, with 2,786 reviews for $16.99 and has a red box around the white words: Add to cart. In the middle of the photo there is an imagine of a pink box with Posi-Products Car Stereo Wiring Harness Connectors with a description reading '16 Posi-Twist wiring connectors: makes it easy to splice your new car stereo's wiring to the vehicle harness.' The item has 5 stars out of 5, with 3,675 reviews for $11.99 and has a red box around the white words: Add to cart. On the bottom of the photo there is an imagine of a black with red pair of S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool with a description reading 'Cuts and strips 12-to 22-gauge wire.' The item has 4.6 stars out of 5, with 341 reviews for $39.99 and has a red box around the white words: Add to cart.
Screenshot taken by Hanne from Crutchfields

Before taxes and shipping, we’re sitting at $413.94, which is just for the stereo system. I’m starting to doubt if we’ll be able to install a new radio, speakers, amplifier, subwoofer, and tweeters for under $1,000.00…

Under…where?

October 14, 2024 /
Picture of the underside of the driver's seat of a Volkswagen Jetta. Light tan coloured leather seat shown and light tan carpet with black, metal seat fixings in the centre of the image.
Photo by Hanne Deener

Solutions for Space

Now is the time to start looking into where the setup will reside in the Blue Bomber (my vehicle’s nickname). After reading through a forum regarding the best location for a subwoofer and amplifier to sit, I am considering having both pieces of technology rolled into one device.

Here is a video showing the process of installing an under seat subwoofer:

Video by Engr. Dee I. Wye on Youtube

Below are two examples from Crutchfields that will work in my car.

A screenshot from a laptop with text reading: Sound Ordnance B-8PT compact powered subwoofer with eight inch sub and one-hundred twenty-five watt amp. Price says two-hundred sixty-five Canadian dollars and ninety-nine cents. There is a picture of a black rectangle that is the device and the ratings are nearly four point five stars with one thousand four hundred eighty-nine reviews. In green text says 'Works with the system in your VW'
Screenshot from Crutchfields
A screenshot from a laptop with text reading: Kicker five-one-H-S-eight Hideaway compact powered subwoofer with eight inch sub and one-hundred fifty watt amp. Price says four-hundred forty-nine Canadian dollars and ninety-five cents. There is a picture of a black rectangle that is the device and the ratings are nearly four point five stars with four hundred and eight reviews. In green text says 'Works with the system in your VW'
Screenshot from Crutchfields

I realize these prices are not high in terms of audio modifications, or mods in general, however they do seem high for a student in full-time studies.

What’s the Next Move?

The next move involves more research (go figure!) to find if I can purchase a gently-used under seat sub and amp device for the VW. Likely possible sources include Facebook Marketplace for MK4 vehicles being parted out and local wreckers such as Malahat Wreckers.

Space and Time

October 7, 2024 /
Photo by Mihai Surdu on Unsplash

In my research, I have found how to install the new single din head unit and accompanying compartment for storage. As shown in this video, the installation seems relatively straightforward.

Video by Provo Beast Audio Installation on YouTube

Additionally, I will be likely wanting to install the in-dash cup holders as my dash has the room for it; I just need the two new pieces: the cup holder and the exterior trim piece that covers the cop holders as the piece does not accompany. It will look like this:

Photo by mintyepicness on TDICLUB

The cup holder piece appears to be easy to install. The task will be to find the proper part as there is some discussion between which models would be best and longest lasting.

Video by Pedal2Metal on YouTube

An interesting predicament is the deciding how to integrate the subwoofer and the amplifier into my vehicle without sacrificing the storage space for which the car was purchased. I have been conducting research to determine if or how it will be possible to install the new technology in my vehicle in a way that will not interfere with the usability.

This is an example of how the setup would utilize only the space below the trunk carpet, thus eliminating the need for a housing unit to take up my trunk space.

Photo by dorkage on VWVortex
Photo by dorkage on VWVortex

However, as shown above, the driver did remove the majority of the interior to create a system that works for them. I am not looking to do the same steps to achieve this so my vision will require further research.

The next steps are to learn how much work it will be to install the speakers and tweeters, and to find the amp and sub that could fit in this space.

Pump Up The Jams

September 30, 2024 /

Progressing with the vehicle stereo system upgrade (Inquiry Project)

I have chosen to upgrade my stereo system in my car.

Photo by Hanne Deener

It is a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta MK4 1.9L Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) with a station-wagon body. It’s an older vehicle with all stock speakers and head unit.

I have taken a chance on GenAI to assist me in my upgrading endeavours. With the simple prompt of:

“Please find an amp, new speakers, tweeters, single head din digital media receiver, and subwoofer for a VW 2006 mk4 Jetta for under $1000”

Hanne Deener

I presented ChatGPT and Copilot with the same information and received these responses:

ProductChatGPTCopilot
Digital Media ReceiverModel: Pioneer DEH-S6220BS Price: ~$130 Features: Bluetooth, USB, and AUX inputs, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.DS18 SDX-P200: This single DIN receiver offers 240 Watts RMS (4 x 60W), Bluetooth, USB, AUX, and a built-in DSP. It’s priced at around $299.951.
AmplifierModel: Pioneer GM-D1004 Price: ~$150 Features: 4-channel amp that delivers 100 watts RMS, compact size, suitable for driving your speakers and tweeters.Pioneer GM-D8701: A mono amplifier that provides 800W RMS at 1 ohm, suitable for powering your subwoofer. It’s available for approximately $179.992.
SpeakersModel: JBL Club 6520 Price: ~$70 (pair) Features: 6.5″ 2-way speakers with a good balance of performance and price.JBL GTO609C: A component speaker system with 6.5-inch woofers and separate tweeters. These are priced around $99.952.
TweetersModel: Rockford Fosgate R1T-S Price: ~$50 (pair) Features: 1″ tweeters with a solid frequency response and great sound clarity.Rockford Fosgate Prime R1T-S: These 1-inch tweeters come with crossovers and are priced at about $49.992.
Sub-wooferModel: Bbox E10SV Price: ~$100 Features: A sealed enclosure designed for the P3D4-10, maximizing sound quality.Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12: A 12-inch subwoofer with dual 4-ohm voice coils, priced around $149.992.
Additional AccessoriesWiring Kit: ~$50 Speaker Wire: ~$20 Installation Kit: ~$30
Totals:~$800~$779.87

While the interface of ChatGPT seems more user-friendly with easy eye-catching details such as the use of bullet points and headers with numbers listing the items, Copilot offered links for direct research and purchasing power, which is very accessible to the user. ChatGPT did include the necessary additional accessories for installation while Copilot did not.

The next steps for me will be to gauge where the the subwoofer and amplifier would fit into my vehicle, research what kind of intricacy we’re working with for the installation process, and how much it would be to have a shop fix anything I install incorrectly.

This? That? Or the Other…?

September 23, 2024 /

This is the first week of the inquiry submissions. I have several ideas and each have pros and cons accompanying them. Some require more money than others and some will involve the learning of new skills. Each will be challenging in their own ways.

Photo by Hunter Haley on Unsplash

Live Edge Reclaimed Wood Shelves

ProsCons
-Have the reclaimed wood materials
-Have the wall mounting materials
-Shared knowledge and experience with my dad		-Will need to drive up island to work on the project
-Will need to buy resin to finish the edges
Mentors Available: My dads
Role of Technology: electric saw, maybe handsaw, planer, drill, phone or computer for research, 360 camera!
Photo by Dana Yothers on Pinterest

The reclaimed wood plant shelf project will require some meticulous work and the process of learning to use new woodworking tools. It will also take time to progress with the project as each step will have to be completed before moving on to the next. There are likely very few to no shortcuts with this project.

Bench Press 1 Plate (135lbs)

ProsCons
-A goal I have really wanted for a long time
-Will connect physical and mental health and well-being with academic expectations
-I will need to be eating more protein and ensure I am getting proper rest each night for recovery
-No to low cost 		-Will require me to be more aware of my caloric intake
-Potential for injury
-Must stick to an expected timeline
-Will have to endure the protein consumption ‘ick’
Mentors Available: my gym buddy Milo (body builder, PT, & Nutrition fanatic) 
Role of Technology: music from my phone for motivation, 360 camera perhaps!
Photo by Shoham Avisrur on Unsplash

To bench press one 45lb plate on each side of a 45lb bar is a pretty heavy (pun) undertaking. I admit it may be more than I can handle but why not shoot for the moon.

Upgraded Stereo System

ProsCons
-Necessary* new skill developed (working on vehicle electronics and learning to wire in the system
-Will require lots of research 		-May be costly
-Lead to frustration
-Unpleasant weather to work in
Mentors Available: YouTube perhaps, Rich
Role of Technology: Research conducted online (computer/phone), vehicle wiring, 360 camera!
Photo by David Zieglgänsberger on Unsplash

Upgrading the stereo system of my vehicle is an expensive feat. I trust it will require a tonne of research and likely an equivalent amount of money. I’d like to see what my options are and gauge the cost and work to the desire factor.

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