Car Stereos: remote control wire for car stereo, power antenna, ground terminals

Question
I'm installing a Pioneer DEH-2200UB and don't know how to connect the blue/white system remote control wire.  I don't have a power antenna.  I do have an external amp but the instructions say that I can connect to the system remote control of the external amp but not the power terminal of an external amp, and I don't know the difference (as far as I know, the amp has no system remote control).  (I didn't install the amp.)

Answer
Hi Dave,

Sorry about the delay in answering this question.

Is the amplifier already installed, and operating properly (ie, turning on and off with the key switch or with the radio)?  If so, you don't need to change anything, and the head unit's remote output doesn't need to be connected.

Most amplifiers have a "remote" terminal in addition to the power and ground terminals.  Usually it's located right next to the power and ground terminals; it may be labeled "remote" or "system control".  Basically, when there's voltage present on the remote terminal, the amplifier will turn on (assuming the power and ground wires are properly connected).  Your remote wire should be connected to this terminal on the amplifier.  The instructions are warning you not to connect it to the amplifier terminal meant to be connected to the vehicle's battery.

If you can find your amplifier's brand and model number, you can probably download an instruction manual from the manufacturer's web site.

Hope this helps!

Brian