Help with wiring...

**ComradeJew** · 03-04-2007, 09:53 PM

I was gonna tackle wiring my CarPC in today to the stereo wiring, but after seeing... what you'll see, I almost fainted.

Essentially I have two amps - a JL sub amp and a PPI speaker amp. There is a 4 gauge coming from the battery which has two 8 gauges basically tapped into it without a distribution block... and the rest of the mess you see. The wires are in good condition, but this is absolutely retarded and is a potential fire hazard. I am going to be rewiring this using these cables and wanted some opinions and suggestions:

1. I am going to be tapping my CarPC into it - needless to say I need 12v battery (positive and negative) and ignition.
2. I am going to get a distribution block to get this cleaned up and this is where I have a question - can I get one that gets a 4 gauge input with multiple outputs and basically just wire the 12 volt positive line into it, then wire the 12 v negative (which I assume is just the ground) to the ground on the car and then wire up a line to the ignition's 12v accessory line?

3... anyone has any other suggestions on how to make this work?

Thanks

**2k1Toaster** · 03-04-2007, 09:55 PM

1.) Not really a question, but yes that is correct. The +/- 12v should be thick and both can be from distroblocks. The ignition doesn't have to be big at all. It carries almost no current.

2.) Yes.

3.) ZipTies and never let who did that touch your car again.

**ComradeJew** · 03-04-2007, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

1.) Not really a question, but yes that is correct. The +/- 12v should be thick and both can be from distroblocks. The ignition doesn't have to be big at all. It carries almost no current.

2.) Yes.

3.) ZipTies and never let who did that touch your car again.

Any suggestions for a good distribution block? Also - stereo wiring doesnt carry anything from the ignition right? I am gonna have to tap to the front of the car, or is there anything usable in the back?

[/wiring n00b]

**2k1Toaster** · 03-04-2007, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by ComradeJew

Any suggestions for a good distribution block? Also - stereo wiring doesnt carry anything from the ignition right? I am gonna have to tap to the front of the car, or is there anything usable in the back?

[/wiring n00b]

Since you already have an amp, that is only on when the car is on, so use that wire.

A distribution block is just a hunk of metal with different holes. Brand names get you nothing more than more money wasted. YOu could do the same thing as a distro block by just soldering everything together, but it wouldn't look as nice. Some optional features for a distro block are fuses on each of the outputs individually. So you have the fuse upfront, and individual fuses in back.

**ComradeJew** · 03-04-2007, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Since you already have an amp, that is only on when the car is on, so use that wire.

A distribution block is just a hunk of metal with different holes. Brand names get you nothing more than more money wasted. YOu could do the same thing as a distro block by just soldering everything together, but it wouldn't look as nice. Some optional features for a distro block are fuses on each of the outputs individually. So you have the fuse upfront, and individual fuses in back.

Then what is the purpose of the ignition wire on the DC PSU?

For the record I have an Mini-box M2-ATX PSU.

**2k1Toaster** · 03-04-2007, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by ComradeJew

Then what is the purpose of the ignition wire on the DC PSU?

For the record I have an Mini-box M2-ATX PSU.

The power needs to go to your +12v constant distribution block, and the ground needs to go to your ground block. Then the ignition wire needs to go to some other switched +12v source. That can be from under your dash, from your stock HU's harness, or since you already have amps, from the amps remote on lead. Wire the DC-DC PSU as another amp. Power and ground to their respective spots and treat the ignition as a remote turn on lead.

**ComradeJew** · 03-04-2007, 11:22 PM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

The power needs to go to your +12v constant distribution block, and the ground needs to go to your ground block. Then the ignition wire needs to go to some other switched +12v source. That can be from under your dash, from your stock HU's harness, or since you already have amps, from the amps remote on lead. Wire the DC-DC PSU as another amp. Power and ground to their respective spots and treat the ignition as a remote turn on lead.

hrm, okay i'll do that

thanks for the input!