Thread: Some questions @ (I hope) slightly above newbie level

wire the inverter straight to the battery, with a fuse of course. An opus would be best though

cant tell you without knowing how big your load will be, it should be fine though you should have a big enough alternator

Originally Posted by Vicked

this may be a stupid question but:

What type of wire do I use to extend the inverters cables? I have installed a few car stereos, can I use that wire in the same way ie cut and solder?

yup, but the longer the run of wire, the bigger gauge it ought to be...so at minimum it should be the same as the inverter wire...I assume 10 or 12 gauge.

Originally Posted by Vicked

1. If I use an inverter it is better to connect it to the battery right? rather than the cig lighter. In general how long are the cables from the inverter to the battery, do u have to extend them? If so do people extend the power cord from the comp to the inverter or the cords from the inverter to the battery.

the cables on my inverter are probably just a foot longer than the ones for cig lighter. I was VERY surprised when I saw that.

Originally Posted by Vicked

2. With screens that are mounted on the stands, do you stick the stands on by tape or glue or do you have to screw them in, also can they be removed quickly if you are parked in an unsafe area?

I think the bottom of the stand is "sticky", you just remove the cover and put it on a flat clean surface. that should do it. dont know how quickly you can remove one thou

Originally Posted by Vicked

3. My battery is already running 2 amps, a sub, a deck and 6" splits, will the computer be too much for it.

I don't think the computer will be too much. with an epia board you'll probably use up 90W, which shouldn't be too bad. but my strong suggestion is get a capacitor. and then, if you plan to add more parts that use power, get a bigger alternator

Originally Posted by Vicked

Thanks for your time and help guys this forum is great.

You're welcome

Originally Posted by noodles

Is there such thing as "too big" wire gauge? Don't wanna go back and buy bigger wire if I mess up the first time.

Nope, not a chance...however trying to string 0 gauge wires around can be a pain (think battery cable thickness wire)

There are some rules of thumb for wire thickness, but 10 guage should work.