Distribution Block Questions In General

**SavageKabbage** · 01-19-2004, 04:30 PM

Hey guys, new to the forum, first post.

I'm about to begin gathering parts for my project. I've decided to go with a 4 ga to a distribution block in the trunk. Splitting off to two amps (one for speakers, the other for the subs) and a 400 watt inverter. My question is, what would be the easiest way to ground this stuff? Do I have to get another Distribution Block (for a total of two) and ground everything to the battery/chassis?

Thanks in advance,
Kevin

edit: Also, since the block has 4 outputs of 8ga, is it safe to leave one of the outs empty as I only currently plan on using three of the available four?

**Confused** · 01-19-2004, 04:38 PM

Welcome to the forum

It would be best to ground everything to the same point, however that is done.

Also, if you haven't bought that inverter yet, I suggest you don't. Take a serious look at the Opus power supply, it is awesome, and will give you everything you need for a carputer installation, especially if you are as serious as it looks like you might be

I regret not getting an Opus straight off, but instead have been through the inverter, and Morex DC-DC routes, and have spent almost as much already as an Opus costs, and STILL don't have the best power setup. Hence, why i'm getting (and currently pimping) the Opus power supply

Garry

**SavageKabbage** · 01-19-2004, 04:44 PM

It would be best to ground everything to the same point, however that is done.

Which is the best way to do this? Do I have to purchase another Distribution block, and can I use smaller ga wires for the grounding?

Also, if you haven't bought that inverter yet, I suggest you don't. Take a serious look at the Opus power supply, it is awesome, and will give you everything you need for a carputer installation, especially if you are as serious as it looks like you might be

I just purchased the inverter today, so I still have like 30 days to return it. Only reason I went with the Inverter was because of ease of install. I plan on installing other things into my car as well. Could it possibly be wired through the distribution block so I'd have an inverter and an opus power supply?

edit - Reading about the opus now

Thanks

**SavageKabbage** · 01-19-2004, 04:59 PM

I read up some on the Opus. Looks like I'll be getting the Opus in addition to the Inverter. I plan on getting at least a 12.1-17" lcd screen custom installed in the dash, so the inverter will be nice for that.

**TruckinMP3** · 01-19-2004, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by SavageKabbage

I read up some on the Opus. Looks like I'll be getting the Opus in addition to the Inverter. I plan on getting at least a 12.1-17" lcd screen custom installed in the dash, so the inverter will be nice for that.

Most LCDs use 12 volts, some are supplied 12v from a wall wart or adapter some have an adapter circut internally.

Choose the LCD correctly and avoid the inverter completly.

**SavageKabbage** · 01-19-2004, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by TruckinMP3

Most LCDs use 12 volts, some are supplied 12v from a wall wart or adapter some have an adapter circut internally.

Choose the LCD correctly and avoid the inverter completly.

Thanks! Any advice on what brand of LCD I should be looking for? What setup do you have?

**Mitokondria** · 01-19-2004, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by SavageKabbage

My question is, what would be the easiest way to ground this stuff? Do I have to get another Distribution Block (for a total of two) and ground everything to the battery/chassis?

Thanks in advance,of the outs empty as I only currently plan on using three of the available four?

I highly reccommend this:

http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/STISFPGD4PT

I tried in my brother's install and it works perfectly. Instead of two blocks you have one. Saves the hassle of installing parts and you have room to expand your equiptment in the future.

Maybe later tonite I can upload a picture of his trunk install that we put in this past week.

**SavageKabbage** · 01-19-2004, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by Mitokondria

I highly reccommend this:

http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/STISFPGD4PT

I tried in my brother's install and it works perfectly. Instead of two blocks you have one. Saves the hassle of installing parts and you have room to expand your equiptment in the future.

Maybe later tonite I can upload a picture of his trunk install that we put in this past week.

Answered all my questions. That thing looks awsome. Too bad I already bought one distribution block. I'll probably pick that up anyways. Thanks for the link.

**leenas** · 01-19-2004, 05:59 PM

I got 2 4ga "T" Unfused Distribution blocks. One for ground and one for 12 volt. Im taking in 4ga and then distributing them out to my two amps. Because its all 4ga no need for a fuse in distro block. What ive also done is shove a wire in one of the outputs for each block and run that to my opus. Ive fused that little wire at the point where ive shoved it in to protect it. Works perfectly and just as safe as a fused block and was all for under 30 bux.

**robiewp** · 01-19-2004, 06:18 PM

since everything's in my trunk, and there were many readily available grounding spots, I just ran three seperate ground wires from one of the seat bolts. I think a distribution box with + - coming in, and 4x+ and 4x- would be a little too hecktic for my tastes.