Quote: Originally Posted by Alanh
Are you deliberately avoiding powering the Xenarc directly from the Opus +12 output? Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think a lot of people here power their displays directly from the Opus. You could avoid the relays and your second power supply if you did that unless you're short on computer power. I don't know if the mod changes things since I don't have a touchscreen.
I wouldn't use two relays for the Xenarc power supply if you keep it. The standard Bosch automotive relays that are roughly square in shape are rated for a lot more than the 2+ A the 25W supply needs (20A or 30A if I remember right), so I'd get one of those. They're not too expensive and would make the whole setup that much simpler.
I'm running a power-hungry Celeron D, so I don't want to push the Opus harder than I have to. I'm already using the other power supply and it's working great.
I just want to fix the issue of the USB connection not syncing with Windows. There is that mod that I referenced earlier, but I think that if I use the relay it will fix the issue. Are the people that are powering the Xenarc directly from the Opus experiencing these USB issues?
In terms of the relay: That is not a Bosch relay that I'm using. It's a mini-relay. I have to check what it's rated at, but I believe that it is 1 amp. I think I may just try and find a mini-relay that's rated at about 2 amps. Actually, if I got rid of the second relay, I'm sure the single relay would still be fine, but I would definitely be near the 1 amp mark. It would be nice to use a slightly bigger relay in case I need to add another power supply, to take care of 5V.
Are there any drawbacks of using a Bosch relay when you only need an amp or two?
Quote: Originally Posted by Alanh
As for the grounding, what you really want to avoid is multiple ground paths, so if you have stuff grounded to the chassis and leave those connected, and then add another direct ground, you might get ground loops. AFAIK, you'd be best to go one way or the other. I'd get a second opionion or two though, since I haven't actually done what you're doing.
Grounding has me confused.
My audio amps and the Opus are grounded to the same spot, a bolt behind the rear passenger seat.
My Audigy 2 NX is grounded via the black wire on the molex connector.
My USB hubs in the front of the car are grounded via the black wire on the molex connector.
The second power supply (for the Xenarc) is located in the front of the car, and is grounded to chassis.
I don't remember how I grounded pin 86 on my relay.
About this molex connector business: Power is coming from the power supply, which is grounded to the chassis. Should I also ground the ground wires from the molex to that same spot?
Should I have grounded the Xenarc PSU from the ground on the molex connector?
Where should I ground the relay?
I understand that using different grounding points will cause a grounding loop, but can't the same be said of running loooong ground wires?
One thing to note that may or may not be relevant or linked: My Audigy actually died one day, back a couple of months ago. It just won't turn on. Molex connector is still giving power, and I tried the AC-DC adaptor, which is also still working fine.
Quote: Originally Posted by Alanh
If and when you get around to adding a 2nd battery as shown, you'll want a pretty beefy relay there. The charging current could be quite large, depending on the size and type of battery and how much it has been discharged. The standard Bosch relays won't be up to the task if its a full-size battery. Do a search for battery isolators - you'll find a lot more information than you probably want to wade through on that topic.
Thanks! I haven't done enough research yet, that's why I said to ignore the second battery. The way it is now would probably cause a fire or toxic chemicals to be released into the air
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