xenarc doesn't need regulated power?

jagsnag · 08-10-2005, 09:44 PM

it looks like a lot of screens are run from the opus and I was going to as well... but received my xenarc 700tsv and was a little confused when I couldn't find any kind of regulator inline with the cigarette adapter. that's weird so I checked their website and the operating voltage range is 8-14v. a few searches later and it looks like the xenarc700's don't need regulated power externally, they must have some internal regulation!

What's the general concensus using xenarcs? I'm thinking it wouldn't take too much effort to tap a molex on the Opus and run it up where the lcd is BUT.... if it's not needed it sure would be nice to just plug the lcd into the old head unit's power harness.

If you have a xenarc, what did you do? also, I stumbled across a post recommending a type of connector for this powering the lcd from the PSU but can't find it now... any tips?

Bugbyte · 08-10-2005, 10:43 PM

I plugged mine into the cigarette lighter. It's been powered off of that since January. But I've gotten to thinking that the screen is mighty expensive and ought to be regulated so I'm switching to my power supply during my current install.

I figured why would they give you a cigarette lighter plug if they thought the screen couldn't handle the regulation somehow and that's been the case so far. I just figured better safe than sorry.

thanatos106 · 08-10-2005, 10:57 PM

and having in mind that that thing that they give you to power the screen is just a cable with a red led....

Jcarere · 08-10-2005, 11:26 PM

Not to mention when your car is running the voltage in the cig lighter is over 14 volts. Mine is around 14.75 volts and my friends are around the same none lower than 14.5 volts. So input voltage is ok with the car off but once you start it the voltage is out of the regulators range.

jagsnag · 08-11-2005, 07:57 PM

found another spec on xenarc's website - 8-24v. 24v !! ?

Bugbyte · 08-12-2005, 12:45 AM

I thought I remembered it being higher than 14 volts.

With 24 volts, you're fine in the car but remember that they may be referring to 24 volts continuous power. No telling what may happen if your car's power is dirty or spikey.

Mad Ad · 08-12-2005, 01:04 AM

why risk not only the cost but the annoyance as well as downtime by running unregulated? They are such a small wattage, youd have to have serious power issues if you couldnt even squeeze a screen in.

Bugbyte · 08-12-2005, 01:15 AM

Agreed. I did it because the regulator was in the back and the screen was in the front but I'm still nervous. That's why I'm changing it.

TX5 · 08-12-2005, 01:20 AM

I have mine plugged into the ciggy lighter. I always intended to run it off the opus, just havnt done it yet.

NiN^_^NiN · 08-12-2005, 03:00 AM

its better to be regulated so the screen won't roll when driving my screen has a roll in it that you don't notice unless you look at it for 5secs.

When your driving faster the screen gets more juice through the system cause of the alternator is outputting more.

It should be fine but is better to be safe and make sure the screen is protected

Scouse Monkey · 08-12-2005, 12:41 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jagsnag

found another spec on xenarc's website - 8-24v. 24v !! ?

cars voltage can be very dirty. your screen cost a few hundred $'s so spend a few bucks to protect it.

JC-S60 · 08-12-2005, 12:50 PM

The screens are meant to be used on car-power, as it seems, but just to avoid interference, I powered mine from the opus (before I didn't, and it had noise in the picture. A little, but it was there).

I don't think it'll blow, but you just have less other troubles with gear NOT meant to be used in cars (a computer, for example, lol) that's connected.

jagsnag · 08-24-2005, 07:00 PM

what kind of connector did you guys use to plug the screen's power wires into the Opus molex connector?
Or did you purchase molex connector sets and crimp onto the screen's wires?

thanatos106 · 08-24-2005, 07:10 PM

Perhaps a Female molex

jagsnag · 08-24-2005, 07:13 PM

figured so, just wondering if there was a more common connector I could pick up at walmart or something that might fit... one of those bullet connectors or something. I'll check ratshack for some female molex's.. Do you need a special crimper for those?

edited spelling.

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