Powering Carputer & Audio System

XtReMaTriX · 10-31-2003, 04:27 PM

Ok... So I have an 03 Jetta... I will be putting in a Carputer, 2 x 10" subs, Soundstream D'artagnan 5.1, 7" LCD...

I will be using a Opus 90W PSU or maybe just an inverter... Depending oh how backordered Opus is...

What do I have 2 worry about in my car? How do i provide enough power to my car? I will need to get a better altinator right? I am not sure how much power mine generates... How can I find out or does anyone know? 03 VW Jetta GLS

shakes · 10-31-2003, 04:32 PM

the carputer will be no problem ... 90w only pulls 7.5 amps at 12 volts (yay! i can divide) ... and you won't run that thing at capacity.

And I wouldn't worry about the subs/amp either... especially with the new car. I don't know the specs for the jetta off the top of my head but i'm sure it will be fine. A 1f capacitor would be a good idea tho ... especially if you're into bass.

make sure you take lots of pics of your install. the wife has a jetta and maybe i can convince her to let me tear it apart if she sees some pics

XtReMaTriX · 10-31-2003, 04:55 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by shakes

the carputer will be no problem ... 90w only pulls 7.5 amps at 12 volts (yay! i can divide) ... and you won't run that thing at capacity.

And I wouldn't worry about the subs/amp either... especially with the new car. I don't know the specs for the jetta off the top of my head but i'm sure it will be fine. A 1f capacitor would be a good idea tho ... especially if you're into bass.

make sure you take lots of pics of your install. the wife has a jetta and maybe i can convince her to let me tear it apart if she sees some pics

I will be taking a lot of pics.. I will be writing an article to go on www.xtremods.com

I have been talkin to a friend that was telling me that i should be worried about if the altinator will give me enough power... he also said a power cap would be a good idea...

What will a 1f capacitor do?

shakes · 10-31-2003, 05:20 PM

capacitors in general store energy with the intent of smoothing out spikes ...

when you have a high power audio system with large subs, often the subs will draw large amounts of power during peak times (like when you get a real big boom) ... this can draw too much power from your alternator causing your head lights to dim or other strange things ...

putting a cap in there will store up some energy so when your subs need that short burst it takes it from the cap instead of the alternator.

again I really think you'll be ok on your stock alternator with 2 subs. i know guys running a lot more in cars your size.