Hot Hot OPUS!!

god_of_cpu · 06-22-2004, 08:54 AM

Recently I've noticed that the power line on the OPUS is getting extremely hot. I have 8 gauge running directly from the battery to the power connector that comes with the OPUS. The 8 guage doesn't seem hot at all, it's when I connect it to the like 12 gauge or so connector that came with the OPUS is where the problem begins. The white connector on the wires is also turning brown, from the heat I presume. I have a fuse on the 8 guage right before it connects to the OPUS and I measured my power draw with a multimeter and I'm only drawing 7 amps through the power lines.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and how can I fix this? Would replacing the 12 gauge wires going directly into the OPUS with 8 help and if so why doesn't the OPUS come with a lower gauge then?

Also, for some reason, my computer no longer survives crank. It use to stay on just fine when starting the car, now whenever I crank it, the computer stays on with fans and everythign buzzing, but it starts beeping, the display goes blank, and nothing works anymore.

Zip-Lock · 06-22-2004, 09:00 AM

Which size OPUS do you have?

I would think something is either wrong with your hardware or the power supply. It shouldn't get hot like that.

PORTUGAL · 06-22-2004, 09:05 AM

You should stop using the Opus till you figured whats wrong...

god_of_cpu · 06-22-2004, 09:11 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Zip-Lock

Which size OPUS do you have?

150 Watt

rando · 06-22-2004, 10:25 AM

Yes, DEFINITELY STOP USING IT until you figure it out. If it's getting hot enough to cook the connector, it's hot enough to start a fire.

god_of_cpu · 06-22-2004, 10:35 AM

Thanks for the replies, but I already know that hot things cause fires, but stop using it is not really a solution to my problem... Any other suggestions.

owenjh · 06-22-2004, 10:49 AM

hmm, send it back?

2nz · 06-22-2004, 10:58 AM

2nz · 06-22-2004, 11:15 AM

[b]Any time you get a "brown / hot" connector it simply means that you have a loose connection. This could be pin to pin or wire crimped into pin OR BOTH. It will get hot because there is visible or non-visible arcing whithin.

You must repair the connection = problem goes away. As well, when a connection is not secure it is not possible to draw full current unless the two fuse together (cannot be removed) hence the overheating of a minute connection - there are not enough electrons pressent to foreward the flow of current - not enough surface area. This means you will also drop voltage which is why you have a drop out when starting the engine. You are pulling current but because of the bad connection the voltage goes down during cracking.

rando · 06-22-2004, 01:06 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by god_of_cpu

Thanks for the replies, but I already know that hot things cause fires, but stop using it is not really a solution to my problem... Any other suggestions.

Sorry dude, I just had ugly visions about a burned up G35 on the side of the road.

2nz's post looks promising.

god_of_cpu · 06-22-2004, 01:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by 2nz

[b]Any time you get a "brown / hot" connector it simply means that you have a loose connection.

That's probably it, the pins have fallen out of the connector a couple of times already and I just pushed them back in. I'll try a new connector tonight. Thanks!

god_of_cpu · 06-22-2004, 05:02 PM

I just removed the connector that came with the OPUS and used twist type connectors to wire the OPUS directly into the 8 guage power. It worked like a charm, it now survives crank again. Thanks again 2nz.