How to plan car audio ELECTRICAL system wiring - Is the alternator big enough?
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- čas přidán 21. 10. 2018
- What size wire do we need? Is the alternator big enough for our car audio system? In this video I plan out an install for my Jeep Grand Cherokee build.
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First.
This video is a video that will probably help a lot of people.
Like if you agree.
Thanks! Glad you like it. Here is a few more helpful electrical related videos:
Electrical Components explained: czcams.com/video/XSsOPu6gHmQ/video.html
IMPROVE your amp connections: czcams.com/video/sMFFzpzKhFg/video.html
Wire LOOM in SECONDS: czcams.com/video/zQaB7WYRp8E/video.html
I knew it was brain power after the 3rd wire he put in , I was like ok this gonna hurt my head . How ever it is a great video thank you .
I find it funny how people dislike a video that is helpful.
@@CarAudioFabrication thanks for pinning my comment it seriously made my day.
@@riveralley I didn't see any dislikes I think it's a very educational video very much full of great useful information that is always used or needed and extremely thankful for his time to provide this , it's a rarity too actually see this as I grew up in the classic service station era with my parents having automotive parts and warehouse I could listen to the old mechanics for hours , now days that it is gone as no gives up thier information to share my guess is it's a money issue . So thanks for helping others with such great great videos ..
Few years ago my boss wanted his “portable electrical supply house” (box truck) to have a fridge/freezer, microwave, 2 120v 20amp circuits for power tools, and a 3000w audio system. He told me he didn’t care how much it cost and how long it took but to get it done and handed me his credit card. Two weeks and 12800$ later it was done. An absolute work of art. Two 500amp alternators, battery isolators, battery banks, capacitor banks, pure sign wave inverter/charger, shore power, and a controls system and panel that would make nasa proud. When he first saw it he lost his fucking mind, he wanted to kill me. He did not understand low voltage DC. I showed him my CAD drawings and my calculations. He understood then. He never realized how complex of a task he gave me or how expensive a project like this would be. He continues to push the system hard today without issues. Last summer he even ran 2 SDS max hammer drills at the same time without issue. I honestly wonder when the trucks engine is going to blow. That poor engine is always under heavy load.
Lmfao epic
Why didn't you give him a quote beforehand? I'd be pissed too
@@androidas79 He made it clear he wanted it done and told me to just do it. Thinking back I should have put a quote together before I placed the order. In this case it worked out but this might be the exception. Young and dumb right.
I would be curious if you did any before pictures, install video walkthrough, anything at all of this amazing project?
I would have told him it cost $10k on top for my troubles! Give him a quote!?!... Bsh can do it himself! Lol If i wanna make my house into a castle i have a good idea it costs to be the bawse thou! 💁
As an engineer, I can definitely appreciate the content of this video. All of your videos have quality info. Tight work!
Mark, I am a car guy or ASE MASTER TECH since 1978. Alternators have limits in the amp area, but system voltage is effected by a few things. 1st, 12.8 Vdc -14.3 Vdc voltage is the industry normal but the high voltage results from colder ambient temperatures. The colder it is, the higher the system voltage goes. If the older Delcotron had a wire wound resistor on the end housing between the regulator and diode trio. Newer vehicles use duty cycle but the air intake thermistor is an input into the PCM. It controls the output.
A good battery is tested with new technologies as well. A company called “Midtronic” developed a method of sending an A/C sine wave thru the battery and judges it’s state-of-health plus calculated everything else. But, GM for example, in 2005 started using software and amp clamp on positive, later negative. Either the dash or now PCM changes how the alternator functions. Going to “alternatorman.com” has many upgraded products for higher amperage. Note; Regardless of what alternator is employed, the diodes do the work and get hot. These will fail first but ducting into the back, providing a large ground on the back housing to the battery, engine & chassis depending on glued panels, fiberglass, carbon fiber or galvanic action creates issues. The back end housing is where ground is created, much less the RED terminal that goes to a battery. A good battery uses less than 0.5 amps to 0.2 going down the highway. Just a thought. Buy a really good DC Amp Clamp! Then work it.
Dude, killer content, awesome explanations, and great attitude. Definitely subscribing, great channel for newbies or old pros alike. Been out of it for ten years since my kids were born, decided to jump head first back into it, forgot a crap ton, but found this channel for a great way to brush up on almost forgotten info. Thanks man!
I just planned out all of my power and ground distribution with a "drawing" in Google docs. It really helped me get a clear picture of my goal and understand what equipment I'll need for wire, distro, and fusing. Thanks for the inspiration, Mark!
Another great real-world informative video about a certain aspect of the install. This should help a number of people. :)
Mark, first and foremost I want to thank you for these awesome videos. You are living the dream. I'm just getting back into installing systems. You have inspired me to go back to what I love doing the most and just wanted to take a minute to you let you know that I appreciate you.
Perfect insight as I'm preparing for this part on my install..Thanks again MARK
Awesome video as Usual Mark !!!! Let’s hope many DIY folks out there take this into consideration .... 👍🏻
Absolutely love your videos always have my full attention, today driving to work I was listen to your channel like it is a podcast lol
Good stuff man I’m learning🙂
I am blown away at the depth of education you provide! I'm a definite new member subscriber. Thank you so much! I have a 7th Gen Si Hatchback. I have been researching and slowly gathering parts to build my dream "Daily Driver"! Thank you so Much!
Very very very new at car audio and lemme tell ya, this video was so damn helpful. Thanks for the commitment to excellence that you have towards your content!
Mark, although this is not a simple subject, this is great info not only for the beginner but for anyone! Thank you
Loving your videos as a course refresher as I get back into the car audio system. Thank you.
I really do enjoy your videos you have one of the most informative car audio channels thanks
And thank you Mark for working hard on these awesome educational vids👈😎👉💯👊. ✌️out from Modesto,CA😎
Upgrading my system to add a second amp and sub. Needed some help determining my power load and this video really helped. Placed my first order with KnuKoncepts, and told them in the notes it was because of watching your channel.
Awesome!!! Thanks so much Mark!! This is going to help out so many people! I'm interested in seeing how you use the mini fuse splitter block with a relay! This will be very helpful to understand for not only car audio, but marine and offroading applications!
Relays use a very low power source to activate them. So i would just tap off the trigger to the amps to supply power for the relay that will supply power to the mini fuse block.
I LOVE Knu Konceptz! Use their products for everything in my builds.
From testing the best wire is sky high. Rockford came in 2nd
Another great video Mark!
Something else to keep in mind about the alternator is the accessories, A/C, Lights, etc ... if the vehicle was designed with a 90A alternator and you drop in a 45A stereo ... you could really be taxing that alternator. Mark could you explain how adding capacitors and extra batteries (designed for this application) can assist in this transient load?
Good info mark. Much appreciated
I know my comment on this video is a bit late but i only saw the video a few weeks ago. That said. This was so helpful i have seen a lot of videos on CZcams with one or more amp connection but both the power wires are going to the battery. Your explanation is awesome and so simple anyone can do the math. THANKS A BUN3
the fact the i just now knew about the alternator blows my mind lol. thank you. this helps me out to select my purchases the smart way
Great info. Can you make a part 2 for this video where you choose what amp fuses for the systems.
Brilliant video! BUT- Can you please do another one that you do the same thing but with rca’s, speaker wire, small bass cancelling capacitors(for an active system)? Because I really want to know how it is all meant to connect to the dsp! Please!
Wow just wow. You have no idea how much I look at the past videos you have uploaded ! Thanks a lot brother ! You liked my comment yesterday omg !!
Love the videos. They are very informative. I have a suggestion tho, Could you do a video on caps. like when you should use them an how to hook them up
Right on the Mark with this video
Should you take into account the amount of current the rest of the vehicle uses when deciding if your alternator is big enough? Ignition, headlights, fans, etc.
Oh yea especially if you have luxury amenities like heated seats an stuff like that it all pulls juice from the battery N alt
I was just going to say the same things. 🤓
Thank you Mark!
Love your videos man
Very well explained thanks
Mark..Thanks for the explanation. From Malaysia.
Very informative and interesting thank you for the Info!!
ah, leave it to Mark to always kill it. great video, per normal, homie!
Love the iPad app and visual representation of the system wiring. I really like your advice. How much does that system cost to install into the Jeep Grand Cherokee? Keep up the great work Mark!
Excellent video helped me out a lot thanks Mark
My all-time favourite video... with love from Kenya
Another great video. The audio system is only one thing to consider when sizing the alternator. My Jeep Wrangler also has an air pump, winch, lights, etc. just make sure you include your entire electrical load.
I'm wiring a system for an off road vehicle as well. Though those are important factors to keep in mind, you most likely won't be running them all at once.
Can you do a video about loudspeakers! Aka PRV, B&C. And why so many car audio technicians recommend them for clear crisp loud music. Thank you keep up the good work!!!!
One thing I would love more info on is how to regulate the voltage when you upgrade an alternator. I’m sure there are plenty of cases where the factory system can regulate the extra current but I doubt all systems are capable of that, especially when increasing the amps produced by more than 2x the factory alternator.
Another way to work it out is by simply looking at the fuses on the amps....you can't use more power than that....
I also use an app called electrodroid. It will tell you what size cable is rated to how man amps and also the voltage drop over distance....super useful for so many electrical jobs.
Any chance you could do a video on "ghost bass". When the subs start booming without any music playing, or when the speakers have a matching hum to the cars revs?
Generally a nice lithium or xspower 2000 farad cap works good as well! Coool vid man. The alternator is good except if it goes out and the customer diesnt kniw how to replace it that could suck!.
I know this is an older video, but a video breakdown of how the fuse block works would be amazing. I’m adding components to my system and want to me able to leverage something like this.
Dude you rock… outstanding channel..
Great video buddy
Really great help!
I blast sine waves on my way to work every day. Thanks for the heads up. ;)
Thank you for the info. I'm surprised you haven't spoke about vehicle's own power draw requirements. It would be cost inefficient for a vehicle manufacturer to supply the car with an alternator outputting x20 the amount of power needed. What i'm saying is the size of the alternator is calculated to slightly over-exceed the car's consumption needs, subject to mods and additional specs of course.
Espero tu canal en español, buenos videos amigo aprendo mucho sobre el car audio gracias a este canal ...espero un saludo en algunos de tus videos ...Nicolas martinez desde PERU
Good info.
a video on the proper way to hook up the relay in different scenarios would be great
i love the Knu Koncepts wiring i bought a few of them for my power wire 0/1 AGW. nice colors and very flexible for their thickness
If the strands are real, then the entire wire should be soft.
No sky high ftw. Even the 16 G speaker wire is as thick as 14 G competitors.
technical videos are the best
I'm learning to much and that s good
Great video
You should do a truck instal next!
You rock!
What a guru
Hello Mark. The information you are providing in your videos is very much appreciated. Thank you for what you are doing. Do you know of a free Android alternative app that works similarly to the Apple Notability app you used in this video?
First time watching the video and you said Jeep grand Cherokee I was like so thankful because that’s what I have
Keep in mind this applies to literally any vehicle though.
I can't thank you enough for this awesome video. Two questions:
1) Why didn't you have a fuse between the distribution box and a component (such as an amp)? After all, the fuse between the battery and the distribution box will let the maximum total system amp to flow to the distribution box. And without a fuse between the distribution box and one of the system components, that maximum system amp can hit and burn that one component.
2) How would you install such an audio system for a hybrid vehicle? Most hybrid vehicles have a 12V battery, and not the usual big 12V battery, since the engine starter only relies on the hybrid battery and not the usual 12V battery. There is also no alternator to charge the tiny 12V battery since the hybrid battery also charges the 12V battery.
Hey, all of your videos are very helpful. Couple questions. I’m wondering if adding a line out converter to an old stock cassette radio will cut out the high “fuzz” sound of the tape deck and radio. I’m planning to add an audiocontrol lc8i and an amp for the four speakers in the car. Thinking about the 8i because of the aux input option. Is there a better way to go about this? Thanks!
Hey Mark awesome video! Also it helps to do some research on your gear and find out what they actually pull based on effeciency. A top teir Zapco AB class amp may pull alot more power than an Alpine PDX amp for instance to make the same wattage. That factor can also effect your % numbers when considering a moderate daily use. However high caliber amps like that usually aren't for the "moderate" consumer. I know you know this but I thought I'd mention it here!
Jackson Oswald a cap it any electronics is just a buffer to stabilize the Voltage from dropping to much a battery can’t supply a huge amount of current when it demands change also same gose for a alternator a big enough cap will help smooth out the change in demand but as I said it’s same in ever electrical circuit People in car audio use them wrongly most of time
MR66HD I wasn't talking about a capacitor. I was talking about efficiency in the different amp classes.
Nice video, lot of info for a beginner. I have a small request, I watched all your videos about fabrication, I have a BMW E30 and I just can`t find a place to fix my amplifier and subwoofer without taking out the spare tire. Any idea for position for amplifier and subwoofer( subwoofer is a MB Quart PWH 304 500W on 2 OHMS 30cm) for a better sound? Thx. Keep up with the videos, you're the best.
Great video Mark!!! 👍👍👍 They were a few things you didn't mention about the electrical upgrading!!! One was the BIG 3 for the grounds and the addition of a battery or batteries to power the entire sound system if needed!!! Everything else was very informative and excellent!!! 👌👌👌If you were to go with four amps instead of three like your doing in this video,would that change the kind of distribution blocks that you are currently using or would you still be able to use the very same one's that you showed in this video??? I ask because I'm going to use four ROCKFORD FOSGATE PUNCH AMPS for my build!!! Two PUNCH 400a4's, one 200a4, and one mono block T1500-1bdcp for my sub's!!! I'm in the process of trying to find a big enough alternator to power my whole sound system!!! I currently have a stock150 amp alternator but I don't know if that's going to be enough to power my entire system!!! So I'm in the market for a bigger one!!! Of course I'm doing the BIG 3 upgrade and adding additional batteries in my rear cargo area!!! Your help and advice would be much appreciated!!! Thank You and I love watching all your video's they are always very helpful!!! I'm a BIG CAR AUDIO fanatic I have been for the last 27yrs!!!✌️✌️✌️
Hey bud, love the videos. Very very informative but i have a question given i can't find many videos on the topic.
I bought a MD audio amp 2500 watts and I'm think a resistor blew because sound does come out of the subs but no bass at all.
On top of that before it "blew" ( for lack of a better word) it only gave me bass when the volume was way high on the head unit.
Any ideas on what might be the problem?
Ps, i don't mind messing around playing with the amp. I'll make it a little project. 😉
hey mark u r going superb broo
Just wanted to know how to run all this car audio in our home
Nice video. Thanks. I’ve been out of the car audio game for a bit. Is the capacitor (cap) still necessary for heavy bass notes (rap) and also helping with air conditioning as well as headlights dimming? Or is it all about the basics batt, alt, wire size?
Hey Mark, Great Video!! Question, where did you get the switched source from for the relay on the Blue Sea Fuse block?? Thanks, Brion
What gauge of wire is off your relay to feed the switched portion of your Blue Sea split bus fused distribution block?
Many relays, ex: a Tork 1 or 2 relay kit offers 16awg but in your demo you list 4awg to the constant terminal portion of the split bus; is 16awg or even 10 awg okay for the switched portion of the Blue Sea split bus fused distribution block?
Many thanks, another great and informative video!
The KNF60x2 is not all I hoped it would be. Maybe you can suggest a couple of things to Knukonceptz:
• Include 2 extra 4g inserts since it's designed for Hot and Ground input and connections to 2 amps.
• Taking it apart is a royal PITA, and it seems like it would be easy to break the tabs on the plastic covers.
• Dark tint is nice, but you can't see the fuses at all, this just looks like a black plastic box with wires. It would be nicer if it 'showed off' the form and function.
Also your car is pulling alot of those amps from the stock alternator so you dont have the full 160 it puts out
Thank you for all the information you provided for us. Awesome channel!
This helps a lot, I am building a 6k watt system and this stuff isn’t easy to figure out.
Great video always full of info.. I have a question I purchased a nissan frontier pre-owned. The previous owner added a sound system. He added (3) 6 1/2 mids on each front doors and (2) 6 1/2 mids at the rear doors.and two 10 inch woofer under rear seat. All powered by 2 amps. All professional fabricated and installation. Ok here is my question the complete system is set up using HIGH INPUT with a aftermarket headunit which is equipped with 3 SETS OF RCA. which is better using RCA or high input? 🤔
Finding out I probably need to upgrade my battery, grounds, and alternator to reach my goals 🙃 🎶
Hi Mark, thank you so much for your video, really helpful. Do all the channels used in one amp need to be the same Ohms?
Until you flip the switch on the LED light bars and you wish you had gone with the bigger alternator lol. Love your videos keep em coming.
So I had 4 dd audio 1010s running off a clarion dpx11550. The signal came though a jl clean sweep. The rest was stock, when it hit hard and long the car would stay out
Hey Mark love your videos watch them all the time. Newbie here and wanted to pick your brain if I could?
Mark do you have a video of wiring in a second battery to a system?
If my alternator is undersized the only fix is alternator upgrade? Big 3, cap, 2nd battery wouldn't fix it? I just bought 2 huge amps and already know my hatchback isn't gonna hang but was already buying those upgrade parts anyways. Appreciate your videos bro, thanks for the knowledge! 💚💯 thanks again! 👍😁
Is there any disadvantage to using a larger power and ground wire then needed ? i am starting with a budget build to learn before getting more expensive equipment , but would like to use 0 gauge for larger loads later , so im curious as to what disadvantages may come with that
i am upgrading the sound system in my truck and i found this video to be very helpful.. but i got lost when trying to figure out what gauge wire i need and where. CAF if i send over my diagram can you help me. maybe you can take a look and tell me if im on the right track
Thank you for sharing the knowledge! I am planning on doing an audiocontrol D6.1200 or D4.800 to include an LC1.800 in my 2021 GMC Sierra. My OEM alternator is 220 amps. The D6.1200+LC1.800 would be approximately 135 amps. The D4.800+LC1.800 would be approximately 113 amps. Are any of these setup safe for my electrical system while doing a 5 hour road trip one way and another 5 hour back. Done twice a month. Thank you
You think 2 8s 100 and 2 horns in center on 100 rms to each speaker out of the 4 channel console and 6x8s on all 4 doors and 2k true amp for a single 15? A good 5050 balance
SO CAN I JUST daisy chain my amplifier and DSP together with the positive power line?
Like run the power cable to the positive terminal of the amp, then Run the DSP 12V input power cable off of the positive terminal of the amplifier?
Hey mark, when finding power total for 4 channel amps, how do you configure that? Take for example @ 2ohms an amp puts out 150 watts x 4 channels. Do you use the 150 watts or do you use the 600 watts after adding up the 4 channels??
Great video. I'm bass heavy! My total max amps is 398. So by your 50% I need about 200 amp alt. My stock Ram has 180 amp. I'm upgrading to a 350 amp alt. Thank you
Make sure you do the big 3 as well
@@drzflyest4 running 1/0. What fuse do you reccomend from +alt to +batt?
Hello and thank you for the videos. I'm entering the world of DIY audio and these have been fantastic in climbing the learning curve. One question I haven't been able to find any details on is regarding how to relate the power needed for the new audio system to the specs needed on just the vehicle's battery setup. I will be installing a DIY system on a new boat and there's no alternator to run the system while underway, just a stator that keeps the battery charged up, so ultimately all of the audio system's power will need to be provided by the battery (upgraded) setup. With that in mind, I'm looking for any content or go-bys that outline how to relate the power needed by the audio system components (amps & speakers), say 80 amps for example, to the spec of a battery, which is usually in Amp Hours. I would appreciate if you can point me to any of your videos or resources that cover this. Thank you!
How do you decide what size fuse you put in the fuse block? What size would you use in the setup?
This was extremely helpful with a combined lows mids & highs I’m upgrading my 1100 watt rms system on stock alt and battery to a 4500 watt rms system with a 270 alt & d7500 xs battery In my 2018 Honda Accord. If you think this is good or I should change anything please let me know this is my first time upgrading all my electrical for a crazy system thanks:)
Sounds like it will be fine to me. I've only had 2000 watts of true rms though. I had a battery and alternator upgrade too.
@therealtruman you should absolutely be fine with that 270A alt and the xs power d7500(that battery is a monster).. if anything else for electrical I would run 1, or maybe 2, cap banks to help with the initial hit of the bass notes. That's pretty similar to a setup I'm running but my vehicle is a diesel so it comes with 2 batteries from the factory. I'm using 2 xs d6500 under the hood, a 320A alt, a sundown saz3000d with a single 18, and hertz audio mille pro 3 way setup for front stage powered by a Phoenix gold sx800.4... I barely drop any voltage with normal listening/driving around.. now sitting in a parking lot playing some real bass heavy songs with low frequencies, around like the mid 20s it'll start dropping voltage. Next thing I plan on doing is adding a cap bank or two to help with that initial bass drop and keep the battery voltage higher, for longer. Limitless lithium sells a complete setup with the caps and hardware to strap them together so they're ready to use once assembled for like $299. I'd say go watch some vids on people doing tests with the cap banks, extremely impressive.
Wow man I wish I could hear something like that
Seriously mate im in the uk and after watching this video id be interested in you flying over and doing my car. Youre knowledge is impeccable. Get in touch with me my offer is serious
Quick question, if i have 2 way speakers at front with crossovers (i set to 0 db tweeter, and full range for mid. speakers) do i have to remove them if i want setup DSP or i can let them stay? It’s not be messy after to configurate everything?
The pastor is preaching. Thank you for your sermon. Let me pay my ties
Hey guys excellent videos. I need some advice for my current audio system. I have an pioneer avh-210, a pioneer amp and a 12" kicker sub. I am having issues with the sub sometimes it pounds most of the time it doesn't. Any idea what can be the issue. How can I talk to you guys directly. Thanks very interesting channel
So on the Jeep Grand Cherokee the battery is under the passenger seat. Did you also run a 0 gauge wire from the alternator to the battery to essentially create part of the big 3?
When calculating the current draw is it better to use max power ratings or RMS ratings