Relays & Capacitors, Using a relays to switch on power caps Options

[danny_t82]

I am contemplating another rebuild for my sub box and amps etc. as I now no longer need a cd changer as I have a mp3 player

One of the features I want to build in is a relay so that the capacitors are only activated when the stereo is on. Currently the LED displays are on constantly (when connected) which I can't imagine is great for the battery. An engineer said he could install a large relay to that the power caps are only on when triggered by the remote cable from the head unit. Has anyone done this or can anyone recommend what type of relay I should use as I would sooner fit it myself than pay through the tooth for what sounds like a simple job!!?

Also, because I want to go for a single unit approach (to retain some trunk space - see my pics!), I want to be able to remove the whole thing without disconnecting every single wire. Does anyone know where I could get some kind of connector that will allow for multiple cables to be connected/disconnected simultaneously (not including the phono cables obviously)?



Any help would be much appreciated!!

Dan T

[WannabeGT4]

The displays have a very low current draw. I bet the circuit for the display probably has a feature that will turn the display off if the voltage is below a certain point. Also, good luck finding a 60+amp relay that can be triggered by the relatively low voltage of the remote signal. You may end up with a relay triggering a relay. In my opinion I wouldn't bother. Less connections are better when you're talking about high current power cables.

My personal opinion is ditch the caps and buy a deep cycle battery(yellow top Optima) and a High current alternator (check the group buy). You'll be much happier in the long run.

This post has been edited by WannabeGT4: Aug 31, 2005 - 2:06 PM

[snadman]

Unscrew the LED display from the cap, then find the wire powering the LED display, cut the wire, extend each end long enough so it can go to a relay that can be hidden (we're going for a sexy look here, not jumbled), loom these extended wires with the other wires (again sexy), and then wire in a standard relay. It will work magnificently if done correctly and made to look decent, if not...then scrap the idea. You don't want to wire in a relay in line of a wire supplying power to your amps. The less re-routing the better like Wannabe said.

At my work we have done this to a couple peoples' Rockford Fosgate caps and it turns out alright, as long as you MAKE IT LOOK SEXY. I can't stand when people have a jumble feck of wires going everywhere, because it not only looks like crap, but it's hard as hell to figure out what's going on when they bring it in to us because it doesn't work. Sorry, just venting...bad day at work lol.

This post has been edited by snadman: Aug 31, 2005 - 9:36 PM

[danny_t82]

Cheers guys, both good ideas. Prefer Snadman's idea though cos i've already shelled out for the caps and think they look pretty trick so i don't wanna go buying a new battery and alternator til i have to.

I like your celica btw Snadman, nice clean simple stylin like mine I like the speakers in the doors too. Might hook up the LEDs as you said, depends how accessible they are plus I don't have any soldering gear of my own. Will post pics if I ever get round to building the new install.

Thanks again,

Dan T