Quote:
Originally Posted by PeteKz
No problem with using the yellow/red wire for powering the radio you have. You will notice that wire is heavier gauge than most, so it has plenty of "ampacity" for the radio.
Here's the reality: Although radios are rated at, say, 22W/ch RMS x 4 channels driven, the actual load is much lower. Because music is dynamic, the average power is maybe 10% of the "full" power. And even that is subjectively very loud. If it was delivering 22w x 4 (88W total) continuously, 88W divided by 14V =6.3 amps. That's well within the capacity of that yellow/red circuit. But, except for very short dynamic transients, the current will be below 1 amp. Bottom line: You will not stress that ACC circuit any more than the original radio.
The reason I installed a 12 gauge wire directly to the battery are, (1) the instructions recommended it, and (2) I wanted to be sure that my high power unit had maximum current available to that it would not "clip" the high-power transient peaks in the music. FYI, the highest power requirements are for bass frequencies, and I like powerful bass.
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Great timing, just sat down to order more parts and saw your response. I have read exactly what you have stated. You guys have been a big help and hopefully this thread helps others. Sadly, electronics and wiring past just basic weren't part of growing up for me...but the more I dig in honestly it's really not too hard - and again, help from everyone with experience or knowledge is making things understandable. Articles and videos can only take you so far.
Thanks!
Erik