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Audio battery isolators?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Billdozer, Nov 16, 2014.

  1. Billdozer

    Billdozer New Member

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    Hello,

    I have been contemplating putting a stereo system in my for Prius for the past months of ownership. I am not looking for rattling license plates, just clean sound. I currently have a JL Audio JX/1000 amp, JL 13tw5 sub and capacitor laying around from a previous install. It would have been already installed but after hours of searching I can not find much concrete info on this. I have fears of damaging electrical components and inverter strain as I am not 100% about the hybid system. A lot of the local shops told me they wont even touch a Prius for liability reasons. What I have seemed to gain from research is the aux battery is a system of its own and is not capable of a large draw 50-60a total. What it seems my options are is to buy a low wattage powered sub 100-200w rms or run my current components (1,000w max) with a second battery and isolator. The Prius is my daily driver and I want to keep it 100%. My question is...Is it worth it to upgrade, risk vs reward? Is my current components (1,000w) too much, component strain and be a nightmare down the road? Is a 200w powered sub probably the safest option? I would love to use my current components as they always sounded great and would save a bit of money. Selling them wouldn't even be worth it. I appreciate any help.
     
    #1 Billdozer, Nov 16, 2014
  2. Mikzwol

    Mikzwol New Member

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    Hi I have a 1000 Watt Kenwood amp and 200 Watt bazooka bass tube and haven't had any problems it's been in for over a year
     
    #2 Mikzwol, Nov 16, 2014
  3. Billdozer

    Billdozer New Member

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    On factory charging system? No cap, batteries, etc...? I assume lights dim at sound peaks?
     
    #3 Billdozer, Nov 16, 2014
  4. Mikzwol

    Mikzwol New Member

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    On the factory charging system no cap I haven't had any problems with the lights dimming the amp has a 35 amp maxx draw my gains are only halfway up its sounds great
     
    #4 Mikzwol, Nov 16, 2014
  5. Billdozer

    Billdozer New Member

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    Got ya... JL is showing a 80amp fuse with my amp. Thanks for the help.
     
    #5 Billdozer, Nov 16, 2014
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Just always be in Ready, never in Acc and you are fine.
     
    #6 JimboPalmer, Nov 16, 2014
  7. Billdozer

    Billdozer New Member

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    Got ya.... Battery will die. Jump start then good? Are we talking long periods (hours) or minutes in acc before problems? My gf likes to drive the car sometimes and sit in the car when at stores. These are usually quick trips though.
     
    #7 Billdozer, Nov 16, 2014
  8. Mikzwol

    Mikzwol New Member

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    It like any other car in acc and the Prius has a small 12 volt and won't go very long in acc I just leave mine in the ready and the inverter will use the big battery and not run the ice till it has to
     
    #8 Mikzwol, Nov 16, 2014
  9. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Honest, "never" is the right answer. The 12 volt battery is not very big and it is notorious for not recovering from a full discharge. Try to never jump start your Prius as reversed cables is a $4000 repair.

    There is no trouble sitting at stores in Ready.
     
    #9 JimboPalmer, Nov 16, 2014
  10. d.joulez

    d.joulez Junior Member

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    Hi there

    any concerns with hooking up 2000w of stereo amplifiers directly to the half size 12v battery in the back of the Prius? I see some people talk about battery isolators?
     
    #10 d.joulez, Oct 31, 2023
  11. d.joulez

    d.joulez Junior Member

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    Hi there

    any concerns with hooking up 2000w of stereo amplifiers directly to the half size 12v battery in the back of the Prius? I see some people talk about battery isolators?
     
    #10 d.joulez, Oct 31, 2023
  12. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    If it ever draws even 1000 watts, you will blow fuses. The inverter has a max of 125 Amps. 125 X 12 = 1500 watts and you need some to operate the car)
    But so long as you are ALWAYS in Ready when consuming electricity, you won't hurt the battery.
     
    #11 JimboPalmer, Nov 1, 2023
  13. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    If it ever draws over 1000 watts, you will blow fuses. The inverter has a max of 125 Amps. 125 X 12 = 1500 watts and you need some to operate the car)
    But so long as you are ALWAYS in Ready when consuming electricity, you won't hurt the battery.
     
    #12 JimboPalmer, Nov 1, 2023
  14. d.joulez

    d.joulez Junior Member

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    Thank you!

    So to clarify, as long as the Prius is always in ready when the music is playing, I can connect my music amplifiers directly to the half size battery without needing anything special like a 2nd 12v battery. Or an isolator.

    just an appropriately rated fuse between the factory 12v battery and the music amplifiers and make sure the car is always in ready mode before any music plays correct?
     
    #13 d.joulez, Nov 1, 2023
  15. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    And you do not exceed 1000 watts.
     
    #14 JimboPalmer, Nov 1, 2023
  16. d.joulez

    d.joulez Junior Member

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    What happens if I want to exceed 1000w?

    well. It’s music. So it won’t be a constant draw

    the subwoofer is 400w. And the other amp is a 6 channel 1200w
     
    #15 d.joulez, Nov 2, 2023
  17. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Your battery is tiny. It can't do much to add to the DC to DC converter in the inverter. Once you exceed the fuse rating, it blows and you tow your car to the shop. Why would you decide to spend all the repair money and time.

    I have not been wishy washy, do not exceed the sane limits of your car.m a new inverter can be a $4000 part, plus labor and towing.
     
    #16 JimboPalmer, Nov 2, 2023
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