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powering the sub and amp install

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by wade, Jun 7, 2006.

  1. wade

    wade New Member

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    Good Morning,
    Having read many topics, I'm inclined to install "Kenwood subwoofer and alpine amp" as discussed by many. What I'm unsure of is impact on batteries and charging system. Calls to Toyota, my dealership here in Oregon, and local sound system installers is there is a lack of knowledge regarding system capacity to handle the draw on electrical system.
    Sparky, and then Todd H have outlined the sound improvements, and instructions for install. Does the power needed for the two amps overwork anything short or long term?
    Lastly, if I proceed with install, where should I tell installer to get power? He is thinking about a sealed battery to isolate draw from existing battery.
    Whew! Thanks for all the help so far, I'm digging my Prius!
     
    #1 wade, Jun 7, 2006
  2. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Hi Wade, I just replied to a different thread on the Kenwood subwoofer. I am in process of installing and will make some current consumption measurements. But as the thing is fused at 10 amps I do not expect to measure anything higher than that.

    Prius' electrical system is certainly up to the task, but are you also adding another amplifier? There are some overall limits to be respected, and at some level you can expect an impact on fuel economy.

    There are several places where you might get the power. Another consideration is where to get the +12 volt "power on" signal. The folks in the other thread are working with the new model Prius/JBL audio system, and if same for you, you can read there how they got that signal.
     
    #2 tochatihu, Jun 8, 2006
  3. wade

    wade New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tochatihu @ Jun 8 2006, 10:24 AM) [snapback]268025[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks for the response. I should be clear... I have system 4, and am wanting to put in both the Kenwood sub amp, and the Alpine 4 channel amp to power the new Infinityspeakers. Together I'm concerned about the work on the Prius electrical system.
    Others have set up such a system, and rave about it. I haven't found anyone addressing the power consumption and how battery life may be effected. Any help is appreciated.
    My sweetie and I are heading out in about 10 days for our big summer drive. I can't wait!
     
    #3 wade, Jun 8, 2006
  4. Presto

    Presto Has his homepage set to PC

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    I wouldn't worry about it too much. Unless you're running a system to destroy the world you probably won't be drawing enough power to stress out Prius. To put it into perspective, I started with 2 amps running at a total of around 500watts RMS max. I like to listen to my music fairly loud, and according to CAN-View, I was sucking around 400 watts of power on average through the inverter. I've switched up to a single, more powerful, 5-channel amp which is using about 700 watts RMS max, and after 4 months, there are no issues.

    I drive a lot so there are hours and hours of usage. I've gone on spontaneous roadtrips and can drive the whole day playing music and not have any problems except ringing ears when i turn up my favorites :) The 12volt battery is still going strong.
     
    #4 Presto, Jun 8, 2006
  5. wade

    wade New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tochatihu @ Jun 8 2006, 10:24 AM) [snapback]268025[/snapback]</div>

    So the thread on wattage notes a suggested limit of 600 watts for running an upgraded stereo system. The Alpine 4-channel amp puts out 200 watts at 2 ohms. The Kenwood amp puts out 75 watts.
    Is my thinking correct that at a total of 275 watts, I'm safe in running this "upgrade" and not risking too high of a demand on the charging and or battery systems?
    It was also noted that one could "isolate" this system by fuseing it. Thus protecting the car's system of charging and running its components. Does this added layer of insurance really solve that problem?
    Lastly, speaking in amps, it has been noted that the standard electrical system supports 100 amps of "use". About how many amps will the noted Alpine 4 channel amp and the Kenwood 1 channel (75 watt) syspem pull?
    Whew...
     
    #5 wade, Jun 9, 2006
  6. GeoGeek

    GeoGeek Member

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    Have a look at both components....there should be an on-board fuse on each (amp & powered sub)
    Add together the total of both (eg. 15 amp fuse on sub + 25 amp fuse on amp = 40 amps)
    You can be sure you'll never exceed that draw......in fact you'll probably normally only pull
    a fraction of that.

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wade @ Jun 9 2006, 03:20 PM) [snapback]268738[/snapback]</div>
     
    #6 GeoGeek, Jun 9, 2006
  7. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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    Current supply capablility from the inverter should be comparable to a standard alternator. A concern might be the standby time available out of the aux battery when the car is not in READY, as it is only 35 or so AH. That means a 35A draw would last 1 hour, a 70A draw would last a 1/2 hour, etc.
     
    #7 DanMan32, Jun 18, 2006
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