Powering a car stereo from AC current

[pcgold]

I want to install a car stereo inside. I have a sauna and want to put a stereo in there. Actually, I need a marine stereo and speakers due to the heat and humidity. I am not putting in a separate amp. I will not be cranking the unit.

So, I know I need an a regulated 12V DC power supply, probably putting out 10A.

I should probably fuse the positive power wire from the power supply to the head unit.

What size fuse should I use? I don't know what draw the head unit will have.

 

[The Lazy Destroyer]

I have a spare head unit that I will probably be using for a garage stereo with a couple 6x9's. I'll be powering it up w/ a computer power supply I have laying around. I wouldn't trust it to power a big sub amp but a typical 350W computer power supply I would imagine should power the head unit's channels just fine.

 

[nehog]

I want to install a car stereo inside. I have a sauna and want to put a stereo in there. Actually, I need a marine stereo and speakers due to the heat and humidity. I am not putting in a separate amp. I will not be cranking the unit.

So, I know I need an a regulated 12V DC power supply, probably putting out 10A.

I should probably fuse the positive power wire from the power supply to the head unit.

What size fuse should I use? I don't know what draw the head unit will have.

If your power supply is rated at 10 amps, then a 10 amp fuse is appropriate. Wire with either 16 (short run) or 14 AWG (longer run) wire to minimize voltage drop.

Radio Shack has these, flea markets too. In a pinch, an old computer power supply may work, most are rated at 10 or so amps on the +12v line.

 

[240sxguy]

Computer power supplies can be noisy. If you end up with a lot of background noise check that first.

 

[pcgold]

Perfect.
Thanx for the info.

 

[Gary S]

Old battery chargers work well to power a 12v radio. Just make sure it has enough amperage, and put a 500-1000uf capacitor across the output to filter it.

 

[Gixerfixer]

Well I was going to mention a quality PC power supply something like this http://www.ebuyer.com/278634-corsair-500w-cx-v2-psu-cmpsu-500cxv2uk they are generally only noisy electronically and physically if they are generic **** branded units a quality CB homebase PSU should be able to power that head unit too not sure if CB is still big in the states now though regular head units have 1>2 amp fuse lines.

 

[csp]

The head unit doesn't already have an inline fuse in the power supply wire?

 

[Gixerfixer]

The head unit doesn't already have an inline fuse in the power supply wire?

Correct sometimes its in the rear of the head unit itself

 

[nehog]

Old battery chargers work well to power a 12v radio. Just make sure it has enough amperage, and put a 500-1000uf capacitor across the output to filter it.

If you use an old battery charger, find an old battery (that is still good, of course) and use the charger to charge the battery as well. That way when current demands exceed the charger's regulation your voltage will remain steady and the radio won't distort. (Side benefit is that you then have a radio that works when the power is off, too!)

 

[pcgold]

nehog, since this will be a more or less permanent installation, I have thought against using a battery charger. Otherwise, thanx for the great advice, you and others above.

I just have to find the right power supply now.

 

[SixStringMadness]

13.8VDC, 15AMP power supply. <-- Click Here

Exactly the power provided from a vehicle for a stereo unit, also used when mobile CB/HAM radios are used for base stations.

• Fused circuitry provides extra protection for your devices in the event of a power overload
• Illuminated on/off switch for easy operation in low light
• Short circuit protection
• Power 12-13.8VDC electronic devices or automotive accessories that have banana plugs or bare wires

 

[ForceFed70]

I would try a PC power supply. You can pick up used ones with lots of output for next to nothing. Might have a little noise but no more than what you'd see in a regular auto/marine environment.

 

[zackman]

you could also get a power converter from a old pop up trailer that some one is parting out. This what I use

 

[HOTFR8]

You need something like they use for CB radios when fitted into the house or office.

 

[KCarGuy]

I use a JVC Stereo in my Garage and another in my basement.
Both are mounted in 1957 Belair Dashboards that are mounted on the walls.
They are both powered by AC to DC converters that I picked up at a Science and Surplus store near my House.
I am powering 6x9 jensens and 5 1/4 speakers with the basement unit (boxes with ports and Old Round Stainless Steel ceiling plates) all in the ceiling around my 1970 Pool Table.
In my Loft (Man Cave) I am Powering 2 Old Jensen Floor speakers and 2 6x9 Jensens in the ceiling, around my Poker Table.
The Stereo's are JVC KD-LH1000 200W head units and the converter in a Motorola 120VAC input and 12VDC 2.5A Output
I can Over power the convertor and the music shuts off...so a bigger one is better.
But for $14 a piece, these are working just fine.
*Just be careful to not mix up the positive (+) and Negative (-) wires...or you will plow your Head Unit*

 

[89GLH]

I'm with SixStringMadness on this one. I like the idea of not having to jump across pins to get the PC power supply to turn on, which you have to do to get the PS to turn on after you plug it in. They dont just put out 12V DC without an input signal from a motherboard, unless you jump it.

 

[IONH]

How to hotwire an ATX power supply...

http://4volt.com/Blog/archive/2009/03/12/howto-hotwire-a-pc-power-supply.aspx

http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=atx+power+supply+hotwire&l=1

 

[ForceFed70]

I'm with SixStringMadness on this one. I like the idea of not having to jump across pins to get the PC power supply to turn on, which you have to do to get the PS to turn on after you plug it in. They dont just put out 12V DC without an input signal from a motherboard, unless you jump it.

So you solder 2 wires together, it's not hard.

PC power supplies provide LOTS of juice and you can pick up a used one for free. It's a no-brainer in my opinion.