CA&A How To (May 2003)

[rant] Once again Car Audio and Electronics has managed to confuse me with their incomplete How Tos, this time around it is How To install a PS2. I think they were more worried about showing the installers eating Cheetos than going in depth [/rant off]. First of all they tapped into the cigarette lighter to power the inverter, and failed to mention that you should fuse the positive wire(pic of the fused wire is there if you look hard enough, but no mention in the how to). Should you really tap into the cigarette lighter with t taps? I searched here before posting, and I don't remember anyone saying they did it that way. Second, it looks like they are mounting the inverter behind the console, won't it get hot behind there? Is it OK to do this because it is only a 175 watt inverter(says so on page 87 top right corner)? I am in the process of installing a SNES , passenger visor screen, and a 400/800watt inverter(2 power plugs). I occasionally plan on using a notebook computer from time to time, but not at the same time as the SNES. Can someone give me a step by step on installing the inverter so it will be done right? If you want you can e-mail it to me- twogsport@msn.com Thanks guys!

Well, after searching I think I have it. For an inverter this big I should wire directly to the + and - on the battery(going through the firewall where my audio power wire is), fusing the + near the battery, right? What amp fuse should I use for a 400/800 inverter? I guess I'll use 10 gauge speaker wire from the inverter to the battery, fusing near the battery and installing a switch near the glovebox(where the inverter will be- that way I won't have to reach behind the glovebox to turn the inverter switch on/off every time). Does this sound like a good plan?

Yes & no to the question. You don't have to go to the battery for the power & ground but you do have to fuse the power wire. I would use the primary ignition wire on the ignition harness for the power ( this way you only have power to the inverter when the key is turned to the ON position & you can leave the inverter ON and not have to worry about turning off the switch eveytime  ) and use a 30 amp fuse for this conncetion. While you are under the driverside dash area, you can usually find a good grounding point there. Look for other grounding points that the factory uses as this is a good spot and reduces ground loops that can be evident after you power up the system.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Thank you! I was sure I was basically on the right track, just wanted to be sure. I'll take your advice. Thanks again.

No problemo and post your results or if you have any problems.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Oh, one more thing...what connector/method do you recommend for splicing into the ignition wire? Also, what is the preferred method for wiring a fuse into the + wire for the inverter? Thank you again, I am learning so much and becoming more confident!

Always use solder and the " T " effect for the connetion into any wires that you do not cut in half. Wrap the wire around a stripped wire ( exposing the copper strands ) and then heat up the wires and melt solder onto the connection. Afterwards, use electrical tape to cover any exposed wires.

For the fuse, use an inline fuse holder and slip a piece of heat shrink tubing over the wire , then butt & twist the wire ends together until they are all tangled within each other. Solder the connection and wait until it cools and pull the heat shrink tubing over the soldered area. Heat up the shrink wrap tubing until it is tight around the joint. Now use the above method for connections to the ignition wire. Afterwards, insert the fuse and use plastic tie cables to hang up the wires so they are out of the way.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Cool! You're the man! I'll keep you posted...