Multiple Optima Battery Setup Questions??

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=13121
Printed Date: May 08, 2024 at 7:27 PM

Topic: Multiple Optima Battery Setup Questions??

Posted By: deadendog
Subject: Multiple Optima Battery Setup Questions??
Date Posted: May 04, 2003 at 11:19 AM

Does anyone know where I can locate an actual diagram of different variations in dual battery setups. I am going round and round with the configuration of the battery setup, and what is going to yeild the highest output, without creating a loop, and bypassing the isolator. If I run the second battery through the isolator, down a 0 gauge to the trunk, then run another 0 gauge to a dual capacitor setup, can I or can I not attatch the second battery to the capacitors. I can't right? It would create a loop, and drain the first battery, defeating the purpose of the isolator?No? I can't seem to find any in depth schematics for various wiring methods, any help would be overwhelmingly appreciated.

Replies:

Posted By: donkason
Date Posted: May 06, 2003 at 9:20 PM

At the risk of sounding stupid I would call my local stereo shop. When I am really stuck with a question they will normally help me. I would also find a loclal optima dealer and ask them. The guy I bought my batter off of really knew a lot about car audio and the battery itself.

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: May 06, 2003 at 10:27 PM

An Isolator acts as a brain and controls the flow of current from the Alternator to the batteries. If it is functioning properly, it will not allow 1 battery to draw current directly from the other battery, just the alternator. Most common set up is... Alternator to Isolator. Isolator to 1st and 2nd battery (you will use different + leads for both). From here, the 1st battery will continue to run the rest of the vehicle's normal electrical systems. The 2nd battery is where you would run the stereo from. Hook up all your distribution blocks, power wires, caps, etc... from the 2nd battery just like you would if you only had 1 battery. You can even hook up the Headunit's power to the 2nd battery as well, and completely isolate the entire stereo from the stock electrical system (with the exception of the alternator of course). If you tell me exactly what you have in your system (headunit, speakers, crossovers, distribution blocks, amps, subs, etc..., then I can try and create a basic layout for you). In the meantime, this is a crude pic that I just did, so sorry if it's not the best quality! BTW, I fuse the hell out of my systems, hence all the inline's...
posted_image

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Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
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