[speedracer9728]

I don't know anything about the car monitors and stuff, and I don't have one, yet...but I was wondering how is the power usually ran??? How also do your run power to a ps2?

 

[thunder_accord]

Get a power inverter for the PS2 and then hook up the rca's to the lcd.

 

[FangzGSR]

I agree with thunder_accord. I have a PS2 in my car hooked up to an LCD monitor. It was relatively easy, I had a power inverter wired up, it cost like $20 or something, and that just creates an outlet like you'd have in your house. So I just plugged the three wired into my LCD screen, and voila, entertainment for the road.

 

[dohctor]

I wish there was a better way to do it than that. The power inverter is just another bulky thing you've got to install somewhere... plus the playstation has a DC converter inside of it. So basically you buy an inverter to change your DC power from the car to AC so you can plug your playstion into it which takes the AC and turns it into DC. Oh well.. the only way around it is if you tear open your PS and mes with the internals, and I don't think anyone really wants to do that.

 

[FangzGSR]

Yeah, good call on that. The power inverter isn't huge though, mounts easily under the seat. It's only about 6"x6".

 

[dohctor]

Yeah, good call on that. The power inverter isn't huge though, mounts easily under the seat. It's only about 6"x6".

yeah and I guess it's nice too if you want to plug something else in like an air compressor or something...

 

[VTECnicalAccord]

Actually, the nicest thing to do with that stupid inverter is to hide it. Cut the cigarette end off of it and hardwire it into your elctrical system, then run the PS2 plug to the inverter and hide the thing underneath the dash someplace. I had mine just plugged into the lighter jack at first, but couldn't stand the plug sticking out, so I just decided to hardwire it into the car and hide the thing.

 

[FangzGSR]

That's exactly what I did with mine. I had it hard wired right in. I'm going to have to get a couple more if I ever get my air ride system in. I hope my car can handle it. Does anyone know whether or not it'd be possible to run 3 power inverters?

 

[VTECnicalAccord]

Fang, To be honest with you, I don't see what not. My advice would be to just run like an 8 or 10 guage power wire and pick up the multiple inverters. Then ground each one seperately, or you could use distribution blocks just like you were running a stereo system. Make sense to you?

 

[FangzGSR]

Fang, To be honest with you, I don't see what not. My advice would be to just run like an 8 or 10 guage power wire and pick up the multiple inverters. Then ground each one seperately, or you could use distribution blocks just like you were running a stereo system. Make sense to you?

Yeah, wiring all of them to a 10 guage wire sounds like a good idea, but I don't know what a distribution block is. Also, when would I need to start worrying about my headlights dimming and suck? Cause I feel like I'm already drawing a lot of power as it is.

 

[VTECnicalAccord]

Hmm, tough to say when to worry about headlights dimming. If you are running a big stereo right now adding a cap, or a batcap www.batcap.net would help that out. A bigger alternator might not even be a bad idea if you're planning to run a crapload of stuff. As for a distribution block, all that is is a device that takes one large guage wire and breaks it into smaller multiple ones. You can find something like this at your local audio shop.

 

[FangzGSR]

Okay, I'll look into those when I start adding more inverters. On the subject of alternators, how much would I be looking at to replace my exisiting alternator one with a bigger one? Would it be a DIY project, or would it take a professional install? I'm currently running an LCD screen w/ a PS2, some hidden strobes and neons in the interior, and my audio system, which isn't much. Thanks for all the help.

 

[VTECnicalAccord]

Actually, for maybe 150-200 bucks you could find yourself a bigger drop-in alternator. Check ebay and see what you can find. I have seen some from alterstart on there for very reasonable prices. If you have a knowledge of motors a drop-in alternator won't be something you can't tackle yourself. The units I mentioned are direct drop-in replacements, no mods necessary. Now an alternator might not be your best bet, but if you're planning to add more things, and go to a bigger system someday then it isn't a bad thing to have done. Caps will HELP, but they're just another item you have to install someplace. What all are you thinking about adding? If you are just thinking about lighting additions and whatnot I wouldn't worry that much about a new alternator. A stereo is what causes the biggest draw of amperage from your car's electrical system, the lights don't draw very much at all in comparison.

 

[FangzGSR]

Well, I'm eventually going to upgrade my system to to 2x 10 Audiobahn Aluminum subs, and I'll prolly run 500 watts each. Plus, I'll upgrade my full range and run some extra power to those too. Other than that, if I do the air ride I'll just need power for one or two compressors depending on the setup I run. That's about it I think.

 

[VTECnicalAccord]

Well, in my opinion then, with the extra items you're talking about I would say an alternator is a good idea then. Like I said, caps take up space, and if you're planning on air ride and subs, amps, etc, you will be hurting for space anyway, so why not save the space with the alternator. I will be upping mine when I get my comp. system under way, but I will be running a crapload of power. I imagine I will be looking to something in the neighborhood of 200 amps, so I will have to have mine done professionally. But in all honesty, an alternator would be a good idea for you, and a bigger battery, like an Optima Red Top, which will run your maybe 140 beans.
By the way, I am trying to become the moderator of this forum, drop a good word about me to Accord92sir, I would appreciate it.

 

[FangzGSR]

Thanks for all your help. I'll drop a line for you. Have a good one, I'll post whatever new stuff I get for my ride.

 

[VTECnicalAccord]

Hopefully I have helped, if not, please continue to post and I will do my best for you. Thanks for your help also in recommending me, I appreciate it.

 

[Jus2sho]

I agree with thunder_accord. I have a PS2 in my car hooked up to an LCD monitor. It was relatively easy, I had a power inverter wired up, it cost like $20 or something, and that just creates an outlet like you'd have in your house. So I just plugged the three wired into my LCD screen, and voila, entertainment for the road.

How did you find an inverter for $20? Every inverter that i see is over $100 for one that has enough voltage to run a ps2.

 

[FangzGSR]

How did you find an inverter for $20? Every inverter that i see is over $100 for one that has enough voltage to run a ps2.

The Audio shop that I had it installed at had them for that price, so I don't know what to tell you. Also, when talking about a PS2, you use current, not voltage.