posted
Ok what I want to do is build an amp rack enclosed. I want to add a neon light, some fans, and some dist. blocks for power and ground, also my power cap that has a volt meter will be included in this.
This enclosure will also house two amps...I want to know what should i look out for and how should i mount the fans and how many should i mount to keep these amps the coolest. I have a relay that i bought to relieve the strain from the head units remote turn on, but I'm not really sure how to wire all this.
I'm looking for people that have experience with this to give me some ideas or send some pics of their past projects to help me get a better understanding for something like this......thanks in advance
Posts: 12 | From: TRI-STATE AREA | Registered: Jul 2002
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posted
Neon is tacky. keep it neat and functional. Make it look professional, and for the love of god, NO NEON!!!
I dont see the greatness of neon. I think its dumb. There is a place for everything. Leave the neon in vegas, and store windows
-------------------- I got sick of waiting 9 minutes for a thread to load at Sounddomain so i will now use the Termpro forums for 'word of mouth' car audio information Posts: 103 | From: WA | Registered: Jul 2002
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posted
well thats your opinion.....how about all my other questions? Help me out dude.
Posts: 12 | From: TRI-STATE AREA | Registered: Jul 2002
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posted
hey there, it isn't all that hard to add accesories to your remote turn on from the deck. you are correct you do need a relay, and they are not all that difficult to use. i know, i just learned how to use them. i will give you a quick run down, i dont know how to post pics here so there wont be a diagram all though you can find alot of info on realys at www.installdr.com, so check that out as well.
here it goes:
remote lead from deck -> #86 on relay +12V fused constant -> #87 on relay (size of fuse is total of all accesories & components. eg. 2 fans- 5 amps each, 2 neons- 10 amps each, would equal a 20 amp fuse. and add 200ma for each amp or processor that you use.) ground -> #85 on relay accesories +, and remote leads -> #30 on relay. place appropriate sized fuse for each accesory.
this will give you a set up that will turn everything on when the head unit is turned on.
I suggest runing a seperate relay and switch for the neons though, since you may not want them on everytime the stereo is on.
hope that helps you out with some of the planning. one suggestion that i do have other than running a seperate switch, when mounting the neon tubes make them stealth, and have it so you can only see the light and not the actual tubes, that is when they can start to get tacky, but i love the light that they put off.
good luck with the rack, let us all know how it goes.
posted
I am all for the neon being added! I make neon lighting for the sign industry as well as 12 volt neon for automotive use and I ,too, believe there is a place for neon...but done right, as the guy above said, when you only see the glow and not the tube, makes for a great addition to customizing your rack. I will have a bit of exposed neon but it should look great! I am now installing a system in my 92 Mustang GT in which I will be using neon as well...looks like the relay issue is over...as for the rest of your install, do what you feel brings out your personality. I have seen simple installs look as great as intricate installs. Clean Clean Clean! Good quality wiring and careful planning will make for a rewarding installation! Good luck bud!
Posts: 1 | From: South Carolina | Registered: Aug 2002
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posted
Take your time, use a relay for the accessories, take time to wire the relay remote up to some nice switches up front. Neon can look great, if done correctly. You may want to TEST everything before you install this rack and everything on it, to see if the neon adds any noise into the system. I had that problem with a cheap neon once. Also, consider security, like security screws/bolts!
-------------------- (1) PPI AMP PCX-2200 (800 Watts @4ohms Bridged) PCX-480 for my highs (2) DD 3512a's in a 4.4cube box with 50sq. inches of port tuned to 33Hz Street 1-2 [TEAM DD] 147.7dB My Sound Domain page Posts: 1655 | From: Tucson, AZ | Registered: Jul 2001
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I usually sacrifice beauty for security and Fashion for Function. It's all up to you.
'Neon tubes' have gained a LOT of bad rep because almost all rookie installers use one. If used properly, neons can dramatically enhance your amp rack-- just make sure you install the tube itself out of sight.
There are many, many types of amp racks--- Panel covered, Plexi covered---(simplest ones) Then you have Plexi Pedestal style, "Floating" Amps style, Fishtank racks, Glassed racks, Exposed Bottom, Flush Mounted amps..you name it. The key to a great amp rack is attention to detail and cleanliness.
good luck
-------------------- Alpine • XTANT • Focal • Image Dynamics • AudioControl Posts: 1624 | From: Los Angeles | Registered: Jan 2001
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I'm a competitor from belgium and i'm owner of a new car (peugeot 406 coupé) i have the same back as your honda, i dont know how to place ports en subs? i will be use'd for db drag you have some good hints or iedeas i must try?
thanks and greets from iceke(belgium)
-------------------- *Peugeot 406 Coupé trunkcar* *2004' 1x RE XXX15 1x EXT 2000D* *2004' 142.8dB @ 40hz* *2005' 2x RE XXX15 2x EXT 2000D* Posts: 65 | From: Europe (belgium) | Registered: Mar 2002
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posted
well i'm waiting on getting another amp, but i'm still going to build the rack. just going to take some time, but i'll keep you guys informed. later and thanks for the help.
Posts: 12 | From: TRI-STATE AREA | Registered: Jul 2002
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posted
racks,,,checdk out mine..its mote obvious of a rack...I am planning on a couple of fans for teh bottom 2 shelves,,,you can actually envision my rack with neons placed in a groove in the top shelve,,,or any shelf...
posted
if it is going to be a sealed rack, have at leats 2 fans, one on each end of the rack, one pushing air and the other pulling air, that way it will create your draft of air across the amps. depending on how many amps and how much you have to coo them will determin how many fans you should use. but use a 1:1 ratio for best results.
posted
since I don't believe anyone mentioned it...
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD (ALLAH BUDDAH, YAWEH, whomever.. lol) PLEASE HIDE the neon tube. nothing is worse than seeing a nice setup, and then there's a big bulky neon tube and wires showing.. hide them as BEST you can.. the neon should be an ACCENT.. NOT a feature.
( sorry.. saw this local kid I know.. he thinks he's a balla... has a black light roght ont he windshield with suction cups.. he thinks he's badass.. (rolls eyes)
-------------------- Gabriel "The SPL Jester" Ramirez
Team Gates Kicker Car Stereo Eastern Audio SPL2K Powermaster Motorsports Posts: 3775 | From: San Antonio,TEXAS !!!! | Registered: Nov 1999
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posted
I hate to open a big can of worms but since you are new and asking about the amp rack I have to diagree with an earlier post.
As far as the sealed rack and fans you would move more air by placing the two fans on the same side and just opening a slot in the other side for the air to escape. In mind the push pull moves more air, but in reality the pulling fan is not increasing air flow.
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