Neptune97

Has anyone successfully used the remote line from a head unit to not only feed an amp, but to also power 1 or 2 small computer-sized cooling fans? The installation I'm working on has the amp in a not-so-ideal location, and I plan on installing 2 small 100 mA fans to run whenever the amp runs. I've heard rumors that the remote line carries a 300 mA 12V signal, but I haven't verified. Anyone know if the Maxima remote line can handle this?

Thanks

jmax

This is one common application of a relay. Use the remate cable as the trigger for the amps and the fans. Look in the Faq's for info on how to use a relay.

Neptune97

Thanks for the info...I checked out www.bcae.com, and I still have a couple questions:

I plan on having one amp and two small 100 mA fans. Can I have the amp connected directly to the remote turn on, and then have a wire from the remote turn on terminal on the amp to the relay, as well as a small (16 gauge) +12V wire (fused at 1 amp) from the amp's power terminal to the relay +12V terminal?

In other words, I want to put the relay in for the fans, but not for the amp. I'm hesitant just because its more thick gauge wire if you attach the amps to the relay.

Does it make sense to do this, or should I relay the whole setup?

jmax

Use the remote turn on as the trigger for the relay. You don't need larger wire coming off of the relay than what is needed to deliver the current to the amp and or fans. 16 gauge is plenty for the amp turn on lead. 16 gauge is also likely large enough for the power to the fans. Just use a 10 or 8 gauge from the battery to the relay. Fuse it at the battery for 20 or 30 amps depending on your wire and relay rating.

This way your remote turn on lead has very little current being drawn. This will allow your headunit to live longer.

studman

I explained my setup in this thread:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=275171

Instead of powering the neons, you can power the fans. But basically speaking, it's the same thing that you want, except I added a switch so that I could manually disable the amps if I wanted to.