BAC Forum
General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Rick Vyncke on January 16, 2021, 02:56:00 PM
-
As part of the project to replace my old Kenwood head unit, I want to install a power amplifier. In cars, the amplifiers are typically run directly to the car battery but doing that in a coach is going to prove to be difficult at best.
For reference, the amplifier is relatively small and the power wire is only 8-gauge.
My question is.... Can I wire the amplifier directly into the electrical bay? Looks like there is at least one power wire that likely runs directly to the battery or distribution after the battery. That wire is larger than 8-guage and feeds into what looks like a solenoid which likely enables power to accessories when ignition is powered on.
Fairly sure this won't cause any problem but thought I should reach out to some of the long-time coach experts here.
Thank you!!!!
-
Yep, there should be a spare circuit or two you could use. That solenoid you see is the 'salesman' switch solenoid everyone talks about.
-
Rick,
Bill apparently is referring to the rear elec bay. My assumption is that you want to pick up 12v in the front elect bay under the driver. If the 04 is wired like the 03 Marquis you have access to both chassis and coach power in that bay. Wiring to the left side of the solenoid (as you look at it) will give you direct 12v from the chassis batteries. Wiring to the right side will give you 12v when the ignition is on. You can also access house battery 12V at the terminal that feeds CB 41-48, but check the gauge of the cable feeding that terminal. The wiring diagram is shown on sheets 17 & 18 of the 03 Marquis wiring diagrams in Coach Assist. Be sure to fuse the line from whichever source you select.
Steve
-
No, I was referring to the front run bay, what am I missing? There should be at least one spare terminal on the 12v house bus to glom on to. One may also need a 'switched' 12v source, which you could tap off the ignition switch or the coach bus for that matter.
-
Bill,
The large solenoid in the front bay is the ignition solenoid. The saleman solenoid is in the rear bay of every Beaver I'm aware of.
Steve
-
Thank you gentlemen.... Your responses are what I was hoping for.
While I am aware of both chassis and house power as well as ground in the front electrical bay... I was concerned about wiring from there and potentially overloading it. In other words if I connect my amp wire to the bar onto which most coach power connects in that front bay... could I overload the wiring somewhere? I'm thinking not since that is a solid copper (I think) bar which is connected to a heavy gauge power line (4-6 gauge?).
There will be a fuse installed within 12"-24" of the hook-up in the electrical bay.
Thank you for the feedback. Greatly appreciated!!!
Rick
-
I stand corrected! Learn something everyday....