Power consumption/usage for carputer/monitor?

[Bill_C]

Hello All,

Got a question for all you electronics gurus. My concern is that I currently have an aftermarket stereo setup that was installed from the previous owner(with one 500W JBL amp in the trunk) and I"m not sure of the NSX's capacity to add "more" electronics. Will the stock alternator/battery handle it?

I plan on installing a magden performance computer and sunlight readable 7" LCD monitor (which supposedly uses more power than normal LCD's to display brighter). They both have a cigarette lighter adapter (12V) to power the units, so i don't believe I need to use a power inverter.

Will a simple 3-in-1 splitter work with the existing cig lighter or should I get the power from somewhere else? I'm afraid this may be a lot of draw from one area. BTW, I also occasionally plug-in a portable garmin nav also.

Thanks in advance,
Bill

 

[93_N_S_X]

I believe the stock alternator is 90 amp. Plenty for a 500 watt amp and a few other gadgets. As far as your computer, unless its something you want to take in and out, why install w a cigarette lighter? I can see a spaghetti bowl of wires covering the console...

I'll try to post page 23-39 of the service manual where it shows the accessory locations on the underdash fuse box.

 

[Bill_C]

Thanks for some reassurance. I am planning to hardwire the PC and monitor, but use the same circuit as the cigarette lighter (and draw the power form there). My idea was to use a 3-in-1 cigarette outlet expander and hide it underneath the center console.

However, if there is a better place to draw power from, i would love to hear about it.

Thanks!
bill

 

[spider2k]

the safest bet is to run a dedicated power(10ga or so) from the battery and use a relay thats controlled by the acc wire.

 

[jorligan]

Hello All,

Got a question for all you electronics gurus. My concern is that I currently have an aftermarket stereo setup that was installed from the previous owner(with one 500W JBL amp in the trunk) and I"m not sure of the NSX's capacity to add "more" electronics. Will the stock alternator/battery handle it?

I plan on installing a magden performance computer and sunlight readable 7" LCD monitor (which supposedly uses more power than normal LCD's to display brighter). They both have a cigarette lighter adapter (12V) to power the units, so i don't believe I need to use a power inverter.

Will a simple 3-in-1 splitter work with the existing cig lighter or should I get the power from somewhere else? I'm afraid this may be a lot of draw from one area. BTW, I also occasionally plug-in a portable garmin nav also.

Thanks in advance,
Bill

You might want to consider using a netbook for the computer (I use an Asus) and then use a bluetooth wireless OBD2 scanner with some of the dashboard software. Here is a link for one: http://store.mp3car.com/DashCommand_Lite_Software_p/sof-dcl.htm. You can then use the netbook for GPS as well and ICE. The Asus gives around 8 hours on a full charge. Are you looking at the Xenarc 702?

 

[Bill_C]

Too bad I just bought the Magden computer, that dash command software looks pretty nice. May have to play with that on the other cars

Regarding monitors, The Xenarc 702 looks nice, just afraid the brightness (NITS) rating is not high enough, especially with the targa top off. They have a 706 model that is 650 nits. There is also a Lilliput monitor with a transflective modification and some open frame 7" lcd monitors that are 1000 nits. Still trying to research the best option. If you have any good/bad experience with these, let me know.

Thx,
bill

*EDIT - just realized that there is a Zenarc 702 model has 1000 nits brightness rating!*

 

[jorligan]

Too bad I just bought the Magden computer, that dash command software looks pretty nice. May have to play with that on the other cars

Regarding monitors, The Xenarc 702 looks nice, just afraid the brightness (NITS) rating is not high enough, especially with the targa top off. They have a 706 model that is 650 nits. There is also a Lilliput monitor with a transflective modification and some open frame 7" lcd monitors that are 1000 nits. Still trying to research the best option. If you have any good/bad experience with these, let me know.

Thx,
bill

*EDIT - just realized that there is a Zenarc 702 model has 1000 nits brightness rating!*

I have the Xenarc 700 and definitely it isn't bright enough during a sunny day with or without the top. I am also looking at the 702 or possibly the Lilliput with the transflective screen. Also looking if there is any way to make the 702 transflective. Let me know your success.