Rep Power: 327

disclaimer: I am a complete n00b when it comes to electrical.. the most I've done was install my amp + subs.


So here's what I'd like to do, but I have no idea how to go about it. Hopefully someone can get me started. I wanted to install 2 neon tubes on my sub box that would light up only when the amp is on. How would I do this? I imagine it would involve tapping into some wires, but I've never done that.
If you can explain this, or provide some links, that would be great! (btw it's not a Civic)

 
Rep Power: 434

i would suggest the following parts:

diode placed in your power wire
fuse that is correctly rated for your neons, placed in-line with your power wire
12-16 gauge ground wire
12-16 gauge power wire
crimp-on quick disconnects

now what i would suggest doing is place the diode in your amp's power wire so that current can flow towards the neons, but not backwards. then solder on your neon power wire onto the end of the diode, place the in-line fuse somewhere on the power wire, and crimp it on to one of your quick disconnects, using the opposite quick disconnect for the neon-side power wire. crimp on quick disconnects for the grounding wires and ground the neon tube.

i think that would work, but i'm not an electrician.

 
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i would suggest tapping into a power wire, like the cig. lighter wire, and just use a switch to turn the neons on/off.

 
Rep Power: 327

hmm alright. What if I tapped into the main power wire that's going to my trunk, without a diode.. would that light up the neons whenever the car is on??

 
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I would avoid that circuit, you may cause problems up front. My 05 has a warning if trunk is open and ignition on. (may be o.k. but I would avoid it) That circuit would be constant live.

As mentioned the 12 volt outlet is a good source.

 
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just get like a 16ft long piece of 16ga. wire and run it into the trunk and splice it into the neon wire. only problem is you'll have to find a place to put the switch and i dont know if you want to drill any holes for one.

 
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that's a pretty good idea.. I like that. So run it straight from the battery?

 
Rep Power: 401

yeah you can run it straight from the battery if you want.

 
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why a diode infinite?

noise, I would say get a relay (they are pretty easy to wire up), and connect your remote wire for your amp, a power wire (you could run a 16ga from your amp to the relay), and ground wire(s) (i'm not sure if you would need 1 or 2), and you would be good to go. that would be the best/proper way anyway

 
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because i'm insane, duh. i'm not good with electronics anyways.

 
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Normally a diode is place across the coil of a relay to supress the inductive kick spike. (of course observe polarity)

 
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I don't see why a diode would be needed in this case, that's all

 
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sorry, i'm a noob! i just wanted to sound cool by saying "diode" hahaha

 
Rep Power: 0

you do sound fancy when using a diode, but megahurtz is right, its just overkill.

Find a relay, couple bucks at radioshack or an auto store

Connect terminal 85 to the remote turn on connection on your amplifier
Ground terminal 86
Connect power wire from neons to terminal 30
Connect a fused line from positive connection on your amplifier to terminal 87

Ground the neon's negative power cable.

That should be it, switch on your car and stare at the lights