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©2005 Diamond Audio Technology. All Rights Reserved ©2005 Diamond Audio Technology. All Rights Reserved
Batteries and High Output Alternators…
The battery in your car is a chemical storage device for electrical energy generated by the
alternator. It is capable of briefly supplying high currents for cold starting the vehicle as
well as powering other important electrical loads either partially or entirely for a limited
period when the engine is off.
In order to supply the power required for ignition, lighting, large audio systems etc. a car
needs its own efficient, reliable, and constantly available source of energy. When the
engine is stopped, the battery is the vehicle’s energy source. When the engine is running,
the alternator is the on-board “electricity generating plant.” It is the job of the alternator
to supply power to all current-consuming loads (including the audio system).
Alternator output, battery capacity, and power demand of all electrical loads and systems
must be matched as ideally as possible so the entire system is reliable and trouble-free
in operation.
In the most basic of terms, this means that car audio is gasoline powered. Extra batteries
are primarily for the extended operation of your audio system when the engine is off, or
for SPL competitions where high sound pressure levels are generated for short periods of
time. In which large battery racks are needed to provide the necessary current demanded
by the many amps used.
D9 Series Amplifiers are capable of reproducing “concert level” volumes with incredible
accuracy. Care must be taken to ensure that your vehicle is capable of supplying the
voltage and current required by such a system.
D9 amplifiers are designed to accept up to 0Êgauge power and ground cable, in some
systems this may be overkill, but bigger is always better when it comes to power and
ground connections.
Power & Ground (12VDC)
Because the D9 power supply is more dependent on current than voltage, greater
attention needs to be taken when installing power and ground connections.
These power supplies need an unrestricted flow of current. The proper valued ANL fuse
is recommended. Circuit breakers are ok too, but most AGU and Maxi fuses are not large
enough to handle the load.
The vehicles factory ground at the battery should be upgraded to 0 gauge, the same as
the amplifiers power and ground cable.
The amplifier ground must be sufficient to pass the same amount of current as the
power wire. Therefore, self tapping screws through 1/8" of sheet metal will not suffice. A
3/8" bolt, nut, and lock washer on a solid ground is recommended, typically on the floor
board. Remove any paint, glue or padding from the ground and use a ring terminal.
Capacitors - Capacitors can be very beneficial as they charge and discharge very
quickly while holding the voltage steady. But in systems with a lot of current draw, a
battery is a better choice due to its higher capacity for that current. Capacitors virtually
do nothing for D9 performance.
When using multiple D9 amplifiers, a high output alternator is definitely
recommended.
Strip approximately 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of the power/ground cable going
to the amplifier. Insert the stripped cable into the power block on the end of the amplifier
and tighten the Allen screw. Repeat for each amplifier installed.
Turn-on (Remote)
Locate the terminal labeled “REM” between the ground and +12V power connection
points on the end of the amplifier. Your source unit should have a wire in its harness
labeled “REMOTE” or “AMP TURN-ON.” Some source units come equipped with a “Power
Antenna” lead only. This should also work. Run this wire from your source unit to the
amplifiers REM connection. Strip approximately 1/2Êinch of insulation from the wire.
Insert the wire into the terminal, and tighten the Allen screw. D9 amplifiers will accept
remote turn-on wire up to 10Êgauge or banana jacks directly.
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