Weird Request
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 551
Likes: 3
From: Spokane Washington
Weird Request
Does anyone know if there is a way to turn off an amp and still have sound come out of the speakers.
I have 4 6 X 9s in my boat that are hooked up to a 4 channel amp and I would like to be able to use the amp when the boat is running but then only use the deck power when the boat is off to conserve battery power.
Thanks
I have 4 6 X 9s in my boat that are hooked up to a 4 channel amp and I would like to be able to use the amp when the boat is running but then only use the deck power when the boat is off to conserve battery power.
Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
hmmm.... I could have fun with this project 
You could use the boats accessory power wire (hot when boat is running) to switch on a hi-current SPDT relay that turns on the amp. Use the same wire to also switch several DPDT relays (one for each speaker) that would select where the speaker gets it's signal from (on=amp, off=HU).
But like pentavolvo said, unless your amp is way more powerful than the internal amp in the HU you really won't be saving that much current.
You could use the boats accessory power wire (hot when boat is running) to switch on a hi-current SPDT relay that turns on the amp. Use the same wire to also switch several DPDT relays (one for each speaker) that would select where the speaker gets it's signal from (on=amp, off=HU).
But like pentavolvo said, unless your amp is way more powerful than the internal amp in the HU you really won't be saving that much current.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,367
Likes: 211
From: Edgewood Washington
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
You can install a marine battery charger that is always connected to the battery and powered from your shore power system.
Another benefit, when the boat is docked or parked on the trailer, all you have to do is plug in the shore power to charge the battery.
Make sure you use a charger (check out West Marine) that will "float" once the battery(s) are fully charged and it's a good idea to have a breaker (Marinco, easy to mount) on the charger.
Another benefit, when the boat is docked or parked on the trailer, all you have to do is plug in the shore power to charge the battery.
Make sure you use a charger (check out West Marine) that will "float" once the battery(s) are fully charged and it's a good idea to have a breaker (Marinco, easy to mount) on the charger.
