A Word About
Amplifier Current Draw...
The following basic formula can be used as a quick guide to determine the
total amperage draw of a mobile audio system. This formula is based on a 50%
amplifier efficiency rating.
Diamond Audio D5
amplifiers are actually more
efficient than that, but others may be less.
Formula:
Total amplifier rated RMS power divided by .5 = Total Input Wattage
Total Input Wattage = Current Draw (in Amps)
Battery Voltage
Example:
A
D5 5.1
amplifier has 5 channels at 60 Watts and 2 channels at 70 watts per
channel RMS into 4 Ohms totaling 440 Watts. Work the formula as follows:
440 Watts / .5 = 880 W
880 W = 73.33 A Total Current Draw
12 V
If the sub channels are being driven to a 2 Ohm stereo or a 4 Ohm mono load,
double the total wattage number of those channels (280 watts) and add the
300 watts from the other 5 channels:
580 Watts / .5 = 1160 W
1160 W = 96.67 A Total Current Draw
12 V
Note: If you are installing multiple amplifiers, add up the total current draw
for all of them and choose the appropriate gauge based on the grand
total.
TURN-ON CONNECTION (REMOTE)
Locate the terminal labeled “REMOTE” 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 REMOTE connection. Strip
approximately 1/2 inch of insulation from the wire. Insert the wire into the
terminal, and tighten the Allen screw. Your
D5 Professional Reference Series
Amplifier
will accept remote turn-on wire up to 10 gauge directly.
Diamond Audio Technology 6
