pianoprodigy

Okay, This is my first car audio installation, and I have a few quick questions. Actually, I'll just write what I think is correct and someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I bought a "Multi-Amp" Installation Kit.

I know the 4-gauge comes from the battery and within 12 inches, I need to insert the fuse holder and fuse.

From there, the 4-gauge will continue back to the distribution block (which I believe needs those cigar-shape fuses which didn't come with the package!)

From there, 2 8-gauge wires will split off. One will go to the Basslink, and the other will go to the Polk 2-channel Amp.

Each amplifier will have an 8-gauge ground wire which will be grounded to the metal of the car.

Does all of the above sound right?

The kit included a 4-gauge ground wire. What would this be for? There isn't a ground for the distribution block, is there?

How do I know what type of fuses to use in the distribution block? I know they are the cigar type, but I'm not sure what resistance (right word?)

The kit did include two short sections of 8 gauge wire. These could be used for either power from the distribution block or grounds from the amps, right? I have a string of 8 gauge that I can cut up and use, but I don't understand why they would only give me 2 pieces.

Also, both the fuse holder and the distribution block look like the wires go into the holes and then a screw comes down into the wire. Do I just peel back the plastic and stick in the metal part and tighten down the screws?

I guess that's enough for now

truespin88

Fuses are measured in amperage/current.

What size fuse is in the inline by the battery? Ususally divide that by two for the cigar-style fuses for the distro-block, assumig the block needs fuses...

Is this the Scosche multi-amp kit?

pianoprodigy

It's the Tsunami Multi-Amp kit from Circuit City (I had a gift card).

The battery fuse is a 110 flat fuse. Someone on SoundDomain told me that I would need an AGU 30 Amp fuse for the Basslink (200W RMS) and an AGU 50 Amp fuse for the Polk (150X2W RMS).

blue 88

the small sections of wires are probably for grounding the amps, and i would use the 4 guage ground for the battery.

InsaneGideon

As long as you dont use a fuse value less than what is on the basslink's own fuse (probably a 20A), you'll be OK. A 30A will be fine... as will the 50A on the Polk.

I have a basslink sitting the garage right now... I'm waiting to make a head unit decision. Let me know how you mounted it! I asked unixpilot a while ago but... well, maybe it's time to pester him again.

InsaneGideon

The screws are meant for lug connectors. You didn't get some crimp-on lugs for the wires in the kit? If not, pick some of those up while you're getting the fuses.

Is the 4ga ground wire the same length as the 4-ga power? I wouldn't worry about it anyway, body ground should be fine.

LT1RX7

Use the 4 gauge ground to go from the battery to ground within 18 inches. Ground ground ground. It is by far the most important thing to having a alternator whine free system. When you think you have a good ground, ground it better trust me. The other important thing is dont run the speaker wire near the power wires or you will get interference.

truespin88

As LT1 said, don't run speaker wire/power wire together. If you have to cross them that's fine as long as you do it at a 90 degree angle.

pianoprodigy

Yeah, I did the best I could not to run power/ground wires close to the signal wires. I'm going to get some fuses tonight, and hopefully I'll at least be able to test out the Basslink tonight.

I have an Optima Battery that has been relocated to the bin behind the driver's seat. It has already been grounded with 4 gauge wire, so I should be good in that department.

InsaneGideon