LSV Stereo Partial Makeover

[rdlangston13]

So I currently have 1 Exile Harpoon powering my 4 XM9s, one 800.4 powering my 6 Exile cabin speakers, and one Exile 600.1 power my 12" Exile sub. My plan this spring in to swap out those three amps for an Exile 30.2 for the XM9s and a Exile Javelin 5 channel for the sub and cabin speakers. I also am planning on building a shelved battery box to start my batteries to generate more space in the storage locker and add remote terminals in the event I need a job or need to jump someone else.

Currently the Harpoon is mounted to the port wall and the 800.4 and 600.1 are mounted to the factore amp rack that backs up against the bow seats. I am going to remove all of that including both amp racks. This will allow to push one stereo battery farther forward under the bow seat back rest, and then I can put the other stereo battery just aft of that and the starting batter on top since it is the lightest. I then plan on building a custom amp rack to go up against the battery shelve to hold both new amps, the distrobrution block, and the remote power terminals.

I also want to have the amps 1/2" or so elevated from the amp rack and place some strips of blue LEDs behind them so they will have a back lighting affect. I was thinking about wiring the LEDs into the remote power on wire for the amps so when the amps come on, the LEDs will come on.

If anyone has any idea or suggestions on how to accomplish this please share them. I am not going to start this for about three weeks but when I do I will try to remember to take plenty of pictures.

[trayson]

Sounds like a great plan. the new class D amps are a lot smaller and a lot more efficient on battery draw. And you'll be able to re-sell your current amps pretty easy to help finance some of the project. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

I would get a couple of these and wire one to each battery. It's a neat way to get a ballpark idea of the condition of each battery as you go through the day.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-LCD-Voltage-Volt-Meter-7-5-20V-2-Wire-No-Need-Power-Battery-12V-Monitor-MZ-/180481989404?hash=item2a05909b1c:m:mK8DvAzClX0a4HJ URG88mGg

http://i.ebayimg.com/05/!Bo1uZhwCGk~$(KGrHqQOKkQEu,-9k2VUBLpFd5,Dyw~~_12.JPG?set_id=880000500F

[KG's Supra24]

Are you referencing the Winter Update Thread of Dusty/My 24 several years back? It sounds like you are looking for something similar.

[rdlangston13]

Are you referencing the Winter Update Thread of Dusty/My 24 several years back? It sounds like you are looking for something similar.

I have been talking to Dusty and I have looked up that thread today. Yes I am basically copying you two. I need some space in that locker and I am thinking that ya'lls design is the best solution.

[rdlangston13]

Sounds like a great plan. the new class D amps are a lot smaller and a lot more efficient on battery draw. And you'll be able to re-sell your current amps pretty easy to help finance some of the project. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

I would get a couple of these and wire one to each battery. It's a neat way to get a ballpark idea of the condition of each battery as you go through the day.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-LCD-Voltage-Volt-Meter-7-5-20V-2-Wire-No-Need-Power-Battery-12V-Monitor-MZ-/180481989404?hash=item2a05909b1c:m:mK8DvAzClX0a4HJ URG88mGg

http://i.ebayimg.com/05/!Bo1uZhwCGk~$(KGrHqQOKkQEu,-9k2VUBLpFd5,Dyw~~_12.JPG?set_id=880000500F

my distribution block has a voltage read out on it so I think I should be good to go.

[KG's Supra24]

I have been talking to Dusty and I have looked up that thread today. Yes I am basically copying you two. I need some space in that locker and I am thinking that ya'lls design is the best solution.

Yea, that's exactly why we went that route. I figured you had ran through that thread for pics of reference ideas but wanted to make sure.

[trayson]

my distribution block has a voltage read out on it so I think I should be good to go.

Yeah, I hear ya. I went with a distro block with the voltage readout on the XLV too. So I'm right there with ya.

[trayson]

Yea, that's exactly why we went that route. I figured you had ran through that thread for pics of reference ideas but wanted to make sure.

You have me curious. Link to thread?

[KG's Supra24]

https://forum.moomba.com/showthread.php?13917-Winter-Project-is-complete-pics-inside!!!!

[mmandley]

I can tell you now your are WAY behind the 8 ball for upgrades.

This is the time when all stereo companies get pounded with orders and back orders happen.

So of your planning on upgrades you need to purchase asap man.

[rdlangston13]

I can tell you now your are WAY behind the 8 ball for upgrades.

This is the time when all stereo companies get pounded with orders and back orders happen.

So of your planning on upgrades you need to purchase asap man.

I have the amps. I just need to install them.

[rdlangston13]

So i think I will have enough LEDs left to do the cabin speakers as well. Any expert advice on this? I plan on tapping into the courtesy light wires that are already run.

[dusty2221]

It's a real straight forward job, its just a little slow. Pull a speaker and figure out the length of the strip it will take to go around the tweeter, then go ahead and make up all of your strips so they are done. Make sure your lead is long enough on the strips you make to give room to get the speaker in and out and also have room to splice into the boats wiring without being cramped up inside the speaker hole. I would find where you are going to tap into the courtesy lights and figure out the route for each wire to get there, then solder your wires long enough to reach without having to make any splices so it all comes together at the same point to be tied into the boat. Get the idea?

[rdlangston13]

Sounds good. Another question, anyone know how many LEDs the factory courtesy light circuit can support before it will blow a fuse?


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[dusty2221]

Alot.......a whole lot

[rdlangston13]

Well next week when I was planning on bringing the boat to my house to knock all this out we have rain forecasted every day. Literally tomorrow until the next Saturday. Go figure.


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[dusty2221]

We have the same forecast up here...I'm hoping it changes for sure.

[Woody929]

Yep, we were hoping to bring ours home for spring cleaning/de-winterize but we'll have to wait one more week.

Lewisville is still at full pool, we'll see what happens if the rain comes as predicted.

The flood plain just upstream from Grapevine just recently drained from all the rain that started a year ago, and that lake is still 2' above full.

[rdlangston13]

Yeah it's looking like I will have to postpone my projects another week which sucks because now I will have less overall time to do them. Man I wish I had a garage or shop at my house to keep the boat. Being 2 hours away really sucks


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[dusty2221]

Def sucks.

[rdlangston13]

Ok so I got the boat to a storage facility close by the house and when I opened the storage locker to see what I have to work with I found one of my deep cycle batteries apparently exploded over the winter. Which actually kind of works out since I have no space to build the shelves I wanted to to stack the batteries. I now we will only be running a two battery system instead of a three which really greatly simplifies things.

My question is what could make my battery explode?


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[David Analog]

[QUOTE=rdlangston13;285455]Ok so I got the boat to a storage facility close by the house and when I opened the storage locker to see what I have to work with I found one of my deep cycle batteries apparently exploded over the winter. Which actually kind of works out since I have no space to build the shelves I wanted to to stack the batteries. I now we will only be running a two battery system instead of a three which really greatly simplifies things.

" " My question is what could make my battery explode? " "


Ever witness the violence when a metal object arcs across the battery terminals and vaporizes a chunk of the metal? Well, it is pretty much the same thing. You had a short somewhere, and in this case, it was likely inside the battery. This could happen from continued degradation that grew to a catastrophic point. Or, from a battery that was bad, continued to take a charge from the alternator or AC battery charger, never really fully charged, but kept heating up. In most of these cases, the battery needed to be replaced long before the final event. Keeping a battery past its prime can also damage your alternator. In fact, if all batteries were replaced on time, most alternator rebuilders would go out of business. If you are using an AC shore charger, just to be safe, better have it tested.

[dusty2221]

And if you need to replace the charger I have one for sale!

[rdlangston13]

[QUOTE=rdlangston13;285455]Ok so I got the boat to a storage facility close by the house and when I opened the storage locker to see what I have to work with I found one of my deep cycle batteries apparently exploded over the winter. Which actually kind of works out since I have no space to build the shelves I wanted to to stack the batteries. I now we will only be running a two battery system instead of a three which really greatly simplifies things.

" " My question is what could make my battery explode? " "


Ever witness the violence when a metal object arcs across the battery terminals and vaporizes a chunk of the metal? Well, it is pretty much the same thing. You had a short somewhere, and in this case, it was likely inside the battery. This could happen from continued degradation that grew to a catastrophic point. Or, from a battery that was bad, continued to take a charge from the alternator or AC battery charger, never really fully charged, but kept heating up. In most of these cases, the battery needed to be replaced long before the final event. Keeping a battery past its prime can also damage your alternator. In fact, if all batteries were replaced on time, most alternator rebuilders would go out of business. If you are using an AC shore charger, just to be safe, better have it tested.

Where would I take the charger to get it tested?

[Brianinpdx]

David - pick one of these up. I cant tell you how many times I've used them. They work hands down! Ive also brought back a few batteries from the dead with this little guy.

http://smartercharger.com/battery-chargers/#CTEK%20MUS%204.3%20TEST&CHARGE

[rdlangston13]

Ok so I got to the storage unit and here is what I found. There is a big hole in that battery.
http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/4BF70B84-E635-4713-B654-26BC0F7A96AA_zpszseufp8l.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/4BF70B84-E635-4713-B654-26BC0F7A96AA_zpszseufp8l.jpg.html)

A look at basically what I am starting with...
http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/234A1323-731E-443A-B313-A7620614B227_zpsenebixah.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/234A1323-731E-443A-B313-A7620614B227_zpsenebixah.jpg.html)

And now I got everything removed. It is a rats nest of wires I know.
http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/4203DB66-7765-49CC-AC6F-DF179BF36EDA_zpsakwtbfcc.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/4203DB66-7765-49CC-AC6F-DF179BF36EDA_zpsakwtbfcc.jpg.html)


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[David Analog]

[QUOTE=David Analog;285461]

Where would I take the charger to get it tested?

You can check out the charger yourself.
Btw, you have the correct charger for your application provided you do not exceed one battery per each bank and with no single battery larger than a group 31.
Start with the manual. You should find some self-diagnostics instructions.
Then use a multimeter to check the charger functions. Your charger will have three base stages.
Bulk mode: 14.6V at a high current level.
Absorption mode: 14.6V at a low current level.
Float mode: 13.4V at a very low current level (maintenance mode).
Connected to a known good battery and verify with your meter that your charger cycles through from Bulk/Absorption to Float in the prescribed time.

[rdlangston13]

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/928689FD-EB0E-4322-9DBB-1B1AF3F0A121_zpsviuckykn.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/928689FD-EB0E-4322-9DBB-1B1AF3F0A121_zpsviuckykn.jpg.html)

Cut out a template for my new amp board.

Is it safe to run the accessory power and power for the ballets pumps to the same distribution block as the amps or will this cause noise? I ask because doing this will greatly clean up my wore runs. Thanks


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[mmandley]

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/928689FD-EB0E-4322-9DBB-1B1AF3F0A121_zpsviuckykn.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/928689FD-EB0E-4322-9DBB-1B1AF3F0A121_zpsviuckykn.jpg.html)

Cut out a template for my new amp board.

Is it safe to run the accessory power and power for the ballets pumps to the same distribution block as the amps or will this cause noise? I ask because doing this will greatly clean up my wore runs. Thanks


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I would only Run your stereo on the distro blocks.
Mixing in any accessories like ballast pumps invites noise into your system.

[rdlangston13]

Battery box is built. I used hanger bolts and wing nuts for the front and top to be able to have easy access for maintenance. I'm going to spray it with multiple coats of rubberized auto underbody coating and then move forward

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/08F1B971-7587-4B0F-BFDD-EEFE5700B83D_zps40h7hkaa.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/08F1B971-7587-4B0F-BFDD-EEFE5700B83D_zps40h7hkaa.jpg.html)


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[dusty2221]

Looking good so far!

[rdlangston13]

Here is the amp board lay out. The amps will be mounted about 3/4 in up on studs and blue LED backlights.

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/78138EAC-985B-4065-B3AB-9B8698DF70B2_zps4fbxacyd.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/78138EAC-985B-4065-B3AB-9B8698DF70B2_zps4fbxacyd.jpg.html)


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[rdlangston13]

Got my LEDs secured around the speaker grill. Now to secure the LEDs on the amp board for the amp backlighting

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/5E4D6E36-165C-466B-9851-397548138E01_zpsmujv6oi2.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/5E4D6E36-165C-466B-9851-397548138E01_zpsmujv6oi2.jpg.html)



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[rdlangston13]

Needing to extend my battery cable but the parts store only sells 4 gauge. Is that enough to run these starters?????


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[mmandley]

No you need to use 2 or 0

You should be able to measure and have one made.

Or buy the connectors and the cable make your own.

[rdlangston13]

Got it all wrapped up. Here is the new amp board. Amps are backlit with blue LEDs. Put the ballast pump distribution block on the amp board as well and some remote battery terminals invade we need a jump since we went from 3 batteries to 2 batteries

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/6511F180-3F3B-4956-8B78-4E724B1B4905_zpssakcp52m.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/6511F180-3F3B-4956-8B78-4E724B1B4905_zpssakcp52m.jpg.html)

Here are the cabin speakers that got the blue led treatment as well
http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/1C901976-E1AA-47CE-83F4-94F0961DC4F6_zpsqahppwt8.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/1C901976-E1AA-47CE-83F4-94F0961DC4F6_zpsqahppwt8.jpg.html)

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/EB94E695-5A4B-4CC5-B30F-2D62D426A828_zpsp0tkkqij.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/EB94E695-5A4B-4CC5-B30F-2D62D426A828_zpsp0tkkqij.jpg.html)

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/836F8193-AD30-496C-B1CE-641ED2F4763B_zpsnmqw3grx.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/836F8193-AD30-496C-B1CE-641ED2F4763B_zpsnmqw3grx.jpg.html)


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[dusty2221]

Very nice David! Where did the batteries end up?

[rdlangston13]

Very nice David! Where did the batteries end up?

They are behind the amp board tucked neatly out of sight. The amp board is mounted to brackets with studs via wing nuts and there is enough slack in the wires on the other side to pull it out some to access the batteries if you need to.

[dusty2221]

Beautiful! I bet you are thrilled to finally have some room in the cubby!

[rdlangston13]

Yeah here are a couple before and after shots that help show the space gain.

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/234A1323-731E-443A-B313-A7620614B227_zpsenebixah.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/234A1323-731E-443A-B313-A7620614B227_zpsenebixah.jpg.html)

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/rdlangston13/C9305161-E340-4FA5-82C6-F0D8EFC64FD5_zpslagxrn0g.jpg (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/rdlangston13/media/C9305161-E340-4FA5-82C6-F0D8EFC64FD5_zpslagxrn0g.jpg.html)


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[KG's Supra24]

Very nice David!

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

[jmvotto]

Aewsome, but you down scaled an amp

[rdlangston13]

Aewsome, but you down scaled an amp

Yeah, I am going from the 800.4 and 600.1 to just the javelin by itself. I actually gain some sub power but I lose some cabin power. After running it today and getting the gains set I couldn't even tell, in fact I think it runs better now. The harpoon got swapped for a single 30.2 and I didn't have my xm9s with me to test them so we will see how they do tomorrow or Wednesday.

Going from three less efficient amps to two more efficient ones allows me to ditch one stereo battery and further save space.

[crr1876]

That looks great, I just recently moved both my batteries up as well but still need to make an awesome amp rack like that! Did you have difficulty actually getting the rack in place (looks like a tight fit)?

Do you have any plans to move your fire extinguisher bracket? Mine is in the same spot and I feel like it is terribly placed.

[rdlangston13]

Yeah, I am going from the 800.4 and 600.1 to just the javelin by itself. I actually gain some sub power but I lose some cabin power. After running it today and getting the gains set I couldn't even tell, in fact I think it runs better now. The harpoon got swapped for a single 30.2 and I didn't have my xm9s with me to test them so we will see how they do tomorrow or Wednesday.

Going from three less efficient amps to two more efficient ones allows me to ditch one stereo battery and further save space.

I used part of a card board box to make a template for the amp rack. The amp rack is actually the original one that came with the boat, I used a whole bottle of goo gone with a bunch of elbow grease to get all the carpet adhesive off from the factory. Once I had the right size via cardboard I traced it onto the original amp board and used a jig saw to cut it out. Then I placed the amps on the board to drill the mounting holes. I've never really thought about moving the fire extinguisher

[smorris7]

Looks great. Wow, lots of new space! Love the led backlighting on the amps. I may have to do something like that.


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[ian ashton]

Looks awesome man, nice work!

[mmandley]

Looks a ton better Dave, you can tell you spent some time in there.

[kaneboats]

Got room for that diaper bag and some toys now. Good job!