Quick wiring question...

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Insane3D

Elite Member
May 24, 2000
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As for the tubing, I dunno. I'd just find a size that works. Why are you using Monster cable?

Sorry, I meant the cable itself is very large...4700+ strand 1/0 gauge lead. It's totaly overkill, but I'm redoing the charging system in my Mustang, and I need a new positive lead, so I'm making my own out of some nice stereo grade stuff for a few more bucks. I'm putting in an upgraded 3G 120A alternator, redoing the main lead for the alternator with some 1800+ strand 4Ga wire, 150A ANL fuse, and a platnium coated fuse holder.

I was just curious what size HS tubing I will need as this 1/0 cable is HUGE.

Oh, and I do have a digital multi-meter, but wouldn't I have to pierce the wires to tell?
 

TitanDiddly

Guest
Dec 8, 2003
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12VDC will work fine. If it can come through a cigarette lighter port, then an ATX PSU can deliver the power.
 

Insane3D

Elite Member
May 24, 2000
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Well, I just found a "wall wart" here at work that has the right end on it, and it's 12VDC, but only 200mA...will it be enough?
 

Ryuson99

Golden Member
Feb 9, 2004
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Originally posted by: Insane3D
Well, I just found a "wall wart" here at work that has the right end on it, and it's 12VDC, but only 200mA...will it be enough?

i don't think so since the scanner is 500mA
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Insane3D
Yeah, I wasn't sure if there was an acceptable variance...
Anything over the rating is fine, but it can't be under unless you want crispy components(most likely in the wall wart, but ..)

Anything, as long as it's ~12V and above 500mA will work.

The 13.8V @ 500mA should work. That's what a healthy charging system puts off, no?
 

Insane3D

Elite Member
May 24, 2000
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Yeah, but the 13.8 one I have @ home is for my battery charger, and I need it. I can't find any 13+v models that have the pin connector right. I'm thinking of getting this one and splicing on the end I need. This still leaves me the problem of figuring out which wire is positive and negative from the end I'm putting on. I noticed on all the "wall warts" I've seen, there is a wire with writing, and a wire with long stripes....is this a standard that would tell me which is positive and which is negative?
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Insane3D
Yeah, but the 13.8 one I have @ home is for my battery charger, and I need it. I can't find any 13+v models that have the pin connector right. I'm thinking of getting this one and splicing on the end I need. This still leaves me the problem of figuring out which wire is positive and negative from the end I'm putting on. I noticed on all the "wall warts" I've seen, there is a wire with writing, and a wire with long stripes....is this a standard that would tell me which is positive and which is negative?
Yeah, the one with the stripe should be negative.

But if you have a DMM just hook it up. There's only two combinations. :p Use a piece of tape to label them.

12V should work.

I'm pretty sure Radioshack has a 12V adapter. It has a "universal" plug on it. You then get a pack of adapters that fit the plug.

Or you can go to Wal-Mart or somewhere similar and get one of those adapters that are selectable, like 3 - 4.5 - 9 - 12v. They usually come with a multitude of tips, too.

12v @ 500mA

12v @ 1A

Adaptaplug
 

Insane3D

Elite Member
May 24, 2000
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Yes, but the Radioshack variants are all like $17-$30. The ones @ allelectronics are $4. :p

As I asked before, to test the wires I would need to pierce them right? I have those type of testing ends for my mm, I just didn't really want to put holes in the wire...*shrug*
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Insane3D
Yes, but the Radioshack variants are all like $17-$30. The ones @ allelectronics are $4. :p

As I asked before, to test the wires I would need to pierce them right? I have those type of testing ends for my mm, I just didn't really want to put holes in the wire...*shrug*
Well then get a 12V @ 500mA one from allelectronics. :p

You could then to to radioshack for the correct end that you need...

As for piercing the wires.. why can't you just use the probes on the little jack thingie? Will it not fit inside?
 

Insane3D

Elite Member
May 24, 2000
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Yeah, they will fit, but that won't tell me which wire is positive and which is negative. Plus, by the labeling on the brick, you can tell if the inside or outside of the jack is positive/negative, but again, it doesn't tell me whch wire is.
 

Heisenberg

Lifer
Dec 21, 2001
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Originally posted by: Insane3D
Yeah, they will fit, but that won't tell me which wire is positive and which is negative. Plus, by the labeling on the brick, you can tell if the inside or outside of the jack is positive/negative, but again, it doesn't tell me whch wire is.
The stripe is almost always the negative. Piercing the wire is no big deal if your leads have a fairly sharp point. Just work the insulation back a little after you're done and it'll be fine.