How to Power a Car Amplifier Using a Computer Power Supply
Find the power pin., Cut the power wire from the pin and strip the end. , Cut the ground wire from the pin and strip the end., Connect both striped ends using electrical tape or soldering iron or both. , Group all the 12v rails together by cutting...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Find the power pin.
In the power supply packaging (if bought new) there should be a pinout diagram.
Look for the pin that says something along the lines of “Power on”, "PS OK" or other key words that indicates a on signal.
It will be on the biggest pigtail. 99% of the time it will be a green wire on new power supplies, but for older power supply “10+ years” the wire could be yellow or purple.
If your power supply did not come with a pinout diagram, check the manufacturer website for a pinout diagram. -
Step 2: Cut the power wire from the pin and strip the end.
, Refer to the pinout diagram to know which color is the ground wire.
99.9% of the time it will be the black wire. ,, Refer to the Pinout diagram to know which color the 12v rails are.
99.9% of the time it will be the yellow wires.
Use electrical tape to bundle them together exposing their strip ends on one side.
If using a soldering iron, solder all the ends together. , Refer to the Pinout diagram to know which color the grounds are.
99.9% of the time it will be the black wires.
Use electrical tape to bundle them together exposing their strip ends on one side.
If using a soldering iron, solder all the ends together. , Some amplifiers might just say “12v” instead of the “+”. , Some amplifiers might just say “GROUND” instead of the “-”. ,, Enjoy! -
Step 3: Cut the ground wire from the pin and strip the end.
-
Step 4: Connect both striped ends using electrical tape or soldering iron or both.
-
Step 5: Group all the 12v rails together by cutting them from their pins and stripping the ends.
-
Step 6: Group all the ground wires together (except the ground wire ) by cutting them from the pins and stripping the ends.
-
Step 7: Take the bundled yellow/12v wires and insert/attach it to the “+” source of the amp.
-
Step 8: Take the bundled black wires and insert/attach it to the “-” source of the amplifier.
-
Step 9: Use a discarded piece of wire to connect the “+” or “12v” to the “REM” or “REMOTE” source on the amplifier.
-
Step 10: Plug in you power supply to the wall and it should power on.
Detailed Guide
In the power supply packaging (if bought new) there should be a pinout diagram.
Look for the pin that says something along the lines of “Power on”, "PS OK" or other key words that indicates a on signal.
It will be on the biggest pigtail. 99% of the time it will be a green wire on new power supplies, but for older power supply “10+ years” the wire could be yellow or purple.
If your power supply did not come with a pinout diagram, check the manufacturer website for a pinout diagram.
, Refer to the pinout diagram to know which color is the ground wire.
99.9% of the time it will be the black wire. ,, Refer to the Pinout diagram to know which color the 12v rails are.
99.9% of the time it will be the yellow wires.
Use electrical tape to bundle them together exposing their strip ends on one side.
If using a soldering iron, solder all the ends together. , Refer to the Pinout diagram to know which color the grounds are.
99.9% of the time it will be the black wires.
Use electrical tape to bundle them together exposing their strip ends on one side.
If using a soldering iron, solder all the ends together. , Some amplifiers might just say “12v” instead of the “+”. , Some amplifiers might just say “GROUND” instead of the “-”. ,, Enjoy!
About the Author
Emma Reed
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in crafts and beyond.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: