Can the Insight handle a stereo system?

M3FSQ · 07-27-2010, 06:08 PM

I am wondering if my 2000 Honda Insight can handle a 500w rms subwoofer without being to much drain on the battery. If not, what have some of you done to upgrade the stock electronics?

Thank you

02insight · 07-27-2010, 11:00 PM

I am sure it can handle it, but it might cut into your MPG. I have a ~250watt rms sound system, and I have noticed that if its been playing for some time, there is an increase in the background charging which will cost a couple of mpg

**uhtrinity** · 07-27-2010, 11:26 PM

I believe the DC to DC converter is the limiting factor @ 50 amps or so. I run a 8" stealth sub and 500 watt alpine amp. However I have it fused at 20 amps (~240 watts). I've blown that fuse a few times, but that is better than replacing the DC to DC converter.

RobertSmalls · 07-28-2010, 12:15 AM

Hmm... if the car draws 10A and the headlights draw 15A, a 50A DC/DC would suggest you have 35A (just under 500W) to play with.

I find it unlikely you could damage the DC/DC with a 12V load. I've never heard of a DC/DC converter failure. That thing has a MASSIVE heatsink and fan on it, and it's not going to overheat. I'm sure it's got over-load protection as well, which in the worst case would drop you down to battery voltage.

I've used my DC/DC several times to charge my 35Ah 12V battery from flat to full in one sitting, a procedure that can kill some alternators.

Cobb · 07-28-2010, 12:55 AM

You can always add a cap and 2nd battery. Most stereos its pulse vs continious like a light or motor. I have both in my i2, an alpine m450 amp and 2 12es with a sealed box.

I find I get better fuel economy as the hybrid battery is kept at a higher charge, so I have extra power when needed vs having a neg recal to deal with. All I have to do is turn it on and get a few beats out.

Mike Dabrowski 2000 · 07-28-2010, 10:21 AM

I was under the impression that the dc/dc was rated at 75A output. I have seen a 1000W system in an insight.

**uhtrinity** · 07-28-2010, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Dabrowski 2000

I was under the impression that the dc/dc was rated at 75A output. I have seen a 1000W system in an insight.

That sounds right, but I also remember some threads warning about exceeding 50 or so amps and dc to dc converter issues.

**uhtrinity** · 07-28-2010, 11:09 AM

Here is a thread from 2006:

High Current Amplifier okay??

They say there is only 30 amps overhead remaining. They also reference John Wayland (of white zombie ev and stealth sub fame). He did a monster sound system in an Insight and had to use a separate dc to dc system.

Cobb · 07-29-2010, 11:00 AM

Most monster systems of tens of thousands of watts uses a second system of batteries and a 2nd alternator. Other than the blurring or images in the mirrors I havent had any problems in the i2 with my setup. The sony amp I had would cut out and over heat after 45 minutes,it was 700 watts. Withthe alpine setup, its not even warm tothe touch.

When I had silver star bulbs for high beams I notice after ten minutes of use down rural back roads the cabin started to warm up prettyfast, but no errors or codes or anything. Switching to hid resolved that.

Mike Dabrowski 2000 · 07-29-2010, 11:21 AM

Just by the size of the heatsinks and their location in the plenum it is clear that the DC/DC is made to dissipate some watts. The HV fuse for the dc/dc is 30A, 150V@30A is 4500 watts.
12V@75A is only 900Watts, so the peak output current may be over 1000w?

I have several civic dc/dc units from Ron at Hybrid Battery repair, and may connect one to see what it can do.