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fourgivn1
Dodge Dakota
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2/05/2002
07:19:53

Subject: Heat problems w/amps?
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Got a question for those of you who have amps mounted under their seats. I have 2 Kenwood amps (a KAC-628 and a KAC-729), and both of them fit easily under my seats (one per side). The larger one (the KAC-729) has about a 1/2" clearance, and the smaller one has more than that. I'm wondering if any of you have had any problems with cutoff due to heat; in other words, am I going to need to worry about airflow, or mounting a small fan or something under there in the summer, or will it be cool? I live in Va Beach and it usually gets up to about 80 or so in the summer. Just want a somewhat experienced opinion from someone who actually has amps under there.



DaveR
Dodge Dakota
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2/05/2002
17:13:25

RE: Heat problems w/amps?
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I run a pair of alpines under either of my seats. I have not had probloms yet but my sub amp does warm up. I don't know how yours are mounted but mine are suspended upsidedown from the cage under the seat with wire ties. I haven't had the ties melt yet, so i guess it's ok. I don't run my system extreamly loud though so that will play a major factor as well.



2THEXTRM
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2/05/2002
17:31:23

RE: Heat problems w/amps?
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FYI from experience- If at all possible, avoid mounting amps upside down. It defeats the ability for heatsink to release heat from inside the amp and instead it becomes trapped punishing circuit board, power supply, etc. If the amp is running hot enough(if you can't hold your hand on amp, it's too hot!), you can seriously reduce the amplifiers life and eventually a meltdown or breakdown of the internal components will occur. If you have to mount them upside down(such as to bottom of seat) and the area will be free of foreign objects(feet, groceries, moisture, etc. you are better off removing heat sink cover and replacing with window screen material(cheap and keeps most objects away from circuit board), then using a 12v highflow fan over exposed components. For a few more dollars, Digital Amplifiers run more efficiently(generate less heat) and very cool, so the mounting options are not limited.

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fourgivn1
Dodge Dakota
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2/05/2002
22:14:04

RE: Heat problems w/amps?
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Well, to be honest, I'm one of those guys who is pretty particular about my system...meaning, occasionally I will check my system, and if I think it's getting too hot, I'll crank up the A/C or turn it off for 20 or 30 minutes or such. I've never yet gotten to the point where the amp got too warm. Is there a good reason for mounting them upside down, vice regularly (on the floor)? Just curious. There seems to be at least an inch of clearance between the top of the amp and the bottom of the seat. If I need to, in the future, I plan on mounting a fan down there.



Dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/05/2002
23:17:56

RE: Heat problems w/amps?
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ehh 80 degrees and heat can't be in the same sentence, that's winter weather where I come from.

The amps can be easily pushed to there limits in that climate.

If your cautious go out and by a cheap fan and wire it to the amp correctly for added cooling.
Red wire positive and black wire negative



fourgivn1
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2002
07:28:57

RE: Heat problems w/amps?
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*LOL* I'm an electronics technician for the Navy....I got the whole positive/negative thing down pat. But you're trying to help; I appreciate it anyways. I may do it anyways, but good to know others have them where I'm putting them in higher heat, and they do just fine. But like I said, I'm the type of guy who will feel the amp to test heat, and shut it off or turn A/C on max to cool it down if need be, so I don't think the fan will be necessary. Thanks!



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