Installing discreet audio system

[Andymoor94]

Hi all!

I've taken to trying to install a discreet audio system into Eugene. The issue I've got is understanding how to safely work with voltages, as the base unit (Amazon Echo Auto) uses 5v input, whereas the car obviously puts out 12v at the fuse
How do you generally step these down safely? I'm being told use a regulator, use a resistor, use a step down module.

Thanks for any help

[geoberni]

I have no idea about an Amazon Echo Auto, I can barely understand the one in the house, let alone comprehend having one in the car.

However, forgetting voltage, what amperage does the system require?

There's plenty of cigarette adaptor power supplies on ebay that will provide 5v, standard USB connector output. e.g one of many:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Surface-moun ... Swf0Zfj9kr

Just search car 5v power supply.

[Biggles1957]

I would go for a car USB adaptor but make sure it can provide a decent current - the audio system is likely to be on for quite a time rather than just intermittent use so better to have some overkill - otherwise the transformer unit will probably overheat.

[Andymoor94]

I have no idea about an Amazon Echo Auto, I can barely understand the one in the house, let alone comprehend having one in the car.

However, forgetting voltage, what amperage does the system require?

There's plenty of cigarette adaptor power supplies on ebay that will provide 5v, standard USB connector output. e.g one of many:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Surface-moun ... Swf0Zfj9kr

Just search car 5v power supply.

I would go for a car USB adaptor but make sure it can provide a decent current - the audio system is likely to be on for quite a time rather than just intermittent use so better to have some overkill - otherwise the transformer unit will probably overheat.

Cheers guys - Didn't know why I hadn't considered it. Got a similar cig lighter USB on its way

[neilmorey]

If you've already got a 12v outlet could you swap it for a combined 12v and USB?
I fitted something like this in a black plastic case under the glovebox.
https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/12v-24v- ... ghter.html

We used to connect a Bluetooth speaker to one USB outlet and stream music from phone which could be kept charged in the other.

[alawrence10360]

If you've already got a 12v outlet could you swap it for a combined 12v and USB?
I fitted something like this in a black plastic case under the glovebox.
https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/12v-24v- ... ghter.html

We used to connect a Bluetooth speaker to one USB outlet and stream music from phone which could be kept charged in the other.

Which Speaker did you use ?
I was thinking of going down this route

[neilmorey]

"Which Speaker did you use ?"

It was just something really cheap from the supermarket, brand is called Onn. I'd guess it is an older version of this.
https://groceries.asda.com/product/blue ... 0119983808

[alawrence10360]

Is it loud enough ?

[neilmorey]

The Onn rechargeable speaker was okay but guess it depends what you want to listen to and amount of road/ engine noise depending on speed. It's not hifi quality by any means.

I've since fitted a Bluetooth amp and installed speakers as a more permanent solution which is better but higher cost and more work to install.

Speakers: Crunch Dsx42 slim 4" speakers.

Amplifier: caliber-ca752bt-2ch-bluetooth-amplifier