ca series

[likeitloud]

Hi, I'm just curious if anyone else has experienced any issues with ca series amps overheating lot's.  I do realize there high current amps but I ask cause myself and a few friends use them, installed at an authorized massive dealer, and two of us have issues with overheating.  None of the RS series guys seemed to have these problems.  The shop suggested cutting a hole in the back of the mounting plate and mounting a cage fan underneath, however I'm not to fond of the idea to cut into that sexy mirror finish etched with the massive logo.  Any thoughts someone?.... 

I'd also be interested, if anyone has the time to explain, to learn the "proper way", aside from earing it up,  to tweak these amps.  It's a pain in the ass to take it too the shop everytime I want it loud for soundoffs and what not and then down again for music.  Thanks all

[xmax-1]

I have a CA50.4 amp, and have never had it go into protect. It did get warm (NOT HOT) however during high volume for long periods of time. Make sure you have enough power (voltage and amperage) to drive it hard.

It sounds like thermal protection is kicking in. It also sounds like your electrical system isn't up to par to use that amp the way you want to.


Which amp is it and what electrical upgrades have you done?

[likeitloud]

thanks for the reply.  I've got two ca50.4's, I've got a 120amp alt, oddysey batt(not sure of size I'll have to go check, cost me about $450 cad though), and two massive 2 farad caps, one for each amp.  All my wiring is oxygen free copper, the power being flat 2 guage, which installed better and acctually worked out to allmost the same stranding as 0/1. It runs to a dist. block in the back and supplies both amps with 4 guage.  We wanted to try the 4 channel on subs to see how it sounded since the specs on these amps was great and I originally wanted SQ.... and I also wanted matching amps .  I've got ck 6.5 component and cx 6.9s running off the other amp and it's absolutely wonderful.  The sub amp is running two 12" CW's at 1 ohm I believe.  I should clarify that the amp is in my hatch and the only time I've really had problem is on summer days after about 1/2 hour or so of good straight thumping, it goes into protect.  It's just annoying as hot days is when I wanna  be out having fun in the car.... and I know guys with other massive amps who have similar installs with no problem.   Before it goes into protect I must say though that the quality of bass is amazing, and when the shop turns me up for SPL stuff it's loud.  149.5 last time we miked it, so I'm rather happy with the amp, just need to figure out the heat issues. 

[xmax-1]

Sounds like the amp can't breath. Make sure it's not confined in a closed area. it needs ventilation. Also haveing it in direct sunlight (such as in the hatch area) will help. If it's in a trunk car, DO NOT mount it upside down. The heatsinks need to be facing up.. If it's in an enclosued amprack, a squirrl cage fan at one end of the rack will greatly help by blowing air across the heatsinks.


PS. CUTTING HOLES IN THE BACK PLATE WILL NOT HELP COOLING! It'll just ruin that beautiful amp.

[likeitloud]

thanks alot man. I ended up buying an 8" squirel cage, made by scorpien.  A little pricey but it seems to be pushing quite a bit of air flow over the amp now.  We'll see how well it works on the next hot day.  thanks again.

[xmax-1]

Just make sure you can feed the amp the voltage and current it needs. If you can't, that will cause it to get hot also.

GOTTA FEED THE NEED.........IT TAKES POWER TO MAKE POWER!

[admin]

I think the main issue is the power. 120 amps to run the entire car seems a little light considering what you have in there

Please let us all know if something else helps with the cooling.

[xmax-1]

Power was my first concern also.

[likeitloud]

thanks guys, seems to be fine now.  I think my main issue is my location.  It's elevated on sled style brackets so that there is plenty of air flow, however it's in direct light, so if I'm to park out of the shade for any length of time my amp is quite hot before I even turn it on.  I just make sure now that I let the fan run for awhile when that happens instead of just cranking tunes right away.  My power has never been an issue however as it has never once blinked any other light on my amp other than power and thermal.  None of the under or over voltages have ever come on.  I don't know if your farmiliar with the oddyssey brand at all but there batts. are amazing. Anyways the only time the amp is turned loud enough that the power would be an issue is for spl show, as the rest of the time I've got it turned way down for listning.  I'll let ya guys know if the problem presents itself again.  Thanks alot for your input.

[xmax-1]

glad we could help. Keep us updated!