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Car radio - Which car radio adapter should you connect at home?

raficool 35439 13
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  • #1 16979090
    raficool
    Level 7  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 17
    What power supply? How much A Maybe someone will send a link to the website
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  • #2 16979113
    Pedros050
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17906
    Help: 2471
    Rate: 3901
    Hello. Do you have an old ATX computer power supply in working order? Why buy yourself?
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  • #3 16979117
    raficool
    Level 7  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 17
    I have but noah I want to mount it because it is big and not shapely hehe. And something like a power supply for a lap or decoder?
  • #4 16979127
    Pedros050
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17906
    Help: 2471
    Rate: 3901
    What model of this car radio? What power for the speakers?
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  • #5 16979141
    raficool
    Level 7  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 17
    Voice craft :) 4x50 or 4x45 probably has something like that
  • #6 16979163
    Pedros050
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17906
    Help: 2471
    Rate: 3901
    Well, that's just something. Car radio - Which car radio adapter should you connect at home? Model: Desktop 10A 12V
    Supply voltage: 12V DC
    Rated power: 120W And will you connect all 4 speakers?
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  • #7 16979167
    raficool
    Level 7  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 17
    And the end cut off and permanently connect to the radio supply yes?

    Added after 55 [seconds]:

    Is it like a digital polsat decoder?
  • #8 16979182
    Pedros050
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17906
    Help: 2471
    Rate: 3901
    And where is probably not so much Amper and less power? Before you connect such a power supply, do I need to know if you are connecting 4 speakers or only 2?
  • #9 16979184
    raficool
    Level 7  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 17
    Two is enough and even one
  • #10 16979195
    Pedros050
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17906
    Help: 2471
    Rate: 3901
    That's enough for you until the world is cut so the plug we are looking for plus 12V connect to the ISO red and yellow plug and the ground to the black cable from the ISO plug the second gray plug is to connect the speakers to the radio instructions you can handle it. This adapter can be found where you wrote in # 1 post. Just enter this model what I gave. And to the decoder they are similar but the amp is less. https://www.dmtrade.pl/k1480,zasilanie-zasilacze-zasilacze-impulsowe-zasilacze-desktop.html
  • #11 16979219
    raficool
    Level 7  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 17
    So it's not such a cheap deal :) hehe. And he has 120 W power consumption? It's like a TV :)
  • #12 16979234
    Pedros050
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17906
    Help: 2471
    Rate: 3901
    This is the maximum load power of this power supply.
  • #13 16979236
    bestboy21
    Level 40  
    Posts: 7107
    Help: 566
    Rate: 778
    Car radio loaded with 4 ohm 4 speakers can sometimes take over 100W but this is only when it can be heard from neighbors.
    The standard situation is 10-20W.
  • #14 16979243
    raficool
    Level 7  
    Posts: 20
    Rate: 17
    Good thanks for the info. I will combine :) best regards
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around connecting a car radio at home, specifically focusing on the appropriate power supply. Users suggest utilizing an old ATX computer power supply, while others inquire about alternatives like laptop or decoder power supplies. The car radio in question is identified as a Voice Craft model with a power output of 4x50 or 4x45 watts. Recommendations include using a 12V DC power supply rated at 10A, with a maximum load power of 120W. Users discuss the importance of knowing the number of speakers to be connected, with suggestions that two speakers are sufficient. Wiring instructions are provided, emphasizing the connection of the power supply to the ISO plugs. The conversation concludes with a note on the typical power consumption of car radios, which is generally much lower than the maximum load.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Typical car radios draw 10–20 W in normal listening, and “The standard situation is 10–20W.” Use a 12 V, ~10 A desktop supply and wire +12 V to both red and yellow, ground to black. [Elektroda, bestboy21, post #16979236]

Why it matters:** This FAQ helps you choose and wire a safe, quiet power source to run a car head unit at home, especially if you’re unsure about amps, wiring, or speaker count.

Quick Facts

What power supply should I use to run a car radio at home?

Use a 12 V DC desktop supply around 10 A (≈120 W). It suits typical head-unit loads and casual listening. If you plan four speakers and loud sessions, the 10 A headroom helps. This matches the suggested “Desktop 10A 12V, 120W” adapter. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16979163]

Can I use an old ATX computer power supply instead of buying a new one?

Yes, a working ATX PC power supply can power a car radio. It offers a solid 12 V rail and ample current. Many hobbyists repurpose ATX units for bench audio tests. Ensure it is functional before use. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16979113]

How do I wire the radio’s ISO power leads on the bench?

Join the radio’s red and yellow leads to +12 V from your supply. Connect the radio’s black lead to ground. This mirrors standard in-car wiring and ensures memory and ignition lines receive power. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16979195]

Do I need to connect all four speakers for testing?

No. Two speakers are enough for bench tests, and even one will work. This reduces load and current demand while you verify power and functions. [Elektroda, raficool, post #16979184]

How many amps do I need if I’m only using two speakers?

A 12 V, 10 A desktop supply is a practical choice even with two speakers. It provides margin for peaks and avoids shutdowns during louder passages. “Model: Desktop 10A 12V … 120W” was recommended. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16979163]

Will a laptop or decoder power adapter work for a car head unit?

Similar 12 V adapters can work, but many decoder or small brick supplies provide fewer amps. They may fall short if you turn it up or use more speakers. Choose higher current if possible. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16979195]

Does a 120 W label mean the supply always consumes 120 W?

No. 120 W indicates maximum load capability, not constant draw. The radio only pulls what it needs at a given volume. “This is the maximum load power of this power supply.” [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16979234]

How loud can a head unit get with four 4 Ω speakers?

At high volume with four 4 Ω speakers, a head unit can sometimes exceed 100 W total output. Normal listening is far lower. “The standard situation is 10–20W.” [Elektroda, bestboy21, post #16979236]

What is the “ISO plug” on car radios?

The ISO plug is the radio’s standard power/speaker connector discussed here. Power pins feed red (ACC) and yellow (BATT), and black is ground. Speakers connect on the second plug. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16979195]

Quick how-to: How do I power a car radio safely on a bench?

  1. Set a 12 V desktop supply and confirm polarity with a meter.
  2. Connect +12 V to the radio’s red and yellow leads; ground to black.
  3. Attach one or two speakers, then power on and test functions. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16979195]

What if I only have one speaker handy?

That’s fine for setup and testing. One speaker is acceptable and reduces the current requirement while you verify power and audio. “Two is enough and even one.” [Elektroda, raficool, post #16979184]

Why does amperage matter when choosing a supply?

Available current must match your speaker count and volume. Lower-amp supplies may be insufficient, especially with four speakers. Check your plan before connecting. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16979182]
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