How to build a test bench??

12voltjunky · Post by **12voltjunky** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 1:50 pm

anyone feel like contributing here?
what does it take to build and set up a good test bench?
anyone have a parts list or instructions? better yet
parts list, instructions and photos?

gridracer · Post by **gridracer** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 2:18 pm

Talk to eric he posted pics of his bench he built on the phorum.

Post by **Eric D** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 8:57 am

Here is my setup. Dual 100A supplies in parallel on separate phases of my home power for load balancing. The PLD protects the head unit from shorted RCAs on an amp, or worse. All remote lines and 12V lines are fused. The speakers I use for listening also are on circuit breakers in case an amps output shorts out.

shawn k · Post by **shawn k** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:04 am

Very nice test bench!! Clean, organized, and I like the idea of using the PLD. Sharp!

shawn k · Post by **shawn k** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:07 am

I really like those cable straps (the ones with the screw in the middle). Where could I purchase those?

Post by **Eric D** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:30 am

The cable organizers are made by Streetwires. They are made in 0, 2, 4, 8 and maybe other gauges as well.

12voltjunky · Post by **12voltjunky** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:38 am

that is one great setup!!!
Looks as though you did an excellent job.

Could something like this be built in stages?
Or, what are the bare essentials for gettign a test
bench started?

Thanks for sharing!

Post by **AVICJR** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:58 am

I believed Vin78 posted some pics of his as well. Very good "model" to use too.

12voltjunky · Post by **12voltjunky** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 1:03 pm

AVICJR wrote:I believed Vin78 posted some pics of his as well. Very good "model" to use too.

can't seem to find that.
where is it located, please?

Post by **Eric D** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 3:54 pm

My bench has been built in stages, and it is a long way from being done.

Step one is to get the actual equipment. Start with a good power supply, and also you need a good deck. If you just want to see if amps work, your deck does not have to be the best, but if you want to know how good an amp sounds, starting with a bad deck will not let you even hear the quality of the amp.

You also need to get some really good speakers if you want to know how good an amp sounds. I built mine. If you don't care about the sound so much as the function, then some 6in coax would work great.

It all depends what you plan to do in the long run. My goal is to power test amps, and for that, I need the 200A of current. If you just want to listen to them, you only need a 15-30A supply. I used a 30A supply for probably 5 or more years just fine fixing amps.

12voltjunky · Post by **12voltjunky** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 5:02 pm

^its details like this that really help someone like me. Thanks for your input. Where can I get a decent power supply? And what exactly is a "decent" power supply? I would like to be able to test larger amps for subs too.