Jacobs Electronics – AccuVolt

Last November, we had the opportunity to install a Jacobs Electronics Omni Magnum ignition system in our K-5 Blazer and were pleased with the outcome. Several months and thousands of miles have gone by since, and we couldn’t be happier. Their product quality and reputation cannot be beat nor can the support team they have if you should ever need a question answered.

This takes us to our next product review from Dr. Christopher Jacobs. It’s called the AccuVolt. As we all love to go wheelin’, there is nothing like going out on your favorite trail at night. This of course means you need to supplement the stock lighting. But, we all know what happens, you hit the switch and hear the alternator start to whine because of the load the lights put on the charging system. Add in a boomin’ stereo, a CB Radio, a winch and your blender and your just asking for trouble. With the help from Jacobs Electronics on what size of AccuVolt we needed, we received our FR750W model and were excited to see what results we would receive with the addition to our charging system. It should be understood that this is a true step up to the vehicles voltage regulator. There are two other models to choose from; a 375-watt model and a 1500-watt model. The decision on the model you choose will depend on your specific application.

This is how it works; voltage that enters into the AccuVolt is “dirty” from the vehicles charging system. It is then processed through the computer and cleaned before it reaches the component you are powering. What is remarkable about this product is even if the vehicles battery is low in voltage, as low as 9.5 volts, the AccuVolt has a user adjustable (13.5 to 16.25 volts) output rating! It comes preset from the factory at 14 volts. More than one component can be operated off of the AccuVolt as long as the stated amps rating of the AccuVolt model you are using is not exceeded. Again, each AccuVolt model is different, so follow the provided table and instructions with each unit. And that’s it. Now you ask, did it work? You bet. Just as Jacobs stated, working well enough to take care of the problem we intended it to repair. Read our installation steps of this very unique product to see how Jacobs has made another user-friendly product that is a welcome addition to our project Blazer.

  
Installation:

Note: Before beginning any work on your vehicles electrical system, always disconnect the battery.

We decided to mount our new AccuVolt on the inside of the drivers’ side front fender. (See photo) This was chosen because of the need to provide proper airflow to the AccuVolt. Installation could not be any simpler. We followed the instructions provided with choosing the proper wire size based on the distance from the vehicle battery to the AccuVolt. After this was determined, we braided our power wires and ran them to the input side of the AccuVolt. We installed closed eyelets and heat shrink on the end of our wires so the connection would be solid. (See photo)

Next, the wiring was routed from the output terminals of the AccuVolt to our lights. The same steps were followed for these connections as well. The AccuVolt’s connectors are made of heavy-duty copper and offer 1/4-20 threaded studs with nuts and lock washers instead of small setscrews to make the connections.

The last wiring connection consists of running a wire to a switched positive source, such as an unused ignition outlet in the main fuse box under the dash on our truck. The final step is to reattach the battery cables and power wires for the new AccuVolt to the battery. Now, you might ask yourself, how do I know I installed this correctly? As with our Omni Magnum ignition system, Dr. Jacobs has made self-diagnostics on his products very user friendly. When we started our truck, there is a “green” light that is on the side of the AccuVolt that illuminates. This confirms system is functioning correctly. There is the option of mounting an external annunciator, (that’s a fancy name for an externally mounted LED) which is provided from Jacobs, which can be mounted inside the vehicle to monitor the AccuVolt. There is also a “red” light. If there should be an overheating situation, this will warn the owner of a potential problem. If either of these lights come on, there is a fault detection table located in the installation instructions to troubleshoot. The beauty of these warning lights, if one or both should come on, the AccuVolt will go into a fail safe mode to allow the component to continue to function.

And that’s it! Simple. Effective. It should be known that this product has been used for stereo applications for powering amplifiers for the cleanest possible voltage available. We are told that the sound improvement is awesome. Contact Jacobs tech department for the AccuVolt that would best suit your individual needs.

Description	Notes	Rating
Ease of Install	Again, Jacobs has done its job in making it as simple as possible-5 connections.
Ease of Use	N/A	N/A
Performance	Solved our voltage drop problem when the auxiliary lights are turned on
Durability	All connections are weather tight and all of the wires are well insulated. Typical Jacobs construction. Outstanding!
Appearance	Located near the Omni Magnum, the two components compliment each other well.
Drivability	N/A	N/A
Comfort	N/A	N/A
Price in comparison to related products	We couldn’t find any related products to compare it to. Dr. Jacobs has cornered the market again.
Was it worth it???	Definitely. If we decide to do a stereo system in the future, we’ll be ready.
Tools Required	Drill and assorted bits. Small wrenches. Screwdrivers. Wire and wire strippers. Assorted crimp on wire connectors. Heat shrink tubing.
Editors Notes	If electronic improvements are in your near future then this is the product for you. From stereos to lights or any other power sucking accessory, the AccuVolt will quell their needs. Talking to our Jacobs friends, this can be used to improve your power windows also. A true quality made component. …TS