anyone have voltage problems with audio systems?
08-16-12, 06:57 PM
#1
anyone have voltage problems with audio systems?
the electrical problems arent really big- i just get VERY heavy dimming even though my voltage is doing well. and ive never really been able to figure out why. any ideas or anyone with similar problems?
equipment running:
total wattsunder 2,000 RMS
270 high output amp
kinetik 2400 (1 battery for the entire car)
equipment running:
total wattsunder 2,000 RMS
270 high output amp
kinetik 2400 (1 battery for the entire car)
08-17-12, 11:06 AM
#6
What's your voltage dropping to? Iirc you've upgraded the wires under the hood so that shouldn't be the issue. I'm running more power than you with stock electrical, I've got hids so the headlights don't dim but I'll get some minor dimming of dash lights once in a while. When I've checked it my voltage drops to the 13 range under heavy load.
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08-17-12, 03:36 PM
#9
A capacitor can help stop the symptom, but is just adding more load to the in-car electrical system. A second battery just for the stereo charging through an isolator is the best way to do it. As the isolator removes the draw from the cars battery and electrical system, and gives an aux battery that is just for the amps. Amp no longer will kill your start battery when playing the stereo with the engine off, and no more issues with the amps stealing power from other components in the car..
08-17-12, 09:21 PM
#10
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yup a 1 farad cap can only support about 400 watts. so you would need about 5 caps.. they are just tiny batteries.. i would run another battery..
08-17-12, 09:27 PM
#11
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A capacitor can help stop the symptom, but is just adding more load to the in-car electrical system. A second battery just for the stereo charging through an isolator is the best way to do it. As the isolator removes the draw from the cars battery and electrical system, and gives an aux battery that is just for the amps. Amp no longer will kill your start battery when playing the stereo with the engine off, and no more issues with the amps stealing power from other components in the car..
08-17-12, 10:03 PM
#12
The CHEAPEST thing to do is to add second battery with isolator as mentioned, but that too only hides the symptoms. Yea the dimming will go away, but with all the probably cheap power from the amp, the rear battery is just gonna stay empty and system will still run off the alternator and destroy it. The PROPER t hing to do is get a larger alternator.
As already asked, what amp are you using? I ran just under 3000 watts of REAL power (JL Audio) and 2 compressors for air ride (equivalent to another 800watt amp) and NEVER had a dimming problem. But because of the design of a GOOD amp can practically power itself, it did no harm to the stock electrical system. I did a write up on "The Big Three" look for it, thats where you need to start, its costly, but helps a lot.
08-17-12, 10:07 PM
#13
you can run a second battery with out the isolator...as long as it the same battery.. i had 4 optima batteries for 8 years in my civic when i did sound compitions with the stock alternator.. I have 5 svr batteries in my GS for 4 years with the stock alternator..battery isolaters are used when you have different size or brands of batteries..
Either way an additional battery can greatly improve stereo performance, the op has an uprated alternator already, but otherwise other people should keep in mind adding either a battery or capacitor it's all still more load for the car to charge so alternator performance is always still important.
08-17-12, 10:11 PM
#14
you can run a second battery with out the isolator...as long as it the same battery.. i had 4 optima batteries for 8 years in my civic when i did sound compitions with the stock alternator.. I have 5 svr batteries in my GS for 4 years with the stock alternator..battery isolaters are used when you have different size or brands of batteries..
