S
sparky3489
Guest
If your total system power is 1200 watts RMS or more, you will need to:
1. Upgrade the "Big 3" - that is to replace (or add to) the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis.
2. Upgrade to a yellow top battery
3. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator
Failure to do this will result in the early death of the alternator as it will eventually fail.
Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need http://www.box.net/shared/uchv4dbk88
You will need Microsoft Excel. If you don't have Excel, use this link http://www.box.net/shared/nkkw1dhk4g
A second battery is never a good idea as it's an added strain on the alternator to charge two batteries AND supply power for the car. The ONLY time a second battery is useful is if the audio system is to be used with the car off or for very high powered systems.
The thing is, people get confused in the real purpose of a cap. It is not used to cure or prevent dimming lights nor will it change the way the system sounds (both are misconceptions).
To undertsand the purpose you need to understand how they work.
A cap does it's best to keep the voltage at a certain level, but if the voltage changes so will the cap voltage. The cap just makes the change smoother. The diming light syndrome isn't a voltage issue but rather a current (amperage) drop. The voltage simply follows what the current does. A cap does not help this situation at all. A cap doesn't provide more power nor does it try to correct it.
A cap is perfect for a noisy voltage line or if the car has fast, erratic voltage spikes/drops. This is why caps are used in AC to DC power supplies as they are used to smooth out the DC ripple for a more smooth DC output.
The ONLY cure for dimming lights is a more hefty amperage source, the alternator.
The REAL powerplant of the car is the alternator. The ONLY purpose of the battery is to start the car and run the accessories with the engine off, nothing else.
See my site for more info http://spkrbox1.spaces.live.com
1. Upgrade the "Big 3" - that is to replace (or add to) the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis.
2. Upgrade to a yellow top battery
3. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator
Failure to do this will result in the early death of the alternator as it will eventually fail.
Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need http://www.box.net/shared/uchv4dbk88
You will need Microsoft Excel. If you don't have Excel, use this link http://www.box.net/shared/nkkw1dhk4g
A second battery is never a good idea as it's an added strain on the alternator to charge two batteries AND supply power for the car. The ONLY time a second battery is useful is if the audio system is to be used with the car off or for very high powered systems.
The thing is, people get confused in the real purpose of a cap. It is not used to cure or prevent dimming lights nor will it change the way the system sounds (both are misconceptions).
To undertsand the purpose you need to understand how they work.
A cap does it's best to keep the voltage at a certain level, but if the voltage changes so will the cap voltage. The cap just makes the change smoother. The diming light syndrome isn't a voltage issue but rather a current (amperage) drop. The voltage simply follows what the current does. A cap does not help this situation at all. A cap doesn't provide more power nor does it try to correct it.
A cap is perfect for a noisy voltage line or if the car has fast, erratic voltage spikes/drops. This is why caps are used in AC to DC power supplies as they are used to smooth out the DC ripple for a more smooth DC output.
The ONLY cure for dimming lights is a more hefty amperage source, the alternator.
The REAL powerplant of the car is the alternator. The ONLY purpose of the battery is to start the car and run the accessories with the engine off, nothing else.
See my site for more info http://spkrbox1.spaces.live.com