voltage drops when volume is turned up
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
voltage drops when volume is turned up
When i really turn up my system the voltage goes down to 11.5, the lights also dim alittle bit.
I'm running 2 amps mono making 800RMS between both.
Is this dangerous at all?
Thanks!
Frank
I'm running 2 amps mono making 800RMS between both.
Is this dangerous at all?
Thanks!
Frank
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 11,823
Likes: 3
From: Denver Metro
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Elite Member
Re: voltage drops when volume is turned up (NYtoCA)
[DISCLAIMER] I'm not an expert, so take everything I say with a grain of salt [/DISCLAIMER]
I can't imagine that overdrawing your electrical system like that would be *good* for the system... looks like you're trying to pull more power than your alternator is able to deliver.
If this happens only on hard-hitting bass notes, you might be able to put in a cap to help spread out the load... but on the other hand it may not...
Do those underdrive pullies affect how much power your amp is able to put out? (I would guess yes...)
I can't imagine that overdrawing your electrical system like that would be *good* for the system... looks like you're trying to pull more power than your alternator is able to deliver.
If this happens only on hard-hitting bass notes, you might be able to put in a cap to help spread out the load... but on the other hand it may not...
Do those underdrive pullies affect how much power your amp is able to put out? (I would guess yes...)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,064
Likes: 18
From: Arizona
Re: voltage drops when volume is turned up (aurik)
you cannot run underdrive pulleys and expect to charge your system. Adding a cap will help, but a cap is contantly charging and discharging. I would consider a 2nd dry cell battery and an isolator dedicated for the system.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 84
From: St. Joseph MO
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: voltage drops when volume is turned up (NYtoCA)
When i really turn up my system the voltage goes down to 11.5, the lights also dim alittle bit.
I'm running 2 amps mono making 800RMS between both.
Is this dangerous at all?
Thanks!
Frank
I'm running 2 amps mono making 800RMS between both.
Is this dangerous at all?
Thanks!
Frank
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28,742
Likes: 41
From: Frankenstein never scared me. Marsupials do, because they're fassst…and they DART, THAT'S crazy!
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: voltage drops when volume is turned up (JoeyG)
When i really turn up my system the voltage goes down to 11.5, the lights also dim alittle bit.
I'm running 2 amps mono making 800RMS between both.
Is this dangerous at all?
Thanks!
Frank
Better get a big **** alt for that much power on continuous operation, batteries/caps/upgraded wiring will help, bu the supply must be adequate and constant. :smash:
I'm running 2 amps mono making 800RMS between both.
Is this dangerous at all?
Thanks!
Frank
Better get a big **** alt for that much power on continuous operation, batteries/caps/upgraded wiring will help, bu the supply must be adequate and constant. :smash:
To answer your question, yes, low voltage drops will hurt your electrical system and that is especially bad in a Fly-By-Wire car like the C5.Time to upgrade the charging system. That means bigger alt, say about 175 amp and upgrade the "Big 3" electrical system wiring. A deep-cycle battery like the Optima Yellowtop might be a good idea too. Don't put a cap in that car with your voltage dropping that low. It will only add to the problem. If you don't know what I am talking about and need more detailed info, let us know.
But before you do anything, check that alt you have and make sure it is ok. Also, go ahead and upgrade the electrical system wiring regardless of what else you do.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: voltage drops when volume is turned up (NYtoCA)
Dangerious??? maybe to your hearing...
however, the answer to your problem...
you need a stronger altenator... I am not a fan of a second battery. it will cause more load to your existing altenator than it knows what to do with.
I would return the pully back to factory size. Whatever horsepower you are gaining is being taken by the weight of the amp and subs... :D
the factory altenator, with factory pully, should have the courage to run your amps.
at that point, I would add the capacator... check into the big multi-farad units from Alumapro...
however, the answer to your problem...
you need a stronger altenator... I am not a fan of a second battery. it will cause more load to your existing altenator than it knows what to do with.
I would return the pully back to factory size. Whatever horsepower you are gaining is being taken by the weight of the amp and subs... :D
the factory altenator, with factory pully, should have the courage to run your amps.
at that point, I would add the capacator... check into the big multi-farad units from Alumapro...
