Lowest Safe Operating Voltage

[ronrico418 0]

What is the lowest safe operating voltage of the Sndwn3000

Just doing a little testing today and I want to keep an eye on the voltage I know but I've seen reports of putting out their rated rms watts at only 10.5 volts!?

I'll be running 2 batts yellow and red top 2/0 guage wire but only stock alternator. Just want to be safe

Thanks in advance!!!

[shizzzon 461]

i dont know what the lowest is before danger but my personal preference is to stay higher than the threshold, hehe.

I believe most class d amps will fail or partially get damaged below 10.5 or 10v. Some may even get damaged at 11 depending on other variables such as current resistance.

Anyways, i would try and stay above 12v at all times. Now, if you are dipping to like 11.8, then no biggy but i'd still try to stay above 12v.

If you ever dip below 11.8, for example, i'd either upgrade your electrical or if you dont want to, install a Smart block in your car so that if it does drop below 12v, the block will instantly shut off power going to amps until voltage rises above 12v. If voltage dips below 12v only because of certain hard hitting bass notes then the block will make the song sound like it's skipping if it is doing it constantly.

I use these blocks for all installs including class a\b amps just to be safe regardless of how strong my electrical is. Something can go wrong while driving and not know it. Doesn't matter if you got 30 300a alts and 1,000 group 8d batts for a 500w stereo system. If they all failed.... so will your amps if they arent turned off in time.

I love my analogies,

[johnecon2001 82]

What ohm load are you going to be running on the amp? That has a lot to do with the amount of damage you may sustain by dropping the voltage.

[ronrico418 0]

I love my analogies,

Startin to LOVE em too

[ronrico418 0]

Well each VC is reading 1.5ohms so I'll run it 3ohm Not tryin to get crazy just yet - really just looking to test this BTL in tight spaces. I have a Lincoln Town Car that I want to shove as much as possible in 2-3 15s or 18s BTLs or AA Havocs All kinds of options. I know how the SSDs sound and they are damn smooth. Very impressed w/ those subs

I know it's a wierd question (LOW VOLTAGE) but again since I had seen that Sundown can put out their rated power @ 10.5 volts I figured what the heck maybe someone will know. Not trying to get it guaranteed or anything just trying to be safe.

[ronrico418 0]

[

If you ever dip below 11.8, for example, i'd either upgrade your electrical or if you dont want to, install a Smart block in your car so that if it does drop below 12v, the block will instantly shut off power going to amps until voltage rises above 12v. If voltage dips below 12v only because of certain hard hitting bass notes then the block will make the song sound like it's skipping if it is doing it constantly.

I use these blocks for all installs including class a\b amps just to be safe regardless of how strong my electrical is. Something can go wrong while driving and not know it. Doesn't matter if you got 30 300a alts and 1,000 group 8d batts for a 500w stereo system. If they all failed.... so will your amps if they arent turned off in time.

Any suggestions on where to purchase a Smart Block again excellent idea and analogy

[ford302redneck 15]

I had a cd player that would cut off below 11.5volts.

So that helped me.

[shizzzon 461]

I use Cadence FH-8 SMART Fused Blocks.

I "think" Rockford makes\made one but an unfamiliar with product and model number.

here is a link directly from Cadence to purchase -

Cadence FH-8 SMART Fuse Block

[shizzzon 461]

when i get my install done...whenever that is... i will have everything installed and keep the electrical system completely stock. I will have more power than you 418Fis!

I will attenuate the preout voltage on the stereo until voltage drop is unnoticeable. I will then replace my alt with Iraggi 300A alt.

I will then increase the preout voltage from my head unit until voltage drop picks back up. Then i will add batts.

I keep logs when i do this so i know what works and what doesnt.

[fbi90909 0]

lowest i've seen my voltage drop was 11.2v which was recent. i think my stock battery is dead and causeing a strain in my electrical. though i have noticed after installing my xenon hid kit my voltage hasn't seen much of 14.v when i run my headlights like it used to before the HID kit.

[sundownz 197]

I don't suggest letting it get under 11 volts on a regular basis. If it's dipping that far you are simply straining your electrical setup too much.

PS: That Cadence fuse block seems like a really good idea!

[ronrico418 0]

I use Cadence FH-8 SMART Fused Blocks.

I "think" Rockford makes\made one but an unfamiliar with product and model number.

here is a link directly from Cadence to purchase -

Cadence FH-8 SMART Fuse Block

Excellent I'll definately be picking one of these up!

[ronrico418 0]

when i get my install done...whenever that is... i will have everything installed and keep the electrical system completely stock. I will have more power than you 418Fis!

I will attenuate the preout voltage on the stereo until voltage drop is unnoticeable. I will then replace my alt with Iraggi 300A alt.

I will then increase the preout voltage from my head unit until voltage drop picks back up. Then i will add batts.

I keep logs when i do this so i know what works and what doesnt.

Looks like I'm not done picking your brain yet!

[shizzzon 461]

I don't suggest letting it get under 11 volts on a regular basis. If it's dipping that far you are simply straining your electrical setup too much.

PS: That Cadence fuse block seems like a really good idea!

I own 2 of em, never let me down yet.

They are a must have. I practically preach to people around my area to have one of these in every install.

Safety always comes first for me in a daily driver over performance any day.

Edited March 11, 2008 by shizzzon