Lowest acceptable voltage

[Hanapi 8]

I rebuilt my box and actually made an advance in performance.

The amps can be driven more before they want to clip.

My question is, when I measured the voltage (at Idle) while driving the system higher, the voltage

on my two Kinetik 3800's dropped to 12.4 volts.

I do have another Iraggi 260 Amp Alternator.

Do you think I should install it?

I wouldn't play it at this level normally but only to either brag or at a competition.

Advise please.

Thanks,

JR

[bigrank916 72]

I wouldnt go any lower than 11 volts at any dip. Especially not if it stays there for extended periods of time. Amps dont like low voltage.

[The enD 467]

I see no reason why not to install that second alternator.

Plus that I've heard Hifonics like some stable power to them.

[Sir-Lancelot 216]

The problem with low voltage is that it damages your amp. Yes it will still play and amplify a signal, but that one time 1,000 watt amp may only be putting out 750 watts after seeing low voltage situations and it will keep getting worse until one day it gives up.

A battery rests at 12.4, it would be advised to keep your voltage above that at all times to be safe.

[Julian 641]

why not install it? it's not difficult. it just takes awhile. trust me seeing your voltage at a constant 14v is very nice.

[The enD 467]

why not install it? it's not difficult. it just takes awhile. trust me seeing your voltage at a constant 14v is very nice.

You probably didn't see he already has an alt and he is wondering installing a second one.

[Julian 641]

why not install it? it's not difficult. it just takes awhile. trust me seeing your voltage at a constant 14v is very nice.

You probably didn't see he already has an alt and he is wondering installing a second one.

It's still not difficult.

[TechSys 3]

I'd go ahead and install the second alt. You know the saying, "It takes power to make power"? It's very true.

[shizzzon 461]

in my personal opinion, i never like to drop below 12.5v even at idle!

If i drop below that, either turn it down or get more battery.

However, i would advise to never drop below 12v because it will put a strain on the alternator trying to keep everything charged.

[Julian 641]

in my personal opinion, i never like to drop below 12.5v even at idle!

If i drop below that, either turn it down or get more battery.

However, i would advise to never drop below 12v because it will put a strain on the alternator trying to keep everything charged.

I have a problem with going below 13v

[porkchop 304]

for the sake of 'not' assuming, is your wiring all up to the task?

asking if the big three has been done, secure grounds, solid connections, large enough gauge wiring?

as far as adding a second alt, i would if i just had it, lol. just because if nothing else.

and yes the brutus likes the current, no doubt.

i am anxious to know about your wiring though,

also, you said at idle, you are at 12.4

is your alt rated at 260 at idle, that is a big alt if so,

what happens to the voltage at 2000 rpms and higher volume?

[Hanapi 8]

for the sake of 'not' assuming, is your wiring all up to the task?

asking if the big three has been done, secure grounds, solid connections, large enough gauge wiring?

as far as adding a second alt, i would if i just had it, lol. just because if nothing else.

and yes the brutus likes the current, no doubt.

i am anxious to know about your wiring though,

also, you said at idle, you are at 12.4

is your alt rated at 260 at idle, that is a big alt if so,

what happens to the voltage at 2000 rpms and higher volume?

Thanks Guys for the advise.

I have an additional Iraggi 260 amp alternator. Yes the voltage comes up with RPM BUT The thing is, Island driving is like life at idle.

So..... I'll go ahead and install the second alt.

I need to change the fan shroud,install the second alt brackets,add another pulley to the crankshaft pulley and do the wiring.

Yes, All wires are Zero gauge and the big 3 was the first thing that was done.

The nice thing is that with this second alt I can go up in amp power as well....lol

I also have two Batcap 4000's that I'll add.

Many thanks guys.

I'll let you know how it works out.

It will be about a week....

JR

Edited January 24, 2010 by Hanapi

[hardballer7 0]

Ohm's law is not negotiable! Voltage = Current x resistance If voltage drops, current must rise to keep the equation in equillibrium. In terms of electronic equipment, current = heat. Heat is the arch enemy of electronics (and moisture too, but that's another story).

[Notorious97200 339]

You do have a HO alt installed, with 0 ga wire, big3,... and you have such voltage drops ?!!

Damn !

How is it possible ?

Something must be wrong !

just my 02 cents !

[Hanapi 8]

You do have a HO alt installed, with 0 ga wire, big3,... and you have such voltage drops ?!!

Damn !

How is it possible ?

Something must be wrong !

just my 02 cents !

Nope...Nothing wrong.

there are two decent amps and two smaller amps. When cranked your voltage will drop.

Just need to add the second Alt.

Greetings from Curacao.