I appologize for the dumb question but I did some searches in this forum and could not find the answer. I am going to be running an Audiobauhn 6004T (powering Infinity Kappa components in front and Infinity Kappa 5X7 in Rear) and a Phoenix Gold Xeon 400.1 (powering 2 RE DV 8" subs). I have a 2004 FX4 with towing package. Will I have an issue with the Alternator keeping up. I know its all related to the AMPS i am drawing but I am not to smart when it comes to electrical issues.

 

Your lights might dim a little bit, but you should be fine. I am running 2 jl 1000/1s and a 450/4 with a 25 farad cap and it does great. If you will be running 1000w or under a 1 farad cap will help, but you should not have a problem.

 

thanks I appreciate the feedback.

 

If you experiance any light dimming, it'll probably be best to fix it the right way first, before you add a cap.

 

Your vehicle's electrical system was designed to operate stock; the way it rolled off the showroom floor: Any additional drains on the stock system destabilize the stock engineering. When you add any electrical device like an amplifier or other accessories, you need to boost your electrical system to prevent problems and maximize performance. Capacitors are designed to help stabilize and re-engineer your electrical system to handle your additional components. By providing intermediate power (small current bursts,) a Capacitor reduces the pressure (current demand) on your electrical system. This helps to improve the performance of your vehicle and your system.

 

The problem is the most capacitors dont really work as well off of a stock electrical system, as say one that has been upgraded by doing the big 3 or even just an alternator upgrade. Really they are just a waste, do a search for the big 3 on another car audio forum. Basically to put it, the only way that a capacitor would be worth the purchase is off an already upgraded electrical system.

 

x2 If your system has trouble keeping up with your amps draw. A new altenator or a second battery would be much better for your system then adding a capacitor to your electrical system and actually draining the altenator even more to charge it.

 

Adding a Second Battery
Many people are under the impression that adding a second battery will cure their electrical problems. If one battery is good then two must be better. Right? Wrong. Remember that the function of a battery is to start the vehicle and to provide power when the vehicle is not running. The only thing a second battery will help you with is "parking lot" listening time. Basically it will provide you the additional capacity to run your stereo longer without starting the vehicle. After the vehicle is started the second battery becomes another load on an already overworked alternator. If you do replace your battery I would recommend getting one from Optima or one of the other specialty battery manufacturers such as Stinger, Lightning Audio or Rockford Fosgate.

Upgrading Your Alternator
Frequent dead batteries are a good indication that your electrical system isn't keeping up and you may need to upgrade your alternator. Doing so will give you more juice to run all of your electrical components, including your stereo system, without looking to the battery for help. The problem is your alternator is undersized for your new electrical requirements and has to look to the battery to provide the extra power, resulting in shortened battery life. Have a qualified technician verify this before investing in a larger alternator. Hopefully you can find a larger alternator from your vehicle's manufacturer that will interface with your existing system. Consult the manufacturer or the local dealer to find out about this. If not then you can look to the aftermarket manufacturers to see what is available. Check with Ohio Generator (330)-875-6677 or Stinger for high output models.

Power Capacitors
Another solution is to add a power or "stiffening" capacitor. This device acts as an electrical storage "buffer". It stores power until needed for high electrical demands such as heavy bass notes. If your headlights dim when you have you stereo cranked then you may benefit from one of these. This is most noticeable when music with a heavy beat is played. Your headlights will dim to the beat.

 

Capacitors don't just generate their power out of thin air. And of course youd get an new altenator before adding a battery, but a second battery will also increase the overall voltage of a system by maybe a couple of volts. Capacitors should only be added to an already sufficient electrical system or they're just going to put a load on the altenator too.

 

Adding a second battery will not in crease your overall voltage. Please find something that says that, reputable source. thank you for clarifying that caps dont just generate their power out of thin air.

 

http://xj900diversion.free.fr/yuasa/...q7.htm#voltage

Wire in series to increase voltage. Wire in parallel to even the flow.

You're still young grasshoppa.

 

Alright. You got me. One more question though, now two 12 volt batteries in series would be 24v. Are you saying to run them in parallel? Plus, every forum or car audio source I could find says that adding a second battery will only help when the car is off. I called rockford fosgate, a couple of car audio stores, and searched a lot of forums. Your the only person that has ever said this. I know you know, but a two 12v batts in series is 24v, and a 12v system will not run on 24v.

 

The series thing is mainly used in competition. Theres really no need for such high voltage and batteries don't last long that way. Running them in parallel will keep the voltage more constant around 13-15(Depending on the application). When people are running there system while the car is off they'll add a battery in parallel and a battery isolator.

 

10 4.

 

Thanks everyone for the informative feedback. I know I learned some things.