Huge Dilema...Alternator/bat combo

[runteldat 10+ year member]

Ok - pushing 3000 watts help me with these two options.

#1 250amp alternator - 150/idle // powermaster d3100 in rear

#2 200 amp alternator - 200/idle // powermaster d3100 in rear. // with MLA module

I'm not sure which one to go with. I'm not the type to play my music all the time.

Maybe for 15min TOPS...I'll definitely be driving with the amps off most of the time.

With that said, how fast would that d3100 drain if I'm playing for 15min at idle?

....and how fast would they charge?

There's not enough battery 'tech' on this forum...just people recommending certain batteries etc.

Help appreciated.

Oh fyi - I'd only be doing 3000w if I could maintain 14 or so volts.

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[MisterGrubbs 5,000+ posts]

Do you have the option for a second 31 in the back?

With two 31's and the 250 amp you should be fine bossman, just be aware of the voltage as always with anything.

With one in the rear you'll still be fine. I dont suggest running it with the vehicle off, however.

And the 31 will get drained by 3k rms relatively quickly if you're not re-charging it at a decent rate.

With one you'll be able to play full songs without worrying much, just extensive periods of time you need to watch out. With two - crank it on up.

 

[terra 5,000+ posts]

I'd do option 1

 

[runteldat 10+ year member]

Do you have the option for a second 31 in the back?
With two 31's and the 300 amp you should be fine bossman, just be aware of the voltage as always with anything.

With one in the rear you'll still be fine. I dont suggest running it with the vehicle off, however.

And the 31 will get drained by 3k rms relatively quickly if you're not re-charging it at a decent rate.

With one you'll be able to play full songs without worrying much, just extensive periods of time you need to watch out. With two - crank it on up.

Yeah thats why I was thinking the 200amp/idle alternator - i'm assuming it'll charge fairly quickly - especially with a mla module. Um, sure I can do a second back there, once I budget that in. Things are expensive.

 

[TnT_Sounds 10+ year member]

audiolife is a battery guru.

Since you dont plan to play long or even hardly at all.

i say option #1

save money

 

[runteldat 10+ year member]

Oh yeah - what actually charges the batteries?

like, is it the amp rating that matters, or the voltage? Or a combination of both?

I think voltage plays a big part - like the voltage needs to be higher than the battery voltage to charge....but if I have a 200/amp idle alternator...is it pushing the "remaining" amps to the battery?

 

[runteldat 10+ year member]

audiolife is a battery guru.
Since you dont plan to play long or even hardly at all.

i say option #1

save money

Yeah - I probably won't actually buy a MLA - for 180 its a rip off.

I'll probably just solder a 6A diode in the yellow wire. It should increase charging voltage by .6 or .7

 

[SWFL 10+ year member]

wouldnt option two be best since he has more at idle where he will need it??

 

[runteldat 10+ year member]

^^ my exact thoughts. I highly doubt i'd play it while driving.....if I do, it wouldn't be no where near 3/4 volume...that just too much for driving to point A to point B.

 

[SWFL 10+ year member]

yea when i am crusing down the highway i harldy ever have my old setup full blast and if so my stock alt on 1500rms kept it at 13.5 full tilt lights on and AC on and crusing doing 60mph