i gota ask this sorry

[tothemax1984]

ok im geting some weird volt readings when i have my radio above 35 or so with bass hiting. i am seein low 12s when my car is just siting running. or when im slowing down the volts drop. i have to keep the rpms up to see higher voltage readings. when driving(35+mph) i see 14.1. i dont understand my head lights dont flash i am cheking my volt drop threw a cigg lighter metter. i am running 2 amps 1 200 watt 2 channel bridged to to horns. and a 1440 watt amp not bridged to 2 12s. gain not all the way up i do have a bass boost pluged between my bass amp and deck.. should i turn it down i dont think it did to much its like a bass knob but in a eq style box? i know i should do the big three battery etc. im looking for a answer why is this happing? voltage drops well ideling. will i do harm to my alt, battery. if i just play when im moving? cut it down as i come to a stop. thanks. i hope u guys can understand what the hell im saying ......lol

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[DB_DRAG_SPL 10+ year member]

Because alternators don't charge as much at idle compared to when they are under acceleration.

 

[IgnoreMe 5,000+ posts]

1) you have an HO alt? if so what brand (i didnt see any mention of this)

2) does this happen with the system off as well?

 

[dragnix 5,000+ posts]

Because alternators don't charge as much at idle compared to when they are under acceleration.

Still, dropping to 12s when it's idling still seems low as hell. Mine idle at around 13 or so

 

[tothemax1984]

ok tha sounds about right so im good if i dont go full blast cut the bass down alttle more and lower the music at red lights stop signs etc?

 

[IgnoreMe 5,000+ posts]

1) you have an HO alt? if so what brand (i didnt see any mention of this)
2) does this happen with the system off as well?

..............

 

[DB_DRAG_SPL 10+ year member]

ok tha sounds about right so im good if i dont go full blast cut the bass down alttle more and lower the music at red lights stop signs etc?

You'll be fine, you don't need to turn it down.

 

[dragnix 5,000+ posts]

worst case scenario, your alt is dying

 

[DB_DRAG_SPL 10+ year member]

Still, dropping to 12s when it's idling still seems low as hell. Mine idle at around 13 or so

Crap battery not holding charge a possibilty, im in the same range @ idle (13.x)

 

[tothemax1984]

no ho alt. and i get fine readings with music off. 14.2 or so. it drops as the bass hits.i think i gota lower it more. but how much. i wana be able to use my new amp. my whole car shakes when the bass hits its crazy. i

 

[dragnix 5,000+ posts]

no ho alt. and i get fine readings with music off. 14.2 or so. it drops as the bass hits.i think i gota lower it more. but how much. i wana be able to use my new amp. my whole car shakes when the bass hits its crazy. i

seems normal that it drops when the bass hit. You definitely need to upgrade your electrical. Big3 and battery are the first thing if you're on a budget. But nothing beats a HO. However, either way, you need to do the Big3

 

[tothemax1984]

i have a ford battery yea i know get a better battery. but will that really 100 percent do antthing. the battery is not old. i dont want to have to put a alt in the car. it does have a refurb alt put in from ford. the last owners had it put in with a new battery about 18 months ago. thanks

 

[IgnoreMe 5,000+ posts]

how big is this alt? ie amperage wise.

 

[dragnix 5,000+ posts]

just try the big3 first and see if that helps any. It's just 3 runs of wires, won't kill your budget too much

 

[tothemax1984]

big 3 ok. 70 amps i think. u know i got a new bass amp. i went from 580 watts to the 1440. i had no such problems as of the other day. (befor the new amp) what could happen if i let it drop down then i get the volts up?it just seems like the answer is right in front of me u know. a stock alt stock battery alot of power for a escort. over 1600 watts. does call for volt drops. its all driving me back to drinking. im to poor for this. lol