Lets talk voltage please

[>>SQL<< 10+ year member]

Assuming that were true, why would there be a gain knob at all? since every head unit can be matched to every amp just by turning it up halfway why is there any need for a adjustment?

I have no idea either but it is on page 10 of the Fosgate Manual for my amp.

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/rftech/library/2004/3_Amplifiers/MAN5277B_RF_PowerMono-MAN.pdf

 

[ahole-ic]

I have no idea either but it is on page 10 of the Fosgate Manual for my amp.
http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/rftech/library/2004/3_Amplifiers/MAN5277B_RF_PowerMono-MAN.pdf

I'm not debating that it says that. Please don't misunderstand. I am trying to apply some logic to help you draw a reasonable conclusion.

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

Not that I am auguring but this is from the manual for my amp


ADJUSTING GAIN

To adjust the gain setting, turn the amplifier gains all the way down (counter-clockwise).Turn the source unit

volume up until distortion is audible and then turn it down a bit until the distortion is inaudible.This will be

about all the way up on most source units. Next, increase the amplifier gain setting until adequate volume is

achieved. Rockford Fosgate source units do not distort, so the volume can be used at maximum setting.

NOTE:Best signal to noise and dynamic range are realized with the gain at minimum. Most users find

adequate gain and volume is achieved at about halfway in the adjustment rang

This is all I ever do to set my gains. 90% of the time I don't go anywhere near full out anyway so it doesn't matter.

As far as what's safe for the amp it depends on the amp, some will go down til your car stalls from low voltage, some give up smoke below 12.5V. I'd suggest throwing another battery or bigger alternator if possible.

If you're wondering if the cap will help, charge it up, turn your amp on full tilt (or even half power) and let the amp run off of JUST the cap and tell us how long it'll run with the "reserve" on tap in that capacitor.

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

sqrt(wattsrms + ohm of speaker)

WTF? This some new version of Ohm's law? Do you even know what RMS means?

 

[wenn_du_weinst 10+ year member]

10.5v is the point where it's bad for your amplifier. I have dropped to the point my car has shut off and didn't fry my amp but it was not happy at all.

 

[>>SQL<< 10+ year member]

WTF? This some new version of Ohm's law? Do you even know what RMS means?

ummmm.. Root Means Squared ???

 

[Joseph7195 10+ year member]

I hope this doesn't turn into another thread where everyone has to try to outdo each other.. There was some really good information being passed around in this thread and could potentially be very useful for a new guy doing a search on "voltage drop" or setting gains. I hope more useful information comes to light as the thread progresses

 

[kramer_212 10+ year member]

Set your gain with dmm. 1/2 way means nothing. You're probably clipping it hard and that's why your voltage is dropping.
Big caps have big ESR making them more worthless than the smaller electrolytic caps. Put the HO alt in. Seriously, set your gain properly. I guarantee if you're talking about "my gain is only halfway" you didn't set it properly and you are clipping like a gay hairdresser.

beat me to it >//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

 

[TheUnderFighter 10+ year member]

The less of a drop the better obviously. I'd really start being worried in the mid 12's, I try not to drop below 13. But it does depend on the amps. Some do fine off low voltage, some hate it.

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

ummmm.. Root Means Squared ???

Yes, but of what? I guarantee 80% of the people who throw around the term trying to be clever have no idea what they're talking about.