Official CarAudio.com Big 3 Thread (((PICS)))

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

this thread needs help here: is an example

http://forum.sounddomain.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=007801

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2char

 

[chance]

moved to new thread

 

[Lakota 5,000+ posts]

I have a question about the voltage regulator. Is the voltage regulated inside of the alternator? If it's not, how could the voltage be regulated when running the alternator + to battery +?

 

[Decado 10+ year member]

I have a question about the voltage regulator. Is the voltage regulated inside of the alternator? If it's not, how could the voltage be regulated when running the alternator + to battery +?

Yes the voltage is regulated inside the alternator, it is made to put out ~14 volts, but you are still going to have voltage drops/spikes from time to time for various reasons.

 

[nabu6 10+ year member]

Did the big three upgrade myself. purchased everything i needed off of this web site. http://www.partsexpress.com

Used this tool to cut and crimp my 0 gauge wire http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=360-624

good prices, and fast delivery time.

 

[Lakota 5,000+ posts]

Yes the voltage is regulated inside the alternator, it is made to put out ~14 volts, but you are still going to have voltage drops/spikes from time to time for various reasons.

Well my voltage is running continuously at 14.6 volts (measured on battery with a DMM) with the engine on. The alternator is stock. Is this a problem?

 

[Decado 10+ year member]

Well my voltage is running continuously at 14.6 volts (measured on battery with a DMM) with the engine on. The alternator is stock. Is this a problem?

Shouldn't be, I'm sure that will drop when you have your amps running.

 

[Lakota 5,000+ posts]

Shouldn't be, I'm sure that will drop when you have your amps running.

It is. I finished the big 3 today w/ the alt. + to bat. + and when i first turned the car on it was at 14.7 volts. Then it dropped down a little. It played at 14.63 continuously with the amp on.

 

[M@nJo 10+ year member]

^is that at idle or while driving?

on cold starts, i get 14.7v and it eventually drops down to high 13's when the car is warmed up and in motion. warmed up and in idle is usually 14.1v. this is without the +alt to +batt of the big-3 btw.

 

[Lakota 5,000+ posts]

^is that at idle or while driving?
on cold starts, i get 14.7v and it eventually drops down to high 13's when the car is warmed up and in motion. warmed up and in idle is usually 14.1v. this is without the +alt to +batt of the big-3 btw.

This is at idle.

 

[Decado 10+ year member]

This is at idle.

See what it is like in drive and in motion, most likely it will go down.

 

[Lakota 5,000+ posts]

See what it is like in drive and in motion, most likely it will go down.

The way that I have checked my voltage is with a DMM. My voltage guage in my truck (on dash) doesn't have any numbers on it, but it's always slighty past halfway. If it drops, it's not by much.

 

[Decado 10+ year member]

The way that I have checked my voltage is with a DMM. My voltage guage in my truck (on dash) doesn't have any numbers on it, but it's always slighty past halfway. If it drops, it's not by much.

That voltage gauge isn't going to be very accurate though, you'll still want to check it out with a dmm. Put your car up on a lift, or jack the front or rear up (w/e drive it is) have someone hit the gas into normal accelleration and then take the reading. You COULD hold the brake and hit the gas but that's bad for your tranny and brakes, and pretty dangerous if your standing in front of the car taking readings lol.

 

[Lakota 5,000+ posts]

That voltage gauge isn't going to be very accurate though, you'll still want to check it out with a dmm. Put your car up on a lift, or jack the front or rear up (w/e drive it is) have someone hit the gas into normal accelleration and then take the reading. You COULD hold the brake and hit the gas but that's bad for your tranny and brakes, and pretty dangerous if your standing in front of the car taking readings lol.

I don't think I want to try that:laugh:. If it stays at it's current voltage, then it's probably not a big deal. However, if it keeps going up, I know I have a regulator problem.

 

[PRIVATEpastry 10+ year member]

That voltage gauge isn't going to be very accurate though, you'll still want to check it out with a dmm. Put your car up on a lift, or jack the front or rear up (w/e drive it is) have someone hit the gas into normal accelleration and then take the reading. You COULD hold the brake and hit the gas but that's bad for your tranny and brakes, and pretty dangerous if your standing in front of the car taking readings lol.

Put it in neutral?