Voltage Drop Predictions

[fatboytyler]

THIS IS FOR PURE SPECULATION!

The Voltmeter I use provides instant readings, but it does not read out to the tenths, just rounds to the nearest whole. I am working on finding someone with a more accurate meter.

I am using a standard lead acid battery, but it's the bigger lead acid at 925 Amps.

800W RMS @ 2 Ohm it never dropped below 14 Volts while running a test tone at the maximum safe volume for 30+ seconds.

What would your guy's predictions be with 1200W RMS @ 1 Ohm?

Keep in mind I have not done the Big 3 yet as I am waiting on some more substantial paychecks.

Click to read more...

 

[bmk6795 10+ year member]

you should be fine, most vehicles can handle 1200 watts without much, if any problem.

 

[fatboytyler]

I know I'll be good, I was just considering a bigger battery and upping to a SAZ 1500 or something similar. Only one way to find out. Wait for my new subs and re meter it.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Before you spend any more money on batteries you need to learn charging system basics. If the voltage was stable above 14V and it's a standard battery that means it was not relying on the battery. It was 100% the alternator maintaining that voltage.

When you've studied up on charging systems it's time to move on to power handling and how power relates to loudness, and also how it relates to what we hear. These are some of the most critical concepts to learn to avoid wasting money.

 

[fatboytyler]

Before you spend any more money on batteries you need to learn charging system basics. If the voltage was stable above 14V and it's a standard battery that means it was not relying on the battery. It was 100% the alternator maintaining that voltage.
When you've studied up on charging systems it's time to move on to power handling and how power relates to loudness, and also how it relates to what we hear. These are some of the most critical concepts to learn to avoid wasting money.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but that is a good thing correct? That my amp is not overdrawing what the alt can put out, thus not needing to get extra juice from the battery? Or do I have that backwards? I'm really trying to learn this stuff.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but that is a good thing correct? That my amp is not overdrawing what the alt can put out, thus not needing to get extra juice from the battery? Or do I have that backwards? I'm really trying to learn this stuff.

When the engine is running you want the alternator powering the vehicle. At idle this isn't always possible, since that's when the alternator is doing very little work, but at a stable speed you need the alternator doing the bulk of the work of supplying current.

Search "JL Audio School of Sound" on YouTube to find an excellent video. It's really not meant for beginners, but audio requires some in-depth knowledge on a lot of topics to be able to design a sound system that's reliable and enjoyable to listen to.