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How to ensure an Amp will receive 14.4 volts?

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Old Jan 31, 2008, 11:15 PM
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How to ensure an Amp will receive 14.4 volts?

I have an Alpine mono block amp and was wondering, it's rated at 400 watts rms @ 2ohm @ 14.4 v, is there anyway I can ensure the amp is seeing 14.4v at all times or consistently? I will have an Optima Red-Top and a 1 Farad cap hooked up to the system, will that ensure it?

I only ask this, because I'm under the assumption most systems run at 12.x volts and not 14.4.

Thanks
Old Feb 1, 2008, 03:22 AM
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With your engine running you run about 14.5 volts or so while the alternator is creating voltage. The battery alone (engine off) creates 12 volts. These number are really estimated. Most electronics have a tolerance, like 12 volts plus or minus 5 volts. Or it will say 9 to 18 volts. You should be okay with it, and with the alt on it should be getting around that.
Old Feb 1, 2008, 03:25 AM
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yea with the engine on, my volt gage reads 14.4....i to have a alpine mono block..works fine
Old Feb 1, 2008, 03:45 AM
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Awesome! Thanks for the help!!
Old Feb 1, 2008, 04:24 AM
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to consistently run 14+ get a better alternator.

on loud bass hits you will possibly dip below it.
Old Feb 1, 2008, 06:50 AM
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+1

Also, you may install a capacitor to absorb those dips due to loud bass.

Originally Posted by igo4bmx
to consistently run 14+ get a better alternator.

on loud bass hits you will possibly dip below it.
Old Feb 1, 2008, 08:34 AM
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capacitors are such a waste unless you see dimming in your lights, even then, they don't help all that much.

i rarely see cars running above 14.2 even with the car running, although the higher your rev the voltage increases but not by much. Alpine rates their amps at 14.4v to bump up their numbers in order to sell more.

don't worry about getting 14.4v. As long as you have a sub that matches up and a decent box it will all sound good and that's all that really matters right?
Old Feb 1, 2008, 09:35 AM
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oh for sure, its just the edesign 13ov.2 is pretty high on my list of woofers and it needs at least 300 to be in the optimum range for power, I figure I'd need at least 400 to sound good you know? Its rated at 500-600 rms.
Old Feb 1, 2008, 01:18 PM
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Get a HO alternator and a electrical current meter gauge.
Old Feb 1, 2008, 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by SLVROZ_03
Get a HO alternator and a electrical current meter gauge.
Originally Posted by igo4bmx
to consistently run 14+ get a better alternator.

on loud bass hits you will possibly dip below it.

Who makes a good aftermarket alternator?
Old Feb 1, 2008, 01:25 PM
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Originally Posted by diablo2184
Who makes a good aftermarket alternator?
Dominick Iraggi is a great place to start. There was a group buy for a 180amp alternator just a couple months ago.

Here's his eBay store. Make sure to contact him. Should cost somewhere between $300-$400.

http://stores.ebay.com/Iraggi-Altern...nd-Electronics
Old Feb 1, 2008, 01:29 PM
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HKS turbo timers actively display voltage.

Just set the timer to auto, and use your display as a voltage meter.

I've got the Iraggi HO alternator (thanks adam!), and the HKS helps me keep any eye on things.
Old Feb 1, 2008, 01:50 PM
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I really can't afford the alternator right now, it's on my list and at the top too for that matter. I just wanted to know if in terms of an optima battery, a cap, and proper wiring, if that would suffice to get the voltage up to 14.4 consistently.
Old Feb 1, 2008, 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Inprogress
I really can't afford the alternator right now, it's on my list and at the top too for that matter. I just wanted to know if in terms of an optima battery, a cap, and proper wiring, if that would suffice to get the voltage up to 14.4 consistently.
Do you have any other amps in your system?
Old Feb 1, 2008, 02:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Tsurugi-san
HKS turbo timers actively display voltage.

Just set the timer to auto, and use your display as a voltage meter.

I've got the Iraggi HO alternator (thanks adam!), and the HKS helps me keep any eye on things.
You're welcome

Did you get it installed?


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