QuestionI have two 1 farad tsunami caps running a 500watt amp each.an 3rd amp brings it to about 1500watt system.all installed in a 2002 ranger edge pickup.
when volume is at average level.caps read about 14.1v at idle,14.4v in motion.when volume is increased.volts drop as low as 12.9v in motion.thats with no other accesories (lights,a/c)running.
should i be looking into a bigger alternator??
AnswerI assume you charged up the caps properly during their installation process?
I think you require more analysis. It could be from connecting wires being too small in gauge and with the heavy current being drawn during loud audio the voltage drop is across the wiring. It could be, also, from a battery being too small in AH size. But, it could be, as you stated, that a higher output alternator would do the trick.
On the other hand, it is not unusual to get a little voltage drop under heavy draw conditions. The drop of 1.5 volts does not reduce the audio output of your amps all that much. Maybe not even audible since it takes about a 2 db drop in level for the human ear to perceive a change in audio level.
Hope this helps.
PS: By the way, you are smart to monitor the system voltage this way. Good going.
