Power supply problems

Tacoma,Wa-rider · Newbie Joined: 11 Mar 2003 Posts: 14 City: Tacoma Wa.

Hey guys Here is the deal I have an 86 Mc prostar, and last year we ran two amps one to the subs and 1 to the tower speakers. We hit that stuff hard, and everything was sweat except sometimes our voltimeter on the guage was going crazy, and our boat would shut off, and the battery was completely drained and dead. We had to get towed a lot. So here is the question why am I having these problems. Do I need a bigger alternator that puts out more juice? Or Bigger Battery cables? If you guys know what Im talking about it would be so awsome if you could help me out. I am in need

Hyperryd · Addict Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 604 City: Central Cali

You probably need a larger alternator. Most of the older ski boats only had 65 amp alternators, as there wasn't much power draw from any accesories. If each of your amps were only pulling 40 amps you are 15 amps in the hole even if the engine is running at full speed. Most of those alternators were only making 35-40 amps at idle and low speeds. If you pull more power from the battery than you are putting in you will eventually have a dead battery and the boat will usually quit. At the same time a good deep cycle battery with strong reserve time is a help, but unless you increase alternator output you will still be towed in. Dual batteries will help when you are parked, but you can catch up with them it just takes longer. Good luck.

Hyperryd · Addict Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 604 City: Central Cali

Did you ever find your problem?

Fr3ak · Newbie Joined: 22 May 2003 Posts: 3 City: Austin, TX

This seems to be a common problem on this message board, so here it is again...

Try a Farad Capacitor...

A good rule of thumb is 1 farad for every 1000watts in your system.

Capacitors eliminate that problem by storing reserve power and then delivering it lightning-fast just when your amps need it most.

Link:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-CMjgQXoHu35/ProdGroup.asp?c=11&s=0&cc=01&g=725

OttoNP · Addict Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 848 City: MI

Theoretically a capactior shouldn't help, they only store energy. They are useful in maintaining a constant power source for you amp. For example with some simplification, lets say you system is 1200 watts continuous with a 2400 watt peak. Normally, your 1200 watt system is drawing 100 amps. Let's say you have a 110 amp alternator. When your running the 1200 watts their is some extra power left, so the capacitor can charge. Now, when your system peaks at 2400 watts the current demand will jump to 200 amps, you alternator can't provide this, but it can discharge the capacitor to try to keep up. If the 2400 watt spike lasts too long the capacitor will be discharged and it will be like you didn't have one.

Your problem is the power you are using is greating than the power your creating, thus the dead battery. You are using power to run your engine, your stereo, and other accesories. You lose some power in all the cables you have based on their resistance, so by changing them to large cables it can help a little bit. If they are halfway decent and you have connections you will need an alternator that can put out more amps.

Nick
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LAMBORGHINI 350GTV SPECIFICATIONS