My system totals about 2000 watts and I am still using the stock battery and alternator. I have a 1.2 farad cap, but I should be using at least a 2 farad cap. Anyway, I'm having problems with my 4 channel going into protection mode and shutting off (I have an Alpine MRV-F340 4 channel). I'm guessing that this is because it is not getting enough current. My voltage stays between 13 and 14 volts while the system is playing. I'm wondering if adding a larger cap will solve this problem or if I need to upgrade my alternator and/or battery also. When the 4 channel shuts down, my sub gets noticeably quieter also, so it must be a current issue. Should I have run heavy gauge power wire from the alternator back to the battery? I am using the 4 channel to power Infinity Kappa 2 ohm speakers, I wondered if this was causing the problem at first, but the amp is supposed to be able to handle 2 ohm speakers according to Alpine's specs. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

 

Well, your alternator is only putting out about 1500w. A larger cap, or an individual cap on each of your amps should help you. I would also check my wiring and grounds. Do you use good quality wires for all your power and grounds? You can consider getting a Optima Yellow Top battery or a Stinger alternator as well. Or have your stock alternator rewound and get a slight overdrive pulley on it.

 

I have Stinger 4 gauge running to my 4 channel and sub amp, and 8 gauge running to my mid bass amp. I have 4 guage running to my cap from the battery. Should I upgrade to 0 guage now that I've added another amp? All of my grounds are less than 1 foot long to a bare metal point on the chassis. Should I try a larger cap first or upgrade the alternator first? I will likely get an Optima yellow top eventually.

 

All your amps are on one cap? If so, buy a slightly larger cap for your biggest power hawg amp, use the one you got for the next one. You can survive without an alternator since your system is not demanding 2000 watts all the time, but you need a good battery and enough caps to support all your amps.

 

Thanks for the info! I'll try adding more capacitance first, if that doesn't solve my problem I'll buy a yellow top also. Would it make sense to run heavier wire from the alternator back to the battery(4 or 0 gauge)? What if I went with something like this? http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-PYLE-25-FARAD...QQcmdZViewItemThere is also a 6 farad model available, which would be more than sufficient for my system.

 

What gauge power cable should I run from my alt back to the battery? If I add a 4 gauge cable and leave the factory cable in also, will the 2 cables handle as much current as one 2 or 0 gauge cable? I already have some 4 gauge, so if it will do, I won't have to spend more money on larger cables. Also, I was wondering what the outer diameter of 0 gauge cable is? I'm looking at a Kicker 0 gauge kit.

 

caps do not help.they only make your alternater work harder.

 

I'm done with the cap discussion! Does any one have any input on my questions above?

 

Idk I have two batteries and my cap is running on my stronger amp..before the cap with just the two batts my lights dimmed..now nothing..and I wouldnt change the wire they use going from the alt. to the batt. if you look at that wire its extremely thick...I would get the 4 channel checked out, make sure you have all the wires ran right for the right impedance.

 

Check to make sure you aren't simply overheating.

I'm running four 12's on two amps and mine don't go into protection.

My voltage drops to about 11~12 volts when bass hits, so I'm far more worse off than you

 

It only happens if I try to run my system while parked, so it must be a lack of current flow.