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When i drive down the rd it's at 14volts, then I turn up my system and it drops to 12 or a little lower, then goes right back to 14. Or when I turn on my Defroster, it goes to 12 or below a bit like 11.Or when I'm at a idle. I just got a new alternator. I ahve a 1000watt memphis amp.. Could that be drawing a lot of power?

 
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Naturally,every time you turn on an electrical device it's going to draw current, causeing you to get a lower readout. Are you measuring it at the battery (within 18 inches) or elsewhere?

 
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Well technically, it will draw 1,000 watts because watts = power. But I assume you are referring to amps.

Amps = Watts/Volts

1000 watts at 12 volts gives 83 amp load.

So I would answer your question as yes, 83 amps is a hell of a load for a typical alternator.

FYI: 1,000 watts (1kW) is equal to 1.34 horsepower. But since the alternator is typically only 55-60% efficient, then it consumes 2.25 HP. But since the belt is only ~93% efficient then the engine is having to put out about 2.5 hp to power your amp when you have it set to "11".

 
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Nope, I'm measuring it at the Headunit for power

 
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Measure it at the battery and you should get a more steady reading. You're going to have some line loss at the HU.

 
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ok I will try it out, thanks PopcornPlaya

 
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Also, measure it without the amp connected and you'll know how the amp is effecting your electrical system

 
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Ok, I guess I will try that nexted. But If u connect it to the battery The gauge will be on all the time.

 
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Alright I tried that when I disconnect the amps power I got above 14 volts.. When I have it on I get 14 right on. Thanks A lot for helpin out

 
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Oh and When I idle I get 14 volts

 
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I would say that if you are not running anything off your cig lighter, try hooking it up to that, It turns off w/ the car and at least w/ my experiance, has given a fairly accurate reading... I have a sub and amp, it drops when I run the system hard, but never below 12... but then again, I also have a spike cap... hope this helps...

 
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thanks, it is. ANything would

 
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we need more people w/ your addituted! rep+

 
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Rep for those that helped?

 
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HAHA, asked a question get rep. What a world, J/K

 
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hey, what the hell, Im in a good mood! there ya go! rep+

LOL, well ya know, I did give you some advice... you ...could... return the favor, lol

O, and while we are all being cool, if you could check my last post and let me know what you think, that would be great! clicky, clicky