Dimming is bad...right?

AmBo · Mar 2, 2004

[*UPDATE*] Dimming is bad...right?

Hey all! Just installed a 12" Kicker CompVR and an 800watt Kenwood amp. When i crank up the bass, my lights are dimming. AHHH!

Do I need a capacitor? Will this help? I'm running 4 guage wire so it's deff getting it's power worth.

I would like to NOT blow an alternator. PLEASE HELP!

Reider · Mar 2, 2004

Yes dimming is bad.

Capacitors are not usually the best way to go as they are only "Bandaids" for electrical problems.

You might want to upgrade the "Big 3" - Alternater, Battery, and the wires between them. Instead of buying a capacitor, save up for a bigger alternator + wiring, and a battery if need be. If you are only running that amplifier then you probably do not have a huge problem yet.

Do you know how big your battery is and how many amps your alternator is?

AmBo · Mar 2, 2004

I have no idea. It's a 00 vert. stock everything aside from system and catback exhaust.

all my buds say capacitor should fix it. It's only 800 watts of power.

93GreenLX · Mar 2, 2004

Yeah upgrade the alternator and use a 4 gauge power wire...very simple and well worth the money..I just installed a 200amp

Reider · Mar 2, 2004

Just what 93GreenLX said

Why put a bandaid on a deep cut when you can stitch it up and fix the problem?

Red2000GT · Mar 3, 2004

Reider said:
Yes dimming is bad.

Capacitors are not usually the best way to go as they are only "Bandaids" for electrical problems.

You might want to upgrade the "Big 3" - Alternater, Battery, and the wires between them. Instead of buying a capacitor, save up for a bigger alternator + wiring, and a battery if need be. If you are only running that amplifier then you probably do not have a huge problem yet.

Do you know how big your battery is and how many amps your alternator is?

I don't want to start a flame war but I disagree with you. A stiffening cap is not a band-aid fix. Many many competition vehicles use only one battery and a decent alternator for power sources. Wire guage is very important as always. A stock 2000 stang has a 120 amp alternator,large enough to run the car and that 1 amp. I wouldn't hesitate to install the cap,but double check the ground connections for the amp itself AND the factory battery ground.
There are 2 things to remember when putting a larger battery and alt---
1)an alt is much like an engine-you trade low rpm power for high rpm power,so the bigger unit will have to be spun higher to get the additional current. At typical 1500-2000 rpm around town engine speeds the bigger one will put out less than the smaller one.
2)A bigger battery creates a bigger strain on the electrical system. You could have a 1000 cranking amp battery and it wouldn't help the dimming the least little bit. It doesn't "release" the current fast enough for musical purposes.

A cap is cheaper and an easier install than a new alt. But double check and upgrade as neccessary all the grounds in the car.

Red2000GT · Mar 3, 2004

Sorry-I just wanted to add that what Reider suggested is not wrong in any way,upgrading the battery and alt is a good idea,but not NECCESSARY. The cap will work just as well,safely,for less hassle and less money.

93GreenLX · Mar 3, 2004

Regardless of everything I think everyone can agree that upgrading the big 3 is a must. I also agree with Red2000GT a cap WILL more than likely solve your problems. I have a friend with 3 amps, a 600watt and 2 800watt and he has the stock battery and alternator. He has 2 1.0 farad caps and they solved his dimming problems. I on the other hand have a little more than that, but 2 1.0 farad caps solved my problem too. Just to be on the safe side I have the 2 caps, an Optima battery and a 200amp alternator.

AmBo · Mar 3, 2004

So if I look towards a cap, what brand should I be looking at? Any suggestions? I'm only running a Kenwood 800watt.

93GreenLX · Mar 3, 2004

Just go to any reputable audio shop and tell them what you need...honestly I'm not even sure what kind I have

AmBo · Mar 3, 2004

oh you didnt install urself? DOH! I like to save $ and do it all my own.

Anyone else have brand names?

93GreenLX · Mar 3, 2004

AmBo said:
oh you didnt install urself? DOH! I like to save $ and do it all my own.

Anyone else have brand names?

Never said you had to have them install I said just go to any reputable audio shop and tell them what you need. I never said have them install it. Any reputable audio shop will carry good quality caps. What I meant by my statement was not to go to walmart or autozone or pepboys or anything to buy it and you'll have no worries about it being a quality cap

BBrinks · Mar 3, 2004

I'd also recommend upgrading the 'Magic 3' wires:
+ to alt.
- to ground
engine block to chassis

The stock amp should handle that amp fine, but if you still have dimming problems, then I'd check into a cap/higher amp. alternator.

Red2000GT · Mar 3, 2004

AmBo said:
Anyone else have brand names?

We sell Rockford and Stinger where I work. Both are great but any recognizable car audio name should have one and will work. There's actually only 3 places in the entire world that make caps so you really only have 3 choices btw

AmBo · Mar 4, 2004

hey red, wanna get me a good deal on a cap?

AmBo · Mar 5, 2004

*UPDATE*
I changed the settings on my amp to not drain power, but I'm getting MORE bass! Does this make sense?

I turned on my LPF and set it to 0 I think and jacked my gain to about 1/4. Then I control the amount of bass from my HU. When it hits hard, the lights don't dim, but it is louder. I think this is good.

Does this make sense? Harder bass, no dim?

93GreenLX · Mar 5, 2004

Well if your subs aren't drawing any highs to them then actually they are working about the same or less because now you are playing only a limited number of tones...

AmBo · Mar 5, 2004

interesting

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