batteries, 1200 watts, lights dimming

ok so when i get it to where it stays over 12 volts how long do i leave the system playing at that volume or what do i need to do then ?

You don't want it to get down to 12volts. We need to see where it's dropping to. If it goes too low, you'll need a larger alternator. Are you sure your gains are set correctly?2013 Kia Rio -90a alternator

DDX470HD GTO14001 GTO1014D (x3)

Big3 in 1/0G

1/0G to GTO14001

a larger alternator really i figure 180 amp is more then enough for 1000 watts. well i did the gain by ear but i'm taking the car in tomorrow to have this car audio place set all my settings for me on the amp and deck and stuff. i just figure with 1000 watts i would need a 2nd battery or somthing ?

1000wRMS really isn't that much. Your "180amp" alternator should have no problem keeping up adequate voltage. Did you ever see what your voltage was dropping to?2013 Kia Rio -90a alternator

DDX470HD GTO14001 GTO1014D (x3)

Big3 in 1/0G

1/0G to GTO14001

yeah i did but it was telling me 10 volts so i had to wait tell pay day to get me ameter. so with the car at idle head lights on and heater on it jumps from 13.2 to 14.2 volts and after a bit it will drop to 12.6v and back up to 13.2 but it stays between 13.2 and 14.2 most the time.

An ammeter? You you mean DMM or voltmeter? (Ammeters in cars are useless - except for telling you what demand is (or if wired as a traditional ammeter, your alternator's shortfall at that load and RPM). The voltage at the battery or alternator should ideally remain constant (13.8-14.4V). Voltage at the amp then reflects losses...

Maybe your alternator is going out, I have a 70amp alternator and autozone battery that pushes a JL Audio JX1000 at 2 ohms (1000watts) and my headlights do not dim at all. I am going to a PowerBasturds alternator when I get $350 bucks.2004 Hyundai Sonata

Kenwood KDC-X599 HU

2-Sundown X-18D4

2-SQ Q4500.1

2-SQ Q90.4

1-Massive DBX4

8-Niche 5.25 mids

8-Niche Tweeters

4-Skar 8" mid-bass

OhioGen 220a alt

OhioGen 350a alt

156.0

the alternator is good i took it in and had it tested at a alternator shop and they said it charge fine. now my headlights don't dimm its the dash lights that do just thought i put that in for you. and another thing my last system i had which was 1 12 inch punch p1 sub off a rockford fosgate 300.1 amp the voltage jump up and down on my stock alternator as well.

Did you ever test the system voltage with a meter?Support the12volt.com

Yeah i did lastnight at work with a headlights on and my heater on at idle. With the system on all the way up it drops down to 13.2v each time the bass hits and goes back to 14.2v. But after a while it will drop to 12.6v for a split sec and go back to 14.2v. But with the system turn down it stays at 14.2v and never moves even if im driving.