Multiple batteries
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=19208
Printed Date: July 13, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Topic: Multiple batteries
Posted By: TAudio
Subject: Multiple batteries
Date Posted: September 23, 2003 at 9:25 AM
I have a 1995 Acura Integra with a JVC KD-S990 head unit, Pioneer 6 1/2 components running of a Coustic 161SE 2 chanel amp, and a Coustic CF124 sub running off a Coustic 401SE 2 chanel amp (bridged, 400 watts RMS @ 4 ohms). As may people probably know in this forum, honda products have nutoriously small bateries and I killed two with my old system that only drew about half as much current. I want to set up a 2 battery system to give have more amps available at all times. In talking with a couple aqaintances I wal lead to beliueve that unless an isolation circuits is used (which I have no idea how to set up) that the batteries must be wired in parallel (which makes sense) and that they must be identical batteries (?). If this is so, why? I know that many of you will say just get a cap, but I will be adding a second sub and changing over to an amp that pots out 800 watts RMS in a few months so I will need the higher voltage. The expert advice of more experienced members would be greatly appreciated. ------------- If quiters never win, and winners never quit, who the heck came up with the idea that you should quit while your ahead?
Replies:
Posted By: bberman1
Date Posted: September 23, 2003 at 9:49 AM
The only thing adding a 2nd battery will do for you is allow you to listen to your radio with the cars engine off for a longer amount of time, or allow you to drain your accessories battery and still start the car depending on the way you set it up. . What you will need with or with out a 2nd battery is a high out put alternator. The alternator will give you the current you need, not adding a 2nd battery. If you do add the 2nd battery it will put more of a strain on your current underpowered charging system, since it now has to charge 2 batteries plus supply power to your cars electrical system and any stereo equipment you have. By putting in a high out put alternator it will be able to supply enough current for your car, as well as your aftermarket stereo system.
Posted By: TAudio
Date Posted: September 23, 2003 at 10:21 AM
Any recomendations on a good source for high output alternators? ------------- If quiters never win, and winners never quit, who the heck came up with the idea that you should quit while your ahead?
Posted By: mj239air
Date Posted: September 23, 2003 at 10:35 AM
www.mechanicalman.com
Posted By: bberman1
Date Posted: September 23, 2003 at 12:02 PM
If you tell me the total RMS of you final setup, I can tell you approximately how many amps your new high out put alternator should be
Dominick 615-287-7991, Michiana Rebuilders 1-800-627-4812,
C.S.A 1-334-712-9955 or 1-334-791-6272, https://www.mechman.com/home.html
https://www.wranglernw.com
https://www.mralternator.com
https://www.alternatorparts.com
Posted By: mray
Date Posted: September 23, 2003 at 10:16 PM
Can you tell me why my PPI a1200 running 300X2 into 4 ohms continually dims my lights on my 94 Caprice with a NEW battery and a 140 amp alternator? Running like a 2 gauge to the amp from the battery and a very short ground?
My other amp is an ADS 860 MX running 4X60rms....all watts shown are RMS.
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71 Cheyenne ZZ502/400 LWB Chrome rallies...
66 Chevelle SS 427
98 C5 Corvette
1994 LT1 Caprice 9C1
2001 Suburban 8.1/496
02 VMAX
Posted By: bberman1
Date Posted: September 23, 2003 at 10:23 PM
If you park in front of a wall at night with your headlights on, and race your engine do the lights still dim? or dose it only happen at idle?
Posted By: mray
Date Posted: September 23, 2003 at 10:46 PM
All the time. The harder the kick drum the lower my volt meter dips.
thats with lights only....no AC, no electric fans.....goin down the highway.....
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71 Cheyenne ZZ502/400 LWB Chrome rallies...
66 Chevelle SS 427
98 C5 Corvette
1994 LT1 Caprice 9C1
2001 Suburban 8.1/496
02 VMAX
Posted By: bberman1
Date Posted: September 23, 2003 at 10:54 PM
I would have your alternator checked to make sure you’re getting the correct ampage. Also what is the size of your ground cable?
Posted By: mray
Date Posted: September 23, 2003 at 11:07 PM
same as supply... 2 guage.
I am going to send you a message outside of this post, i have another question noone can seem to answer for me.
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71 Cheyenne ZZ502/400 LWB Chrome rallies...
66 Chevelle SS 427
98 C5 Corvette
1994 LT1 Caprice 9C1
2001 Suburban 8.1/496
02 VMAX
Posted By: MAXST
Date Posted: September 24, 2003 at 7:01 AM
You can get a hi-output alt from ebay pretty cheaply. I found a 200amp one that would go into my 94 accord...dunno what honda you have tho....also the battery in the accord is pretty big..i havent seen a civics'
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I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.
Posted By: TAudio
Date Posted: September 24, 2003 at 9:18 AM
My finnal setup will be 960 watts RMS. right now i have 560 Watts RMS.
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If quiters never win, and winners never quit, who the heck came up with the idea that you should quit while your ahead?
Posted By: bberman1
Date Posted: September 26, 2003 at 7:55 PM
Your Audio system alone will use approximately 75 amps at max power. I would suggest a 160 amps + for your car. But it’s always a good idea to get the largest one you can (you can never have too much power) you should be able to find one for under $300.
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