do i change my battery with a 1300 watt sound system? - MINI Cooper Forum

mini_macky · #1 (**permalink**) Aug 3rd, 2005, 12:08 PM

ey guys (sorry, don't really know if my topic belongs here

)

i have a 1300 watt system in my mini. i noticed that ALL lights kind of dim when i'm playing music at almost max level to max level. according to my installer, i should change my battery to a "deep-cycle" kind of battery which will eliminate the dimming of the lights under heavy electrical load. i also asked him about the alternator (if i have to change it) but he said that it was ok and that the battery will do the trick.

any thoughts on this? shouldn't a 2-farad cap be enough for the lights not to dim?

ianw12345 · #2 (**permalink**) Aug 3rd, 2005, 12:34 PM

a 2 farad power cap should be sufficent to deal with this no worries, ive got an audiobahn 1300w amp and its fine with the power cap installed, hope that helps,

Ian

Crouchy · #3 (**permalink**) Aug 3rd, 2005, 05:10 PM

If you do a bit of research into powercaps on dedicated ICE forums you will find out that they are cr4p and it is impossible for one to work in the way that they are supposed to. I agree with the guy who told you to buy another battery. I have a 2400w Audiobahn amp and when i first got it i ran a powercap but after doing some research i just removed. I am currently considering buying a deep cycle battery but i may have to sell the car in the next few weeks.

SteveM3 · #4 (**permalink**) Aug 3rd, 2005, 07:56 PM

Er, what is this 1300 watt system? If it is maximum power into 2 ohms it probably
doesn't amount to much over 150 watts x 2 into 4 ohms 10Hz-20KHz 0.1% THD.
Caps have the problem they solve a temporary call for more power but then drain
the power away to recharge. Best to take this in three stages. One find out just
how much power you really have and check the current draw for each amp. Two
check your wiring, there is no point in having a fancy battery if the wires are thin
or your connections are poor. Third I would normally say if the lights still dim then
get a second specialist ICE battery with a split charge relay but as this is a MINI
then probably best get one high spec battery to save space but install a voltmeter
so you know the state of the battery.