REVOofRustler Posted February 2, 2013 Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 I was wondering if someone could explain to me how to find how much alternator and battery power needed for X amount of current draw. I've searched a bit, but I can't seem to find anything that actually goes through the math. I always see people just throwing out alternator suggestions and battery suggestions without actually going into how they got to their conclusions. I'd love to know how to figure it out for myself. So if anyone can help, that would be awesome! 2002 Dodge Dakota 4.7 club cab - Sold 2004 Audi S4 Avant - Fi and Crescendo - Stock Bose System - http://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/147725-2002-dodge-dakota-end-of-the-road/?hl=%202002%20%20dakota 136.4 Sealed @ 29hz 137.0 Drivers window open @ 26hz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrd6 Posted February 2, 2013 Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 Well, if you know how much current draw you are going to have its really easy. Ideally, you want to get an alternator that puts out at least that much current. Batteries are used for two reasons: 1) to act as a buffer between your alternator and amp. Amps will demand power faster than the alternator can supply so the battery(ies) acts as the buffer. 2) because you don't have enough alt power so the batteries will supply the extra power for longer. In other words delay your voltage drop. My Build Log: http://www.stevemead...-sundown-power/ Team NorthWestSPL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DubNDodge Posted February 2, 2013 Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 Here ya go http://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/155585-how-to-2-270-ho-alts-on-1-battery-bank/ '01 Dodge Stratass Sealed Trunk Build Log 2008 Honda Fit Sport Build Log On 10/3/2013 at 10:00 AM, ROLEXrifleman said: Anyone who says they knew everything they wanted out of life at 19 can go suck a bag of dicks cause they are lying to themselves or brought up in a cult. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REVOofRustler Posted February 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 Well, if you know how much current draw you are going to have its really easy. Ideally, you want to get an alternator that puts out at least that much current. Batteries are used for two reasons: 1) to act as a buffer between your alternator and amp. Amps will demand power faster than the alternator can supply so the battery(ies) acts as the buffer. 2) because you don't have enough alt power so the batteries will supply the extra power for longer. In other words delay your voltage drop. Well right now I'm planning on a BC5500D at 1 ohm, along with a C1100.4 running at 2 ohms for the mid channels and probably 8 ohms for the tweeters. If figure this will be about 700 amps of draw at the max. I've been looking at the DC Power 370, but it would also be sweet if I could do a dual setup with two Mechman 240's or something. Another thing I would like to find out is how long you can go before voltage starts dropping with an "underpowered" alternator and a battery bank. 2002 Dodge Dakota 4.7 club cab - Sold 2004 Audi S4 Avant - Fi and Crescendo - Stock Bose System - http://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/147725-2002-dodge-dakota-end-of-the-road/?hl=%202002%20%20dakota 136.4 Sealed @ 29hz 137.0 Drivers window open @ 26hz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REVOofRustler Posted February 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 Here ya go http://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/155585-how-to-2-270-ho-alts-on-1-battery-bank/ Awesome! Thank you! 2002 Dodge Dakota 4.7 club cab - Sold 2004 Audi S4 Avant - Fi and Crescendo - Stock Bose System - http://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/147725-2002-dodge-dakota-end-of-the-road/?hl=%202002%20%20dakota 136.4 Sealed @ 29hz 137.0 Drivers window open @ 26hz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrd6 Posted February 2, 2013 Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 ^the other link will answer that question well, rather than me re-explaining it lol Its explained well there. Like I said, that much alt power would be "ideal." But it is usually not feasible. For your setup the 370 will be great and have fewer headaches than a dual alt setup My Build Log: http://www.stevemead...-sundown-power/ Team NorthWestSPL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrd6 Posted February 2, 2013 Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 edit: double post My Build Log: http://www.stevemead...-sundown-power/ Team NorthWestSPL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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