- Dec 4, 2011
- 211
So, I’ve been reading quite a bit about charging systems. My main reason is for large audio applications.
I’m not sure I’m understanding the big picture.
This video shows how a light will be a certain brightness when hooked into the system. Then when you disconnect the battery it remains just as bright (provided the loads draw does not exceed the alternators output). So then, hook the battery back up and disconnect the alternator. The light immediately gets dimmer and the battery voltage goes down.
[video=youtube;D8FftSBziUQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8FftSBziUQ&feature=g-all-lik[/video]
I think I understand all that.
Now, this guy states (it's a lot of reading) that if you have a car – his example was an older car with an external voltage regulator – and you replace the alternator with a higher output one wire alternator, you would probably have more dimming of lights and less voltage at accessories.
He states that there should be a distribution point where the alternator, battery, fuse block, and audio all get their power - and a voltage sensing wire at that point also. Now if we remember from the video, accessories should be powered by the alternator, not the battery (it is just there for support when the alt. can’t keep up). This way as soon as the amplifier needs power, the alternator can ramp up and give the extra needed voltage.
So, my wonderment is – if wired the conventional way (first drawing), with the main power wire going from the alternator to the battery – maybe to a second battery in the back, then to the amplifier – doesn’t the alternator recognize the need as quickly? And when it ramps up, wouldn’t it go right to the amplifier because the batteries are already full so the current should just go right past them – no?
I’m no good with drawings or sketches but I included two for the basic idea. I’m not sure if the guy in the article would be OK with the two distribution points or if it should be just one. Just thought that would save a lot of wire.
I’m not sure I’m understanding the big picture.
This video shows how a light will be a certain brightness when hooked into the system. Then when you disconnect the battery it remains just as bright (provided the loads draw does not exceed the alternators output). So then, hook the battery back up and disconnect the alternator. The light immediately gets dimmer and the battery voltage goes down.
[video=youtube;D8FftSBziUQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8FftSBziUQ&feature=g-all-lik[/video]
I think I understand all that.
Now, this guy states (it's a lot of reading) that if you have a car – his example was an older car with an external voltage regulator – and you replace the alternator with a higher output one wire alternator, you would probably have more dimming of lights and less voltage at accessories.
He states that there should be a distribution point where the alternator, battery, fuse block, and audio all get their power - and a voltage sensing wire at that point also. Now if we remember from the video, accessories should be powered by the alternator, not the battery (it is just there for support when the alt. can’t keep up). This way as soon as the amplifier needs power, the alternator can ramp up and give the extra needed voltage.
So, my wonderment is – if wired the conventional way (first drawing), with the main power wire going from the alternator to the battery – maybe to a second battery in the back, then to the amplifier – doesn’t the alternator recognize the need as quickly? And when it ramps up, wouldn’t it go right to the amplifier because the batteries are already full so the current should just go right past them – no?
I’m no good with drawings or sketches but I included two for the basic idea. I’m not sure if the guy in the article would be OK with the two distribution points or if it should be just one. Just thought that would save a lot of wire.