Hi all!!

I have got a full Kenwood setup in my car (big deal i here you shout) lol...
this includes a Kenwood powerslide Amp in the boot running a single 12" sub

my problem is when i turn up the volume my dash lights and headlights dim to the beat of the bass?

Can any one offer me assistance on what the cause is and how to resolve

Thanx in advance
Mick (west yorks)

 

First off, upgrade the earth from your battery negative terminal to the chassis - you'll be amazed how weak this is.

After that, it starts getting more difficult. Like adding a capacitor, but that's still not guaranteed to do the job...

 

Fit a capacitor m8! About 130 will set you back a good one. Simply, the amp is drawing more current when you crank up the system thus taking it away from the other power demanding sources in your car, like lights. As the current drawn from the amp is never constant (ie when the bass kicks in it saps more power to sustain the volume) you get the lights dimming rather than being constantly dim.

Basically, a capictor works by storing current for use when the demand is high - when it discharges - thus not starving the rest of the car of amps. Just watch out for the power leakage and real capacitance rather than what it claims to be, there are a LOT of inflated figures amoungst some well know manufacturers.
cheers

 

I *think* that someone on here might be selling a capacitor. Upgrade your earth cable too tho.

If you want to start cheap, let me know as I can get my hands on a .5 farad capacitor for 25 quid...

Cheers,
Nick.

 

I fitted a 1.5 farad cap when I was running 2 * 10" subs, and when I was running a singe 12". The cap solved the problem for me.

Toby (TBMeech) was selling a 1.5 farad capacitor.

 

I have a 1.5 f cap and a second battery in the boot with a split charge relay under the bonnet, the system is running a single MTX 15" sub with kenwood 923 power amp and 2 concord(JBL) ST150 for front and rear amplification. When the system is running at fairly high volume and engine is at tick-over there is no dimming of the lights!!!!!!!!!And no flat batteries. And upgrade your earthing points, the difference is amazing

BigRed

[Edited by BigRed - 11/29/2002 8:46:16 PM]

 

as your are only running one amp i would change the earth as has been said but also fit an optima battery as the put out a greater charge. These are a little expensive but are the muts nuts,i had one running three amps and fifteen speakers without a cap and no drain.Hope this helps.