Headlights dim when playing music
02-11-2007, 06:55 AM
#1
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 14
Headlights dim when playing music
I recently got a new system installed on my 2005 Dodge SX 2.0. The amp is a JBL CS300.1 - 460W @ 2ohms, 2 10" GTO1002D JBL subwoofers. On certain songs whenever the bass hits I can notice the headlights dim a little. What is the cause of this, and what is the solution?
02-11-2007, 07:27 AM
#2
Well there are a few options...The Big 3 is the most important & probably the most recommended for true audiophiles & for those that don't know the Big 3 they all use caps...most audiphiles will again use stiffening caps as opposed to digital caps..........there is a difference.
For your little problem a simple digital cap will suffice & look good unless you have a power draw somewhere.
For your little problem a simple digital cap will suffice & look good unless you have a power draw somewhere.
02-11-2007, 07:31 AM
#3
The power that should be going to your lights is hogged by your amplifier. First thing to try is doing "the big 3" (search the site for info on the topic). If this doesn't help and you're adament on solving the problem, you'll need to look into a high-output alternator (best bet) or a better battery or two.
02-11-2007, 08:15 AM
#5
OK putting another battery in for that little amount of wattage is a waste of time...The BIg 3 will definetly work & solve the problem but a cap will also work as they are designed to just store power to hold for slight power drops..ie. dimming lights. Adding another battery without upping the amps on your Alternator is absolutly a waste of time cause if your alternator can't run 1 battery then how the heck is it going to run for 2 batteries??..This is one of the biggest mistakes made by novices running electrical with 2 much money...most audio store will also not say much when doing this also as they want the sale.
Do a search on digital caps & stiffening caps & you will find the difference. but basically a digital cap will not do exactly what you think it does on storing power as a digital cap will constantly strain the alternator for power that is why most companies now will not call them stiffening caps anymore as cosmetics have taken the front seat now & they are simply not what a stiffening cap is suppose to do..the digital caps = cosmetics w/ constant power draw & a slight power drop fix which will usually completely empty its reservoir of power in 1 massive thump then only charge when the power load is not there ie no more bass thumps... A stiffening capacitor will hold the charge & store it only when the power drops form the alternator or battery then it will slightly discharge power into the amps power supply when the alternator or battery power drops thus still holding some power. A stiffening Cap was deigned as an electrical shock absorber which will prevent the voltage from rising to much & then slowing releasing it when it drops.
Capacitors of any kind whatsoever are only storage units & never produce power just store it...with enough farads u can actually boost a car if you battery dies.
Like I said do a search & you will find this out or take an electrical course & you will also come to the same conclusion as it starts to get a little more confusing when u get into ESL & ESR & that is when a capacitor is more needed.
Do a search on digital caps & stiffening caps & you will find the difference. but basically a digital cap will not do exactly what you think it does on storing power as a digital cap will constantly strain the alternator for power that is why most companies now will not call them stiffening caps anymore as cosmetics have taken the front seat now & they are simply not what a stiffening cap is suppose to do..the digital caps = cosmetics w/ constant power draw & a slight power drop fix which will usually completely empty its reservoir of power in 1 massive thump then only charge when the power load is not there ie no more bass thumps... A stiffening capacitor will hold the charge & store it only when the power drops form the alternator or battery then it will slightly discharge power into the amps power supply when the alternator or battery power drops thus still holding some power. A stiffening Cap was deigned as an electrical shock absorber which will prevent the voltage from rising to much & then slowing releasing it when it drops.
Capacitors of any kind whatsoever are only storage units & never produce power just store it...with enough farads u can actually boost a car if you battery dies.
Like I said do a search & you will find this out or take an electrical course & you will also come to the same conclusion as it starts to get a little more confusing when u get into ESL & ESR & that is when a capacitor is more needed.
Last edited by Crescent; 02-11-2007 at 08:24 AM.
02-11-2007, 11:31 AM
#8
good aftermarket battery such as the Optima series will help, red or yellow top
doing the "big 3" might not make much of a difference, depends on the quality and size of the wires in there already
definatly a larger alternator will help for sure
doing the "big 3" might not make much of a difference, depends on the quality and size of the wires in there already
definatly a larger alternator will help for sure
02-11-2007, 02:59 PM
#9
Originally Posted by wiltshire559
good aftermarket battery such as the Optima series will help, red or yellow top
doing the "big 3" might not make much of a difference, depends on the quality and size of the wires in there already
definatly a larger alternator will help for sure
doing the "big 3" might not make much of a difference, depends on the quality and size of the wires in there already
definatly a larger alternator will help for sure
02-11-2007, 04:06 PM
#10
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 509
he says a little dimming on some songs so im assuming his problem not real bad therefore doing "the big 3" and getting a yellow top or any sort of better battery would be more than enough to solve his problem, although i would disagree with people saying buy a cap...your money would be way better spent doing "the big 3" upgrade.
my .02
my .02
