daveb@cbmvax.UUCP (Dave Berezowski) (09/29/89)
I want to be able to draw 13.8 volts @ 20-40 (or more) amps while driving my car (I'm trying to power a linear amplifier). I know that the current alternator/battery comnbination in my Taurus SHO cannot handle this (even though I have the Ford factor heavy duty alternator/battery). Can anyone supply me with information on after market HEAFTY duty alternators and batteries? Any suggestions as to precautions, limitations, considerations regarding this type of hook-up wouild be appreciated. For example, should I be running another battery in parallel? Should the connections be direct to the battery or battery + and metal (chasis) ground? daveb
kirk%enterprise@Sun.COM ('Captain' Kirk DeHaan) (09/30/89)
From article <8038@cbmvax.UUCP>, by daveb@cbmvax.UUCP (Dave Berezowski): > > I want to be able to draw 13.8 volts @ 20-40 (or more) amps while > driving my car (I'm trying to power a linear amplifier). I know that > the current alternator/battery comnbination in my Taurus SHO cannot > handle this (even though I have the Ford factor heavy duty > alternator/battery). > > Can anyone supply me with information on after market HEAFTY duty > alternators and batteries? Any suggestions as to precautions, > limitations, considerations regarding this type of hook-up wouild > be appreciated. For example, should I be running another battery > in parallel? Should the connections be direct to the battery or > battery + and metal (chasis) ground? > > > daveb My recommendation is to leave the alternator alone. Unless you are transmitting at a very high duty cycle you shouldn't have to change it. You should however get a deep cycle battery. They are intended for heavy loading and withstand many more discharge/charge cycles than a standard battery. I personally have two batteries tied to my alternator via a battery isolator. This allows me to use one battery for my accesories while the other takes care of the engine, lights, etc. The connections should be made directly to the battery using heavy guage wire. #10 should do the trick, considering the current draw. Perhaps two #10 in parallel would be better. I suggest two #10's rather than one #8 for ease in routing, etc. Connecting directly to the battery will also allow the battery to act as a larger capacitor and filter out any whine you may get from the alternator. Also, be sure to fuse the positive lead(s) near the battery as well as in a place convenient for you to access. Hope that helps. ******************************************************************** * 'Captain' Kirk DeHaan "There's a lot to be said * * Sun Microsystems Inc. For a blow to the head" * * * * net - kirk@sun.com Blue Oyster Cult * * packet - n6sxr.ampr.org * * * ********************************************************************