Batteries

[Dohmar]

Heyas

last nite i was playing around with my head unit for about an hour at a reasonably loud volume and today my battery is reporting 10 volts (and the car wont crank over subsequently). I was wondering several things

a) Is a single car battery ample enough for listening to audio when the car is turned off or do I need a second one?

b) I have a sealed gell battery atm, should I be replacing it with a conventional lead/acid battery or something more fancy?

c) I'm aware that cranking amps are required for the starter motor, but what do u need for continuous drain when off? lots of amp hours?

d) If two batteries are required, how would you set it up and what types of batteries would you use? Would you use lead/acid or gel for the engine, and a deep cycle for the amp/speakers/headunit/accessories?

I ask as I like to go to the drive ins occasionally, and having the amp and speakers on for 4-5 hours will certainly drain my batt if last nites use is any indication. Atm I have my battery on a charger so it may come good, but incase I need to replace it, I'd like some suggestions.

Thanks

-D

[infamous_t]

Just leave the car running, or have a battery charger on if at home, when playing with stereo.

Normal batteries are fine, dont spend more than $100, and get something with a decent warranty.

Dual battery systems aren't worth it for anything but show cars, cruisers etc. due to extra weight it would add to something like the GTR.

Perhaps a heavy duty low voltage cutout would be a good compromise.

Anything under 10V = battery death, you may be fine, or you might not.

Don't be suprised if it works fine for a few months then dies unexpectantly.

[turbo_brian]

The stock GTR batteries are shocking!!!!

I had mine go the day after I bought the car, and the replacement battery was socking when trying to power my stereo system.

I replaced mine with a deep cycle Optima Yellow top dry-cell battery, and haven't looked back. I even left the parkers on for 4 hours the other day, came back, and she turned over without even looking like it was getting flat.

Get yourself a decent battery, and you will be fine.

Also look at upgrading the Earth from the battery to chassis.

B.

[DECIM8]

Your battery is rooted.. That often happens every few years.. Either you arnt getting good connection with the terminals, the alternator belt is lose and not charging the battery when running correctly or most likely the battery is stuffed.

You need a new battery most of them will be fine. no need for optima.. I can leave my HIDS on for 2 hours and not have a drama with my battery so no dramas

[Dohmar]

Your battery is rooted.. That often happens every few years.. Either you arnt getting good connection with the terminals, the alternator belt is lose and not charging the battery when running correctly or most likely the battery is stuffed.

You need a new battery most of them will be fine. no need for optima.. I can leave my HIDS on for 2 hours and not have a drama with my battery so no dramas

I currently have a small sized sealed gel battery.... thinking that getting an optima might not be a bad idea. Do HID's consume more power than a decent stereo?

I wouldn't be worried about extra weight on the gtr since I don't track it, and I've already invested in sound deadening which made the car a bit heavier. Not too worried about that, if I want it lighter I'll just eat less curry

Atm the batt is on charge, and is reading 12.5v, we'll know tomorrow how good it is. But you're probably right, I've had the battery since I got the car a year ago, and had the alternator fail a couple of times (dodgy rebuild imho, has been ok for the last 9 months)..

-D

[4drftn]

would a compacitor help?