This week's blog is a battery tutorial for car audio amplifier upgrades. Your batteries are crucial when installing aftermarket audio equipment. When there is too much demand on your alternator, it transfers to your battery, which serves as the reserve power source. It kicks in until the demand decreases, and then it shifts back to your alternator. Your battery's capacity is typically rated in AH or Amp Hours. AH is the unit of measurement for battery capacity, determined by multiplying a current (in amperes) by the discharge time (in hours).
This rating also helps determine the approximate wattage your battery can handle. To calculate your watt-hour rating, simply multiply the amp-hour rating by the voltage. However, you also need to consider your amplifier's efficiency. During continuous heavy usage, the voltage may drop, reducing your amp's potential output, and the alternator can recharge the system. Be cautious because as voltage drops, so does your amplifier's efficiency, which generates heat and can damage components. Your potential output is limited by what you can supply.
Lastly, when selecting a battery, don't make price your primary concern. Instead, consider opting for a deep-cycle battery. Although they are more expensive, they are well worth the extra cost.