zsisk4

While driving down the road, my bass will randomly cut in and out of the song. But the amp light never goes off or blinks. Neither does my car. I'm assuming its caused by a lack of power bc it doesn't do that when its at idle. I plan on getting a 200 amp irragi alt and an XS power battery. I have a Rockford t1500bdcp powering my 18. I was hoping someone could shed some light on my problem before I spend money on a new alt..

WikkedOne

Lemme start by saying HOLY HELL THAT'S BIG.

I would think that a lack of power would be a bigger problem at idle - because fewer RPMs means fewer turns of the alternator, which means lower output (this is a general rule of course). You should have more output from you alternator when you're driving vs idle. And yes, if you're trying to push an 18, you DEFINITELY need a big battery and alt, even if your stock battery can hold it, it won't be long before you're buying a new one.

If I had to guess I'd say it was a loose lead wire. Something is either coming disconnected or shorting out while you are driving. I would try to find a song that always cuts out in the same spot. If it cuts out after the same bass hit nearly every time I would say it's power, but if it's seems to be completely random and not always on huge hits, it's a loose wire.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

The "lighting" for the amp may never go out, but that amp does have two protection LEDs on the face of it if I remember right. One probably labeled "thermal" and one simply labeled "protection". Do either of these light up while your amp cuts out? How long does it cut out for? Just a brief split second? A full minute? Connect a voltmeter up to the amp's inputs (and set it to hold min voltage is possible) and go for a drive. Watch the voltage fluctuate and see what the lowest voltage input to the amp is. Most amps claim they will play down to 9-10VDC, but that's usually not what I've seen real-world.

zsisk4

First off, I appreciate you commenting, second, I feel the same way. I thought it might have been a loose lead as well so I did the big three upgrade with all 0 gauge. But that didn't help at all. I consider myself to be pretty knowledgeable when it comes to sound systems but when it comes to RX8s I'm pretty new. I wasn't sure if the RX8 has some sort of voltage limit that it will drop down to and cut the main source of the drop, off. So I was just going to get a bigger alt and battery to see if that would do the trick bc that's the only thing I know of that might fix my problem. @https://www.rx8club.com/members/wikkedone-17215/

zsisk4

It only cuts out for about 3 seconds and the lights never change or flicker. But I will try the voltage meter trick u just talked about and see what it does

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

And I have to ask, which PSI sub do you have? In which configuration? Platform 2? Is it the dual 1 ohm or dual 2 ohm version?

tonik

upgrade to a bigger battery and put a big capacitor..

zsisk4

It is the platform 2 18" dual 2 ohm. 1500 watts rms. after this problem is resolved I have designs for a second 18" to go in my car. Then I am updating all mids and highs to Rockford fosgate

zsisk4

So apparently my volts drop to 6, then jump to 16, when it makes that jump, the bass cuts out. That seems to be like my alt is struggling to keep up the volts so when it jumps, the amp can't keep up.. I figure and alt and battery will fix this power struggle

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Should take care of it. Let us know how it works out for you.

Also, if you could post more info about the Irragi alternator you're purchasing (output, price, etc). We've had a few people asked about RX8 H/O alt options.

I used an Irragi alt a few years back, 03-06 time period. A little confusion from them at first, but Dominick was quick to make the correction. The alt worked perfectly for years. Eventually sold the car it was in.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

And any more pics of that box? I thought it just sat where the rear seats were, but now I see that it extends clear up to the rear window? And has... some sort of midrange speaker in there?

zsisk4

its a 200 amp direct bolt on, for 439$ the stock alt is 100 amps so i feel this should do plenty of what i need.

zsisk4

its a fairly normal box, it was just made to go over the center console. there is a gap between the back glass and box. and that is a rockford super tweeter. i made a cover thing to replace the plastic stock one. maybe these pictures will help. i also recently did the big three upgrade with all 0 gauge.