General Question,
I'm planning to install a bunch of electronic test equipment in my car at work. One of the problems we've been having is the power drain on the battery is too high so that the voltage drops too low while idling. I’m thinking upgrade the alternator and perhaps the battery also.
I have detailed specs of the equipment but will still test current drain with a DMM. With this info, how do I go about choosing the appropriate alternator and battery?
I’m not looking for product recommendations but primarily info on how to determine specs.

Any help would be appreciated…

thanks

 

If you are planning on running this equipment while the car is running - you need to upgrade only the alternator. There are several high-current alternator manufacturers on the market. You might also be able to swap in another alternator from another make of car if you are creative.

Upgrading the battery is only necessary if you plan to use the equipment with the car turned off - from the sounds of it this would be a bad idea for you. If you are to upgrade the battery - you can use a deep cycle marine battery for those purposes - or use an array of several batteries.

 

I know you asked for the reasoning behind why you would need each component, but here is a place where you can get an OEM remanufactured alternator for about the same as getting it from a Honda mail order company.
http://www.4alterstart.com

I got a 130 Amp alternator for my Civic. I know it was re-wound, but it looked BRAND new and I had it tested and it performs as advertised. $180.00, can't go wrong.


[Modified by ck279, 12:29 AM 1/22/2002]

 

Thanks to both of you! I appreciate the info.

 

Are you using a clamp on ammeter?

Most DMMs are only capable of measuring 10-20 Amps thru the shunt, be careful as your draw likely exceeds that.

 

good point! I'll probably use the DMM on the individual components and sum the currents..

thanx