I found one reference to this issue in the archives, but it doesn't completely answer my question, so please help...

I just got my Empeg hooked up for the first time, in a 1974 Innocenti Mini Cooper (Italian made version of the British classic; virtually identical). Also installed is a big Harman Kardon amp (rated at 60 w/ch RMS, but very conservatively rated). I wired the Empeg's constant-power lead to the same circuit as the cigarette lighter, and its switched lead to the circuit that also feeds the handbrake indicator light (which provides 12 volts when the ignition is on, even if the light is not lit). The amp is wired directly to the battery (which tests okay).

Problem is, when I use my headlights and let off of the accelerator, the unit shuts off for a few seconds, and then resumes (showing the power warning indicator). It does not stay off the entire time I'm idling, just for a few seconds. According to the voltmeter in the dash, voltage is dropping dramatically during those few seconds, hence the problem.

I see a couple of possible solutions. One would be to wire a large capacitor inline with the Empeg's power lead. Question is, which lead (ignition-switched, or constant hot)? And could anyone venture a guess as to the value of the cap that I'd need?

A second option would be to run the Empeg's constant hot lead directly to the battery, using the battery as a huge capacitor so to speak. But this would still allow the possibility of a voltage drop on the switched ignition lead. Would that solve the problem, or would it still shut off if the voltage dropped on the switched lead? If the latter, perhaps I can run both leads directly to the battery, with a relay in line with the switched lead, using the aforementioned ignition lead to trigger the relay.

Am I risking damage to my Empeg using it this way?

Finally, since many of you are in the UK, where the Mini is much more common than it is here in the States, can anyone who's owned one tell me if my experience is typical for this vehicle? Perhaps I have a problem with my alternator (although it did not misbehave until I installed the stereo system, which is clearly taxing it).

- Ron Salmon