Power Capacitors
08-29-2011, 10:14 PM
#1
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 3
Power Capacitors
I am pretty new on here but not new to mobile audio. I currently have a 2 farad Tsunami cap and have replaced it with a 5 farad of the same brand. I have crimped ends with leads as close to the amplifier as possible. Yet the cap is always discharging. The big three was pretty mickey mouse and freed up zippo for voltage. I'm running 4 ga as my main lines. I have an Optima yellow-top and a Mean Green 200A high output alternator. All my power and ground leads are crimped and soldered to reduce resistance. Question is, will beefing up my capacitor actually do anything to improve the power usage of my amp? Or did I waste some money. I don't have dimming lights. All this is in a 2004 TJ. my Voltage is usually steady 13.9v. I figured more capacitance couldn't hurt. But not sure
08-30-2011, 09:23 AM
#2
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 633
I hate to break it to you... if you are fighting against voltage drop ditch the 4 gauge and look into something bigger, the capacitor is NOT going to fix your problem. I love when people get taken for a ride at their local shop. Friends don't let friends buy capacitors!
08-30-2011, 10:32 AM
#3
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 320
Agreed. Depending on your current draw, larger guage wire (like 1/0 welding cable) is a cheap, simple upgrade to ensure you're not bottlenecking power to your amp(s).
If your lights aren't dimming, what is your concern? If they were, a 2nd battery in back would do infinitely more than a cap.
If your lights aren't dimming, what is your concern? If they were, a 2nd battery in back would do infinitely more than a cap.
09-05-2011, 11:46 AM
#5
always discharging? yes explain! you are not goint to be able to measure anything that the cap does. (if it actually does anything but I dont want to get into that debate)
While connected the voltage across the cap will be the same as at the amp. If you disconect your main Positive lead from the battery the cap will discharge very quickly if the amp is on and may take a few minutes if all your electronics is off due to standby current.
While connected the voltage across the cap will be the same as at the amp. If you disconect your main Positive lead from the battery the cap will discharge very quickly if the amp is on and may take a few minutes if all your electronics is off due to standby current.
09-07-2011, 06:06 AM
#7
0 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 39
"Brings out nicer sound as it discharges"
I would love to know how that works, sounds like magic to me. I think the majority of people fail to realize that pretty much every amp designed in the last 15 years already has caps built into it. I would pay money to see proof that the output from an amp is in any way different based on the addition of a power capacitor. While I am on the soapbox here, are there still people in this thread that believe a second battery matters when the car is running? (just sayin)
I would love to know how that works, sounds like magic to me. I think the majority of people fail to realize that pretty much every amp designed in the last 15 years already has caps built into it. I would pay money to see proof that the output from an amp is in any way different based on the addition of a power capacitor. While I am on the soapbox here, are there still people in this thread that believe a second battery matters when the car is running? (just sayin)
09-07-2011, 02:36 PM
#8
Administrator
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 16,855
I would pay money to see proof that the output from an amp is in any way different based on the addition of a power capacitor.
I think the majority of people fail to realize that pretty much every amp designed in the last 15 years already has caps built into it.
Most people use large storage capacitors incorrectly or expect them to compensate for an insufficient electrical system. This results in disappointment.
09-07-2011, 02:50 PM
#9
That's pretty easy to show with an O-scope. Run the amp up until it clips. Add a large storage cap, run it up until it clips again, back off a hair so it's clean, remove cap = clip = $$ lost.
They certainly do but often the included capacitance is insufficient if running the amplifier hard. To draw a parallel, all trucks come with springs but if you want to run hard offroad, it is a good idea to change/add/supplement them. In either case, most people using the equipment in a general manner will not realize the benefit of the upgrade.
Most people use large storage capacitors incorrectly or expect them to compensate for an insufficient electrical system. This results in disappointment.
They certainly do but often the included capacitance is insufficient if running the amplifier hard. To draw a parallel, all trucks come with springs but if you want to run hard offroad, it is a good idea to change/add/supplement them. In either case, most people using the equipment in a general manner will not realize the benefit of the upgrade.
Most people use large storage capacitors incorrectly or expect them to compensate for an insufficient electrical system. This results in disappointment.
09-07-2011, 02:59 PM
#10
Administrator
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 16,855
I should have clarified. IF you are running a system that regularly tests the welds on the trunk hinges, forget about a cap.
The point is that as part of a complete power package, a storage capacitor has it's place. Trying to use it as a bandaid for a weak electrical system is a recipe for failure.
The point is that as part of a complete power package, a storage capacitor has it's place. Trying to use it as a bandaid for a weak electrical system is a recipe for failure.
