so i have a cap sitting around (from my first system, when i DIDNT do any research on how to solve my power problems) and im doing my new system in my truck. i've done the research and i SHOULD have no power problems with the system. so should i still throw the capacitator in for sq purposes (lower long notes and such?) or should i just pack it away in my closet?

 

i do not see the need for one but if i had it why not (if i went to a show i would try to get ponts for it )

 

You can do a simple experiment to see if your cap is doing anything.

Using a test cd, or a song that has a loud long passage.
Mesurse you voltage with a good volt meter, while playing loud (loud but definately not clipping). Measure both with engine off and with engine running on idle.

Then install the cap.

Do your measurements again, same place, same song, same volume etc.

If your voltage stays higher with the cap in, then its doing it's job.

 

Actually to test the cap sonically...... Its best to use music thats very dynamic on the bass attacks (like kick drums or snare drums), and listen to the sharpness of the initial attacks difference.

at the same time, you could check if it helps the lights dimming by turning on the headlights. or use either a brax cap tester or a analog voltmeter to see how it helps to stablize the voltage.

 

If you have it use it, its going to do something good.

 

i've heard they can put a strain on yer charging system though, and negativly
effect your system.........

 

bahhhhh humbug

A capacitor might help maintain the system voltage to a point for a second or three (and then they will want to be recharged) but it really should not be all that profound a load on the electrical system since it is not much of a power source, remember there is often a significant capacitor bank in the power supply of most large amplifiers already. US Amps feels a capacitor once partially discharged will be in competition with the amplifier for power from the alternator.

Now a cap will want power very fast, it will recharge from 0 volts to 12 volts in less than a second so any affect it will have is brief.

edit: now a load of 50 or 60 farads would be noticed...

 

A cap is a filter....specifically to filter the rapid change in supply voltage.
They will help maintain the voltage at whatever it's at, and slow the fluctuation.
If the average amperage is less than the supply, the cap will help keep the voltage at 14.4 through the peaks.
If the average draw exceeds the supply, then the cap will hold the voltage down to 12.5 through the quiet moments.
So....it depends on the type of music, and the level it's at which it's played.
In other word...it will either help or hinder.

The best way to tell if a questionable addition to your system helped, is to install it....you may not notice a difference at all, but drive with it for a week or so.
Then remove it.....you'll notice the loss if there is any, and if you don't notice the difference.....sell it and have a beer on me.
cheers

 

The cap makes the power system see a more constant draw, it'll actually be easier on the car. Also caps don't take power they only store it so your system won't draw anymore than it did before the cap.

 

if you have no other use for it then throw it and and see if your SQ inproves....

mind if i ask what brand/size cap were talking about?