I have a question about capacitors, i have been running a pretty basic system for a few years now and have been thinking about upgrading. The rest of the stuff i have a pretty good grasp on, but caps i dont.

The cap just goes inline with the power line i assume, but how do you gauge what size you need? Also, is there going to be a difference between brands etc? And why the digital readout on some?

I know these are probably some stupid questions but if anyone can fill me in it would be appretiated.

*EDIT* Like this for instance.

Ebay

Seems like an amazing price, too good to be true i assume? The shipping is crazy high but im not really concerned im jsut using it as an example.

[ January 23, 2005, 04:31 PM: Message edited by: Black240Matt ]

 

a cap goes in the power circuit between the power and ground. THe function of a cap is to provide the extra current for the big draws like subwoofer beats which would draw down the battery voltage and decrease performance.

brands don't mean squat, since there are only 1 or 2 factories in the world that have the facilities to make a 1+ farad capacitor. they're all the same. they all claim low ESR (equivalent series resistance, which affects how fast the cap can discharge). The digital top is just for show, it can show you the voltage of your system, woo hoo [img]graemlins/jack.gif[/img]

Caps are really the last thing to add, and are totally unnecesary since most amplfiers have more than enough power supply capacitance built into them.

A wiser way to spend the money would be on a better battery and a bigger alternator.

 

Sorry, maybe im stupid, between the power and ground? like as in the power goes in the cap then grounds to the car? uh...wah?

 

Go to http://www.bcae1.com/ and scroll on the right till you get to "Capacitors". Read the section on "Stiffening Capacitors" as it gives all the info you need as well as wiring diagrams.

 

Ah, cool, tks for the info.