capacitors
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Re: capacitors (jwrcivicdx)
it depends on the size of the capasitor. my cousin has the same setup of 500/1 and 300/4 good combo he has 2, 1 farad and .5 farad. but personally with a 1 farad you have no problem. just a decent brand they all work the same.
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Re: capacitors (jwrcivicdx)
if you have major dimming, a cap probably won't do anything. slight dimming, it might work. i would upgrade the big 3 wire under the hood before hooking up a capacitor. we all know how much current those stock wires can carry right? 
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From: San Gabriel, California, u.s.a
Re: capacitors (GSteg)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GSteg »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if you have major dimming, a cap probably won't do anything. slight dimming, it might work. i would upgrade the big 3 wire under the hood before hooking up a capacitor. we all know how much current those stock wires can carry right? </TD></TR></TABLE>
Elaborate; Please!
</TD></TR></TABLE>Elaborate; Please!
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: San Gabriel, California, u.s.a
Re: capacitors (CoolKat)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CoolKat »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">how do u charge a cap?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yuo need to get a resistor and place it between your power wire and the CAP's positive terminal, also make sure the CAP is grounded, this alows the CAP to charge slowly.
Yuo need to get a resistor and place it between your power wire and the CAP's positive terminal, also make sure the CAP is grounded, this alows the CAP to charge slowly.
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From: Pittsburgh, Pa, USA
Re: capacitors (jwrcivicdx)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jwrcivicdx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i have a 500\1 and 300\4 jl audio amp. this is draining lots of power. can i us one capacitor for both amps or do i need two.</TD></TR></TABLE>
The easiest way to solve 99% of dimming problems and to replace the stock battery with red or yellow top Optima battery. (Red if the car is daily driven because that yellow is harder for the alternator to charge. And then add a cap, if the cap isn't enough then add a second battery ... VERY few systems require more that 2 batterys unless they are competing. Just make sure to use battery isolator and Optima batteries because they are sealed and can be mounted any way, even upside down. Also have your alternator checked to make sure it is ok and if it needs replaces look into a higher output one.
The easiest way to solve 99% of dimming problems and to replace the stock battery with red or yellow top Optima battery. (Red if the car is daily driven because that yellow is harder for the alternator to charge. And then add a cap, if the cap isn't enough then add a second battery ... VERY few systems require more that 2 batterys unless they are competing. Just make sure to use battery isolator and Optima batteries because they are sealed and can be mounted any way, even upside down. Also have your alternator checked to make sure it is ok and if it needs replaces look into a higher output one.
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From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Re: capacitors (dannyboi)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dannyboi »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Elaborate; Please!</TD></TR></TABLE>
Big 3. Battery to chassis ground. Engine to Chassis ground. Alternator to battery cable run.
I upgraded my negative ground with a cheap $5 2gauge ground cable from autozone. It made a difference with my bass
I also got 2 additional mpg. I have not figured that one out yet, but it has been consistent for 4 fill ups. I will do the other two after I get a new alternator.
Elaborate; Please!</TD></TR></TABLE>
Big 3. Battery to chassis ground. Engine to Chassis ground. Alternator to battery cable run.
I upgraded my negative ground with a cheap $5 2gauge ground cable from autozone. It made a difference with my bass
I also got 2 additional mpg. I have not figured that one out yet, but it has been consistent for 4 fill ups. I will do the other two after I get a new alternator.
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From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Re: capacitors (99turbosi)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 99turbosi »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
The easiest way to solve 99% of dimming problems and to replace the stock battery with red or yellow top Optima battery. (Red if the car is daily driven because that yellow is harder for the alternator to charge. And then add a cap, if the cap isn't enough then add a second battery ... VERY few systems require more that 2 batterys unless they are competing. Just make sure to use battery isolator and Optima batteries because they are sealed and can be mounted any way, even upside down. Also have your alternator checked to make sure it is ok and if it needs replaces look into a higher output one.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I disagree. Once you exceed the output of your alternator, you will drop to battery voltage (12.5-12.8) and the power will come from the battery. At this point you have already dimmed.
Multiple batteries are useless unless you want to run your stereo longer with the car off. When you turn your car back on your alternator will hate you though.
Now if you are getting extreme dimming, I believe a battery can help a bit, but you will still dim. A better battery will have a lower esr and higher cranking amps. This will allow the battery to provide more current with less voltage loss.
The easiest way to solve 99% of dimming problems and to replace the stock battery with red or yellow top Optima battery. (Red if the car is daily driven because that yellow is harder for the alternator to charge. And then add a cap, if the cap isn't enough then add a second battery ... VERY few systems require more that 2 batterys unless they are competing. Just make sure to use battery isolator and Optima batteries because they are sealed and can be mounted any way, even upside down. Also have your alternator checked to make sure it is ok and if it needs replaces look into a higher output one.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I disagree. Once you exceed the output of your alternator, you will drop to battery voltage (12.5-12.8) and the power will come from the battery. At this point you have already dimmed.
Multiple batteries are useless unless you want to run your stereo longer with the car off. When you turn your car back on your alternator will hate you though.
Now if you are getting extreme dimming, I believe a battery can help a bit, but you will still dim. A better battery will have a lower esr and higher cranking amps. This will allow the battery to provide more current with less voltage loss.
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Re: capacitors (nsxxtreme)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxxtreme »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">not again 
</TD></TR></TABLE>
One day when I am bored as hell, I will right a car audio faq, and post it on my site.
</TD></TR></TABLE>One day when I am bored as hell, I will right a car audio faq, and post it on my site.
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From: San Gabriel, California, u.s.a
Re: capacitors (99turbosi)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 99turbosi »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
The easiest way to solve 99% of dimming problems and to replace the stock battery with red or yellow top Optima battery. (Red if the car is daily driven because that yellow is harder for the alternator to charge.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I just got a yellow top optima, am I going to damage my alternator?
The easiest way to solve 99% of dimming problems and to replace the stock battery with red or yellow top Optima battery. (Red if the car is daily driven because that yellow is harder for the alternator to charge.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I just got a yellow top optima, am I going to damage my alternator?
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From: Beavertown, OR
Re: capacitors (dannyboi)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I just installed a cap,1 farad, and my lights still dim. As of right now I don't see the difference of having installed one. </TD></TR></TABLE>
What type of cap? How much current or you pulling? What is your alternator rated at? How did you mount it? what is the wattage of you system? What size power and ground wires do you have ran? A capacitor is not a magical fix all, it has its limits, it needs to be used corectly. Your electrical system is only as good as it's weekest link.
I just installed a cap,1 farad, and my lights still dim. As of right now I don't see the difference of having installed one. </TD></TR></TABLE>
What type of cap? How much current or you pulling? What is your alternator rated at? How did you mount it? what is the wattage of you system? What size power and ground wires do you have ran? A capacitor is not a magical fix all, it has its limits, it needs to be used corectly. Your electrical system is only as good as it's weekest link.
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From: Greenville, SC, USA
Re: capacitors (vteg)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vteg »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
One day when I am bored as hell, I will right a car audio faq, and post it on my site.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Or link to the rec.audio.car newsgroup faq :-) I'll try to find it...
One day when I am bored as hell, I will right a car audio faq, and post it on my site.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Or link to the rec.audio.car newsgroup faq :-) I'll try to find it...
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From: San Francisco, CA, USA
Re: capacitors (dannyboi)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dannyboi »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Yuo need to get a resistor and place it between your power wire and the CAP's positive terminal, also make sure the CAP is grounded, this alows the CAP to charge slowly.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You can also use a 12V indicator light. I usually connect the power wires first, then use the light between the negative terminal and ground wire. When the lamp goes out, your cap is charged.
Same for discharging, place the lamp across the terminals, when the light is out, you are discharged.
This works better then the resistor method for two reasons:
1. Resistors can get hot, the lamp releases that heat with the fillament as light
2. You know when you are done charging or discharging.
Yuo need to get a resistor and place it between your power wire and the CAP's positive terminal, also make sure the CAP is grounded, this alows the CAP to charge slowly.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You can also use a 12V indicator light. I usually connect the power wires first, then use the light between the negative terminal and ground wire. When the lamp goes out, your cap is charged.
Same for discharging, place the lamp across the terminals, when the light is out, you are discharged.
This works better then the resistor method for two reasons:
1. Resistors can get hot, the lamp releases that heat with the fillament as light
2. You know when you are done charging or discharging.
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From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Re: capacitors (PupaScoopa)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PupaScoopa »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Or link to the rec.audio.car newsgroup faq :-) I'll try to find it...</TD></TR></TABLE>
I found it http://www.faqs.org/faqs/car-audio/part1/
The info is not that great though. Sections 2.9-11 apply to this topic.
Or link to the rec.audio.car newsgroup faq :-) I'll try to find it...</TD></TR></TABLE>
I found it http://www.faqs.org/faqs/car-audio/part1/
The info is not that great though. Sections 2.9-11 apply to this topic.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Aurora, LoveHock
Re: (Drum_Guru)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Drum_Guru »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">U guys do know that many caps dont really do anything... right...
there are some that actually work though... like dynabat caps (they have a finite life though [couple years I think])...</TD></TR></TABLE>
Umm, what capacitor does not have infinite life if not broken? Capacitors can stay charged for years if not forever, depends on the dielectric material.
there are some that actually work though... like dynabat caps (they have a finite life though [couple years I think])...</TD></TR></TABLE>
Umm, what capacitor does not have infinite life if not broken? Capacitors can stay charged for years if not forever, depends on the dielectric material.
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From: San Gabriel, California, u.s.a
Re: capacitors (nsxxtreme)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxxtreme »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
What type of cap? How much current or you pulling? What is your alternator rated at? How did you mount it? what is the wattage of you system? What size power and ground wires do you have ran? A capacitor is not a magical fix all, it has its limits, it needs to be used corectly. Your electrical system is only as good as it's weekest link.</TD></TR></TABLE>
lightning 1 farad
How much current ?..
alternator ?..
wattage 300x2 50x4
wires 8 gauge
What type of cap? How much current or you pulling? What is your alternator rated at? How did you mount it? what is the wattage of you system? What size power and ground wires do you have ran? A capacitor is not a magical fix all, it has its limits, it needs to be used corectly. Your electrical system is only as good as it's weekest link.</TD></TR></TABLE>
lightning 1 farad
How much current ?..
alternator ?..
wattage 300x2 50x4
wires 8 gauge
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From: San Francisco, CA, USA
Re: capacitors (dannyboi)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dannyboi »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
wattage 300x2 50x4
wires 8 gauge</TD></TR></TABLE>
anyone else notice the problem here? I seriously hope that you are not running an 8ga lead from the battery. If so, go try to run a marathon while breathing through a straw and get back to me on how it worked!!
wattage 300x2 50x4
wires 8 gauge</TD></TR></TABLE>
anyone else notice the problem here? I seriously hope that you are not running an 8ga lead from the battery. If so, go try to run a marathon while breathing through a straw and get back to me on how it worked
!!
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From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Re: capacitors (rcurley55)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rcurley55 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
anyone else notice the problem here? I seriously hope that you are not running an 8ga lead from the battery. If so, go try to run a marathon while breathing through a straw and get back to me on how it worked!!</TD></TR></TABLE>
Upgrade the 300x2 to 4 gauge. The 50x4 is fine. Upgrade your battery ground to chassis to 4 gauge also.
anyone else notice the problem here? I seriously hope that you are not running an 8ga lead from the battery. If so, go try to run a marathon while breathing through a straw and get back to me on how it worked
!!</TD></TR></TABLE>Upgrade the 300x2 to 4 gauge. The 50x4 is fine. Upgrade your battery ground to chassis to 4 gauge also.
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: San Gabriel, California, u.s.a
Re: capacitors (vteg)
well that was my feeling when I did my install, however, when I called PPI the tech told me that 8 gauge would be fine. He also said that rinning 4gauge all the way back may not be good because of the distance. He also recomended for me to run the amp ground all the way back to the negative terminal on my battery,which I haven't done.