I have a Diamond Audio D7401 (400Wx1 @ 4Ohms) and a Diamond Audio D7056 (50Wx6 @ 4Ohms) amp. Is a capacitor a good investment? If so, what should I look for? I was looking at some of the Stinger capacitors (Expert series 1 Farad... they also come in 3 and 5 Farad models).

 

Cap can never hurt - another battery is better though , even better would be a bigger alternator. If your lights are dimming the cheapest most effective thing to do is put a larger ground on your battery 2 or at least 4 gauge.
Good Luck ! ...and remeber if you get a cap to check the volts frequently ( if there is no onboard meter ) they will discharge.

oh yah , the point of the question 1 farad would be fine for that power , you could even get by with a .75 farad


[Modified by PlantedGSR, 1:40 PM 9/19/2002]


[Modified by PlantedGSR, 1:40 PM 9/19/2002]

 

So a single 1 farad to run both amps? (sadly I'm realizing now how useless my biology degree is... good thing I'm in the computer field... but I digress)

 

Simple. Install your system if you haven't yet and see how it reacts. Upgrading your factory battery ground and power wires will help also. Alot of people think a cap will help to stop lights dimming but most times it won't. In their case, they can benefit from upgrading something else.

 

Get the AlumaPro 5 farad CAP. I still think they have some mag reviews on their site. http://www.alumapro.com

 

1 farad per every 1000w -- if u only have about 800w peak you'll be fine... as for him needing another battery... i doubt it... - A cap will discharge faster than a battery will.... Although dont get me wrong, i have both in my car 2(1farad) caps & 1 SVR deep Cycle battery & a 150amp alt.. although im running about 5000w ~ im still building everythin up.. i might have to get another cap..
Heres tha Best way to do it.. count up all tha Fuse Amprage'z & see what it is.. thats goin to be how many amps your goin to need in your car...
U can get cheap caps @ partsexpress.com - or tms-electronics.com - or thezeb.com - or soundhabit.com -- also these Site have some of tha Cheapest prices you'll find around...


(yes i know i cant spell)


[Modified by Gusto222, 9:02 PM 9/21/2002]

 

i have a sony 760W amp pushing two MTX 12" 6000s. stock electrical system. lights dim when the bass hits. ur saying by upgrading the short length of wire from the battery neg to ground will alleviate the dimming?? please help. im skeptical of caps because they dont work on my friends car. maybe its just his, but i want an alternate solution.

 

IMO, you are throwing your money away on capacitors.....you are looking at this problem incorrectly - Wattage means NOTHING...everything here deals with how much current you are drawing.

First, look at your current charging system....it's probably equipped with a 75A alternator. Then take a look at what you are demanding with your system....look at the max amperage rating on your amps, then decide what your actual max load will be (if you are running it all at 4 ohm stereo, and your max is rated for 2 ohm stereo...you can divide it in half...get my drift?)

Once you have those numbers decide what you want to do to upgrade your electrical system.

I'm sorry, but who ever said a second battery is better is wrong!!! A second battery only places another load on your already undersized alternator. The only place where a second battery would be beneficial is during an SPL competition or if you want to run your system at exteneded periods with your car off...it does nothing to help you while driving the car.

A capacitor only helps to stabilize your voltage..it may help you avoid dimming lights, but it does nothing to generate power. This is a bandaid to your problem.

That leads me to my suggestion...invest in a high output alternator...somewhere around 135A. This will fix your problem of not having enough current. I agree with the above idea of testing the waters with your current charging system, then upgrading as you see fit. Also, don't forget to upgrade all of the underhood wiring....too many people focus on the battery to amplifier wire....the other underhood wires are just as important.

If you want a HO alternator, I have two sources

http://www.4alterstart.com/ -- I have not done business with them, but investigate them...they have the best prices by far (~175 for a new alternator...that's cheaper then the two caps you were thinking about)

OR

Go to http://www.termpro.com - Check out the alternator/electrical section of the forum there. A guy by the name of Dominic on that board rewinds alternators. I have heard nothing but good things about him. Send him an email, again, he's a low cost option.

The real cream of the crop when it comes to alternators is Ohio Generator. They make the best alternators out there, but you will pay through the nose for them.

 

good post

 

The point I was about to make. 1000w rms that is.

 

right on, thank you!

 

The best way to go is to get an upgraded alternator first then you will have an electrical system capable of keeping all you component even a second battery or capacitors in good shape, the reason people don't usually go this way is cause the Alternator is more expensive than most caps...

 

This is not a band aid this is the proper way. Lights will still dim with a higher output alternator.

Other info was great. Sorry for the short reply I broke my space bar on my keyboard. (lost my homework took it out on the keyboard )



[Modified by nsxxtreme, 4:47 PM 10/18/2002]