Notices
Audio, Security, & Automotive Lighting Troubleshoot wiring problems and get equipment suggestions all in one place. Now expanded to include Automotive Lighting

cap or battery??? help!

Thread Tools
 
Old Jan 22, 2004 | 05:04 PM
  #11  
KuttinEdge's Avatar
KuttinEdge
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Default

Well now lets try and save you some money. You have 2 amps 1-600W and the other 1000W (most likely peak wattage, if that). You will find that most amps that have the wattage displayed on the casing are usually incorrect (but thats another story).

Understand of course, that no capacitor is a substitute for an adequate amplifier to provide the amount of bass energy you want to project. Nor will it substitute for an inadequate car power supply. You may have to install a stronger alternator if you have one of the more powerful systems.

A stiffening capacitor for your amp is the simplest way to be sure your system gets the immediate current it needs. A simple way of looking at it is by saying that you need a 1-Farad capacitor for every 1000W of power. Being that you are running less than 2000W, you should need 2 1-farad capacitors

Though your car may be pushing over 1000W (PEAK), you most likely would not need to go as far as to put in a higher output alternator.
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2004 | 05:33 AM
  #12  
Spyfunkr's Avatar
Spyfunkr
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Default

I think ImportCarTuner hit this right on the head. Your car should be running when you're using an audio system like this. If not, be prepared to buy a new battery on a regular basis - even Optimas have a life. While running, the alternator is doing the work. Add caps for bass hit supplement.

If you really want to do this right, add up the current draw of everything non-stock. For the audio amps, you'll have an average. Add that to the stock alternator output and the sum will be the size aftermarket alternator you'll need. Going 5 amps over wont hurt.

Spy
Reply




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:34 PM.