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how big of a capacitor do i need?

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Old Feb 8, 2005 | 05:27 PM
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Default how big of a capacitor do i need?

if i am running a 1000-1200 watts system, how many farads should i go with? i was thinking 1.5 farad or so. is having a bigger cap better?
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Old Feb 8, 2005 | 09:28 PM
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What makes you think you need a cap?

But to answer your question, it is generally 1 farad per 1k watts.
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Old Feb 10, 2005 | 01:04 PM
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Originally Posted by WiLL
What makes you think you need a cap?

But to answer your question, it is generally 1 farad per 1k watts.

I agree, many people still dont understand what a cap actually does.
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Old Feb 10, 2005 | 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by WiLL
What makes you think you need a cap?
I bet the answer "the assholes at Best Buy"
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Old Feb 11, 2005 | 01:10 AM
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Heh. Caps are a good idea, but if you aren't noticing any problems now, a cap won't benefit you much. Capacitors back up the main battery in a way that it can deliver quick and heavy loads of current with ease. If you notice that your lights dim when you are playing your music loud, you might want to invest one. Even though it usually isn't a big deal, the dimming is the amp straining your electronic system and a capacitor will heal that.

Oh, and 1.5k will do you just fine in case you are interested in picking one up.
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Old Feb 11, 2005 | 07:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Synthead
Heh. Caps are a good idea, but if you aren't noticing any problems now, a cap won't benefit you much. Capacitors back up the main battery in a way that it can deliver quick and heavy loads of current with ease. If you notice that your lights dim when you are playing your music loud, you might want to invest one. Even though it usually isn't a big deal, the dimming is the amp straining your electronic system and a capacitor will heal that.

Oh, and 1.5k will do you just fine in case you are interested in picking one up.
.................once again! Wrong!
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Old Feb 11, 2005 | 04:07 PM
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Originally Posted by KuttinEdge
.................once again! Wrong!
Why?
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Old Feb 11, 2005 | 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Synthead
Why?
Because lights dimming usually indicates a current/voltage drop. A capacitor is another load on the already strained electrical system and probably won't do much if you don't have the current to keep it charged.
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Old Feb 11, 2005 | 10:38 PM
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If you are serious about getting a strong electrical system, take the money for the cap and save it towards a stronger alternator. We all know that Honda's have girly alternators h: :reechy: At least my 99 Integra does.
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Old Feb 11, 2005 | 11:12 PM
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Ahh, I see. Then why is it such common knowledge to have a cap? Kinda rediculous I think.
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