I have 2 12s with a 3000 watt amp what size capacitor should i have?
I have to agree with Rick. An amp that's CEA-2006 compliant is what protects consumers from outrageous power claims from amplifier manufacturers. A cap is only good so far as the audio system isn't trying to pull too much from the electrical system. A cap doesn't provide more power, it's designed to 'stiffen' the voltage to the amp, nothing esle. If the current isn't there, a cap won't help. If your total system power is a 1000 watts RMS or more you will need to: 1. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator 2. Upgrade to a heavy duty deep cycle battery 3. Upgrade the "Big 3" - that is to replace the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis with at least 1/0 AWG wire. Failure to do this will result in you replacing them anyway as the alternator will eventually fail. Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need as well how to set the gain http://www.datafilehost.com/download.php?file=6d26c621 You'll need Microsft Excel to use it. See my site for more info http://spkrbox1.spaces.live.com
Car lights still dim when bass hits , after i added a capacitor?
Of course it does. A cap isn't a cure for dimming lights. If your total system power is 1200 watts RMS or more, you will need to: 1. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator 2. Upgrade to a yellow top battery 3. Upgrade the "Big 3" - that is to replace (or add to) the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis with at least 2 AWG wire. Failure to do this will result in the early death of the alternator as it will eventually fail. Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need http://www.box.net/shared/uchv4dbk88 You will need Microsoft Excel. If you don't have Excel, use this link http://www.box.net/shared/nkkw1dhk4g A second battery is never a good idea as it's an added strain on the alternator to charge two batteries AND supply power for the car. The ONLY time a second battery is useful is if the audio system is to be used with the car off. A capacitor is only good so far as the audio system isn't trying to pull too much from the electrical system. A cap doesn't provide more power, it's designed to 'stiffen' the voltage to the amp, nothing else. If the current isn't there, a cap won't help. The alternator must have at least 20% more amperage power than the entire vehicle and sound system combined for a cap to be of benefit which is ironically the same requirements for an amp to be efficient. See my site for more info http://spkrbox1.spaces.live.com
Do car audio capacitors really work? How do I stop my headlights from dimming?
It really depends. A cap is only good so far as the audio system isn't trying to pull too much from the electrical system. A cap doesn't provide more power, it's designed to 'stiffen' the voltage to the amp, nothing esle. If the current isn't there, a cap won't help. A second battery is never a good idea as it's just an added strain on the alternator unless you plan on running the system with the engine off. If your total system power is a 1000 watts RMS or more you will need to: 1. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator 2. Upgrade to a heavy duty deep cycle battery 3. Upgrade the "Big 3" - that is to replace the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis with at least 1/0 AWG wire. For at least 800 watt RMS system, do at least the first two suggestions above. Failure to do this will result in you replacing them anyway as the alternator will eventually fail. Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need as well how to set the gain http://www.datafilehost.com/download.php?file=6d26c621 You'll need Microsft Excel to use it. See my site for more info http://spkrbox1.spaces.live.com
How to stop my capacitor from draining my battery when parked?
I have a 40 farad Tsunami capacitor installed to try and help from my lights dimming when my stereo is pumped, which it does a bit. I have noticed that ever since i had it installed that if I dont drive my car for a day the battery is dead. I can only assume that the capacitor is draining the battery. Is there any way of stopping this or shutting the power connection off? I have seen things that if you have 2 batteries installed it stops one battery from raining the other, would this help?