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Can't decide whether I need capacitor

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Old 03-29-08, 02:25 PM
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jishan
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Default Can't decide whether I need capacitor

Hey guys i just got my new system. Volfenhag ZX-8400 it does 400 RMS @ 4Ohm and 600 watts RMS @ 2 oms. So now When i turn up the sound my lights start dancing in my car and also my head light lol. So it keeps dimming in another words. So should i get a capasitor for a temporary solution because i can't afford to get a new alternator or change the BIG 3. So now my question is will it helping gettin a capasitor or should I just wait and the the whole system changed in about 6 months. If i should get it Should i get like a 1.5-2 Farad or something else?

Thanks a lot guys.
Old 03-29-08, 04:33 PM
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88supramki
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in short...no you don't need a cap
Old 03-29-08, 06:37 PM
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bob2200
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From a theoretical point of view:

- If you're not running the amplifier cables directly to the battery, that would be a first step.
- The amplifier is drawing up to 50 amps (600 watts), so likely the voltage is going from 13.6 volts down to 12 volts when the alternator output becomes less than the load. A capacitor should help, but I don't know how much.
- Again, theoretically, a resistance (R) between the battery and amplifier (like coiled wire), with a capacitor at the amplfier, should help.
Old 03-30-08, 09:35 PM
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noop
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Doing the Big 3 shouldn't cost you much. Should be cheaper than a farad cap, if I'm not mistaken.
Old 04-03-08, 04:24 PM
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jishan
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well I guess i am going with the capacitor than. But I don't know how much Farad I need. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Old 04-03-08, 04:26 PM
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jishan
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and also another question some capacitors have a tittle like: 1.5 FARAD 24 VOLT DIGITAL CAR AUDIO POWER CAPACITOR: what do they mean when they say 24 VOLT??? :S does that mean it gives out 24 V or i need a system that can charge a 24V cap...
Old 04-04-08, 04:30 AM
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Tim
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I just ordered a capacitor for my new system. Rule of thumb is 1 farad per 1000 watts of power and a minimum of 1 farad. I have 1000 watt amp and they said two farads will be plenty, but i went with five farads.
Old 04-09-08, 08:28 AM
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jishan
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hey guys i just relized that I don't need a capacitor because my amp was wired in series/parallel with the two subs and it led to 2 OHM resistance so my amp can only take 4 OHM when its briged so i changed it to ALL series and now my sound is much deeper and also NO FLICKING LIGHTS AT ALL. Thanks alot for your help guys .
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