Caps

[omar_allibhai]

How do they work?? and are they worth putting in??

[ZMan2k2]

They work by stabilizing the power level in your vehicle. When the bass hits, for example, the draw from the amp goes up. This is especially true for transient response, moving from one note to another. This means the amp needs more power from your battery and alternator. If neither of these can supply power fast enough, depending on the power needed, you'll notice two things. Either the amp will shut down for a second, going into protection mode or distorting, or your lights will dim for a second.

Yes, a cap will help with this, because it is a storage location for extra power to the amp. It only works if it is fairly close to the amp. Usually within 18-24 inches of power wire from cap to amp. This will keep the draw on your alternator and battery lower because it will constantly charge and keep your lights from dimming, because the amp will use the power from the cap, instead of the rest of your power system.

The general rule is to have 1-farad of capacitance per 500 watts of amp power. That should run your system quite nicely.

[omar_allibhai]

ok thnx

[RC-Cola]

You just have to be a little careful when handling them especially after you have them installed. They will carry a residual charge for a week or so after it's last usage and if you not careful you can zap the shit out of yourself...