Author Topic: Amps, Capacitors and doing Multiples...  (Read 2027 times)

Offline Red_Tekk

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Amps, Capacitors and doing Multiples...
« on: 29 March 2010, 15:18 »
A couple of questions guys, sorting out some new gear for my car this payday. Finally installing a cap. I will have two amps running, the one powering my sub and the other powering my front Components.

Installing a 1 farad cap and was wondering if it was worth connecting it to both amps or just the Sub amp?!

If so, do I take two positive lines from the cap to each of the amps positives?! Or is it only really needed for supporting the Sub amp?!

The amps are wired of a 4awg cable split with a terminal block with a positive going to each amp in parallel fashion.

Cheers

Chris

Offline jonnypolish

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Re: Amps, Capacitors and doing Multiples...
« Reply #1 on: 29 March 2010, 19:51 »
Caps are pretty much useless mate don't waste your time :)
Especially if your only pushing 4 gauge!

I'm running a standard halfrauds battery that came with the car on 2gauge wiring quite happily with no light dimming etc ^^

if you do experience light dimming just upgrade to a stronger battery :) until you hit competition standard of 0gauge ;)
 MK2 VR y0!

Offline Red_Tekk

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Re: Amps, Capacitors and doing Multiples...
« Reply #2 on: 30 March 2010, 09:39 »
Surely that can't be right?! How come they are so sought after with a High wattage Sub system?!

I don't really experience much in the light dimming area. Its more like I get the sub cutting out if I've been driving for over say 20mins. The sub will go very quiet and then come on and off intermitently?! I assumed that this would solve the problem if I put a cap in the way by supplying the sub with that extra power. We listen to mostly dirty, grimey Dubstep and drum and bass so the sub is working hard all the time?!

Offline jonnypolish

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Re: Amps, Capacitors and doing Multiples...
« Reply #3 on: 30 March 2010, 18:57 »
Utter poo :)
All the cap does is store some extra juice from the battery which isn't alot :P

Definitly isn't a power issue though if your car runs fine but the sub just isn't playing! (I don't think :D)

Not sure what the problem sounds like but check the wiring! (Always my first point of call)
Is your amp big enough for your sub
Or are your gains set too high for the sub?

Could be that the sub/amp becomes too hot and is damaged?

I do like your taste in music though ;) Near enough exactly the same as mine !
The Dirtier the Bass the better  :evil:


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Offline gazpowells

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Re: Amps, Capacitors and doing Multiples...
« Reply #4 on: 30 March 2010, 19:49 »
Utter poo :)
All the cap does is store some extra juice from the battery which isn't alot :P

Definitly isn't a power issue though if your car runs fine but the sub just isn't playing! (I don't think :D)

Not sure what the problem sounds like but check the wiring! (Always my first point of call)
Is your amp big enough for your sub
Or are your gains set too high for the sub?

Could be that the sub/amp becomes too hot and is damaged?


+1

 dont waste money on a power cap get a better battery

Offline Snoopy

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Re: Amps, Capacitors and doing Multiples...
« Reply #5 on: 30 March 2010, 22:10 »
If you would like to learn about modern capacitors often sold by marketing men in car audio as stiffling caps or power caps have a read of the ice bible thread sticky, page 4, read the links i posted.

Its more like I get the sub cutting out if I've been driving for over say 20mins. The sub will go very quiet and then come on and off intermitently?!
Have you stopped and checked the heat of the amp that sounds more like thermal roll back. What amp is it? what load have you got it running at? Were is the amp mounted? How is it mounted how much air is round it? How loud are you listenig to it? etc etc etc etc.
« Last Edit: 30 March 2010, 22:21 by Snoopy »
Mk6 GTI  &  Mk1 GTI 
34 years of GTI ownership.

Offline Red_Tekk

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Re: Amps, Capacitors and doing Multiples...
« Reply #6 on: 31 March 2010, 09:46 »
Ok so heres the plan, the wiring that was "professionally installed" by a company with the previous owner needs to be changed. The ground point is just attached to a bolt underneath the offside rear passenger seat, not a clean connection and theres been no attempt to remove any paintwork.

I'm going to re-wire from the battery with a new 4gauge to my terminal block in preperation for my 2nd amp (coming in two weeks), and then find a better ground which I hope should solve my problem. I'll update when its all done and give you guys a link to my Installation Step-by-step on here.

In the mean time thanks for all your help guys!

Offline jonnypolish

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Re: Amps, Capacitors and doing Multiples...
« Reply #7 on: 31 March 2010, 09:51 »
I'm glad you found the problem mate!
Try to get the earth to touch some point of the chassis! Dopey "Professional" company  :angry:

And get back to the Bangin' tunes as soon as ;)
 MK2 VR y0!