I recently installed some subs into the Expy, they are 2 15" Kicker L5s with a 1600watt HiFonics Amp. I notice that when the subs bang that the lights dim. People tell me that getting a Capacitor or a new "gel" battery will fix the problem. Which one would benefit me more? I'm leaning towards the capacitor since it seems like it would be cheaper. What is a good brand capacitor? Or which one do I need? Any help would be appreciated thanks.

 

Am looking at this capacitor.



Specs:
# Capacitance: 2,000,000 micro farad(2.0 farad)
# 3-digital display DC voltage meter
# Improves bass response (SPL)
# Increase the peak power™ of your AMP
# Reduce dimming headlights
# Warranty: 1 year

 

Big 3
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ot...pic-heavy.html


Kinetik

http://www.kinetikaudio.com/2009/default.asp

 

X2

 

Bert

 

Hey Drew

Like your new sig

 

Big 3 pics no work. Out of those batteries which one do I need? Is getting that battery the BEST way to fix it or with the capacitor will I be okay?

 

the battery is merely a noise filter and source of energy for starting the truck....the alternator should be the main power source while the vehicle is running. if you have power being drained from the battery while the truck is running...like what is happening now...it means you need to do some upgrades...do the big 3 first, and if you still have issues, you may need to get an alternator upgrade.

ive seen that merely upgrading the ground wires from the frame to body as well as the ground from the battery to the frame help out immensely. youre pulling extra current from the battery to your amp, you need to return the current through a ground upgrade from the body/frame to the battery.

 

I would do the Big 3 and run a cap.

 

The primary purpose of a cap is to aid the amplifier in power needs during spikes of energy draw. The only problem with this is the capacitor, at some point, is just another load on your electrical system as well, which does no more good than it does harm. If the problem is dimming lights, then a capacitor won't fix it and anyone who says it will, is just carrying on an old wive's tale.

What you need a more juice to run all of your stuff. Batteries are a great way to fix this, but that is a temporary solution because if your entire vehicular system (from sound system to engine components and lighting) draws, let's say, 180 amps, your batteries will eventually die because your alternator is only putting out MAYBE 130 amps to run evertyhing AND charge your batteries.

What you need is to upgrade the electrical wiring for your big electrical components, which are the alternator, battery(ies), and ground, followed immediately by a high output alternator, something in the 300A range should suffice.

Just remember...With great power, comes great responsibility to run that power by spending lots of $$$$$ to make sure it's all right and you don't get dimming lights.

 

Where do I look for bigger alternators?

 

Well in my experience capacitors have helped with dimming lights. But I guess results dont mean anything?

"Capacitors can also eliminate ripples. If a line carrying DC voltage has ripples or spikes in it, a big capacitor can even out the voltage by absorbing the peaks and filling in the valleys." This helps maintain a constant voltage which keeps lights from dimming.

 

Agree completely. Capacitors are simply a "band aid" for sound systems. The best and only real way to fix dimming lights is an alternator upgrade with the addition of a battery. Use one for the sound system and the other for the truck. Kind of like a boat uses two batteries. One for the engine, and the other for the accessories.