So when do you actually need a capacitor?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 8, 2009 | 05:40 PM
  #1  
topcat333's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
So when do you actually need a capacitor?

I'm gonna be putting a Kicker 12" L5 Series sub in my truck,I'm not sure what amp I'm getting yet though,should I use a capacitor with this sub?
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2009 | 05:45 PM
  #2  
bigdog87's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 0
From: Destin, Florida
If your lights dim when it hits, I'd put one.
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2009 | 06:05 PM
  #3  
styxnpicks's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,700
Likes: 0
From: my apartment
when your alternator doesn't put out steady voltage
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2009 | 06:21 PM
  #4  
bigdog87's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 0
From: Destin, Florida
Originally Posted by styxnpicks
when your alternator doesn't put out steady voltage


OP, he ^ knows more than I do.
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2009 | 07:16 PM
  #5  
JJDH's Avatar
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 1
From: ohio
http://www.bcae1.com/. caps are worthless.especially in new vehicles, when the alt dips, the cap is usually discharged, repeat 10,000 times, still same result. need a good battery, it has more storage. even a small second battery if necessary. is better than an cap. if ur alt is ho, then a cap could make sense when all ducks are in a row, alt, battery, demand, need for the kick in the trunk..........
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2009 | 07:19 PM
  #6  
JJDH's Avatar
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 1
From: ohio
Originally Posted by topcat333
I'm gonna be putting a Kicker 12" L5 Series sub in my truck,I'm not sure what amp I'm getting yet though,should I use a capacitor with this sub?
no
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2009 | 09:29 PM
  #7  
kuruption's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: Chester County, PA
When do you use a capacitor? Never.
 
Reply

Trending Topics

Old May 8, 2009 | 09:56 PM
  #8  
styxnpicks's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,700
Likes: 0
From: my apartment
Originally Posted by kuruption
When do you use a capacitor? Never.
petty much. most vehicles these days have alternators that put out steady voltage thanks to properly designed voltage regulators. no if you hooked it up to an o-scope and found that you have dc ripple in the charging system then you would need a cap
 
Reply
Old May 9, 2009 | 02:14 AM
  #9  
Low_e_Red's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,494
Likes: 0
From: Slidell, LA
Originally Posted by styxnpicks
petty much. most vehicles these days have alternators that put out steady voltage thanks to properly designed voltage regulators. no if you hooked it up to an o-scope and found that you have dc ripple in the charging system then you would need a cap
Houston, we have a winner!

(however it would be AC ripple in the DC line...)
 
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:08 AM.