Power Cap ?

14th January 2005, 04:18

Hey Peeps! i was just wondering if you could tell me the benefits of having a power cap and what it actually does,is it worth getting?

14th January 2005, 04:21

What a power cap does is store power until the amp needs it. It acts a bit like a second battery.

If your car battery can't supply enough power for all electrics and the sub (which will cause lights to dim once bass kicks in) you should put one in

This way the battery is charging the pwoer cap at the rate at which it can, and the sub is still able to draw the needed power.

I have to get one for one sub and amp!

14th January 2005, 04:58

i would say that you should first go for alternator replacement, get a 1.5D one, as it is the strongest...
2. step would be a power cap

14th January 2005, 05:17

A power cap is a total waste of time, it will place even more strain on the battery. Correct it may be useful for one heavy bass drop but then what? the cap is drained and you are back to square one EXCEPT the battery now has to refill the charge in the cap WHILE also running the amp and continuing to play the music.

An uprated battery is you first port of call

14th January 2005, 05:45

cheers for all your help,i think ill upgrade my standard battery then atm and then maybe consider a power cap in the future

14th January 2005, 14:21

No, if you buy the correct size of power cap for your amp then it will never be drained fully. That is the point of a capacitor!

For example, inside every computer is a series of capacitors....when electricity dies for a split second (house lights die) the computer still runs. This is because the store of power in the capacitor never reaches the stage of being totally drained.

14th January 2005, 19:30

yes but then the battery still has to refil it putting extra strain on the system.

Even if it doesnt completely drain it still has to have an extra power drained from it refilled.

An uprated battery is the way forward and once you have outdone that a split charging and extra battery is the step

14th January 2005, 21:24

Ive got 2x20 farad power caps in my car, they cost a LOT! Plz dont tell me it was a waste of money haha.

Buy a power cap if what you have cant copy with the system. I havnt got a new battery or alternator...got 2 luvly power caps an 2 gell cells, but they are needed!

Depends on the system i think but i do think a power cap is worth a thought.

15th January 2005, 00:46

In your install Id say it was worth it matey ! lol