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Thread: What are capacitors for?

  1. 08-25-2001, 01:48 PM #1
    wallyworld
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    Question What are capacitors for?

    What is the purpose of installing a capacitor in your system? Are they expensive?

    I understand that they store power and release it at a certain rate and that they are used for taking care of peak loads, but can someone explain simply their use and what I should look for. (First I have to decide wether I need one).

    This question comes about because I'm thinking wether I need a second battery in my truck or something else?
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  2. 08-25-2001, 06:34 PM #2
    Machs_FueL
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    Well Wally, as i understand it a capactior stores energy for when it it is needed (ie power surge). There are to pieces of conductor separated by a thin layer of non-conductor (wax i think). One is attached to ground the other in line with your power source. (maybe someone can explain it better...) The electrons are attracted to the ground and are stored in the capacitor..

    For uses ...
    most people put them in line with thier amps to keep thier lights from dimming with the bass... when the bass hits the amp uses more power to move the speakers and drains the battery to the point where the lights dim.. (funny effect)

    I'm not really sure if they could be used as a second battery...
    But i Know you can find them on ebay... and those are the big 1 Ferrad (sp) ones .
    [SIZE=1]'91 Nissan Stanza

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  3. 08-25-2001, 08:45 PM #3
    wallyworld
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    Thanks for the reply. I don't have a problem with lights dimming. I went and got a second battery (SVR deep cycle) and a relay installed and had them move all of the amps, the powerbook, LCD, GPS and my lighter plug to the new battery. Hopefully this will keep my main battery from draining too much.
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  4. 08-25-2001, 08:54 PM #4
    wallyworld
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    Thanks for the reply. I don't have a problem with lights dimming. I went and got a second battery (SVR deep cycle) and a relay installed and had them move all of the amps, the powerbook, LCD, GPS and my lighter plug to the new battery. Hopefully this will keep my main battery from draining too much.
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  5. 08-26-2001, 08:05 PM #5
    JamesB
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    The true story behind a capacitor is to provide a near infinite current for an inversely proportional amount of time.

    Basically, when you hit a really really low bass hit ... the amp draws incredible amounts of current (which your vehicle charging system can not provide)
    -James-

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