capacitors for boats

[jpnaut]

hey
just wondering if a capacitor in a boat would improve the sound???????????

[SuperSquirt]

RE: capacitors for boats

i think i'm one of the lone rangers here that uses one...its a 2-fared and works really well. It will set off an audible alarm if the voltage runs too low for cranking power. Otherwise, i'm not sure it helps with overall sound quality, but definitely gives smooth constant power to all the amps.

[Andrew]

RE: capacitors for boats

mo' battries and a bigger alt > capacitor.....

[kaikane]

RE: capacitors for boats

Capacitors help stabilize the current load for fast quick draws, they don't really add Amp Hour Capacity to your system. Capacitors are like little instant batteries that store energy for quick, intense current draws (like when an amp draws peak current ot power a subwoofer hit). They can help prevent current spikes that sometimes blow out fuses, cause problems with power systems and drain your batteries quicker. I run a 4 Farad capacitor on all my audio systems to help stabilize the system and prevent crackling in the amps due to inadequate amperage on power draws. Depending on your budget I would rank High Amp Hour battereis #1, High Capacity Alt #2, and Capcitors #3.

[EarmarkMarine]

RE: capacitors for boats

jpnaut,

A stiffening capacitor is a very short term storage device that is effective when music transients or peaks exceed the average supply. But its only as good as your continuous supply so it can't correct for an overall drop in voltage. Its most beneficial only when everything is topped off. Kind of an esoteric product. But it can't hurt.

David
Earmark Marine

[TravisFling]

RE: capacitors for boats

My experience is the same as well. Can't hurt, but I haven't noticed any improvement on SQ, just more for peace of mind. David (as always) hit it on the head in that it's not going to correct a permanent problem as far as low voltage, but would help if you're maxed out and afraid a big hit might draw you down. Better to spend the money on improving the overall system so you don't have that problem in the first place. If you have a big enough alternator supplying enough power to store in the batteries, so that they're filling instead of draining, then you wouldn't need the cap in the first place. This does not apply to sitting in the cove, either, as the capicator would drain, if called upon, in less than a second, if I understand correctly. It's instant power, not long term, which is what the batteries are for.

[Mikeski]

RE: capacitors for boats

Depends on your battery configuration. Those of us running big banks of multiple batteries typically skip the capacitor and just add another battery. If you only have a single battery I am sure it would help stabilize the current. The alternator is an inductive electrical device, if you are relying on it for your current, a capacitor will surely help.

From an analog standpoint it's just like a shock to a spring as it gets the force from the load...

[SCAutosound]

RE: capacitors for boats

Depending on the battery setup you have and alt. really the capacitor is only going to keep voltage to your amps constant. That's if they are peaking out at more than your alt. and battery can supply at a given point. Most likely it's not going to make a noticeable difference in the sound quality though. But, again, it depends on your setup