Would a cap help?

[supermaxx123 10+ year member]

I am getting voltage drop from 14.5v to about 14v at the lowest. I dont notice lights dimming, but my DMM notices the drop. I was thinking if cap would help keep the voltage at around 14.4v?

The voltage only drops for a second from 14.5 to about 14v then quickly up to 14.3v

I am just really anal about voltage drop and think maybe a small cap would help? I already have the big three.

Click to read more...

 

[x1le 10+ year member]

I wouldnt worry about that at all man.

 

[supermaxx123 10+ year member]

I know i shouldn't but i was thinking if I could get a cap for really cheap i think i would do it.

 

[x1le 10+ year member]

Instead of a cap, just buy a small batt and it will fix your extremely minor issue lol. batcap, kinetik, etc.

 

[Alpineforever 10+ year member]

A cap would fix that problem yes

 

[FurbiesAndBeans 10+ year member]

Just get like a batcap 800. Way better than any cap.

 

[supermaxx123 10+ year member]

I was looking at those but for $150, not worth it for my needs. I have a really small problem and want to spend a really small amount of money.

 

[Alpineforever 10+ year member]

Just get like a batcap 800. Way better than any cap.

It doesn't matter that a batcap is way better. Use the right tool for the right problem, there are sometimes when a cap will actually serve some small purpose, and this is one of them. Stop regurgitating everything you've read on here and start thinking for yourself and applying some of the theory behind car audio.

Yes a cap will fix your small voltage drops. So will a batcap or any 2nd battery. Make the decision based off of if you plan on upgrading in the future, or what you want to spend to fix this.

But, to answer your question, which no one else seems to want to do, yes, a capacitor WILL fix your problem

 

[supermaxx123 10+ year member]

It doesn't matter that a batcap is way better. Use the right tool for the right problem, there are sometimes when a cap will actually serve some small purpose, and this is one of them. Stop regurgitating everything you've read on here and start thinking for yourself and applying some of the theory behind car audio.
Yes a cap will fix your small voltage drops. So will a batcap or any 2nd battery. Make the decision based off of if you plan on upgrading in the future, or what you want to spend to fix this.

But, to answer your question, which no one else seems to want to do, yes, a capacitor WILL fix your problem

Thanks! I was asking because i know most people want to use caps but usually with at least 2v in drop or so, mine is a pretty small so in theory i was thinking it would help smooth it out since its very little.

I dont think I'll upgrade, maybe to an Eclipse XA4000 amp but that's supposed to be more efficient so wouldn't effect electrical.

I'll definatley be looking for a cheap cap.

 

[Plutoman 10+ year member]

I wouldn't go for a cheap cap. The issue behind it is it lowers the average voltage - while it may steady it out.

The main consideration for you is it is a waste of money. The voltage drop you have right now is minute, and spending the money on a cap is a waste. A small second battery is much better if you really want to deal with it, you don't even need a batcap, just a small battery.

 

[supermaxx123 10+ year member]

I wouldn't go for a cheap cap. The issue behind it is it lowers the average voltage - while it may steady it out.
The main consideration for you is it is a waste of money. The voltage drop you have right now is minute, and spending the money on a cap is a waste. A small second battery is much better if you really want to deal with it, you don't even need a batcap, just a small battery.

A battery would run at 13.8v highest, is my guess. Im not going that low. I think the voltage drop is from my alternators little delay. I'm gonna try a cap if i can get one for $20 see if that helps, if not then I learned my lesson.

 

[Plutoman 10+ year member]

A battery would be charged by the alt - but with two batteries sustaining the amplifier through the drops, it would lessen the drops significantly.

But, really. Why? If you're staying above 14v you have no issues as is. It's just typical. A capacitor added in is just a waste.

 

[Lonnie 10+ year member]

This forum is anti-capacitors.

 

[supermaxx123 10+ year member]

A battery would be charged by the alt - but with two batteries sustaining the amplifier through the drops, it would lessen the drops significantly.
But, really. Why? If you're staying above 14v you have no issues as is. It's just typical. A capacitor added in is just a waste.

So a battery would be the only fix??? No other way to fix this?

 

[BassAddictJ 5,000+ posts]

A cap would fix that problem yes

wrong

Instead of a cap, just buy a small batt and it will fix your extremely minor issue lol. batcap, kinetik, etc.

correct

Just get like a batcap 800. Way better than any cap.

unessessary and expensive

I was looking at those but for $150, not worth it for my needs. I have a really small problem and want to spend a really small amount of money.

best bet for a battery is a looking at your local craigslist and finding an optima or kinetik in good condition for like 100 for less.

14v and higher is good, especially at full tilt. you really have nothing to worry about. in fact 90% of the people in here pushing large amounts of power sped and arm, leg, and vital organ just to keep 14v at full tilt.

it's not nessessary, but if you do anything get a better battery. caps just store power and release it quicker keeping the voltage up, but with no upgrades to the power being being supplied the cap is literally "useless".

the only thing to "fix this" and keep 14.9v is to buy an alternator with an external voltage regulator, or find a local shop that can wire an external voltage regulator onto your current alty. the only problem is by having it pump out 14.9v all day regardless will decrease it's lifespan.

trust me, spend the money on something else.