Stereo capacitor charging question...?

Question

I cant find the resistor needed to charge the cap in my car...I just threw the fuse in and the capacitor read 12-14.5ish volts. NOW, is this going to be a sufficient charge for it to work properly? Any advice is greatly appreciate.

Answer 1

I am assuming that the capacitor you are referring to is meant to be used with a stereo amplifier driving subwoofers?  If so, this capacitor is usually placed in parallel to the sub amp and is initially charged by the car battery.  When instantaneous energy (current) is required by the amp to drive the subs, the energy is delivered from the capacitor, improving bass response and not taxing the car's electrical system.  If the cap reads 12-14.5 volts, it is charged and is storing energy for use by the amplifier if wired properly in the system.  The resistor you mention usually is sized to elongate the charge time or decay time of the cap voltage to manage this energy upon startup or shut down.  I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Unless your competeing in DB Drag comps, then a cap is really usless.

Answer 3

A cap is ONLY going to show the voltage of the system AND stay at those voltages.

I don't think you realize the purpose of a cap. They don't provide more power, they are simply a voltage conditioner and have nothing to do with power.

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This line, "When instantaneous energy (current) is required by the amp to drive the subs, the energy is delivered from the capacitor, improving bass response and not taxing the car's electrical system." isn't totally correct.

ANY item that has internal resistance puts a a tax on the electrical system. Even batteries have an internal resistance. In no way does a cap "improve bass repsonse". That requires power and a cap is a voltage device, not a current device.