[urq] Electrical Experts - Question re. Capacitor installation

[LL - NY]

A cap installed in a series in a DC circuit will not pass
current until the circuit is actually shut down. It MUST
be wired in parallel to be used as a part of a filter system
for a DC power source.  Choke Coils, OTOH should be
installed in-line (series).

The idea for both devices is to make the DC that goes
to the head unit (or amp) more DC like, as they act as
dampers to voltage (and by I = V/R) and current fluctuations.

That being said, when we broke down one of our Magnetizers
at work, I took a HUGE (as in 1.2 Farad) cap from the machine
to use as a filter on my 4KQ's rear amp. It was meant for
huge currents (around 200 Amps) at voltages well above
automotive use (120V). Net filtering effect. Virtually nothing.

YMMV,

LL - NY

On 10/31/07, Ben Swann <benswann at verizon.net> wrote:
>
> I found this article to be helpful and shows the concept I was referring
> to:
>
> http://www.bcae1.com/capacitr.htm#demo
>
> It looks like installing in parallel is OK, just need to be careful about
> initial
> charging and discharging.
>
> Ben
>
> _____________________________________________
> From: Ben Swann [mailto:benswann at verizon.net]
> Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 8:24 AM
> To: quattro at audifans.com; 'URQ'
> Cc: 'Ben Swann'
> Subject: Electrical Experts - Question re. Capacitor installation
>
> Something new to my realm of expertise.
>
> I would like to install an electrolytic capacitor to act as a buffer for
> an ignition
> system - sort of like placing a second battery up close to the
> load..  Since the
> distance of the battery to the coil is about 7-8' and my understanding
> that a circuit
> may lag,  it seems installing a large capacitor might be a good idea.   If
> so, it makes
> sense that I'd install it in parallel with respect to feed wire and
> ground, however
> diagrams for most stereo AMP installations show the cap to be inline, with
> no other
> current path to the amp.
>
> Is it OK to install an electrolytic cap. as sort of a buffer or quick
> discharge
> batteryin parallel with the circuit?  That is basically to connect the
> positive end to
> battery post near load and ground as normal, leaving the original positive
> feed path
> intact.  I have some 1 and 2 Farad caps  and this is mainly to prevent lag
> at high RPM,
> similar to stereo clipping at high volume.
>
> Good Idea or ???  I'm doing some searches, but not finding a solid answer.
>
> TIA
>
> Ben
>
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