An electrolytic capacitor connected in parallel to a car radio or amplifier can improve sound quality, as well as reduce the impact of the audio system on other components of the on-board network. It is especially necessary if the output power of the amplifier is high.
Instructions
Step 1
Find out from the manual the power consumption of the radio or amplifier (do not confuse it with the output). If it is not listed, calculate it. To do this, first add the output powers of all channels. For example, if there are four channels with 15W output power, then the total output power is 60W. Then, assuming the efficiency of the device is 0.25 (with a margin, in fact, it is more), multiply the total output power by four (1/0, 25 = 4). For example, if the output power is 60 W, then take the power consumption as 240 W (in fact, it is less).
Step 2
To find out the capacitance of the capacitor, use the following formula: C = 1000P, where C is the capacitance of the capacitor, μF, P is the power consumption of the audio system, W. In the presence of an amplifier and the absence of acoustic systems connected directly to the radio, the power consumption of the latter can be neglected.
Step 3
If you cannot find one capacitor of such a large capacity, buy several of the same so that their total capacity is equal to the calculated one or slightly exceeds it. Connect them in parallel, observing the polarity. The operating voltage of the capacitor (or several capacitors) must be at least twice the voltage of the on-board network.
Step 4
De-energize the vehicle electrical system. Do not connect a capacitor (or capacitor bank) with wires parallel to the input terminals of an audio device (radio or amplifier). Disconnect the power cable from the terminals, connect it to the capacitor, observing the polarity, and connect the latter with two conductors of a suitable cross-section to the amplifier, also observing the polarity. Despite the fact that the capacitors in both cases will be connected in parallel, in the second case they will filter more efficiently. Place them in a well-secured insulating housing to prevent short circuits. Be sure to place the fuse in front of the capacitors, not after them.
Step 5
Before using for the first time, charge the capacitors, otherwise, when turning the key, a surge of current is possible, harmful to the contacts of the lock. To do this, connect the positive terminal of the storage battery to the positive terminal of the capacitor bank for a few minutes through a low-power car light. Then remove it. If the audio system has not been used for more than a month, it is useful to repeat the procedure.
