CPRD3.5 - Audio Amplifier BOSS - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Car Audio Power Capacitor
Model	CPRD3.5
Capacitance	3,500,000 μF (3.5 Farad)
Capacitance Tolerance	±10%
Working Voltage Range	16 VDC
EIR (Equivalent Internal Resistance)	<0.00195 mΩ @ 120Hz, 25°C
Terminal Type	M6 metric system head screw terminal
Dimensions (Height including terminals)	11-7/16" (290 mm)
Dimensions (Diameter)	3-15/16" (100 mm)
Display	Digital voltage display
Features	Reverse polarity protection with audible buzzer alert; automatic standby mode; rapid discharge capability for deep bass signals
Included Accessories	Mounting brackets, bright silver plated head screw terminal, resistor for charging/discharging
Installation	Mount as close to amplifier as possible; ensure vent plug unobstructed
Wiring	Use 4GA or 8GA OFC cable for power and ground; 18GA for remote turn-on; do not fuse between capacitor and amplifier
Warranty	One year limited consumer warranty (repair or replacement at discretion of BOSS AUDIO SYSTEMS)
Safety	Discharge capacitor using included resistor before removal; treat as powered even when display off
Certifications	Not specified (assume standard automotive compliance)

Frequently Asked Questions - CPRD3.5 BOSS

How do I charge the capacitor for the first time?

Connect ground to (-) terminal. Temporarily attach the included resistor to the power cable with electrical tape. Touch the free end of the resistor to the (+) terminal. The LED will illuminate and the decimal point flickers during charging. When it stops flickering, the capacitor is fully charged. Then remove the tape, detach the resistor, and securely attach the power cable to the (+) terminal.

How long does it take to charge the capacitor?

Charging time varies, but typically it takes a few seconds to a minute. The indicator stops flickering when fully charged.

Can I leave the capacitor connected when the car is off?

Yes, but the display will turn off. However, the capacitor may still hold a charge, so always treat it as powered even if the display is off. Disconnect and discharge if removing the system.

What happens if I reverse the polarity?

The reverse polarity protection feature will disable the capacitor and trigger a buzzer sound. The system will only operate when wiring is correct. If polarity is reversed, fluid may exit the vent plug and the capacitor will need replacement.

How do I discharge the capacitor safely?

Disconnect the positive (+) cable first, then ground (-), then remote turn-on. Hold the included resistor leads to both (+) and (-) terminals for about 30 seconds. The capacitor will be discharged and can be safely removed.

Do I need a fuse between the capacitor and amplifier?

No, do not install a fuse between the capacitor and amplifier. Ensure there is an appropriate fuse in the main power supply cable from the battery.

What gauge wire should I use?

Use 4GA or 8GA oxygen-free copper (OFC) cable for power and ground connections. Use 18GA wire for the remote turn-on connection.

Where should I mount the capacitor?

Mount the capacitor as close as possible to the amplifier with short wiring runs. Ensure the vent plug on top is unobstructed. The capacitor can be mounted in any position using the included brackets.

What is the purpose of this capacitor?

It stores energy and supplements the car's charging system when the audio amplifier demands high current (e.g., deep bass signals). It stabilizes voltage, enhances bass response, and filters AC voltage noise from the amplifier's power supply.

What is covered under warranty?

The one-year limited warranty covers defects in material and workmanship. It does not cover damage from abuse, incorrect wiring, water damage, or unauthorized repairs. Proof of purchase is required.

USER MANUAL CPRD3.5 BOSS

After installing the capacitor according the directions on the previous page, follow these instructions for powering up and charging the capacitor. This procedure is extremely important to perform, and eliminates the possibility of damaging the capacitor, battery and other audio devices.

1. Connect the ground cable to the capacitor (-) terminal

2. Temporarily attach the resistor supplied with the capacitor to the power cable, using electrical tape to secure the connection.

3. SEE FIGURE 2 (AT RIGHT). Holding the power cable securely, place the free end of the resistor on the (+) terminal of the capacitor. While this is occurring, the status LED will be illuminated, and the red decimal point will flicker, indicating that the system is charging the capacitor.

When the capacitor is fully charged, the decimal point will no longer flicker, and the display will show the DC voltage of the car charging system.

1. Remove the tape, detach the resistor from the power cable, and attach the power cable securely to the (+) capacitor terminal.

2. Put the resistor in a safe storage location, as you will need it in the future when you need to discharge the capacitor.

CAUTION! When you turn off your car stereo, power is turned off to the capacitor, and its display will turn off. However, the capacitor may still hold a powerful charge, so always treat it as if it is powered ON even if the display is OFF!

Charging the capacitor

Congratulations

on your purchase of this high quality car audio power capacitor system. This manual provides detailed information regarding the function, installation and operation of this product. Please read it carefully before you attempt to install and use this capacitor.

Contents

Unpacking your capacitor system	2
Operating Features	2
Installation	3
Wiring guidelines	3
Power-up procedures	4
The power capacitor's role	5
Reverse polarity protection	5
Power-down and removal instructions	5
Specifications	6
Warranty	6

1

The power capacitor's role

When connected to power, the capacitor system is generally in "standby" mode. If the voltage drops below the normal level the capacitor will automatically turn on, ensuring a stable voltage and current is provided to the connected amplifier.

Although the usual concern which motivates a user to install the capacitor system is voltage drops due to a powerful connected amp producing loud bass signals, other automotive equipment and accessories can also cause this. In any case, the capacitor will help to ensure stable voltage for your entertainment system.

Reverse polarity protection feature

If the pelarity of the connections to the capacitor is reversed, damage to your entertainment or vehicle electrical system can result. To eliminate this threat, we have incorporated a relay system within the capacitor design which will disable the capacitor and trigger a buzzer to sound. The capacitor system will only be able to be turned on if wiring is connected properly.

Power-down and removal instructions

Never remove this capacitor without discharging the stored power – it can give a dangerous electrical shock!

To discharge the capacitor, follow these instructions:

1. Disconnect the cables from the capacitor in the following order:

a) positive (+) cable b) ground (-) cable c) remote turn-on cable

1. Holding the resistor provided as shown in the picture to the right on this page, touch the leads to the positive (+) and ground (-) terminals of the capacitor. Wait about 30 seconds and the capacitor will be discharged. Then you can safely remove and handle it.

Discharging the capacitor

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Product Specifications

CPBK3.5 / CPBL3.5 / CPRD3.5

3.5 FARAD POWER CAPACITOR

Capacitance: 3,500,000μF (3.5 Farad)

Capacitance tolerance: +7-15% Working Voltae Range: 16/UPC

ESR: <0.00195 mW @ 120Hz, 25°C

Head Screw TerminalType: M6 metric system thread

Dimensions: 11-7/16" (290mm) tall (including terminals) x 3-15/16" (100mm) diameter

One Year Limited Consumer Warranty

This BOSS AUDIO SYSTEMS product is warranted for a period of one year from the date of purchase against defects in material and workmanship. The warranty is for repair or replacement at the sole discretion of BOSS AUDIO SYSTEMS. During this period, there will be no charge for replacements, provided the unit is returned to us, shipping prepaid. This warranty does not cover any unit subjected to abuse, misuse, incorrect wiring connection or installation, water damage, or repair by someone other than a BOSS AUDIO SYSTEMS repair technician at the factory. This warranty does not apply to any unit which has been modified or used in a manner contrary to its intended purpose, and does not cover damage to the unit caused by installation or removal of the unit. Units which are found to have been damaged by improper connection or installation, resulting in blown or leaking vent plugs, stripped terminals or other unspecified damage are not covered by this warranty, but may be replaced at our absolute and sole discretion.

Any damages resulting from legal action for breach of expressed or implied warranties shall be limited to the cost of the original purchase of the unit. As a condition of warranty, it is agreed that the remedy provided in this document is the sole remedy under this warranty. All liability for coincidental damages is excluded. The purchaser agrees to retain the original proof of purchase for the purpose of establishing the effective date of this warranty. Should your BOSS AUDIO SYSTEMS product be replaced under warranty by BOSS AUDIO SYSTEMS or and authorized BOSS AUDIO SYSTEMS dealer, this replacement shall be considered a transaction under the warranty, and does not extend the original warranty period. This warranty is nontransferable.

All warranties including, but not limited to express warranty, implied warranty, warranty of merchantability, fitness for particular purpose, and warranty of non-infringement of intellectual property are expressly excluded to the maximum extent allowed by law, and we neither assume or authorize any person to assume for it any liability in connection with the sale of the product. We have absolutely no liability for any and all acts of third parties, including BOSS AUDIO SYSTEMS and its authorized dealers and installers.

01.2013

3451 Lunar Court • Oxnard, CA 93030 www.bossaudio.com • 800.999.1236 tech support: www.bossaudio.com/support

Unpacking your BOSS Capacitor System

Unpack the capacitor and all other items carefully and check to make sure nothing is missing. If any item from the list below is missing, please contact your dealer immediately

The BOSS Capacitor System includes:

Power Capacitor

Mounting Brackets Bright Silver Plated Head Screw Terminal

Installation Tools, including resistor for charging/discharging

Operating Features

This power capacity is an energy storage device. It is designed to supplement you car's charging system, when your audio amplifier places a high current demand upon it. This occurs, for example, when the music you are playing contains a loud, transient, deep bass signal.

The overall bass response of your system will be enhanced by using this device. Since automotive batteries are not designed to deliver the current required by modern car audio systems, a capacitor such as this one, which is capable of discharging extremely rapidly on demand, is a logical addition to your audio system.

In addition, this capacitor can filter out the AC voltage induced in the amplifier's power supply. Unchecked, this voltage can cause DC noise in the sound system. It is recommended to use a capacitor with a minimum of one microfarad (1F) for each 1000 watts of amplifier power. (you can never have too much capacitance for any audio system).

The BOSS capacitor features a digital voltage display.

Installation

1. Install the capacitor as close as possible to your amplifier. The ideal location is one which allows for short wiring runs, but keeps the capacitors somewhat isolated from any stray heat generated by the amplifier.

2. While the capacitor can be mounted in any position, using the brackets provided, care should be taken to ensure that the venting plug on top of the capacitor is unobstructed. This plug is a pressure relief plug for the capacitor's fluid dielectric material should the current polarity be reversed. If this was occur, fluid will exit from the vent plug (at this point, the capacitor will require replacement).

Wiring Guidelines

1. Keep the positive power wire as short as possible, and connect it directly to the amplifier's battery supply cable. It is highly recommended to use a high performance distribution block to create a splice in the battery supply cable. Do not install a fuse between the capacitor and the amplifier, but make sure there is an appropriate fuse in the main supply cable.

2. The ground cable for the capacitor should also be as short as possible, and connected directly to a good, clean bare metal chassis ground point. DO NOT ground the capacitor directly to the amplifier ground terminal or ground cable.

3. For the above connections, use cable of the same or heavier gauge than those which the amplifier uses. High performance 4GA or 8GA OFC (oxygen free copper) cables are a good choice for this application. 18GA wire is suitable for the remote turn-on connection.

graph TD
    A["AMPLIFIER"] --> B["AMPLIFIER POWER TERMINALS"]
    B --> C["CAPACITOR"]
    C --> D["DISTRIBUTION BLOCK"]
    D --> E["FUSE"]
    E --> F["CAR BATTERY"]
    F --> G["CHASSIC GROUND POINT"]
    C --> H["REMOTE TERMINAL"]
    H --> I["HEAD UNIT"]
    I --> J["CHASSIC GROUND POINT"]

SUGGESTED WIRING

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