New system problems

Newbee for the12volt.com here, i got an intresting question with multiple parts so any help is verrrrry apperciated. I have a 2000 ford ranger, and plan on building a nice system in it. Here is the tricky part and what i need some help with. I running 12v on everything (duh) and the computer system i want to install is a 24v system. (just use 2 batterys right) so i was wondering how i could charge the battires off the existing system without messing with the rest of the truck? maybe a battery isolator? if so how does it work. the other question is about a 6farad cap. its a boss audio CAP30. it is a 24v nominal and 30v surge does this mean its for a 24v system (where do u find this amp). and if not can someone explain why it is like that?

thanks daized and confused

Hey, enuro....

Give me some specifics on what you're doing and I'll see if I can be a lil more helpful...

Otherwise...I think lightning audio makes a kit to charge dual batteries.....

as for the cap...umm......since I don't remember much about caps, I'll take a stab at it...(I'm so going to get reamed if I screw this up, by the other installers...but atleast then we'll both know the right answer...LOL)

If I remember correctly, I think, now note I say I think...someone else should reply and say if I'm correct, or they will just LOL and state the correct answer....

 The 24V nominal means it stores 24V in the cap for instant release when needed by the amp.  All a cap does is act like a power resevoir for the amplifier. 

Here's what happens....

when your music hits that low bass frequency (for example), the demand for power to your amplifier is greater than normal use.  The cap "senses" the draw on power and releases additional voltage to the amp.  Thus lessening the strain on your cars battery and charging system....

summed up...if you're not running a highpower system, and you just want one or two subs, my personal opinion, I wouldn't bother installing the cap. 

Another idea for the problem with the computer ( i really need to know what you are installing), if you're good in electronics, or know someone who is...build a 12V DC to 24V DC converter...I'm sure it can be done, I mean hell, they make 12V Dc to 110V AC converters!  but than again...I have no idea what kinda computer you are installing

BTW:  if it's an extended cab, and you want any bass ideas..drop me a line...I used to have a 99 and it slammed...

 Deaths Jester

Thanks for the replys!

Well let me be more specific. Currently i'm working on my 2000 XLT Extended cab, FORD Ranger! I am a IT specialist, and am handy with wireing, building circuits and getting things 2 work. Although ive never worked with vehicles like i have in past few months. I started a small Audio company with a friend (Ice Audio) and been working on projects every since. Now Heres what i'm doing.

 I wanted 2 install a custom built computer into the truck. a 12DC power supply for the computer is a max of 130Watts for the ATX mother board. so 2 get the 250watts of power i need i found a 24vDC power converter. So i was wondering how i could leave my existing battery for the 12v system. and install 2 batterys in the bed in series, and charge them? I guess a DC 2 DC is the only way 2  go.

Now the CAP, i know what they do, i was wondering if the cap i was intrested in buying is going 2 work on my 12vdc system? It says its a 24V Nominal, and 30V surge. does this mean it takes 24v to work properly?

thanks again

Is anyone reading this? i could really use the help! thanks again!

hey deathjester and enuro  a cap can only store what the battery voltage can supply aftrer  charghing the cap it will go up to 12 volts or so then it is known as blocked no more voltage can be stored than the 12 volts applied by the battery. some sytems like competiton build there sytems to operate at more than 12 volts so in situatiuons like that a cap can store whatever is aplied lets say 17volts are whatever. (you can connect a 12 volt source to that cap even though 24 nominal it will stop  at 12 volts and become blocked the only way current will be supplied from th ecap is when the amp is drawing it that gives the cap an open path or disharge cycle).

Sorry i forgot about this post....Thanks so much thats what i figured (know a little bout eletricty) but i dident know if that would tear up my cap? I know some times less is worse!!!

Chuck