multi meter testing...
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Coal Region
multi meter testing...
how can i test my amp to see how many watts its puttin out and how many ohms, etc...with a multi meter? i wanna see if its a goner or not...and what other test can i do with a multi meter on a car system??
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Somewhere between Heaven
multi meter testing...
A multimeter will not measure how many watts (rms or otherwise) your amp puts out. It will measure voltage, resistance, inductance, and capacitance, though. You can use it to troubleshoot most amp problems and use it to set the gains on your amp. I think JL actually has a tutorial on how to use a DMM to set the gains on their amps.
I believe you need a O-scope and a steady, consistent power supply to accurately measure watts and watts rms. O-scopes aren't exactly cheap. It might be best to go to a local shop (w/MECP certified installers)...they might have one, but they will probably charge you to have your amp tested.
I believe you need a O-scope and a steady, consistent power supply to accurately measure watts and watts rms. O-scopes aren't exactly cheap. It might be best to go to a local shop (w/MECP certified installers)...they might have one, but they will probably charge you to have your amp tested.
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From: Somewhere between Heaven
multi meter testing...
BTW, ^^^^there are a few other ways to measure the watts/watts rms, but they get even more expensive. Throw in a sound wave generator and a highly regulated power supply (say, a 200 amp DC power supply $$$$$$$$$$$) and that spells empty bank account and "heavy" credit card use....oooh!
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Pennsylvania
multi meter testing...
Im sure you know this already, but you can check the resistance of the load being given to your amp with the ohm meter on the DMM. You could also check your DC Voltage going into the amp. For amp that arent regulated, the higher the voltage the more power your amp will put out.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Coal Region
multi meter testing...
well...i guess i cant really test it myself...i chased it down to the amp itself. i changed both set of RCA plugs and still is messed up. problem is when i turn it on, sometimes i'll need to turn the volume up to get the other speakers to "turn on"...its a jensen 4 channel "400 W" amp thats been used and abused since i bought it, i ran it to 1 ohms a few times and i dont even know what happened with the previous owned (bought used from $50)...i guess its time to get another one...o well =D
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Coal Region
multi meter testing...
figured out what the problem is, the A channel is "blown". it is quieter then the other channels (gains set at 0 on all channel)...maye ill take it apart and see if its a blown resistor or something, any advice?
PS: i have my fronts running off channel C/D and rears ran off channel B ran to 2 ohms till i either fix it or get the $$ for a new amp...
PS: i have my fronts running off channel C/D and rears ran off channel B ran to 2 ohms till i either fix it or get the $$ for a new amp...
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