the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
icon

Finding Speaker Resistance


Post ReplyPost New Topic
< Prev Topic Next Topic >
coppellstereo 
Silver - Posts: 785
Silver spacespace
Joined: November 21, 2005
Location: United States
Posted: December 03, 2005 at 3:55 PM / IP Logged  

I tried searching, but must not be using the right queries.

How do you use a multi-meter to measure speaker impendence?

Thanks!

coppellstereo 
Silver - Posts: 785
Silver spacespace
Joined: November 21, 2005
Location: United States
Posted: December 03, 2005 at 3:57 PM / IP Logged  
impedance*
forbidden 
Platinum - Posts: 5,352
Platinum spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: November 01, 2003
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posted: December 03, 2005 at 4:31 PM / IP Logged  
Set the speakers to read ohms, take one probe and touch it to one speaker terminal, take the other probe and touch it to the other terminal.
Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.
bdl666 
Silver - Posts: 330
Silver spacespace
Joined: December 31, 2002
Location: United States
Posted: December 03, 2005 at 4:35 PM / IP Logged  

forbidden wrote:
Set the speakers to read ohms,

I want one of those!

forbidden 
Platinum - Posts: 5,352
Platinum spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: November 01, 2003
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posted: December 03, 2005 at 4:37 PM / IP Logged  
Make that set the meter to read ohms......nice one Rob, teaches you to talk on the phone at the same time.
Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.
DYohn 
Moderator - Posts: 10,741
Moderator spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Electrical Theory. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: April 22, 2003
Location: Arizona, United States
Posted: December 03, 2005 at 4:58 PM / IP Logged  
And realize that the above will get you the DC resistance of the speaker, not the impedance.  Impedance is dependent on frequency and changes continuously.  DCR is always different from impedance, most times lower than rated impedance, but sometime higher.  It depends on the speaker.
Support the12volt.com
coppellstereo 
Silver - Posts: 785
Silver spacespace
Joined: November 21, 2005
Location: United States
Posted: December 03, 2005 at 5:24 PM / IP Logged  
My meter just jumps to infinity, like the circuit is complete.  Am I doing something wrong?
dwarren 
Platinum - Nominee - Posts: 1,811
Platinum - Nominee spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: December 03, 2004
Location: California, United States
Posted: December 03, 2005 at 5:33 PM / IP Logged  

Perhaps they are blown. Why are you testing them to begin with?

Where is meter set on the ohm range?

coppellstereo 
Silver - Posts: 785
Silver spacespace
Joined: November 21, 2005
Location: United States
Posted: December 03, 2005 at 5:35 PM / IP Logged  
definitely not blown.  Maybe I dont know how to adjust my ohmeter.  All I see for adjustment is the needle itself and the red dial on the side.  Ill try playing with that
geepherder 
Platinum - Posts: 3,668
Platinum spaceThis member consistently provides reliable informationspace
Joined: October 27, 2003
Posted: December 03, 2005 at 7:03 PM / IP Logged  

Hahaha.  Rob, that's hilarious.  I didn't even catch that typo until I read the next post.

Are you trying to test for speaker leads behind a radio, or are you testing speakers themselves?  If you're testing wires, chances are you may have a factory amp, and need to test there.  You said the speakers are definitely not blown- how do you know?  Did you hook them up, and get sound?  If you're testing the speakers themselves, set the meter on a scale that can easily measure 4 ohms. 

It sounds like your using an old volt-ohm meter.  I suggest picking up a digital multimeter instead because it's safer.  That being said, if you must use an analog meter, here's how: Be sure the probes are inserted in the right slots on your meter- black to common, or ground, and red to ohms (not amps).  Set the meter on a resistance scale proper to measure around 4 ohms.  Now short the two probes together and calibrate to zero.  You should be ready for testing.

The analog volt-ohm meters are usually only useful if you're watching for voltage fluctuations- the needle can respond quicker than a digital readout.  Other than that, they should not be used to test wires in newer cars because, like test lights, they do not offer a high resistance, and could cause damage to sensitive electronics (set off air bags, etc.).

My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.
Page of 2

  Printable version Printable version Post ReplyPost New Topic
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

  •  
Search the12volt.com
Follow the12volt.com Follow the12volt.com on Facebook
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 • Copyright © 1999-2024 the12volt.com, All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy & Use of Cookies
Disclaimer: *All information on this site ( the12volt.com ) is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular use. Any user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and use of this information. Please verify all wire colors and diagrams before applying any information.

Secured by Sectigo
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
Support the12volt.com
Top
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer