How can I test speakers?

LILDRAGON
LILDRAGON Posts: 47
edited March 2003 in Car Audio & Electronics
Hi how can I test a car subwoofer to see if it is functioning without having to hook it up to a amp? I am asking because I think I fried my GXR. Can I use a multimeter and test the ohms on it? If so how would I set the multimeter? Thanks for all the help on my other issues so far.
Post edited by LILDRAGON on
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,820
    edited March 2003
    A multimeter (aka ohm meter) should work fine. If you touch the leads on the terminals and get a voltage reading, the speaker may not be broken. If you don't get a reading, it's broken.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • PoweredByDodge
    PoweredByDodge Posts: 4,185
    edited March 2003
    ... and if u touch the leads on the speaker and the speaker jumps away from you and yells "hey dont touch me there!" then for certain you are broken.
    The Artist formerly known as PoweredByDodge
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  • CPHILHOWER
    CPHILHOWER Posts: 343
    edited March 2003
    I have seen this done with a "D"battery. Just hook the leads to the corresponding posts. The speaker will move. The low voltage wont hurt it.
    Chris
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  • PoweredByDodge
    PoweredByDodge Posts: 4,185
    edited March 2003
    the D battery is probably safe --

    what i dont like is when the jackasses at circuit city go and take a 9 volt and "pop" the speaker... what they dont realize is that DC voltage on a speaker keeps the voice coil energized and the cone in the out position... this causes EXTREME thermal stress on the coil as there is no "down time" not to mention any air movement...

    just another episode of "cooking with car audio" for your enjoyment.

    try that 9 V on some factory 5" jobbers... give it like 30 seconds on it --- new paper speaker needed.
    The Artist formerly known as PoweredByDodge
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  • LILDRAGON
    LILDRAGON Posts: 47
    edited March 2003
    Okay I used a old AA battery (only thing I can find around the house) and the speakers moved up and down, when tapping the battery. Does this mean my speakers are correctly working? Thanks.
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  • PoweredByDodge
    PoweredByDodge Posts: 4,185
    edited March 2003
    LIL it means your voice coil isn't completely fried. you can get a "bad" speaker to move, but a totally shot one will not.

    So I'd say you can be like 30% sure now that you're speakers are good.

    There are many other problems that the "pop test" can't check for including but not limited to:

    1- spider / suspension problems
    2- cone rigidity and stength/integrity problems
    3- surround non compliance in old age or over use.
    5- slightly worn to badly worn voice coil... a VC that rubs like hell when the cone moves is one that's on its way out.

    the pop test will only check for a completely blown VC.

    best way to check it is throw it in any old box and play it at half power... if it sounds good... u can be more like 90% sure its going to be fine in a full install with full power.
    The Artist formerly known as PoweredByDodge
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