I already know to set the HU volume to about 20% less than max, and with the gain all the way down, turn the system on and slowly increase gain untill distortion, then turn back a little bit.
My question is, what type of equipment would you need to check to see when the signal is clipping, and where would you hook it up to?
IDEA I'm guessing an O'scope?
Wouldn't that be an ideal way to set your gain?
Thanks,
Alan
Replies (4)
swez on 02/18/2004 19:28:26
Yes... a 2 channel O-Scope is the right tool for a perfect tweak.
One channel is connected to your HU RCA outputs (L&R channels) and scaled to the proper voltage range. (0.5 - 6.0 VAC)
The 2nd channel is connected to your amp output stage and scaled to the proper AC output level. (25-40 VAC)
Then, a signal generator or test tone CD is needed to provide sine wave signals that can be read by your O-Scope. Testing your signal quality at various frequencies would be most helpful. A 1/3rd octave test range is great for full range systems. (30 - 20,000 Hz)
The key here, is to match the input waveform as close as possible to the output waveform. Any deviation from input vs output in shape flags distortions. The only difference we should note is the "amplitude" (size of the waveform).
Hope that helps,
Swez
PS When doing this form of tweaking, you may need load resistors for the inputs of the O-Scope to match the input impedence of the scope. A load resistor for the amp output would also be needed for impedence matching as well.
alanjlamore on 02/18/2004 21:10:50
Thanks for the awesome response swez!
I saw a hand-held oscilloscope for $148 on ebay, is there any cheaper, or does anyone rent them out?
I think renting one or borrowing one would be the way to go for someone like me who'll probably only use it a few times.
IDEA Maybe a college would let someone use one.
Thanks again
swez on 02/19/2004 09:08:52
Most E-Tech schools have them in the electronics labs. If you have a friend or contact that is in one of those classes, maybe they can help you set up a test with one.
Most O-Scopes I have have seen & used are older, larger and very expensive. but sometimes they can be picked up cheap at a Ham radio flea market or the like.
Have fun,
Swez
ttocs on 02/19/2004 09:18:31
I would count on spending a $100 minimum. They get expensive real fast and go for thousands....
my high school had an electronics lab with silly scopes..
My question is, what type of equipment would you need to check to see when the signal is clipping, and where would you hook it up to?
IDEA I'm guessing an O'scope?
Wouldn't that be an ideal way to set your gain?
Thanks,
Alan
Replies (4)
swez on 02/18/2004 19:28:26
Yes... a 2 channel O-Scope is the right tool for a perfect tweak.
One channel is connected to your HU RCA outputs (L&R channels) and scaled to the proper voltage range. (0.5 - 6.0 VAC)
The 2nd channel is connected to your amp output stage and scaled to the proper AC output level. (25-40 VAC)
Then, a signal generator or test tone CD is needed to provide sine wave signals that can be read by your O-Scope. Testing your signal quality at various frequencies would be most helpful. A 1/3rd octave test range is great for full range systems. (30 - 20,000 Hz)
The key here, is to match the input waveform as close as possible to the output waveform. Any deviation from input vs output in shape flags distortions. The only difference we should note is the "amplitude" (size of the waveform).
Hope that helps,
Swez
PS When doing this form of tweaking, you may need load resistors for the inputs of the O-Scope to match the input impedence of the scope. A load resistor for the amp output would also be needed for impedence matching as well.
alanjlamore on 02/18/2004 21:10:50
Thanks for the awesome response swez!
I saw a hand-held oscilloscope for $148 on ebay, is there any cheaper, or does anyone rent them out?
I think renting one or borrowing one would be the way to go for someone like me who'll probably only use it a few times.
IDEA Maybe a college would let someone use one.
Thanks again
swez on 02/19/2004 09:08:52
Most E-Tech schools have them in the electronics labs. If you have a friend or contact that is in one of those classes, maybe they can help you set up a test with one.
Most O-Scopes I have have seen & used are older, larger and very expensive. but sometimes they can be picked up cheap at a Ham radio flea market or the like.
Have fun,
Swez
ttocs on 02/19/2004 09:18:31
I would count on spending a $100 minimum. They get expensive real fast and go for thousands....
my high school had an electronics lab with silly scopes..
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