Most speakers have stereos and amplifiers that the speaker needs certain ohms to work properly and produce greater sounds. Getting the ohms of the speaker is the worry at this point since you can only get it through the speaker itself.
The good thing is that it is not difficult to measure the speaker ohm meter that reads zero since you only need to know how the speaker impedance works and how you can measure it.
Do not worry since the article below is helpful and will provide you with the necessary information about measuring. There are also the frequently asked questions and lastly, the conclusion.
How to measure speaker ohm meter reads 0
To measure the speaker ohm meter reading 0, there are some methods you can use for the process. The first method estimates the ohms quickly, while the second takes the correct measurements of the speaker’s ohms. Consider checking on the two techniques carefully for your work.
Two methods of measuring the speaker’s ohms reading are 0:
| Techniques for measuring | functions |
| Estimation of the ohms quickly | it is fast and cheap |
| Taking accurate measurements | produces accurate ohms |
1. Estimation of ohms quickly
The method above has some steps to follow to achieve it successfully. Follow the steps below carefully:
i. Inspect the nominal impedance rating label.
The nominal impedance refers to estimating the minimum impedance for typical audio ranges. Therefore, you need to estimate the measurements after studying the speakers, of which, in most cases, the speaker’s labels show the original impedance.
To get the idea of how to estimate, check the frequencies that mean that in most cases, they range between more than 90 Hz and less than 200Hz. So, the original impedance is almost near to the frequency ranges such that they rise slowly as you increase the frequency.
ii. Place the multimeter to measure the resistance. A multimeter is a device that measures resistance by sending the direct current.
iii. Displace the speaker from its place and open its back. Sometimes you can be dealing with loose speakers or lack some connections that you are not doing anything without displacing it.
iv. Disconnect the power connection to the speaker when power is still running.
v. Connect the speaker to the multimeter using its terminal. Check the terminals carefully to determine the positive and negative terminals, respectively.
vi. Estimate the speaker’s ohms from the resistance. At this point, you must know that the resistance is always lower than the nominal impedance.
2. Taking the correct measurements
After using the first method and feeling like it is not helping you get what you want, choose to use this second method to get the measurements. Below are the necessary steps you can follow for the method:
i. Choose a tool that produces a sine wave. Remember, the impedance of a speaker varies with the frequency that you need to have the tool since it sends the sine wave at any frequency. Some of the tools include an audio frequency oscillator. For beginners, consider using audio testing tools for connection to the computer.
ii. Fix the tool to the amplifier unit located at the power amp label.
iii. Adjust the settings to measure the amp for a lower voltage. Check the amps since they produce inconsistent voltage at low frequencies at some point. Therefore, it is good to be keen on the voltmeter to ensure the voltage is constant when the frequency is changing. You can also use a good multimeter to get accurate measurements.
iv. Get a good resistor with a high value. Ensure the power rating is close to the amplifier’s resistance. The wattage of the resistance must be either exact or higher than that.
v. Test the exact resistance of the resistor and write it down, having in mind that the resistance keeps varying from the original resistance.
vi. Connect the resistor and speaker in a series method such that you need to hook up the speaker to the amplifier with the resistor between them. The series method helps in creating a constant current source powering the speaker.
vii. Ensure the speaker is away from obstructions. The obstructions include wind and reflected sound waves that disrupt the sensitive test of the speaker. If you are in an area that experiences wind, consider keeping the speaker’s magnet down to face sides with less wind.
viii. Get the current measurements by measuring it using the Ohms law, which states that current is equal to the voltage over the resistance. Calculate the resistance and not down the results that you name it R.
ix. Change the frequency of the speaker to get the resonance peak. Ensure you have the voltmeter when adjusting the frequency until the voltage raises sharp. Repeat the step until the frequency is at the required level.
x. Get the impedance at resonance, where you will calculate that impedance is equal to the voltage over the resistance. And that will be the maximum ohms the meter reads at 0.
xi. Choose to calculate the impedances for other frequencies within the speaker that you need to adjust the sine waves while recording the frequencies until you get the accurate thing you need.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can speaker impedance affect the sound of the speaker?
Sometimes people end up using the wrong speaker impedance that will probably affect the sound of your speaker in many ways.
Summary
Like I have stated above, the two methods of measuring the speaker’s ohms are simple techniques that anyone can try so long as you can afford the tools it needs. All the methods help you get the ohms for your speaker except that one estimates while the other gets the exact number you need.
At some point, you may find out that you cannot get the exact measurements as you would like to find what to do. The only solution is to get a professional who can help you find the ohms.