Linear Potentiometer
Posted March 28, 2009
By admin
How to test my amp's potentiometer?
I was told that my amp needed a new volume pot when I bought it (I took it anyways as I was getting it for a deal with a bass) and currently I have almost no sound unless if all the knobs are turned up all the way (this is a 130W amp, too. Peavey TNT 130).
So, how can I test to see which volume pot is the problem? I have a multimeter, but how do I figure out what the 'normal' reading should be?
The volume pots are 50K linear potentiometer with pull switches... so would I test it with it pushed in or out? Or both?
Also what do I put the multimeter on? There are many options from 200m-600 VDC, to VAC and OHMS 2000K-200... I really don't know what any of those mean, so give a suggestion of what setting I should put it on please.
I'd really like to confirm that it is the pot that is the problem before taking it to a shop. Thanks.
got it figured out thanks.
To test the POT, set the multi-meter to OHMS [in the position including the 50K range]; i.e. 10K-50k.
There should be three leads on the POT where wires connect to. Turn the amp off and Place the leads of your multi-meter (the black and red wires) on any two leads of your POT. One measurement should read ~50K, the other should read some number in between. With the amp still turned off, adjust the knob the pot is connected to; i.e. the volume knob. Place the multi-meter leads back on the two POT leads where you measured less than 50K.
If no measurement from any two leads on the POT equals around 50K the POT is brook. Also, if you keep turning the POTs knob and the lesser measurement never changes, the pot is broken also.
Go to your local Fryes or radio shack to buy another POT with the same part number or model type.
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