Amps provide the power for a car's sound system.
The amplifier is the power source for a car's sound system and it draws its power from the car's battery. Amps are often the centerpiece of a car's audio system The more components your system features, the more amps you'll need to run them. Any audio system that features subwoofers will require at least one amp to generate enough power to operate the subwoofer. Since each system requires different amount of power, there are several types of amps, such as a mono or multi-channel amp. Amps can be expensive to purchase, let alone repair, so learning to repair an amp can be a valuable resource.
Instructions
1. Get familiar with the basic amplifier layout as well as the general form and function of each component. For example, the power supply in almost every amp is located on the end of the amp near the B+ and ground terminals. This power supply produces the various voltages required for the audio. So if the power supply is broken, there will be no audio. You can become more familiar with amp layouts by studying schematic diagrams. Many of these can be purchase online; however, some diagrams can be downloaded and printed for free.
2. Learn commonly used terms that are related to car radio amps, such as transistors, resistors and transformers.
3. Learn to use a multimeter. This device is used to troubleshoot an amp by checking semiconductors. You need to know use, set and read the meter.
4. Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of common amp problems and the typical ways these problems are resolved. For example, amp failure is usually caused by a shorted output transistor or blown power supply transistors; however, if you see a lot of black soot on the power supply transistor, you know that it has blown.
5. Learn the groups of parallel components. In most amps, certain components are used in groups and work together --- so if one component doesn't work, nothing in the group works. Also, learn the parts that can be substituted by other components.
6. Read data sheets. These are documents that tell you everything about a specific component. For example, the data sheet can be used to help find information such as the specific current capacity and maximum operating voltage. You can find a datasheet for a specific part by searching "data sheet" and the components part number in a search engine on the Internet.
7. Perfect your soldering techniques. Soldering is used to repair the surface mounted components of the circuit board. These components are small and easily damaged, so it takes practice to learn the proper technique.
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