Clamping an amp?

[gearstix 0]

What does clamping an amp mean?

"my amp clamped at 2800watts at 2ohm 13.8 volts"

does that mean he stuck it in one of these, and it put out better?

Edited September 20, 2008 by Gearstix

[bristabrock 0]

HAHAHA! i really hoped he didnt do that, maybe he meant strapped?

[JimJ 11]

It means using a true RMS clamp meter on the output, measuring current - which along with output voltage allows you to calculate power. You could also measure current drawn @ 12V, if you have a meter that's rated that high.

Ideally, for testing amplifiers you want a power source that doesn't fluctuate, and a non-reactive load...the impedance the speaker presents to the amplifier changes with frequency.

[gearstix 0]

It means using a true RMS clamp meter on the output, measuring current - which along with output voltage allows you to calculate power. You could also measure current drawn @ 12V, if you have a meter that's rated that high.

Ideally, for testing amplifiers you want a power source that doesn't fluctuate, and a non-reactive load...the impedance the speaker presents to the amplifier changes with frequency.

So in other words, he tested the amp to see if it put out rated power? Its a Autotek MX5000...

[JimJ 11]

Pretty much, yes.

It's also used to determine your instantaneous impedance...once you've got current and voltage you can do all sorts of handy things with Ohm's Law

[Tirefryr 1,742]

Pretty much, yes.

It's also used to determine your instantaneous impedance...once you've got current and voltage you can do all sorts of handy things with Ohm's Law

You only need two out of three, the last figure's free. I remember that from my fifth grade science teacher.

[helotaxi 46]

Pretty much, yes.

It's also used to determine your instantaneous impedance...once you've got current and voltage you can do all sorts of handy things with Ohm's Law

You only need two out of three, the last figure's free. I remember that from my fifth grade science teacher.

Yeah, that's what he said. Basic algebra and Ohm's law.

[jonbearsmt 919]

nothing to do with using a clamp around the power wire leading into the amp, and test for true draw figures?

[helotaxi 46]

Could reference that as well depending on context.