OT: Simple electronics question...

[David V. Corbin]

>>> the other goes 
>>> to one of the 'ends' of the pot] in one of the the speaker 
>>> lines (doesn't matter which one)  

Assuming it is a linear and not audio taper pot <g>




>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org 
>>> [mailto:cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of John Lawson
>>> Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2004 3:33 PM
>>> To: woyciesjes at sbcglobal.net; General Discussion: On-Topic 
>>> and Off-Topic Posts
>>> Subject: Re: OT: Simple electronics question...
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>    Clock radio speaker output reduction:
>>> 
>>>   Note that a good number of the smaller clock radios use 
>>> higher-than-usual speaker impedances. sometimes upward of 
>>> 60 ohms: saves output devices having to handle heavy 
>>> currents (relatively).
>>> 
>>>    T'were it me, I'd obtain a 500-ohm 'trimmer' pot - the 
>>> kind that is meant to go on a printed circuit board, be 
>>> adjusted once, then left... 
>>> 500 ohms at 1/4W would be fine - then put it series [one 
>>> speaker wire goes to the wiper of the pot, the other goes 
>>> to one of the 'ends' of the pot] in one of the the speaker 
>>> lines (doesn't matter which one)  and tweak it until you 
>>> have the gain level you like. Pop the cover back on et Voila! 
>>> all done. Just get a single-turn one, not the multi-turn 
>>> type. If you really want to get fancy, you can put a small 
>>> switch in the case, and short out the pot, thus restoring 
>>> the radio to full volume if desired. If you could find a 
>>> suitable volume-control / switch combination, that might 
>>> also be a slick way to do this.. but I doubt seriously that 
>>> a 500-ohm volume control with integral switch could be found.
>>> 
>>>   The usual cautions about working on/around 
>>> mains-connected devices applies, if the clockradio is in 
>>> fact plugged right into the wall.
>>> 
>>> 
>>>   Cheers
>>> 
>>>   John
>>> 
>>> 
>>> PS: this presupposes you are comfortable with soldering....