measuring watts??

[bose301s 5,000+ posts]

The same way that the HU still sends a signal through the RCA's. It's AC voltage. Just because there's no load doesn't mean the amp still isn't producing power. I see where you're coming from, just not sure how to explain it.

Incorrect, if no current is flowing, there is no power. Voltage alone is not power.

 

[midnightg35x 10+ year member]

now when you say " i always use my O'scope when testing the output..." are you just talking about the setting the gain part...as in checking for clipping...or actually finding the constant output of amp by only using scope?
cause i want to do the same thing, measure the RMS output of my amp, but i only have a o'scope, im gonna get the clamp and DMM soon though, whats crazy is i got a EZdigital 5060a 60MHz 2channel scope in perfect working order for 10bucks from my school, and i know it works cause i tested it myself. im in my 7th quarter at ITT tech for electronics...love it

so im pretty sure im not going to be able to do this since im going to need a clamp meter for current, and a DMM for impedance,

cause P=IV, but what about the equation P=(V^2) / ®.... which is the same thing, could i square my voltage and divide by my sub load...anyone ever found it that way?

or am i SOL and theres no possible way to measure RMS wattage with only an O'scope...

thanks in advance for any advice.

It all depends how nice of equipment you have or have access to. If you have a newer digital scope, you can get a standard voltage probe along with a current probe and get real RMS power. All newer digital scopes can do waveform math right on the scope and this will give you the actual power. You can have the scope set to measure RMS volts and RMS amps, then just do a waveform multiply. Instant accurate average power.

 

[SlowLoudNBangin 10+ year member]

It all depends how nice of equipment you have or have access to. If you have a newer digital scope, you can get a standard voltage probe along with a current probe and get real RMS power. All newer digital scopes can do waveform math right on the scope and this will give you the actual power. You can have the scope set to measure RMS volts and RMS amps, then just do a waveform multiply. Instant accurate average power.

nah mines analog, its not ancient, not brand new check it out