putting a cap on speaker volume

[Meatball]

I've got a small unmanned gym and im having a few problems with members turning the stereo volume too high.
Is there a way of putting an inline volume control in the speaker wire? or any other ideas.
Thanks

[OldSkoolRS]

Some amps have a setting for the maximum volume (such as my own Arcam amp) which you can then lock as well to make sure that they can't easily increase it. However, if this isn't possible then it might be possible to fit some attenuation connectors to the appropriate input on the amp. This would mean that the amp would have to be turned right up to achieve your required listening level. This shouldn't cause any harm, though will reduce the signal to noise ratio of the amp, but that's unlikely to be an issue (you could try turning the amp full up with nothing playing to see if you can hear the amp's 'hiss' to see if it will be an issue).

Something like these at the top of the page:

http://www.rothwellaudioproducts.co.uk/html/attenu...

[Meatball]

Thanks for the replys.
I was hoping for something cheap and simple like the device that goes on your headphones.
The stereo only cost £30

[TonyRPH]

If the speakers are separate to the unit, you could insert a resistor in the speaker wire.

It would need to be a 5 watt resistor - probably around 10 - 40 ohms, depending on how much attenuation you need.

The other option would be to open the unit and insert a resistor (well two for stereo) into the volume control.

Or record some CD's at a lower level....

[Crackie]

Meatball said:

Thanks for the replys.
I was hoping for something cheap and simple like the device that goes on your headphones.
The stereo only cost £30

If the stereo was only £30 then its likely to be an all in one unit; the Rothwell attenuators would work with a separates system but it looks like you need something like one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pyle-Wall-Mount-Mounted-...
for your setup.

[megaphone]

For inline speaker volume control you need an L Pad Attenuator, the rating needs to match or exceed the output of the amplifier as they get very hot. They are usually single channel so you'll need one for each speaker. They are designed to maintain the impedance (8 ohms) to the amp.

[TonyRPH]

megaphone said:

For inline speaker volume control you need an L Pad Attenuator, the rating needs to match or exceed the output of the amplifier as they get very hot. They are usually single channel so you'll need one for each speaker. They are designed to maintain the impedance (8 ohms) to the amp.

The OP has a £30 "boombox" which probably has 4 ohm speakers.

An L pad would be gross overkill (and overspend!).

A 50p 5w resistor will work just fine - the only stumbling block is the value - which depending on the power (probably 5w max?) of the unit, could range from 10 ohms to 40 ohms or so, it just depends how much attenuation he requires.

[TonyRPH]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Could indeed use a wirewound pot - but I suggested a resistor as it would be fiddle proof.

[Meatball]

Guys I appreciate the ideas. I was hoping for a simple plug and play device. I've decided to rig up a device to stop the volume from turning to the max. I say device it's 2 screws lol
Thanks again

[TonyRPH]

Good idea!

That's like the pin you used to get in the older mechanical central heating thermostats - it would limit the movement of the dial between specific temperatures.

[nelly1]

How about a big laminated sign to the effect of:-

DON'T TOUCH THE fkING VOLUME!!!

?

[btsidi]

Set the volume and remove the volume slider??

[backwoodsman]

Set the volume, glue the volume button in place.