Sound Decoder with No Speaker

[mvlandsw]

I remember reading that audio amplifiers should not be run with no load. Does this apply to DCC sound decoders?

[edwardsutorik]

Don't know, but adding a resistor would make me more comfortable:


www.amazon.com/uxcell-30pcs-Metal-Resistors-Tolerances/dp/B07KS2RYYL/ref=sr_1_3?crid=27A1O0662Y1DB&keywords=8+ohm+2+watt+resistor&qid=1674188983&sprefix=8+ohm+2+watt%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-3


Ed

[Mark R.]

It won't hurt anything because with no speaker attached, it is just an open circuit. If it makes you feel better, just turn the volume down to zero.

Mark.

[edwardsutorik]

Jan 20, 2023 8:28:40 GMT -8 Mark R. said:

It won't hurt anything because with no speaker attached, it is just an open circuit.

So you're saying that the OP's concerns are unfounded.

If it makes you feel better, just turn the volume down to zero.

Turning the output to zero will certainly work.

Are you SURE that the output will never be not-zero?


Ed

[Mark R.]

It's an open circuit, so there is no load of any kind on the output. It's quite common to test a sound decoder during installation before adding the speaker. Adding a resistor WILL create a load on the audio amp. On your home stereo, you can turn on AUX speakers even though no speakers are attached and nothing is damaged.

If the MASTER volume is set to zero, no sound of any kind will be emitted.

Mark.