How can I test my RPi Power Amplifier?

In supplying nearly 3000 of our Power Amps now you can be sure that they are reliable. However, just in case you do suspect that you amp has failed we have supplied details on how to do a very simple test.

In the rare occasions when failure does happen (normally within 2 miles or not at all) it is worthwhile noting the problem is normally with the vehicles electrics (the first area to check is the coil) and not the unit itself, as subsequent replacements most often suffer the same immediate failure.

If failure does occur than there are two options. The first is we can supply you with an amp repair kit which supplies you with the three pin transistor that has failed and full fitting instructions (also available for download in our Wizard section). The second option is to send the amplifier to us and we can take a look at it for you, obviously it is best to contact us before sending any items to discuss the best options.

For those more technical you can do a test with a multimeter as well.
You can see quite easily with an ordinary resistance meter if the transistor in the unit has blown (although failure is rare this is 99% of times the reason for a failure (total loss of spark), although the reason for some of these isolated failures is not fully understood and cannot even be duplicated here.
Connect the meter positive to amplifier brown and meter negative to amplifier black. The brown wire should be disconnected from the coil for this test, and there should be no power whatsoever applied to the unit. The meter should be on its least sensitive (200ohms) resistance range. An undamaged transistor would read open-circuit and a damaged one a dead short between brown and black.

In the rare occasions when failure does happen (normally within 2 miles or not at all) it is worthwhile noting the problem is normally with the vehicle and not the unit itself, as subsequent replacements most often suffer the same immediate failure.