Our old vehicle's horns power draw ?

[Cranky]

Found a horn (probably off my Belvedere?) that still works but it didn't seem very loud. Last time to check one was back in the 70's. Is a 6 amp battery charger stout enough for a horn test?

 

[Don Frelier]

Yes I would think so.

 

[Cranky]

Yes I would think so.

Tried it with 15amp charger.....better but thinking it's a low side horn but it still sounds a bit soft. Oh well, thanks!

 

[toolmanmike]

Tried it with 15amp charger.....better but thinking it's a low side horn but it still sounds a bit soft. Oh well, thanks!

Should be good enough for a test. They run through a relay so they get battery voltage and full amps minus connector resistance. Good question. I don't remember anyone ever stating how many amps they draw.

 

[toolmanmike]

Tried it with 15amp charger.....better but thinking it's a low side horn but it still sounds a bit soft. Oh well, thanks!

I see in the manual, you use an ammeter to adjust the horns. Between 6 and 8 amps for Sparton's and 8-10 for Autolite horns. (1964 Dodge manual)

 

[Lefty71]

Tried it with 15amp charger.....better but thinking it's a low side horn but it still sounds a bit soft. Oh

Try it right off a car battery for comparison.

 

[Runner 68]

**** Cranky, I thought you knew everything about everything.
6 volt will work, 12 volt better.

 

[Cranky]

**** Cranky, I thought you knew everything about everything.
6 volt will work, 12 volt better.

I know a little something about a lot and it's usually just enough to get me in trouble lol.....heck, the 6 amp 12 volt charger made the horn sound pretty lame. The 15 amp charger was much better and the gauge was reading 6-7 amp draw. But how accurate is the gauge on a charger?