The problem is that horns take a LOT of current. Testing with a decent size
wire will cause no harm, but running one from the wimpy #16 or 18 wire that
connects to the horn button wouldn't be a good idea. And unless you have a two
terminal horn you still need the relay for normal operation because all the
horn button does is supply a ground (for the relay coil).
-----Original Message-----
From: GremlinGTs@aol.com [mailto:GremlinGTs@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 9:30 AM
To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
Subject: [oletrucks] horn relay - design function? bad to not use it
testing( antique horns ) ?
Ok, even though I'm an electronic repair tech, even I don't know what
everything does! :) I'm not sure what the function of the little relay is, I
know
horns will blow with straight voltage, so my question's are :
- what does it really do?
- will it hurt the horn to be tested with straight voltage briefly?
- will some horns NOT work without a horn relay?
I need to test 30+ old horns I got at an auction, some VERY old, so I don't
want to risk burning them up by being ignorant, so someone educate me fast!
LOL. Then again, I'm a procrasinator, and they've been sitting since the
auction
3 weeks ago. I did try one, it honked, and blew dust or something out the
horn. Then I thought , Hmm, maybe that was a 6-volt horn, I shouldn't do this
with a modern battery yet. It DID sound rather fast. I just touched it briefly
to
the battery terminals. Anyway, I do have a variable power supply, so I can go
from 0-24 volts with 9 amps of power. Just want to get my theory straight so
I won't mess up my collection. I'll probably wind up painting them and hanging
them in my "auto display" room, or on a hallway wall ( I already stated to
the wife when I moved into the house that THAT was my car display areas, and I
could do what I wanted, as she got other areas...so not problem THERE! LOL )
Well, any help appreciated from any electrical or educated persons with
knowledge.
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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