I have a Lucent/ATT two-line corded phone.

The volume is usually too loud, even with the phone's volume control at min.

How can I determine what type/value of pot to install on the handset so I can turn this blasted thing down?

I also have the same issue on a similar type phone of a different brand.

Thank you!

 

You could give it to me. My hearing is bad enough that I am looking for an amplified phone

 

They usually use a 32 ohm dynamic (magnetic) speaker in the handset. Some are 16 ohm but 32 is more common.

Try putting a resistor in series with it, that might require a bit of experimentation. Maybe 100 ohms?

If you want to use a trimpot, try a 500 ohm size.

 

Thanks, THE_RB - I appreciate your response.

The speaker measures 122 ohms - what value resistor should I start with?

Also, the smallest pot Radio Shack has is 5K (except they do have a 1K trimmer).

I don't need to place an order with Allied, etc. right now, so if I want to use a pot, is 5K too far out of range?

 

First are you sure the speaker measures 122 ohms? That is extremely unusual. Do you have photo of it, or the markings written on it?

5k may do it if the speaker ohms are 122. It will be a bit fussier to adjust. 1k might be better.

 

First are you sure the speaker measures 122 ohms?

I am unable to get the handset apart, so I cut a curly cord and measured at the wires.

I know the two wires I tested at go to the speaker, because I popped the speaker with a battery.

Of course there may be other components in the handset that I don't know about.

Because I can't get the handset open, I thought I'd just install a pot on the base unit itself - which I was thinking may be easier.

(I tested a handset from another brand and it tests similar.)