More basic questions from a DIY newbie

Midnite Mick · 25th July 2006, 07:51 PM

Is it okay to trim capacitor, resistor, and inductor ends if they are too long when building the crossover network?

Would it be okay to wrap the end more of an indutor instead of trimming it if it is too long?

Is using a Kanga back carpet on the interior of a speaker cabinet a good idea or is polyfill enough. Would using the carpet then decrease cabinet size? Also, can it be used in the whole cabinet or should I not put it into the port section as there is also no poly going into that area?

What should I be looking for in regards to solders. All the same, some purer than others, types, etc.?

Sorry, my first venture into anything DIY when it comes to electronic. Have very little knowledge of electronics but have been enjoying the process.

Thank you,
Mike

poobah · 25th July 2006, 08:19 PM

Yes, it is OK to trim component leads.

No, do not wrap the inductor leads... you will create another inductor or change the value.

Fill in speakers does two basic things. First, it provides a rough, porous surface to help absorb/dampen reflections. A box... just like organ pipe or a pop bottle will ring at a certain frequency... you generally don't want this. Second, and very difficult to explain, is that proper filling can make the driver "think" it is in a bigger box. Now... carpet can be good for killing reflections, but it doesn't work right for the second purpose... it is too dense and thin. If you are building to a plan... use the materials spec'd by the designer. Fiberglass is a popular material as long as you don't include your skin and lungs in the fan club. Polyfill is more friendly, but it does have different properties. Speaker building is science, but also black art. Post in the speaker forum... there are some real genius mother______'s there. They can explain these things better.

63Sn/37Pb Rosin Core solder is your best all-around... "Kester 44" Don't get suckered into expensive "audio solder"... it's B.S.

Many people like 62Sn/36Pb/2Ag... so called "silver solder". It is very durable and mechanically strong. Overkill maybe... but not ridiculous.

Midnite Mick · 25th July 2006, 09:39 PM

Thank you for all of the great information. I will stick to the plan as the the kit came with 8 "pillows" of polyfill.

Mike

25th July 2006, 07:51 PM	#1
Midnite Mick diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2006	More basic questions from a DIY newbie Is it okay to trim capacitor, resistor, and inductor ends if they are too long when building the crossover network? Would it be okay to wrap the end more of an indutor instead of trimming it if it is too long? Is using a Kanga back carpet on the interior of a speaker cabinet a good idea or is polyfill enough. Would using the carpet then decrease cabinet size? Also, can it be used in the whole cabinet or should I not put it into the port section as there is also no poly going into that area? What should I be looking for in regards to solders. All the same, some purer than others, types, etc.? Sorry, my first venture into anything DIY when it comes to electronic. Have very little knowledge of electronics but have been enjoying the process. Thank you, Mike

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25th July 2006, 08:19 PM	#2
poobah diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005	Yes, it is OK to trim component leads. No, do not wrap the inductor leads... you will create another inductor or change the value. Fill in speakers does two basic things. First, it provides a rough, porous surface to help absorb/dampen reflections. A box... just like organ pipe or a pop bottle will ring at a certain frequency... you generally don't want this. Second, and very difficult to explain, is that proper filling can make the driver "think" it is in a bigger box. Now... carpet can be good for killing reflections, but it doesn't work right for the second purpose... it is too dense and thin. If you are building to a plan... use the materials spec'd by the designer. Fiberglass is a popular material as long as you don't include your skin and lungs in the fan club. Polyfill is more friendly, but it does have different properties. Speaker building is science, but also black art. Post in the speaker forum... there are some real genius mother______'s there. They can explain these things better. 63Sn/37Pb Rosin Core solder is your best all-around... "Kester 44" Don't get suckered into expensive "audio solder"... it's B.S. Many people like 62Sn/36Pb/2Ag... so called "silver solder". It is very durable and mechanically strong. Overkill maybe... but not ridiculous.

25th July 2006, 09:39 PM	#3
Midnite Mick diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2006	Thank you for all of the great information. I will stick to the plan as the the kit came with 8 "pillows" of polyfill. Mike

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