2 newbie DIY questions

[Alex Barnett]

Hello,

I am in the middle of assembling the Ed Frias AR.COM kit (I know it is controversial). My first electronics project, period. Two dumb questions:

(1) While soldering I accidentally melted a little of the jacket of what I believe is a capacitator (black cylinder labeled 4.70 ufd). I covered up the wound with electrical tape. A little gray metal showing thru. Am I going to be OK?

(2) As I lower woofer into cabinet, I'm pretty sure speaker wire from the crossover will brush against the rear of the unit (magnet). Any interference problem?

Thanks!!

[Bob Barkto]

The melted plastic jacket on the capacitor is no problem. Covering with electrical tape is fine.

I would relocate the wire.
You will probably be annoyed if it starts rubbing and clicking and buzzing against the driver!
But it won't be the cause any sort of electrical or magnetic interference or anything of that sort.

Originally posted by Alex Barnett
Hello,

I am in the middle of assembling the Ed Frias AR.COM kit (I know it is controversial). My first electronics project, period. Two dumb questions:

(1) While soldering I accidentally melted a little of the jacket of what I believe is a capacitator (black cylinder labeled 4.70 ufd). I covered up the wound with electrical tape. A little gray metal showing thru. Am I going to be OK?

(2) As I lower woofer into cabinet, I'm pretty sure speaker wire from the crossover will brush against the rear of the unit (magnet). Any interference problem?

Thanks!!

[roddyama]

Originally posted by Alex Barnett
(2) As I lower woofer into cabinet, I'm pretty sure speaker wire from the crossover will brush against the rear of the unit (magnet). Any interference problem?

I always use some cloth like cheese cloth behind the speakers to help keep foreign objects out of the back of the speakers. And I agree with Bob, you should move the wires.

[Wodgy]

Originally posted by Alex Barnett
(1) While soldering I accidentally melted a little of the jacket of what I believe is a capacitator (black cylinder labeled 4.70 ufd). I covered up the wound with electrical tape. A little gray metal showing thru. Am I going to be OK?

If it's an electrolytic capacitor, you'll probably be ok. If it's a film capacitor (more likely here), then you probably are not ok. Film capacitors are easy to damage. You should desolder the capacitor and test it for continuity using your meter. If it shows continuity, then it needs to be replaced.

[Alex Barnett]

Thanks for your reply Wodgy,

The melted thing is called a "Solen 4.7mfd Metallized Polypropylene Capacitor, PB Series 400Vdc, jacketed, ""Fast Capacitors"""

Not sure if that is electrolytic or film--AB