Woofer strobe light analysis

I've always been intrigue with this method of identifying breakup modes in cone drivers.

www.sugawara-labs.co.jp/en/application_xenonflashes/direct_observation_of_speaker_cone_vibrations

When I consulted with a few independent speaker designers back in the late 80s to early 90s, we used modified ignition timing lights to check the performance of various cone geometries and materials in LF drivers to find their limitations when operating out of their designated bandwidth at higher drive levels. I got the idea from designing and testing light weight valvetrains used in high rpm race engine applications ie. Spintron testing. You'd be shocked how bad the cone of an LF cone driver deforms at higher output levels and various frequencies.

I remember KEF and B&W doing laser interferometry research many decades ago. I'm surprised this area of technology hasn't filtered down into the diy crowd yet with all the access we now have to information pertaining to speaker building.
 
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Only saw the one little animated gif so basing comments on only that, but from early 90's (work-lab) memories, it seems very hard to hone-in on vibration modes. I know we did it in the dark and twiddled excitation to really focus and it wasn't subtle. Then-again, it wasn't 80 bucks. Actually thought someone here (diyA) would've hatched something suitable as it seems in the wheelhouse of many members.

Thing is, as-ever, what happens when the dog finally catches the car? In that respect, it's (arguably) less-useful standalone but still needs to be paired with (structural) sims for which verification is always desirable.

That-said, glad they offer something accessibly-priced to diy'ers.
 
I ordered the PE strobe light, so we'll see what it can do. A big help would be to check VC lead wire deflection at higher excursion and mid frequencies. Drivers with long heavy leads often show weird midrange resonances and consequently elevated HD.
 
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