Finally Starting the Theater Build

Post your build odyssey here.
Message
Author
TXATC
Posts: 80
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:47 am
Location: Denton, TX

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#46 Post by TXATC »

Well, #1 my brand new Weller 9400PKS soldering tip broke after 10 minutes.
#2 I’m concerned about the leads breaking if I untwist em.
Semper Fi
TX

User avatar
Bill Fitzmaurice
Site Admin
Posts: 28620
Joined: Tue May 02, 2006 5:59 pm

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#47 Post by Bill Fitzmaurice »

If they need to be stripped of enamel and they break when you untwist them unwind enough from them to connect them again, after stripping the ends. It's not going to significantly affect the value.

TXATC
Posts: 80
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:47 am
Location: Denton, TX

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#48 Post by TXATC »

Thanks Bill!
Semper Fi
TX

TXATC
Posts: 80
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:47 am
Location: Denton, TX

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#49 Post by TXATC »

Well, borrowed an iron from the Tech guys at work, was able to finish them out, here they are for better or for worse. Last time I touched a soldering iron was about 15 years ago, please excuse the messy looking welds.
5981A74D-956C-4F71-A677-84B7C8A39D2D.jpeg
Solder I used, lead free.
Solder I used, lead free.
Semper Fi
TX

User avatar
Bill Fitzmaurice
Site Admin
Posts: 28620
Joined: Tue May 02, 2006 5:59 pm

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#50 Post by Bill Fitzmaurice »

I still use lead solder for electrical work. I don't drink water that's passed through wire. :wink:
Someone who does a lot of soldering would want to avoid lead solder, but someone who does a speaker every now and then probably need not be concerned.

TXATC
Posts: 80
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:47 am
Location: Denton, TX

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#51 Post by TXATC »

I wanted to use leaded solder, every store I asked for it sent me to the plumbing section........I miss the Old Radio Shack.

The big question is do they look like they will work? :noob:
Semper Fi
TX

Bruce Weldy
Posts: 8301
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 11:37 am
Location: New Braunfels, TX

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#52 Post by Bruce Weldy »

TXATC wrote: Sat Jul 20, 2019 2:04 pm The big question is do they look like they will work? :noob:
Kinda' like asking, "Can you hear if my shirt and pants match?" :mrgreen:

Without much more detailed pics - you'll have to just hook 'em up and listen.

But, I'm guessing they are fine....

6 - T39 3012LF
4 - OT12 2512
1 - T24
1 - SLA Pro
2 - XF210


"A system with a few knobs set up by someone who knows what they are doing is always better than one with a lot of knobs set up by someone who doesn't."

TXATC
Posts: 80
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:47 am
Location: Denton, TX

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#53 Post by TXATC »

So with that being said. This being my first foray into DIY speakers, what will I be looking(listening) for when I hook them up? Is that the test tone the plans talk about?
I would assume that I will have to run a sweep to test where the frequencies cross from one to the other? Or am I way off?
Semper Fi
TX

User avatar
Tom Smit
Posts: 7457
Joined: Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:24 pm
Location: Sarnia, Ont. Canada

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#54 Post by Tom Smit »

About the connections on the filters, it's difficult to really tell since the photo detail is lacking a bit, even if I zoom in. Carefully look at each solder joint to see if it has flowed smoothly (good) or if there is a distinct ridge all the way around the solder (bad).

I had a response all typed out last night but I must have made a mistake and didn't post it. In it, I had mentioned that a hot iron is much preferred over a soldering gun.....and you found out why.
TomS

jimbo7
Posts: 849
Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:45 am
Location: St. Louis

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#55 Post by jimbo7 »

Just a soldering tip: I pre-tin my iron and wire before I soldering them together. Makes for a faster, easier, and rock solid connection.

There's tons of videos online to learn from. You'll be a pro by the time you've finished wiring all those SLA's
BFM builds:
XF212
T24 BP102 24"
2x SLA's 6-5" mids, 9- gt-302's
2x AT 14" MCM 55-2421
TrT 5" MCM 55-2421
AT 18" JBL GTO804
2x OT12 flat array
2x SLA Pro 2-Alpha 6's 2-Goldwoods
2x T39 24" 3012lf
Simplex 10 BP102

Grant Bunter
Posts: 6915
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2011 11:12 am
Location: Ilfracombe Queensland Australia
Contact:

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#56 Post by Grant Bunter »

jimbo7 wrote: Sun Jul 21, 2019 9:24 am Just a soldering tip: I pre-tin my iron and wire before I soldering them together. Makes for a faster, easier, and rock solid connection.

There's tons of videos online to learn from. You'll be a pro by the time you've finished wiring all those SLA's
You could even try the sticky here in the forum:
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=19250
Built:
DR 250: x 2 melded array, 2x CD horn, March 2012 plans.
T39's: 4 x 20" KL3010LF , 2 x 28" 3012LF.
WH8: x 6 with melded array wired series/parallel.
Bunter's Audio and Lighting "like"s would be most appreciated...

TXATC
Posts: 80
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:47 am
Location: Denton, TX

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#57 Post by TXATC »

Thanks guys, I checked the welds, they all definitely look like the just flowed around and down the wires. I think they should be good. I’m off to sand down the primer and slap on some of the Satan’s Heart Satin Black paint on em.

I’m getting anxious. This is always the worst part of a project. Close enough to see the end and want it done, yet at a crucial point where cutting corners can set you back 3-4 steps. Lord give me patience. 🤣
Semper Fi
TX

TXATC
Posts: 80
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:47 am
Location: Denton, TX

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#58 Post by TXATC »

Got em sanded down and painted. Man it gets warm in that Texas garage!

Sanded them down with 320 grit to get them slick. I then wiped them down with DA (after turning off my fan of course)
Next I poured out the paint (Valspar Ultra Satin Black) started rolling with a 6 inch foam weenie roller. First coat was super light, 120 minutes later I was able to recoat. This is the end product. Just finished painting them when pics were taken. I’ll post more in the morning after they’ve dried some.
A66FE354-88D4-482F-A420-0FBE6CF00DF4.jpeg
2E0D5710-3815-4D6D-88F0-66849EBD2DBF.jpeg
BF82D754-40F0-4B53-B0FB-DA7A6ACBD3B4.jpeg
B17EC2C2-35F9-4F05-8131-B9B8354B62EE.jpeg
A5787AD1-BD0D-4DB0-9F61-89ECA6954942.jpeg
Semper Fi
TX

Bruce Weldy
Posts: 8301
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 11:37 am
Location: New Braunfels, TX

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#59 Post by Bruce Weldy »

Looking good. And Amen to the Texas heat.....I have to stay right in front of my fan or start immediately sweating....

6 - T39 3012LF
4 - OT12 2512
1 - T24
1 - SLA Pro
2 - XF210


"A system with a few knobs set up by someone who knows what they are doing is always better than one with a lot of knobs set up by someone who doesn't."

TXATC
Posts: 80
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:47 am
Location: Denton, TX

Re: Finally Starting the Theater Build

#60 Post by TXATC »

Painted up and dry. I moved them into the house and started loading drivers into them. Surrounds are done and hung, now for L,C,R.
Pics of the L&R sans wiring.
9C89FA7F-FA58-4AEB-9DC3-F03A1FDC0869.jpeg
79BCDC53-8B89-488A-BBCB-A7626BA0959A.jpeg
F50E2C68-E1D6-4DD6-B2DF-7B12E078724E.jpeg
The finish didn’t turn out perfect, but it’s good enough for a dark room. I’ll have to spend at least twice the amount of time finishing when I do the THTLP.
Semper Fi
TX

Post Reply