Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

[Soundslike]

Re: Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

That pretty well completes what I had to say about this project -- building eight of the Tritrix speakers. I can't thank Curt Campbell enough for this great design. What a great value they are. I absolutely love mine.

Originally, I planned to discuss my subwoofer build in this string, thinking that was a logical thing to do because it's part of the home theater system I covered. But, after thinking it over, it seems a better idea to start a separate string dedicated to the subwoofer. In it I'll cover how I managed to finally achieve the shiny black finish I was looking for.

I also promised to offer an opinion about the bargain tools available at Harbor Freight. That's a topic better suited in the technical forum, where I suspect it will draw a wide range of opinions. As a preview, in my humble opinion (I hope I haven't revealed a certain lack of sophistication by failing to use IMHO ;)) some are worth buying, and some are best avoided.

Links to the subwoofer string, and the tool discussion, will be added to my signature once I get going, should you care to follow along. I've also got the parts accumulated for an Aviatrix build, and Paul Carmody's Overnight Sensations. Can't wait to get started on those.

I'm also thinking about doing a build using nothing but hand tools -- the idea would be to offer assistance and motivation to anyone who wants to build a set of speakers, but doesn't have access to the power tools we all take for granted. I just might get some good exercise too.

One last thing (in this post anyway): I'll get notified about any post left here. There are many who are way over my head when it comes to the technical aspects of this fascinating hobby, and there are many really talented builders out there, but I'll be happy to help.

[Soundslike]

Re: Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

Actually, I was talking about the soldering on your crossovers.
...but I'm probably a little jaded - in my line of work I regularly have to inspect class 3 electronics construction - the type used in military applications....

Well, it looks like I just might be metal fusing (to coin a phrase) challenged. Why don't you send me a personal message and give me a little constructive advice... I'm always looking to improve.

[RDR75]

Re: Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

I don't want to be overly critical of someone who's obviously done a phenominal job...

http://workmanship.nasa.gov/lib/insp/2%20books/links/sections/616%20Service%20Lead%20Splices.html

here's a link showing some good splices - I would use a j-hook for the application we're talking about here

a splice takes a lot less solder than you think - make sure any multi-strand leads are properly tinned first - form your j-hooks - and use just enough solder to form a fully wetted fillet on both hooks without obscuring the outline of the leads

...make sure you have the right kind of flux
...make sure your iron is at the right temp
...don't try messing around with lead-free solder

www.IPC.org is also a good source for reference and education. I have to pass the IPC CIS certification course every 2 years, which includes soldering a surface mount 100 pin chip to a pcb by hand... like most things it's not that hard to do, once your learn all the tricks

[Soundslike]

Re: Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

Impressive -- you obviously know your soldering. Maybe you should post a string for the benefit of the builders on this forum. Thanks for the info, I've got some reading to do. I probably should buy a temperature regulated soldering station too. The one I've got is not regulated.

[jcpahman77]

Re: Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

60/40 lead tin with rosin and flux is your friend. I don't know what kind of solder you were using but that makes the job much easier. Yes, the fumes will get you high as hell, but it really works.

[Soundslike]

Re: Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

I use the rosin core type, small gauge. I use a soldering station purchased at an electronics store (Frys) but didn't realize until I got it home that it wasn't temperature regulated. I am capable of making good connections, but honestly, when I turn out one that has too much solder, I'm usually not concerned about it, providing it is secure and conductive. I have a desoldering wick, suction pump device, and one of those squeezy bulb thingys, but it's not one of my favorite things to do. If the connection is beneath the board and inside an enclosure, appearance isn't much of an issue. If there's a safety issue, that's a whole different matter.

I appreciate the input regarding soldering -- I intend to make sure I'm using high quality solder in the future.

[dennymo]

Re: Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

I don't want to be overly critical of someone who's obviously done a phenominal job...

http://workmanship.nasa.gov/lib/insp/2%20books/links/sections/616%20Service%20Lead%20Splices.html

here's a link showing some good splices - I would use a j-hook for the application we're talking about here

Thanks for this link. I did a little digging and found index/ToC for the rest of the guide, useful reading: http://workmanship.nasa.gov/lib/insp.../frameset.html

[RDR75]

Re: Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

I use the rosin core type, small gauge.

Even when using flux core solder...flux your leads first - then make sure you clean off all the residue, it's corrosive to the connection

[ecbmxer]

Re: Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

Seriously impressive work. I built some Tritrix MT's that I would like to mount nicely as well. Your mounts are just awesome. So much work to make sure each piece looked exactly like you wanted. I may do something similar, but just use existing pieces that I can find (such as knobs, hanging brackets, etc) rather than fabricating. I don't have the tools or know how to make pieces that nice!

[Soundslike]

Re: Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

Thanks for the nice compliment. I'll have to be brief, I'm on an RV trip and limited to my Blackberry. I'll be interested to see what you come up with..

[bolland83]

Re: Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

WOW! That's a lot of work, very nice job. I really dig the way those look on your brackets. Great idea! Another option for knobs might be drawer pull knobs, though you would have to drill and re-tap the holes for a larger size, I think most are only a #8 or #10 size. That might be ok for a smaller speaker though. Yours look really cool though.

[Soundslike]

Re: Tritrix HT Build with Ceiling Bracket Design

WOW! That's a lot of work, very nice job. I really dig the way those look on your brackets. Great idea! Another option for knobs might be drawer pull knobs, though you would have to drill and re-tap the holes for a larger size, I think most are only a #8 or #10 size. That might be ok for a smaller speaker though. Yours look really cool though.

Thanks for the nice comments -- I appreciate the positive feedback. Your idea regarding drawer pulls is a good one; anytime I'm at a home improvement center I try to keep an eye open for things that can be used projects like the brackets I made. I found the brass plated pipe I used for the brackets in the bin they use to get rid of things that aren't selling -- at a much reduced price. Knobs for drawer pulls are a good Idea... Thanks..