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My first crossover network: pic and questions
I had never before built a crossover. Here's the first for my Pi4s. It's still missing a couple of belts. Should I worry of components, particularly resistors, getting too hot and melt the belts? (I will use the speakers with 8 watt amps but maybe someday my kids grow and throw a party :>)). Also, should I also use some hot melt glue to better fix the components? Thanks, xavier
Re: My first crossover network: pic and questions
The hot melt glue is not good when you have to change a component. Some factories use it with good results (acoustic). (the xover) Looks good for me.(I just can't remember if those you use are non inductance resistors?, if they say so it's oki-doki). If like you say they are "to hot and melt the belts" will be a good warning sign, anyway they sell manufactured supports just for the resistors, try a good shop for that size you use. The coils are just fine (perfect) I would put them apart because of the magnetic field, or then turn one 90 degrees.(Like one in the vertical pos. and one in the horizontal position).
the resistors are indeed non inductive, at least that's what parts express sold me . i will indeed turn one of the chokes to have it vertical as you suggested. i will also try to find the belts for the resistors although i might keep these ones temporarily if you don't see much of a risk. thanks a lot! xavier
Looks very good, although I would rotate one coil so they are oriented 90° to each other, as dB said. You can use silicon glue rather than hot glue if you think you might want to swap components someday. Components can be removed from silicon glue without damage. The resistors will indeed get hot enough to melt the cable-ties at full power, but not at 8 watts.
Thanks wayne. I will rotate one coil and build the other four crossover networks!
Regarding gluing the components... for some years now I have been using a class of glues known as "SBR Adhesives". The manufacture's rep I spoke with on the phone says this is Styrene Butadyene Rubber. These glues dry clear, are very slightly rubbery, but quite strong. By having a little flex they maintain a good bond. If a component needs to be removed, you can slice through the glue with a sharp knife, or just pry it off. The brands I use are E6000 by Eclectic Products, and Aleene's Platinum Bond 7800 by Aleene's. The 7800 is slightly less viscous than the E6000. These glues gel up quickly, and are excellent for gluing dissimilar materials, wood to plastic, metal to wood, metal to plastic, etc. Available in hardware, hobby, and craft shops. I have found both in Walmart.