L-Pad Volume Mod

[slotter]

I just came back to the computer from a session with the Cont 4X machine and the new volume controller. Here are my thoughts: I like the volume set to medium-loud level while just playing. But, when it kicks into Bonus Mode, my machine needs to be turned down.

Thus, the value of the volume controller. Sometimes, I let it run fairly loud to add excitement and some pizzazz, but when it goes nuts, I'm able to turn it down a notch. :grin: :wink:
I have no distortion at all with the stereo L-Pad, btw. it's no different than it was before. I put the internal switch on high volume now and just control it with the L-pad entirely. :lol:

[slotter]

TeeDubya,

I have only purchased one of those L-Pads, but I encountered the same thing and chalked it up to me or my specific machine.

Now that I have done the radio shack mod the level of usefullness is even less (about 1/4 turn), but the distortion isn't there.

:smt102

Help! I've been reading the L-Pad mod areas and now I'm really confused. :-? So, what's best for a Giga Fever? Should I do the L-Pad install or should I order some of those variable resistors from Syscom? Does the L-Pad distort the sound??? If it's distorted, I'd much rather spend a few $$$ and get the proper volume adjusters.

[gwarzin]

The L-Pad should work better. The only time I've seen the simple variable resistor work as well as L-pads is with something like the Sammy tweeters which are piezos instead of normal speakers.

[Firewire]

One thing to consider too, is that the ones from Syscom are only rated for something like 200 turns. So they are more or less a set it and forget it type option.

Bourns Potentiometers from Mouser.com

[laurierocs]

Hi. New the the group, new to the hobby, but finding this site VERY informative. I see you are using 50 watt L-pads, is the output that much on these machines or would the 15W work as well? Do most of you use the L pads from parts express? I noticed on one of the posts, someone mentioned a 12 step program for this hobby. I think we're already on step 6. GREAT FORUM!!!

[Lazarus]

Welcome! We use the 50 watt so that it is more than enough but others have used the 15 watt with no problems and they are cheaper.

[luckydog]

step 6, you hae a long way to go :lol:

but the journey is loaded with fun :lol:

[Firewire]

My very first L-Pad was a 50watt, but since then I have just been buying the 15watt.

[PachiAddict]

Here is a link that explains both the L-pad and helps calculate the right resistance on a fixed resistor in seried with a speaker. (A potentionmeter is a single, variable resistor with a tap on both ends and a variable one in the middle. It would work well as a variable resistor on one tweeter.)

http://www.bcae1.com/lpad.htm

The post at the top of this thread by David R. shows the connection diagram.

[syph]

Just wanted to say thanks for all this, I finally got off my butt and installed a 15w stereo L-pad in my Hanabi Hyakkei (I looked up the transalation, and it turns out this means "goodbye ears fireworks deaf game"). The diagram was a great help and everything went perfectly - my L-Pad is sticking out of the back of the machine, out of sight. One thing I can highly recommend is heat-shrink tubing from Radio Shack instead of tape or goop - just hit it with a lighter after you solder (do remember to put it on the wires before you twist them together though) and you have a really nice-looking wire splice.

[arbycoffee]

heat-shrink tubing good stuff, Cool beaners

[blades]

I am going to be getting my second machine off eBay in a week or two (pending the cash flow LOL) and I was wondering. I am going to do my second volume mod on this new one and I thought, why not document with pictures of every step? I could add captions and pointers as to where and what I did and what parts I used. Give me some feedback and let me know what you all think.

[RKnarr01]

it would be great to help people who need pictures to understand what going on, or just those people who are terrible with wires like me

[blades]

That is what I figured, if you have never done one of these, it can be quite intimidating. I work on computers most of the day so working on of these doesn't bother me too much once I got familiar with the layout.

[PachiAddict]

For your heat shrink tubing, check your local Lowes/Home Depot/Menards or similar. They usually have packages of the stuff in one size and it's usually a bit cheaper. At least you don't have to get the mixed size assortment that Radio Shack has.