L-Pads, more questions

[dalto]

I read the thread on volume and decided to install some L-pads.

I had a few questions though for anyone here who can answer.

1. What guage wire is typically running to the speakers and is it stranded or solid?
2. Since they no longer sell the stereo 3/8" L-pads at partsexpress I was thinking of getting the 1" ones so I could control both speakers at once. Do you usually leave these in the machine or stick them out the side?
3. From the wiring diagrams I've seen it looks like a should just tap the negative and put the L-pad inline with the positive. Is this correct?

Thanks again,

Dalto

[Firewire]

I think the easist method is to use www.pachislo.com's simple in-line job, but if you want an L-Pad here is my reply.

1) I've used 20 gauge stranded (and also 18 & 24).

(2) Went with the 1" L-Pad that I ran through the side. I had to use a 3/8" drill bit to make the whole about 1/4" deeper on the inside on some machines to make it far enough through so that the threads stick out for the nut and decorative plate.

3) Check this thread on installation and a simple diagram:

http://www.pachitalk.com/forums/show...ighlight=l-pad

[Ken Layton]

If Parts Express doesn't have the L-Pads you want, MCM Electronics (www.mcminone.com) does. Check out MCM's part numbers for the 3/8" long shaft L-Pads:

# 50-090 Mono 15 watt $2.86
# 50-275 Stereo 15 watt $5.94

# 50-080 Mono 50 watt $6.77
# 50-280 Stereo 50 watt $11.95

# 50-070 Mono 100 watt $7.95
# 50-285 Stereo 100 watt $13.95

[dalto]

I apologize if I posted this twice, I would swear I posted this earlier but a search turned up no results.

I test wired my new stereo L-PAD from Parts Express and it works great. However, I have no idea how it goes together physically. It came with a flat washer, a washer with edges, a faceplate and two nuts.

Can anyone help me fit this puzzle together?

Thanks in advance.

[v3550]

I apologize if I posted this twice, I would swear I posted this earlier but a search turned up no results.

I test wired my new stereo L-PAD from Parts Express and it works great. However, I have no idea how it goes together physically. It came with a flat washer, a washer with edges, a faceplate and two nuts.

Can anyone help me fit this puzzle together?

Thanks in advance.

I mounted them this evening this way:
L-pad/one nut on the inside/faceplate/star washer/flat washer/nut/knob.

The nut on the inside will help with the depth adjustment of the sound adjuster tube fitting through the cabinet. I found that my inside nut was almost screwed all the way down to the end of the tube. Yours may vary......
Finished results pictured.

[luckydog]

Nice job, Always keep your nuts seperated.

[dalto]

What did you use to connect the wires to the L-PAD. Is it a quick disconnect of some sort?

[slotter]

Just a quick comment. You might not need an adjustment to the back speakers depending on machine model. The ones that really need the L-Pad are those loud front speakers.

[v3550]

What did you use to connect the wires to the L-PAD. Is it a quick disconnect of some sort?

I used those quick splices. The kind where you a wire runs through it and the one splicing goes in part way. You then squeeze a metal insert down and close the lid. Easy and works great.

[v3550]

Nice job, Always keep your nuts seperated.

And tightened up occaisionally

[v3550]

I used those quick splices. The kind where you a wire runs through it and the one splicing goes in part way. You then squeeze a metal insert down and close the lid. Easy and works great.

PS. I also used the same size wire as the existing speaker wire.
22 gauge.

[dalto]

I used those quick splices. The kind where you a wire runs through it and the one splicing goes in part way. You then squeeze a metal insert down and close the lid. Easy and works great.

That is what you used to tap the existing wire, right? Did you use a connector to connect your new wires to the L-PAD itself?

[v3550]

If Parts Express doesn't have the L-Pads you want, MCM Electronics (www.mcminone.com) does. Check out MCM's part numbers for the 3/8" long shaft L-Pads:

# 50-090 Mono 15 watt $2.86
# 50-275 Stereo 15 watt $5.94

# 50-080 Mono 50 watt $6.77
# 50-280 Stereo 50 watt $11.95

# 50-070 Mono 100 watt $7.95
# 50-285 Stereo 100 watt $13.95

Looks like MCM has comparable prices.
Parts Express had them last week and received today:
#260-250 15wt mono 1" shaft $3.35
#260-251 15wt stereo 1" shaft $5.25
Shipping to me $7.09...ouch!

[v3550]

That is what you used to tap the existing wire, right? Did you use a connector to connect your new wires to the L-PAD itself?

Just used quick connectors to splice into the existing wires. Then soildered two wires that are to be connected to post #3 and finished that off with heat shrink. Then soildered the wires to the L-Pads. Sorry for the fuzzy picture earlier.

[dalto]

Ah OK, thanks!

They must have changes their L-PAD prices over at parts express, I ordered last week as well and the stereo L-PADS were between $3-4 each.

[v3550]

That is what you used to tap the existing wire, right? Did you use a connector to connect your new wires to the L-PAD itself?

Maybe this will help. The first picture is of the connectors and the splice I made to attach to the #3 post of the L-Pad. The second picture is of the package of connectors.

[hartly300]

Any idea of uk suppliers of L-PAD 15W STEREO 1" SHAFT yet

[v3550]

Any idea of uk suppliers of L-PAD 15W STEREO 1" SHAFT yet

I did a quick search using google. Sorry no results. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/29/29_1_13.gif





http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb062&pp=ZN

[websherpa]

On my Hanabi Hyakkei which I am installing a Stereo L-Pad now, the speakers are clearly marked with polarity and rated for 10 Watts each, which means that a 15 Watt L-Pad is just fine (This was one of my FAQ questions, whether to get a 15W or 50W L-Pad - as I've seen people blow 15W L-Pads on regular amp systems - hey, I built a 7Watt per channel 300B Tube amp that blows away most 80 Watt per channel solid state amps)

[websherpa]

One more quick question. (L-Pads are installed, I took some pictures of the procedure, hope to post them soon.)

When I turn the volume of the L-Pads all the way down, they don't cut out completely. Is that normal? I expected them to turn right off so I could play "silently in the night" (well except when I hit the Big Bonus ).

P.S. I've been havin' a hoot with my new Hanabi Hyakkei, great game, so many nuances - and my son keeps hitting bonuses. Gotta love those #6 - 120% odds.