Okay guys, help me out with wiring

[DaJe]

I need to somehow give power to the lights inside my subwoofer. The easiest way to do this would probably be to tap into the power that the speaker uses.


These two things need power

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78322.jpg


I have two male/female molex conectors

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78312.jpg

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78332.jpg


I'm not sure what this wire is for

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78342.jpg


But it connects like this

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78362.jpg


This is the wire for the subwoofer speaker

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78372.jpg


It gets power by plugging into the right speaker

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78382.jpg





Help me out guys. Help me come up with a way to wire this all together.

[dfigravity]

Do you have a picture of the sub?

[DaJe]

Lots of pictures here (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7301). Iit's the one I've been working on.


http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/worklog/PICT78212.jpg


By the way, the things that need power say "12v DC" on them.

[Bucko]

The wire you aren't sure what it does is 12V. It looks like that was a molex that came with a fan. Male and female to plug in between a hard drive or some other device and give a 12v feed from the molex.

Is that sub plug the only thing the sub has? It looks like the adiuo jack for it.

[DaJe]

That's the only thing it has. It gets power and audio data from that one jack.

[Bucko]

What else is in the subwoofer? Just the speaker? If so it should be an easy wiring job.

[DaJe]

Just the speaker, and the lights of course.

[Bucko]

In the back of that speaker the sub plugs into, is that a 12v input?

[DaJe]

I have no idea.

[Bucko]

It looks like it will say on the back of the speaker. I just can't see it because the plug is in the way.

[DaJe]

You're right, it's there. It's 9V though.

[Bucko]

Ok then. It was just I had an idea to power it from the speaker.

Actually, it may still work. You were using LED's for the sub lighting weren't you?

If so a change in resistor value could have you tap into that 9V supply and power the lighting from there. You could then run the sub speaker wiring and the lighting power wires inside some sleeving down to the sub and keep it neat.
You'd need to check how much current the power pack can supply (it should say on the power pack itself) and if it's not enough, you could get a better one from an electronics store like Radio Shack.

By doing that, it would keep it all neat and it wouldn't matter where you have the PC placed in relation to the sub, as it will all be coming from the speaker.

[DaJe]

4 4inch cathodes, not LEDs.

[Bucko]

Ahhh, ok then. They'll need the 12v then.

Let me have a think about a good way to set up the wiring and get back to you.

[DaJe]

Alright. And it's two seperate cathode units. Two dual 4 inch cathode things.

[Bucko]

Right, if I have this correct, all you need going into the sub box is the speaker wires and 12v power for the 2 lots of cathodes?

I would set up a power socket in the back of your case to supply power for the cathodes.
If you used a 3 pin microphone socket like this:

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/42/socketdl0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

And a plug and cable to run down to the sub box.

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/3816/plugky6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

You could even have another socket in the sub box if you liked, so the power cable could be changed depending on how far away the sub is from the computer.
By having that socket in the PC case, you could wire the molex up to it inside the case and have the sub easy to connect or disconnect when needing to move it.
At the sub split the power up into two between the two cathodes.

[DaJe]

How could I wire it so I only need one plug for both cathode sets? I suppose I'd need to wire two male molex together, and then wire a female to them. Would that would fine?

[Bucko]

I guess it depends on whether you want them to be switched independantly or not and where you want the switches.

Do you want them independantly switched on and off from each other?

Do you want the switches on the PC case, or on the sub woofer itself?

If you can tell me those two questions it will help a lot.

[DaJe]

I'd want them on the subwoofer. And even if they had the same power source, they each have a switch. I have two sound activation modules. which also each have a switch. They're what are in that picture above. I guess I'd like the switches for the cathodes on the subwoofer. I wouldn't need the switches for the sound modules on it though.

[Bucko]

Ok, just a couple more questions then.
Do the sound activation modules only need 12v? I can see they say 12v on top, I just want to make sure that is all they need (ie they don't need the 5v feed off the molex).

From how it looks, the molex connector from the PSU plugs into the sound activation modules and then the wires coming out of them plug into the cathodes.

Sorry I'm asking so many questions, but i want to have as much info as possible to get the right set up for you.

[DaJe]

The molex from the power supply goes into the module, and then the module into the cathodes. I don't think it needs anything special, it's just a regular 4 pin molex. I've also been busying playing a game while doing this whole thread, and don't have everything next to me either.

[Bucko]

Thanks.

The way I would wire it up is use that mic socket in the back of the PC case. Pic which two pins you like and make one positive and one negative.
At the subwoofer end, split the postive into two wires and have that go through a switch into the sound modules. The sound modules look like they supply all power to to cathodes, so once they have power the cathodes should work.
The negative lead will also be split in two and go to the modules.

Here's a quick circuit diagram I whipped up:

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5889/circuitck7.png (http://imageshack.us)

[DaJe]

Think you could elaborate on that a litle more? And give as much details you can for every single part of it. I wantto make sure I get this all right. And by switch, do you mean the switch that's already on it? I'll take pictures of the whole cathode device.

[Bucko]

By switch I mean one you set up. Take a few photos for me though and I'll have a look and elaborate some more you you.

[DaJe]

I was worried you meant that >_>

So I'll probably have to buy more stuff, eh





This is the whole cathode device. I have two of these.

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78392.jpg


These are the cathode tubes

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78412.jpg


The tubes plug into here

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78422.jpg


Then another wire plugs into the other side

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78432.jpg


And then splits off

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78442.jpg


One side goes to these molex connectors, one male and one female

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78452.jpg


And the other part goes to this power switch

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78462.jpg


This is the sound device, there are two of these, one for each cathode set, so they blink seperately.

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78472.jpg


It plugs into one of the molex connectors above

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78482.jpg


It gets power through a 4 pin molex from the power supply

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78492.jpg

[Bucko]

Thanks for the photos.
I assume you can solder? Because the best way I see to set it up involves some cutting and soldering of wires.

[DaJe]

I have solder with lead in it, but I can wear a mask. Now, keep in mind, I want to be able to plug both sound devices into one power source.

[Daruvian]

I'm right with Bucko on that... For one, you can get rid of the second molex connector on those wires... Don't need it... Its just there so you can still use that molex connector from the PSU on another device still, after hooking up the cathodes... You can do away with the switches actually, too... Do away with them completely, or put a switch more suitable to mounting on the sub for what you prefer... If I get a chance, I'll take some pictures tomorrow of the wire work I did on my cathodes in my current project... No switches... No second molex connector... Just come on when the PC does... And go off with it...

[DaJe]

I don't want to cut anything until I have a plan down on what to do. Because then if I messed up I'f have to put it back together.

[Redundant]

Do you have a picture of the bottom of the sound modules? Since they are transparent, you should be able to see the circuit-tracks so you can tell if it uses more than just the 12v line.

[DaJe]

Do you have a picture of the bottom of the sound modules? Since they are transparent, you should be able to see the circuit-tracks so you can tell if it uses more than just the 12v line.


http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78512.jpg


http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78522.jpg

[Bucko]

Think you could elaborate on that a litle more? And give as much details you can for every single part of it. I wantto make sure I get this all right. And by switch, do you mean the switch that's already on it? I'll take pictures of the whole cathode device.


Thanks.

The way I would wire it up is use that mic socket in the back of the PC case. Pic which two pins you like and make one positive and one negative.
At the subwoofer end, split the postive into two wires and have that go through a switch into the sound modules. The sound modules look like they supply all power to to cathodes, so once they have power the cathodes should work.
The negative lead will also be split in two and go to the modules.

Here's a quick circuit diagram I whipped up:

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5889/circuitck7.png (http://imageshack.us)

To go into more detail while referring to my diagram you'll still have to use some imagination.

Where it says power lead, that is what is running from your power supply to your subwoofer. However you decide to have the power come out of your case is up to you. All you need is the +12v and -12v wires. Whether that is wired into the socket and plug I suggested is completely up to you.

Take the +12v wire coming into the sub and split it so there is now 2 +12v wires. This will be the first solder joint. Each one of those +12v wires will go to a switch of your choosing. Just find an on/off switch you think will suit the mod.
From the other side of those switches, have a wire go to a molex plug for each sound module.
While I'm on that molex plug, you'll need the -12v wire comeing from the case to also be split in two and have a wire going to the -12v on the molex for each sound module.

Like this pic here showing the wiring splitting up and going to the molex connectors through the switches:

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3781/tutpt1cf2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

From there you join the wires coming out of the sound module straight to the wires going into the cathode inverter so you'll end up with something like this for each of the molex connectors above.

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/4006/tut2qr6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Each switch will control one sound module and one cathode.

[DaJe]

I suppose I could get an audio jack and hook the wires up to that an then plug it into one of the ports in the back of the computer, to give the lights power. I'm just kind of getting more con fused now though.

[Bucko]

An audio jack would be bad. You would need to use a plug and socket like I posted earlier. A standard headphone style jack will leave you at risk of shorting out the PSU if you plug in or unplug while the power is on. When one of those is halfway out the + and - can short. Like when you halfway unplug headphones and they go all screwy.

EDIT: this sort of plug is what I'm talking about that would be bad to use due to the risk of shorting out when removing:
http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/6972/istockphoto40737headphowx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[DaJe]

It would short the power supply even though it wouldn't be plugging into the power supply?

[Bucko]

You need to get 12v from somewhere and that somewhere is the computer PSU.
What else would you be plugging it into for power?

[DaJe]

I have no idea. I might as well just extend a molex cable with some copper wire and then plug it into a molex from the power supply, through the back of the case or something.

[Bucko]

The sub woofer itself will still need the separate wires running down to it from the computer speaker where it normally plugs in. The stuff I have show is simply for powering the lights off the computers PSU.

[Bucko]

I have no idea. I might as well just extend a molex cable with some copper wire and then plug it into a molex from the power supply, through the back of the case or something.

That will work, but if you need to unplug it and move it, you'll need a hole bigger than the molex to get it through. That is why I suggested the plug and socket to be wired into the PSU for easy moving of the sub box.

[DaJe]

So where on the power supply would I wire it to?

[Bucko]

Find a spare molex connector and use it. You will only need the +12v and -12v wires.
You could use one of those spare molex plugs you have and wire it up to the socket so you just plug a molex off the PSU into the back of the socket.

Something like this:

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7482/micsocketeh8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

So all you do is plug the molex from the PSU into this rig you make:

[DaJe]

I'm wiring two male molex together so I can have both sound modules hooked up to one source.

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78622.jpg

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78632.jpg


Then I'll wire the other end to another male molex

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78642.jpg


Then I'll tap into the wire in the middle, and add a female molex. I will create a hole in one of the sides of the subwoofer, and mount it there like it was a port. I will then take two more molex connectors and make a long molex cable so it can reach the computer. that way each part can be unplugged, and I don't have to cut up any of the cathode wires and risk damaging those.



On a side note; People said the red cathodes appeared orange. At first, they were red with just an orange tint. But now, after being used, they're completely orange. Ah well.

[Bucko]

Just looking at the pics there, you are aware that the 12v is only two of the wires in a molex and the other two are 5v, right?

[DaJe]

I know I only need the 12v according to you, but I want to do all 4 anyway.



I now have the two sound modules plugged into the same cable. Once I tap the middle and add another molex, I can power them both with one molex from the power supply, and have them both function individually. I just hope my cheap wiring job involving wrapping the wire ends together and then taping them works, and doesn't mess up anything.


http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78662.jpg

[Redundant]

Thx for the underside pics. Yep, the 5v line (yellow) is not used in these modules.

I cant tell what's wired to what under the tape but one of those speaker wires should be soldered to the 2 black ones and the other wire should be soldered to the red wire.

Bucko, I was corrected in another thread about this too. There's no such thing as -12v or -5v; both black wires are ground, red is +12v, and yellow is +5v.

[DaJe]

One wire is connected from yellow to yellow, one from red to red, one from black to black, and another from black to black.

[DaJe]

Alright, so If I wire things like this, with the wire ends wrapped together, and then put electrical tape over them, is that alright? Will it work fine without causing problems?



http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78792.jpg

[Bucko]

Why not solder them if you have the equipment there?

twisted and taped wires is asking for trouble later when they work loose.

[DaJe]

Because I don't have the eqipement is why. I have one of those cordless ColdHeat soldering irons. The tip of it (which appears to be made of graphite) broke. I could always untape them and solder them later if I want to. I just want to know if it'll work for now.

[Bucko]

It will work for now, but it really isn't a long term solution.
I assumed you had the equipment when I asked about it ealier and you said you had solder.

[DaJe]

The tip broke last night, after you left >_>

[Redundant]

You don't need to connect _anything_ to the red (+5v) wire. That was the reason I asked for a pic of the underside; nothing is connected to it.

Twist the 2 black ones together to make it easier and attach you clear wires to the black and the yellow; it makes things simpler that way.

[DaJe]

Too late, I already did it, and it works.




http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78812.jpg


http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/subwoofer/PICT78822.jpg

[DaJe]

Alright, I just tried wiring something else, and to make it easier I connected both black wires to one wire and the red wie to the remaining wire, and cut off the yellow. It didn't work though. Any possible reason for it not to work? Could a wire that's too long cause the problem? Or perhaps it really does need the yellow. I'm looking at the circuit myself and I think the yellow is needed.

[Bucko]

What were you trying to connect?

Yellow is 12v, Red is 5v.

[DaJe]

Well that would explain why the yellow was needed then. I hooked up the yellow and it worked. I thought yellow was 5v, as that's what was said above.

[Bucko]

I see what you mean. I didn't spot that error Redundant made.

[DaJe]

So I guess I can disconnect the red wire then? That'll make things a lot easier for me, one less long wire to worry about.

[Bucko]

Assuming what you are connecting only uses 12v (like what you have shown so far for the cathodes and sound activation modules) you only need the yellow wire and the black wire next to it.
That will give you your 12v supply with the minimum amount of wires.