Bottlehead Forum
Bottlehead Kits => Crack => Topic started by: sdell101 on August 06, 2013, 06:38:03 AM
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hi guys can anyone direct me. to anyone that can build the crack amp with the speedball upgrade i live in SoCal. i emailed Bottlehead and they said this was the best way to contact someone... Thanks!~
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Sure. Follow these steps:
1. Stand in front of a mirror.
2. You've found your guy!
Seriously. Even without any prior experience, you can build the Crack yourself. You need to invest $40-50 (maybe less) in tools that you will be able to re-use for years to come, but that's about it.
If you really don't want to do it yourself, I'm sure someone will post here offering to do it for you, but I assure you that building the Crack is fairly straightforward and incredibly satisfying to boot. I didn't have any real prior experience, but I got my Crack working right away. I'm a corporate lawyer. If I can do it, so can you!
Best regards,
Adam
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I HIGHLY suggest you build one but if you really don't want to I would be more than happy to build it for you.
All you need really is a soldering iron, some solder, and maybe wire strippers for the wires.
Also the instructions that Doc provides make the build very easy.
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There should be a factory authorized assembly service starting very soon. When the person is ready to take work I will announce the details.
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Sure. Follow these steps:
1. Stand in front of a mirror.
2. You've found your guy!
Seriously. Even without any prior experience, you can build the Crack yourself. You need to invest $40-50 (maybe less) in tools that you will be able to re-use for years to come, but that's about it.
If you really don't want to do it yourself, I'm sure someone will post here offering to do it for you, but I assure you that building the Crack is fairly straightforward and incredibly satisfying to boot. I didn't have any real prior experience, but I got my Crack working right away. I'm a corporate lawyer. If I can do it, so can you!
Best regards,
Adam
And you admit this, here?
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Sure! It's how I know Doc and the gang will be extra-motivated to keep me from electrocuting myself...
;D
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There should be a factory authorized assembly service starting very soon. When the person is ready to take work I will announce the details.
Interesting, any thoughts on pricing?
Also, I'm a bit skeptical when it comes to people saying its so easy. My Crack + Speedball should be coming soon, and I'm honestly, quite scared. I do have a bit of prior experience, only with building 3 succesful cables, if I can do that, do you guys think I can build the Crack + Speedball? Thanks guys:)
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There should be a factory authorized assembly service starting very soon. When the person is ready to take work I will announce the details.
Interesting, any thoughts on pricing?
Also, I'm a bit skeptical when it comes to people saying its so easy. My Crack + Speedball should be coming soon, and I'm honestly, quite scared. I do have a bit of prior experience, only with building 3 succesful cables, if I can do that, do you guys think I can build the Crack + Speedball? Thanks guys:)
Yes. I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe it.
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There should be a factory authorized assembly service starting very soon. When the person is ready to take work I will announce the details.
Interesting, any thoughts on pricing?
Also, I'm a bit skeptical when it comes to people saying its so easy. My Crack + Speedball should be coming soon, and I'm honestly, quite scared. I do have a bit of prior experience, only with building 3 succesful cables, if I can do that, do you guys think I can build the Crack + Speedball? Thanks guys:)
Yes. I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe it.
I guess it is such a daunting task for me that its hard to believe anyone that says its easy..
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1. Cut a two-inch piece of red wire.
2. Strip the ends back 1/4"
3. Solder one end to terminal 14
4. Solder the other end to terminal 15
If you can follow those instructions, you can build the Crack.
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1. Cut a two-inch piece of red wire.
2. Strip the ends back 1/4"
3. Solder one end to terminal 14
4. Solder the other end to terminal 15
If you can follow those instructions, you can build the Crack.
Is that a part of it? Because thats exxtremely easy. I hope it is:) What wire stripper do you guys recommend also?
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I won't call it a direct quote, but much of the manual reads just like that.
As for wire strippers, see here: http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,3279.msg40579.html#msg40579 (http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,3279.msg40579.html#msg40579)
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I won't call it a direct quote, but much of the manual reads just like that.
As for wire strippers, see here: http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,3279.msg40579.html#msg40579 (http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,3279.msg40579.html#msg40579)
Thanks for all the help, Adam. It really helped a lot:)
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I won't call it a direct quote, but much of the manual reads just like that.
As for wire strippers, see here: http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,3279.msg40579.html#msg40579 (http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,3279.msg40579.html#msg40579)
Adam, you say 20-30awg strip, but this website says 16-22awg: http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/22-3046 Am I looking at the wrong one or what? Thanks.
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No problem. Just trying to pay forward all of the great help and advice I received here. Get the Stripmaster Lite strippers, they are expensive, but will repay you in spades. I'm amazed by how smoothly and perfectly my Stripmasters work... I marvel at it every time I use them.
Best regards,
Adam
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I think there are multiple versions, depending on which attachments are included. I consider 16-22 awg a more useful range than 20-30 awg anyway.
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See here (http://www.hmcelectronics.com/product/Ideal/45-671?referrer=googleshopping&gclid=CPCs8-_t7LgCFYie4AodKXsAWg). They are in stock, and cheaper. FWIW, HMC Electronics sells absolutely AWESOME, serious-duty tweezers, that are dirt cheap, but incredibly well-built. I think they cost $6... Very useful.
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These (http://www.hmcelectronics.com/product/HMC-Electronics/46-400) are the tweezers.
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And if you ever decide to build a solid state amp (I recommend the AMB M^3), this (http://www.hmcelectronics.com/product/HMC-Electronics/PD801) is very useful, too.
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I won't call it a direct quote, but much of the manual reads just like that.
As for wire strippers, see here: http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,3279.msg40579.html#msg40579 (http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,3279.msg40579.html#msg40579)
Adam, you say 20-30awg strip, but this website says 16-22awg: http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/22-3046 Am I looking at the wrong one or what? Thanks.
Adamct, could you answer this?:)
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I did. See above: "I think there are multiple versions, depending on which attachments are included. I consider 16-22 awg a more useful range than 20-30 awg anyway."
The "blades" that cut the insulation of the wires are modular. You can buy replacements, and different sets of "blades" will cut a different set of wire gauges. Since I find 16-22 a more useful range, I wouldn't hold out for the 20-30 AWG version.
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I did. See above: "I think there are multiple versions, depending on which attachments are included. I consider 16-22 awg a more useful range than 20-30 awg anyway."
The "blades" that cut the insulation of the wires are modular. You can buy replacements, and different sets of "blades" will cut a different set of wire gauges. Since I find 16-22 a more useful range, I wouldn't hold out for the 20-30 AWG version.
I find 20-30 much more useful. Could I get a link for different blades?
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There should be a factory authorized assembly service starting very soon. When the person is ready to take work I will announce the details.
Interesting, any thoughts on pricing?
I think that is one of the details I will announce when the person is ready to take work.
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I did. See above: "I think there are multiple versions, depending on which attachments are included. I consider 16-22 awg a more useful range than 20-30 awg anyway."
The "blades" that cut the insulation of the wires are modular. You can buy replacements, and different sets of "blades" will cut a different set of wire gauges. Since I find 16-22 a more useful range, I wouldn't hold out for the 20-30 AWG version.
I find 20-30 much more useful. Could I get a link for different blades?
It may only be the Stripmaster (non-Lite) that is available in a 20-30awg version. Ideal Industries has a chart with all the different versions available on their website. See here (http://www.idealindustries.com/products/wire_processing/hand_tools/stripmaster.jsp). The blades all start with LB-100x. The Stripmaster Lite seems to be available in a version that covers 16-22awg, or 24-30awg.
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Sure! It's how I know Doc and the gang will be extra-motivated to keep me from electrocuting myself...
;D
Res ipsa loquitor ;)
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I did. See above: "I think there are multiple versions, depending on which attachments are included. I consider 16-22 awg a more useful range than 20-30 awg anyway."
The "blades" that cut the insulation of the wires are modular. You can buy replacements, and different sets of "blades" will cut a different set of wire gauges. Since I find 16-22 a more useful range, I wouldn't hold out for the 20-30 AWG version.
I find 20-30 much more useful. Could I get a link for different blades?
It may only be the Stripmaster (non-Lite) that is available in a 20-30awg version. Ideal Industries has a chart with all the different versions available on their website. See here (http://www.idealindustries.com/products/wire_processing/hand_tools/stripmaster.jsp). The blades all start with LB-100x. The Stripmaster Lite seems to be available in a version that covers 16-22awg, or 24-30awg.
You think it would be worth it to get both versions? I love making cables so I would definately use them:) where do I buy these also?
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If you have successfully built cables (soldered, not crimped), then the Crack will be in your wheelhouse. It is important to take your time and read every word in the manual, working as patiently as you need to in order to make your Crack look like the photos.
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I posted a link to the Stripmaster Lite from HMC Electronics above. I've found them to be excellent to deal with...
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I've also seen these recommended and had been thinking of ordering a pair: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16803001603&ParentOnly=1
Now, of course, you guys have me contemplating something 2.5x as expensive.
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It seems the original poster has not posted back. I sent a PM offering help, I haven't received a PM either. He may have given up.
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The cheapest good quality pair of stippers I have found are at redco.
http://www.redco.com/Eclipse-CP-301G.html these for 20-30awg
http://www.redco.com/Eclipse-CP-302G.html these for 10-20awg
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Yep, that's the 2nd style that I mentioned in my post in the wire stripper sticky thread. They do a very clean job of stripping, but the need to pull on the wire in order to remove the insulation can be problematic in some situations, and I find it slow and time-consuming to fit the wire into the appropriately sized hole each time.
The Ideal Stripmaster wire strippers are much more expensive, but also much more efficient. For me, it was definitely worth investing the extra cash.
Best regards,
Adam
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I've also seen these recommended and had been thinking of ordering a pair: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16803001603&ParentOnly=1
Now, of course, you guys have me contemplating something 2.5x as expensive.
I can't quite tell, but those might be similar to the Stripmasters. I repeat "might". I just can't tell. They could also be closer to the 1st style described in my post in the wire stripper sticky thread. That style is excellent for general purpose work, but almost useless for precision work (like building a Bottlehead kit), because it is difficult to reliable estimate where the insulation will be cut, and there is the potential to nick stranded wire. I just can't tell which style the ones you linked to are...
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I've also seen these recommended and had been thinking of ordering a pair: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16803001603&ParentOnly=1
Now, of course, you guys have me contemplating something 2.5x as expensive.
I can't quite tell, but those might be similar to the Stripmasters. I repeat "might". I just can't tell. They could also be closer to the 1st style described in my post in the wire stripper sticky thread. That style is excellent for general purpose work, but almost useless for precision work (like building a Bottlehead kit), because it is difficult to reliable estimate where the insulation will be cut, and there is the potential to nick stranded wire. I just can't tell which style the ones you linked to are...
I had a different GB sone that was 10-26awg or something like that, it was awful.
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The cheapest good quality pair of stippers I have found are at redco.
http://www.redco.com/Eclipse-CP-301G.html these for 20-30awg
http://www.redco.com/Eclipse-CP-302G.html these for 10-20awg
I found those to be awful.. It seems I am very problematic when it comes to wire strippers..
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If you are particular about wire strippers, then go for the Stripmaster Lite. I think it will be worth your while.
Best regards,
Adam
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If you are particular about wire strippers, then go for the Stripmaster Lite. I think it will be worth your while.
Best regards,
Adam
I bought one:) Also, I found the Sparkfun stripper is actually decent.
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What are the Sparkfun strippers? [Side note: in any other context, talking about "Sparkfun strippers" would have an entirely different meaning...]
Let us know what you think of the Stripmaster Lite when you get it.
Best,
Adam
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Guys! Wake Up! The OP has not responded nor PMd back since his first and only post. The thread has taken on a life of its own but we are not adding anything to the question posted or the board.
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Whoa, Grainger...
First, we may not be adding anything to the OP, but there was a healthy discussion of wire strippers among the participants in this thread. Arguably that discussion would be better placed in the "Tools" forum, but I don't think it is fair to say that this thread is somehow useless.
Second, there is this little thing called the "search" function. If I only looked at thread titles, I would miss 50% of the useful content I have found in the Bottlehead forum. A lot of information is embedded within threads that started out addressing something entirely different, and where the OP had long since dropped out of the conversation. But by using the search function, that information is available to (and findable by) all.
Best regards,
Adam
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Adam,
I agree, but we are beating a dead horse if we want to help the OP. As you say, Dan has a thread of his own on wire strippers. But since we skidded sideways the OP may have chosen not to participate. He has one post.
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Just wanted to report back on my experience with GB strippers I linked above. I ordered a pair as a cheap alternative to the ideal's before seeing wolfetan's post - and they really are terrible, complete with a manufacturer's defect that rendered the 22 guage hole I needed completely unusable. They're going straight back to newegg - which, you should note, now apparently charges its customers return shipping on defective products.
I am expecting my Ideal's (16 - 26 awg range) from Amazon on Wednesday.