I am thinking of renewing the capacitors in some of my speakers but have never done this before. How hard is it to do. I am quite handy with my hands but must admit that soldering is not something that I have had much experience with. Is it advisable for me to attempt it or is it best left to some one with experience.

 

Very easy - and a good one to start soldering practice as you have lots of space! Start with one of the simpler speakers - I think the M100s would be a bit like hard work! Replace like with like and you cannot go far wrong!

I've just performed this with my MC120.2's and I found it very easy.

A couple of tips to be going along with.

1. Snip the wire off the old capacitors and pull the main part off of the board before you apply the soldering iron. This stops the capacitor from acting as a heat sink and makes removing the tails of the wires so much easier.

2. The new capacitors should also be glued to the board- don't ask why but apparently this is how it's done.

3. Buy a kit from Dillen if you're as lazy as me - saves trawling around trying to find the correct spec'ed replacements and positioning instructions are included. I found this invaluable as the text on the old ones had all but disappeared.

Chris.

Medogsfat:

I've just performed this with my MC120.2's and I found it very easy.

A couple of tips to be going along with.

1. Snip the wire off the old capacitors and pull the main part off of the board before you apply the soldering iron. This stops the capacitor from acting as a heat sink and makes removing the tails of the wires so much easier.

2. The new capacitors should also be glued to the board- don't ask why but apparently this is how it's done.

3. Buy a kit from Dillen if you're as lazy as me - saves trawling around trying to find the correct speced replacements and positioning instuctions are included. I found this invaluable as the text on the old ones had all but disappeared.

Chris.

Large components are glued to the pcb, usually using a hot melt adhesive or something similar. Superglue isn't any good idea as you may need to replace the component in future and you're actually looking to build up a fillet along the component edges. It's purpose is to mechanically support the component body and prevent any vibration that would stress it's leads and their soldered connections.

Well that's what I thought but I wasn't going to say so in case I looked stupid,

 

Thanks Puncher.

Chris.

Medogsfat:

Well that's what I thought but I wasn't going to say so in case I looked stupid,

 

Thanks Puncher.

Chris.

You aren't wearing that shirt again are you???

Puncher:

Medogsfat:

Well that's what I thought but I wasn't going to say so in case I looked stupid,

 

Thanks Puncher.

Chris.

You aren't wearing that shirt again are you???

In THIS weather - are you mad?????

Nah mate, the shirt's in the wardrobe so the girls will have to make do with just stroking my Northern manly chest. Been out in the sunshine all day and I've finally turned from insipid Yorkshire blue to white. Next stop will be the obligatory Dr Zoidberg fucsia pink.

 

Chris.