Tech Advice for all, and for all subjects

[Elliot]

All subjects, right? Home stereo? I want to run speaker wires out to my workshop. My ears don't really care if music is stereo or mono, so all I need is one speaker out there. Can I connect the two pairs of speaker-outlets on the amplifier together into one speaker, or would that cause some electronic mayhem? The amp/receiver is a Kenwood KR-A3070 from around 20 years ago, and I do not want to risk damage to it.

[gyre]

Maybe.
I wouldn't.

You may be able to pick up some scrap aerial cable.
I have some from the power folks changing out a connection.
Aluminum and big, 3 conductor and ground.

Or just run two pairs out there.
If you want mono, connect to the left side and push the mono setting on your receiver.
A lot of people use a car deck in the shop.

[Elliot]

I did look for a mono setting and did not find one. I can scrounge up enough wire to run two speakers -- I'm just trying to keep it simple if I can.

[oneeyeddick]

AC vs DC solenoid valves:

anyone have experience using an inverter, like one from that cheap tool store HF, to operate solenoid valves? AC valves have higher pressure ratings than DC for the same valve body/part number. Would like to use a 1/2" or 3/4" asco or similar valve with 250 psi rating. Seems these are only made with AC coils. Same valve with DC coil may have only 50 psi rating.

Also, what happens with a valve having a minimum psi of 5 when it feeds an open burner head??

Did you get this straightened out, ED?

[gyre]

Mono

If it's old enough, or good enough, it should have one.
Might be buried in tuner adjustments.
Stereo/ hiblend/ mono ?
Stereo off/on.

Some amps will take flipped grounding on the audio outs, but it isn't exactly mono.
More like derived surround sound.
If it's a chip amp with isolated grounds, it might just erupt in flames like a uk fisher amp I had once.
Amazingly clean sound for a big chip, until it went ballistic.

Just keep the wire large enough to keep the impedance reasonable.

Some units default to mono with one output connected, but that's more typical with preamp feeds.

[EspressoDude]

AC vs DC solenoid valves:

anyone have experience using an inverter, like one from that cheap tool store HF, to operate solenoid valves? AC valves have higher pressure ratings than DC for the same valve body/part number. Would like to use a 1/2" or 3/4" asco or similar valve with 250 psi rating. Seems these are only made with AC coils. Same valve with DC coil may have only 50 psi rating.

Also, what happens with a valve having a minimum psi of 5 when it feeds an open burner head??

Did you get this straightened out, ED?

yes, why do you think the fire truck cruised by, and the LEO at the door.

Picked up a 400 watt inverter at HF, on sale with 20% off was $23.00. Solenoid valves are ASCO 8201H106B 1/2" npt, 5/8 orifice, cv3.6, 5-250psi. 18 watt coil. Inverter will pull both in at same time. Seems minimum pressure not an issue keeping the valve open, because it sure shakes the windows.

Problem working on now is keeping pilot light lit, even with stainless wool. The jet of fuel blows it out. Flame shroud is 1 pound steel propane tank with the bottom cut off (danger - fill with water first) Main fuel supply is 0.610 i.d. tubing about half way into what was the top fitting.

[AntiM]

All subjects, right? Home stereo? I want to run speaker wires out to my workshop. My ears don't really care if music is stereo or mono, so all I need is one speaker out there. Can I connect the two pairs of speaker-outlets on the amplifier together into one speaker, or would that cause some electronic mayhem? The amp/receiver is a Kenwood KR-A3070 from around 20 years ago, and I do not want to risk damage to it.

You are more likely to blow the speaker than the amp if you hook up the output in parallel. Try one hook up, and switch the balance control all the way over to that one speaker. See if that works.

[Drawingablank]

All subjects, right? Home stereo? I want to run speaker wires out to my workshop. My ears don't really care if music is stereo or mono, so all I need is one speaker out there. Can I connect the two pairs of speaker-outlets on the amplifier together into one speaker, or would that cause some electronic mayhem? The amp/receiver is a Kenwood KR-A3070 from around 20 years ago, and I do not want to risk damage to it.

As mentioned above tying the two outputs together is not a great idea. If I remember correctly, most speaker outputs are designed for a standard load of 8 ohms (the approximate load of one speaker with a nominal amount of wire) and tying speakers or outputs together in any other combination has the potential to cause problems. If you have access to a meter you may want to check the impedance of the speaker circuit since you are making a longer than standard run with the wire.

[Sail Man]

I did look for a mono setting and did not find one. I can scrounge up enough wire to run two speakers -- I'm just trying to keep it simple if I can.

Elliot, just be careful not to run only one wire off your receiver either left of right speaker and not turn the balance over all the way to the speaker in use. I blew fuses in an old sansui I bought (new) when I was stationed in Okinawa running only 1 speaker that and leaving the balance set evenly for both. For some reason the receiver didn't like sending sound to a speaker that wasn't there LOL

[mdmf007]

How did the stereo project turn out?

[gyre]

Definitely want a load on both.

I was thinking + on one side and - on the other.
Some amps will tolerate this, even for permanent use.
Gives you derived surround with no echo.
Some people prefer this over the processors.

Do not join positives.

Your amp may be made for 8-16 ohms.
If you use any 4 ohm speakers, make sure you're okay.

[Elliot]

How did the stereo project turn out?

I have concluded to use two speakers in the normal manner. Thanks everybody!

[oneeyeddick]

AC vs DC solenoid valves:

anyone have experience using an inverter, like one from that cheap tool store HF, to operate solenoid valves? AC valves have higher pressure ratings than DC for the same valve body/part number. Would like to use a 1/2" or 3/4" asco or similar valve with 250 psi rating. Seems these are only made with AC coils. Same valve with DC coil may have only 50 psi rating.

Also, what happens with a valve having a minimum psi of 5 when it feeds an open burner head??

Did you get this straightened out, ED?

yes, why do you think the fire truck cruised by, and the LEO at the door.

Picked up a 400 watt inverter at HF, on sale with 20% off was $23.00. Solenoid valves are ASCO 8201H106B 1/2" npt, 5/8 orifice, cv3.6, 5-250psi. 18 watt coil. Inverter will pull both in at same time. Seems minimum pressure not an issue keeping the valve open, because it sure shakes the windows.

Problem working on now is keeping pilot light lit, even with stainless wool. The jet of fuel blows it out. Flame shroud is 1 pound steel propane tank with the bottom cut off (danger - fill with water first) Main fuel supply is 0.610 i.d. tubing about half way into what was the top fitting.

Ahh, I suspected that's why they were there.

The min pressure rating is for the RETURN to closed position, i have had those knockoffs stick open at less than three lbs.

[Canoe]

... If you have access to a meter you may want to check the impedance of the speaker circuit since you are making a longer than standard run with the wire.

Longer run = extra resistance. 8 ohm speakers + wire length. Should not be a problem, unless recessive length reduces speaker volume - don't push the volume, clip the power and blow the speakers/amp.

Watch out for selecting/playing speakers A and B and the same time. Speakers A and B are in parallel and this reduces the total impedance and sucks more current from the amp (the bass beat dimming the room lights is a warning sign...). For some amps, you can't run two 8 ohm speakers in parallel as this is a 4 ohm load and draws too much current from the amp than it can handle. But with a long wire run, you're raising the effective impedance...
If you need to run two 8 ohm speakers per side at the same time, you can wire two speakers in series and drive that from Speaker A.

The volume should be low or off, when selecting speakers.

For your amp, there's a setting on the back of the amp.
When running speakers A and B at the same time, they have to be 8 ohm speakers or higher, and you're putting the selector to the Left, as the combined load is less than 8 ohms. There should be no problem when running only Speakers A or only Speakers B with the setting on the Left, as you'll have a higher load than the minimum selected for.
Having speakers less than 8 ohms if you'll be running speakers A & B simultaneously is a no go. Two sets of 4 ohm speakers in parallel through the selector switches is a 2 ohm load - will almost surely blow the amp. If you have to run two sets of 4 ohm speakers, then wire two speakers in series for each side to get an 8 ohm load per side.
http://inform3.kenwoodusa.com/manuals/kra3070.pdf

kra3070 speaker impedance.jpg

[Elliot]

Ah yes.... It's been ages since I gave this a thought. Good old Ohm's Law, of course. Thanks for the refresher!

I did run both sets of speakers at my previous home-and-garage, and I remember verifying speaker resistance and setting the Impedance Selector for that. I was just trying to avoid buying more outdoor cable for this "re-installation".

All right.... This shop is in the architectural shape of a gambrel barn, so... barn dance at Elliot's place next Saturday!

[Patsh]

Ah yes.... It's been ages since I gave this a thought. Good old Ohm's Law, of course. Thanks for the refresher!

I did run both sets of speakers at my previous home-and-garage, and I remember verifying speaker resistance and setting the Impedance Selector for that. I was just trying to avoid buying more outdoor cable for this "re-installation".

All right.... This shop is in the architectural shape of a gambrel barn, so... barn dance at Elliot's place next Saturday!

Barn dance, eh?

Shall I bring a bale of hay?

Yeeeehaawwww!!!

[gyre]

I have wireless issues.
I was looking for a repeater, but I found this for $50.
Cisco Aironet AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9
Wireless Access Point.
Supposed to be commercial grade.
Anyone know anything about these?
Any reason to avoid it?
Reliability issues?

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6521/index.html

[ygmir]

HI Gang.
so, I got a new laptop, windows 7 OS.
is there a good place to get some free software?
I'd like to find Word, a photo editor, and a back up utility to back up to my external hard drive.

any thoughts appreciated..........I just don't know where to go exactly, other than general google..........and what is a safe place to get same.

[Elorrum]

How did the stereo project turn out?

I have concluded to use two speakers in the normal manner. Thanks everybody!

Stereo!!! oh I love it so.

[gyre]

http://www.cnet.com/

Software can be corrupted on this site, but it is generally regarded as safe.

Go to the original source when possible.

[ygmir]

thanks Gyre.......I'll check. yeah original source......I"m just trying to get it free.......hahaha. and MS seems not to let Word out "gratis".

[gyre]

I'm told there is a trial version for a time.
And Star Office duplicates much of it, if it's still out there.

Probably hacked versions out there too.

Theory is many hacked copies are leaked so software gets used.
Then important users are asked to pay.
Don't know if that applies to any ms stuff.
Does apply to some very costly stuff, photoshop and higher end.

[Jackass]

I've gotten a lot of stuff fron cnet, works fine...

[gyre]

I was always told to buy a computer preloaded with software, if I needed new purchase.

There are student versions from 2010 for $50, and older versions on ebay too.
You may find some on cl, if the similar software out there isn't close enough.
Word viewer is free from ms.

[Wrath]

I'd like to find Word, a photo editor, and a back up utility to back up to my external hard drive.

I personally like OpenOffice for word processing and spreadsheets, totally supports Microsoft's file standards. As for photo editing GIMP seems to do everything Photoshop can.

[Box Burner]

HI Gang.
so, I got a new laptop, windows 7 OS.
is there a good place to get some free software?
I'd like to find Word, a photo editor, and a back up utility to back up to my external hard drive.

any thoughts appreciated..........I just don't know where to go exactly, other than general google..........and what is a safe place to get same.

As mentioned, openoffice.org is good. LibraOffice, which is a fork off of open office, is also good. I have used both and like them.

Open Office

LibreOffice

Gimp is a graphics program comparable to photoshp although it is laid out differently. There is a learning curve, as with all programs, It is free. It is what I use for all my graphics. Be sure to download the help files, they are a separate package.

GIMP

[ygmir]

thanks all......when a get a few hours, I'll dive in to cnet and openoffice......

[BBadger]

OpenOffice is decent. It's like Office 2000 or 2003. You can also use Google Docs, though it's kind of weak.

I don't like GIMP, but if it has to be free that may work. If you do enough photo editing, maybe consider something like Adobe Lightroom.

No idea on the backup software. Windows 7 has its own, so maybe see how that works for you.

Here's some other free shit you should download. All this stuff I personally use, even though I have access to commercial variants that I used to think were better:

- Security software: Microsoft Security Essentials

Free from Microsoft with Windows 7. Very highly rated anti-virus suite as well as firewall protection and other stuff. Good performance too.

- Music player: Foobar2000

Quite frankly the best computer music player. A dealmaking program to convince me to not switch from Windows. Use something like iTunes only to copy files to your device, or download music, but Foobar2000 is the player for those who want the highest quality playback, the most control, the ability to play virtually any music file, and all that. It's not for everyone, but for those who like that level of music player power, this is it.

- Photo/Image viewing, cropping, conversion: Irfanview

I used to like ACDSee, but it got super bloated and annoying.

- Archive Extraction/Creation: 7Zip

I still use, and even bought, WinRAR, but 7Zip does it all and has great multiprocessor support.

- PDF Viewer: Foxit Viewer

Adobe Acrobat Reader is so clunky and bloated compared to Foxit. What I REALLY hated in Reader was that it wouldn't let me force settings like viewing documents in continuous mode rather than whatever the PDF creator thought people should view it as. Also Foxit lets me run multiple instances of the program for separate documents, which Reader did not let me in the past. Hell forbid someone want to read two documents on the screen at the same time. They're also very open to having bugs reported in their forums.

- Mail reader: Mozilla Thunderbird

I personally use version 2.x (because the column sorting fits what I like) but supposedly the newer ones are decent too.

- System tasks: Process Explorer

Better than Task Manager! It also has some nice CPU/RAM, etc. usage graphs that the other doesn't.

- Photo stitching: Microsoft Image Composite Editor (ICE)

Turn your 6MP camera into a 100MP camera with advanced stitching. It's EXCELLENT stuff, fast and quality, and is the software behind creating environments in PhotoSynth (BM 2008 temple).

- Virtual Machines: VMware player

Now you can run an OS inside your current OS. Like Windows XP while running Windows 7. Or Linux on Windows 7. I use it all the time. The new version of VMware player now allows you to create virtual machines (VM), instead of just running them; so now you can run whatever you want without any commercial software.

- Encrypted drive software: Truecrypt

Traveling with some sensitive documents that you wouldn't want lost or stolen? Keep them on an encrypted drive. Works great with a VM (see above) run from that drive. Keep it on a flash drive so that you can take it with you.

[wh..sh]

Here's some other free shit you should download. All this stuff I personally use, even though I have access to commercial variants that I used to think were better:

*swoon*

Now you can run an OS inside your current OS. Like Windows XP while running Windows 7. Or Linux on Windows 7. I use it all the time. The new version of VMware player now allows you to create virtual machines (VM), instead of just running them; so now you can run whatever you want without any commercial software.

**double swoon**

[moonrise]

Has anyone had success un-deleting a video? It was taken with my Fuji xp point n shoot camera.

The local pc guru says he's done it before and can probably do it again with a program he has (not sure which program). This took me three years to put together and a friend deleted it before I could back it up, woops! pc guru says don't touch camera until he can work on it.
I am nervous...should I ask him which program he uses?

The video is of (many) of us enjoying the infamous Volcano~ cocktail show that I pulled off in Illy Dilly's Gnome Dome and we wanna see it!

Btw, Next year I may be adding a topless stilter and the Volcano~ will be at least three times as impressive.

Thanks (I might just need some reassurance while the pc guru does his thing....) in adavnce!