VR3 DIY Fortress Mod + "Plus Edition"

[tommyt21]

I just got my DIY kit in from Trey today, I hope to post step by step progress on modding my CSIA6 crossover. Stay tuned. I'm a first timer at this so I hope this goes well.

[snake1]

Tuned in!

[VR3]

Nice! I wanted to comment that there are very few Fortress mods that can be upped to the "+" status.

Space is the biggest factor.

[tommyt21]

Here is the next step. Its not much but I want to show each step in as much detail as possible. I had to use the Dremmel and slightly widen the pre-drilled holes, but other than that its going real smooth..LOL The jumpers are Blue Jeans Cable I had left over, its a pain in the @$$ to work with in small spaces I'm not sure I will try to use in the Crossover. I will post pics of the build as soon as my Soldering station gets in from Parts Express. I definetly going to have some questions coming up on the smoothest way to get the point to point wiring figured out.

[Thorton]

Tommy, thanks for this thread and the pictures. I can't wait to see your progress. Good luck.

[VR3]

Very nice write up!

What did you have to widen?? The binding post fit REAL* snug, which I like :)

Keep the pics flowing!

[tommyt21]

Thanks Trey,

I didn't have to widen them much it was more of a smoothing and it was mostly on the rod holes. It gave me a chance to use the brand new Dremmel my wife got me for my birthday a few months ago, so she was happy. I'm Just waiting on the Soldering station now. I really like the binding posts that come with the kit !

But some quick questions:
Whats the easiest way to do the Ground? Can I do a Jumber on the back of the Plate between the two - posts and then just run a ground wire from there or should I use a seperate Ground wire from each negative binding post? Sorry if this is a stupid question just trying to do this as efficiently as possible.

Thanks Thomas

[tommyt21]

I guess I should clarify that this is the Fortress + "Plus" edition because I decided I didnt want to use a small value Cap bypass. ( I know I'm such a rebel) Instead I justed wanted to use those darn pretty silver cans....Both the TW & MB in this CSIA6 mod will be done straight with Clarity ESA Caps.

PS:I would be moving faster on this build except, I didnt know that Parts Express S&H would take so freaking long.

[VR3]

Awesome!

On the ground I usually like to run individual runs but you dont have to - the way you described will work but just make sure the tweeter and midbass ground is separate otherwise you will bypass the bi-wire function

[tommyt21]

I have been trying to map out the best positioning..Dang this harder than I thought. Its like a freaking Rubics Cube, LOL. I think I'm going to go with the Tweeter on the bottom board, Mid in the middle and the shunt on top.

[Drenis]

That's the fun of it.

[tommyt21]

Things are moving exstremeley slow for this mod. The solder station I got in from Parts Express was a piece of junk so I went out and bought a Weller it seems to work very well. Please go easy on me about the soldering I am very new at all of this and am learning a great deal doing the DIY kit from Trey.
Here is as far as I have gotten. I hope to finish up and Install sometime this weekend, however that depends on the wife and kids.
I will continue to post more step by step pics as I complete each step.
Thomas

PS:These pics uploaded kinda crappy..I'll make sure just to use my Mac in the future.

[Devlon]

Tommy, thanks for taking the time to post your progress! If possible, is there a way that you could record (even with a camcorder or camera mic) some music before and after mod's on your Lsi's? Also, on youtube there is a guy going back and forth between stock Lsi on one side to modded Lsi on the other while the same piece of music was playing. That is an impressive demo and has had a big influence on me moding my Lsi's. Anyway, just a suggestion.

[tommyt21]

Tommy, thanks for taking the time to post your progress! If possible, is there a way that you could record (even with a camcorder or camera mic) some music before and after mod's on your Lsi's? Also, on youtube there is a guy going back and forth between stock Lsi on one side to modded Lsi on the other while the same piece of music was playing. That is an impressive demo and has had a big influence on me moding my Lsi's. Anyway, just a suggestion.

Dev, i have thought about that alot actually, Ill see what I can do. Anyone thinking about modding for the first time, i would recommend going through Trey he is one hell of a helpful dude and has the best customer service I have ever encountered.

[Hobbyguy]

Nice job...
this soldering video helped me....plenty of them on youtube. pretty amazing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql6Vk...eature=related

[VR3]

Ahhh shucks guys!

You're making me blush!

Thanks for the kind words! Everything is looking solid! I can't wait to see your final results!

[tommyt21]

I hope to get alot more completed today. Here is a side by side of the current mod build next to the stock CSIA6 x-over. You can see the signifigant size difference.The stock x-over is so lil and cute I may give it to my daughter after I finish removing the Inductors..J/K.

I hope to post more pics later in the day.

[tommyt21]

Any tips on getting the inductors of the stock board? I having a tuff time...

[Hobbyguy]

rubbing alcohol and a q-tip....works really well!

[Devlon]

Attachment 76574Attachment 76575
I hope to get alot more completed today. Here is a side by side of the current mod build next to the stock CSIA6 x-over. You can see the signifigant size difference.The stock x-over is so lil and cute I may give it to my daughter after I finish removing the Inductors..J/K.

I hope to post more pics later in the day.

Brother, keep up the good work! You're doing a terrific job. Keep posting. You're an inspiration, and making me more brave with each post to try this myself!

[Devlon]

Attachment 76574Attachment 76575
I hope to get alot more completed today. Here is a side by side of the current mod build next to the stock CSIA6 x-over. You can see the signifigant size difference.The stock x-over is so lil and cute I may give it to my daughter after I finish removing the Inductors..J/K.

I hope to post more pics later in the day.

Brother, keep up the good work! You're doing a terrific job. Keep posting. You're an inspiration, and making me more brave with each post to try this myself!

[VR3]

Midbass inductor... cut the leads.. rip it off

Tweeter inductor, desoldering the leads - take a knife, on the blade slowly work under the inductor and pry it off...

Bada bing, bada boom

[tommyt21]

Dev thanks for the support, Hobby great tip on the rubbing Alcohol made life alot easier. Those Inductors are fragile little pains in the arse.. I now have them off now I need to figure out how to position them without creating problems.

[gp4jesus]

Forgive me. Use heavier wire to connect the MB BPs to XO. Make this upgrade compleat w/better wire.

From the photos, I can't tell if you're using the incredibly CRAPPY* existing or new wire to connect the BPs to the XO.

From reading you're "having a bit of time" doing the work. You can't call it a "plus" upgrade w/mediocre wire. I think its a waste, from your words to go through all that trouble & not upgrade the BP connecting wire.
* THE crapiest I've ever messed with

Speaking from experience, take a little more trouble w/this incredibly AWESOME upgrade & "complete" it w/ better wire, heavier to the MB.


The Polk Forum's Wire gauge fanatic, Tony

[tommyt21]

Here are a few more pics not much more to go. Tweeter network is complete! That tiny little inductor gave me a ton of trouble.

[tommyt21]

Gp4, I appreciate the suggestion. I know it doesn't look it in the pics but Im actually using 14g wire. I have 20ft of Blue Jeans and 105 ft of Audio Quest Hyperlitz I guess I could have used also but it seemed very hard to work with. The wire i'm using is significantly heavier gw than any of the leads on the resistors, Caps or the stock leads to the MB's. This is my first go at it and that is definitely a suggestion I will carry over to the A7's.

Thanks Thomas

[slider2828]

That is an awesome Job!!! I did this early on and it feels even better doing it yourself.... Trey provides high quality parts and its a great learning experience AND he helps a lot when in a jam!

But seriously, I wish those inductors were easier to rip off!!!! I warmed them up and started prying basically.... Those lateral ones are easier, but man this bobbin donut ones, GEEZ I snapped both my off and basically hot glued them back together!!

Great work TommyT21!!

[tommyt21]

That is an awesome Job!!! I did this early on and it feels even better doing it yourself.... Trey provides high quality parts and its a great learning experience AND he helps a lot when in a jam!

But seriously, I wish those inductors were easier to rip off!!!! I warmed them up and started prying basically.... Those lateral ones are easier, but man this bobbin donut ones, GEEZ I snapped both my off and basically hot glued them back together!!

Great work TommyT21!!

Thanks!, LOL I know what you mean about the Tweeteer Inductor, what a Pain in the Tuckus. Hobby had a GREAT TIP. Rubbing Acohol helped a ton. It lossens the glue considerable!

[Hobbyguy]

Wish I could take the credit for the alcohol but i got it from someone on an earlier post and it helped me alot during my upgrade. Don't remember if it was Face or F1nut.

[slider2828]

Thanks!, LOL I know what you mean about the Tweeteer Inductor, what a Pain in the Tuckus. Hobby had a GREAT TIP. Rubbing Acohol helped a ton. It lossens the glue considerable!

It feels great when you hear them and you can be proud of the work too..... that is the best part besides the awesome sound.....