February 1997 Bassasaurus Newsletter
Volume 1 Issue 9
The Colorado Bass Newsletter
What time is it?
INSTALLATION OF A FULLY FUNCTIONING CLOCK FOR YOUR RIG
This article explores how to install a fully functioning clock into your bass rig. Wow.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a fully functioning clock mounted in your rack so you would never have to ask that dreaded question? That's what was running through my mind when I finally dove into the unknown, (with a little help from Tom Ray, my Tech Answer Guy), and gave this installation a try. If you have a basic understanding of electronics and can solder and need to know the time while you're playing, like any working bassist - I have trouble trusting the time to anyone else but the drummer, you too can make this simple addition to your rig and never have to worry about "time" again! (Of course, if you want this clock to access a phone line & page you 20 minutes before stage time - you can write me & I'll let you know how).
PARTS LIST:
1 - $6.00 Walgreens alarm clock w/ 3/4" display (tozai).
18" - 8 conductor 22ga. Wire ( 8 conductor telephone wire is o.k.).
1 - 19" single space blank rack panel (NADY wireless mount is great)
12" - 3 conductor 18ga. wire
1" - Velcro
6" - heat shrink tubing
optional - 9v. transformer
TOOLS:
1- soldering iron
1- wire cutters / stripper
1- sharp exacto knife or razor
1- small screw driver / rechargeable w/Phillips, standard & 1/8" drill bit
some - solder - thin 60/40
some - super glue
1 - hammer, just in case complete destruction of project is only alternative.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Go to Walgreens and buy a $ 6.00 (tozai) clock w/ 3/4" LED display & carefully disassemble clock down to its individual components.
you should have these parts:
2 conductor AC cord connected to...
1 - 9v. AC to DC transformer connected to...
1 - circuit board connected to...
1 - 3/4" led clock display and..
1 - set of clock controls in mounting frame
1 - alarm patch (small 1/2" dia. alarm buzzer)
save all chassis parts - screws, ect.
CLOCK ASSEMBLY:
Desolder 7 conductor short patch cable from both circuit board & clock controls & replace with 18"- 7 conductor- 22ga. patch cable.
Desolder both sides of transformer to circuit board cables & replace - w/ 12", 2 or 3 conductor 18ga. wire.
Bend led display towards circuit board (40-45 degree angle), so circuit board solder points don't contact things under it.
YOU SHOULD HAVE:
Circuit board & led display (bent together) connected to clock controls by 18" cable AND circuit board and transformer by 12" 2 or 3 conductor 18ga. Cable & circuit board connected to 1" diameter round alarm patch ( if you don't want this - remove it)
Transformer to ac 110v outlet ( or circuit board to 9v. wall wart)See next.
TRANSFORMER:
Run transformer cable neatly to a convenient location to mount transformer to inside of rack - ( use 3 conductor 18ga. wire to extend connections if needed). & mount to inside of rack w/ small screws & run AC power cable to rack AC, (trim as necessary).
OR: Remove transformer & AC cord - then connect to 9v. dc transformer (interior rack dc power or wall wart) to circuit board where transformer leads went (observe polarity!)
MOUNTING ASSEMBLY:
3/4" LED DISPLAY:
If you have a wireless, ( Nady type) w/ wireless mounting bracket,
remove one of remaining blank panels, (or if installing in blank panel), position LED display on back of blank panel & trace 3/4" display -(& mounting holes)-& cut / drill out.
Lightly cut into outline w/ exacto - until 3/4" x 4" hole for display is created - ( if installing in blank rack panel; mark edges, center punch edges just enough in from edge to leave drill hole on edge line, close enough).
Drill out (1/8"or so) mounting holes for 3/4" display.
Mount LED display on to blank panel to check / refine fit & remove until final installation.
MISC:
Plug in AC power to clock & check clock operation - if it doesn't work - Disconnect from AC & check all solder connections w/ VOM & verify AC power - continue until it works, (or destroy evidence). Reinstall all components & rack space into place.
Run cable to clock control panel to front of rig thru or around other gear
Glue small piece of Velcro to clock controls & mounting spot
set clock & refasten controls to rack & verify clock operation. DONE!
Refer questions to publisher.
Random Musings
Video Trade / Loan / Share??
Well, what about a video library service from / for us bass players? I have a ton of bass videos and I'm sure all you readers out there have a ton also. So what about we organize a bass video borrow / loan/ trade network? No, I don't propose we charge $ to rent out videos of other players and have to figure out what percentage of nothing we give them, but I do think between us we can share the videos we do have in order to make fuller use of the videos I have, the ones you have and the ones everyone else has. I don't think that's violating the premise that the artists who recorded the videos had in mind. Maximum education among their peers. So, write me and we'll publish a list of videos we can borrow and loan each other and we'll all get better as bassists! Whaddythink?
BASS ADS
Yes, these here are some free ads, so if ya got bass related something's to sell, trade, borrow or buy, send a postcard to the address below with all the info and your phone # and it will appear here as if by magic, and yeah- we'll run it as long as you need us to.
Bass Repair, Set-ups and Technical Advice
All types of repair & assistance available at very reasonable rates. Trouble shooting, technical specifications and documentation available. Page (719)385-1406 and enter your # plus " *88 ".
2 Basses For Sale:
Fodera "Monarch" 6 string, will consider partial trade for quality 5 string, O.B.O.
Custom made Hill fretted 4 string, Pedulla MVP type body style, EMG pickups and more, all reasonable offers considered. Page Robert at (719)385-1406.
Published by Groove Zoo, Inc.
Questions & Comment?
E.mail:
bassasaurus@geocities.com
Or Write:
R. Lee
P.O. Box 235
Colorado Springs, CO. 80901-0235
Publisher is solely responsible for content.
Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited without written permission.
Copyright 1996.
