[SOLVED] boost second output without interfering with the first output? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: ronald.n
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 05:37:57 pm
content: Hello!I'm currently adding leds to my subwoofer, and ran into a little problem.The problem being, I need to turn up the bass a lot to make leds glow.So can anyone give me any tips and advice on how should I approach this, my electricity skills aren't great but I can do the basic stuff such as soldering, and I'll explain what I actually need to do down below.Input is 12v (or higher, haven't measured it (from the amplifier)), I need to keep the output1 (woofer) at the input voltage and boost output2 (leds) to make them glow even on low volume and aswell put a 12v voltage regulator between the boosted voltage and the leds.What I'm working with:LEDs are 12v (led strip)Subwoofer is Logitech Z906Makeshift diagram of how it should look like (I think):

author: lutkeveld
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 06:28:06 pm
content: Just use a TIP31 on the input and a seperate small 12v adapter

author: ronald.n
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 06:41:53 pm
content: Quote from: lutkeveld on May 05, 2015, 06:28:06 pmI think you kind of misunderstood a little, Input is from an amp, which goes directly to output 1, the subwoofer and the output 2 would be the leds, stealing the current from output 1, all I need is boosted voltage on output 2 so that the leds will light up even when on low volume.

author: Pillager
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 06:49:17 pm
content: If I understand correctly, you want to power the LEDs from the amp's output for the woofer?In that case, increasing the output of the amp is the same as turning up the volume...You might try some kind of phantom powering, although I can't help you there, not really an audio guyMaybe someone else?

author: ronald.n
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 06:54:37 pm
content: Quote from: Pillager on May 05, 2015, 06:49:17 pmcorrect, I need to somehow make current go one way, so when I try to apply extra power to the output 2, the power wont spread to output 1 or even the input, is there a way to make power only go one way? Like from output 1 to output 2?

author: lutkeveld
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 07:01:13 pm
content: Your current way of doing it is bad. Your new solution is even worse.The proper way of doing it is using a LED music controller from ebay.They can be had for under 10 dollars on eBay and they have adjustable sensitivity.

author: ronald.n
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 07:11:38 pm
content: Quote from: lutkeveld on May 05, 2015, 07:01:13 pmNo, just no, please.I don't want anything but the bass activating the leds, and please explain on how my current method of doing it is bad? Yes I know I lose power by doing this and possibly damaging the amp, but that's how I want it to work.

author: lutkeveld
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 07:21:03 pm
content: You don't lose power, you draw additional power (which might damage the amp or power supply).The amp is not meant for this kind of loads. It's also AC, so you're essentially rectifying the output with your LEDs.Why are you so sure about your solution? A controller is a much better way to do this.You plug in your source, LEDs and a power supply, set the sensivity, and your LEDs will be flashing on any beat on any level.

author: ronald.n
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 09:37:21 pm
content: Quote from: lutkeveld on May 05, 2015, 07:21:03 pmAre you able to make the controller react to a specific range of frequenzies(might have spelt that wrong, english is not my native language), for an example of 10-100hz? And if it works by a microphone then its a certain nope from me, because anything else making sound will trigger it.Could you list a few links to the controllers you speak of?Also here is my current mod at work (leds connected directly to the woofer):https://youtu.be/UueCLqw6VN0(also not sure if I'm allowed to post links, since I'm new here and have yet to read the forum rules)

author: lutkeveld
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 10:29:04 pm
content: Something like this:http://www.dx.com/nl/p/288w-rgb-led-light-rf-music-controller-w-remote-controller-multicolored-dc-12-24v-230571#.VUlF3vntlBcThey're much cheaper on eBayAll those controllers react to <200Hz

author: kolbep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 10:30:57 pm
content: If you have to crank it up, then it means that your amp is probably not giving out anything near the 12v"s that the less require (have not looked at the vid, but if they are led strips or some other less designed for 12v, it means that they have limiting resistors in series to limit the current. If you do not want to go the proper route with a sound to light module, then maybe changing those resistors to a lower value(or paralleling them) will allow then I to operate with a lower drive voltage.But I am not sure how your amp would handle it, so get a few more opinions on it first.

author: kolbep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 10:35:45 pm
content: If the controller using a mic is the problem for you, then put the its mic in the sub box, and turn down the controllers sensitivity, that way it will only hear the bass if your subwoofer, and will take a LOT of external sound to trigger.If you find out your Amplifiers maximum output voltage, you can create a potential divider with resistors that can connect to your sub speaker, and it will lower the level to a mic level, which you can then. Connect through a series capacitor to a controller instead of its mic.

author: ronald.n
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 06, 2015, 07:19:15 am
content: Quote from: lutkeveld on May 05, 2015, 10:29:04 pmIt seems like your option is better, because of the RGB ability and I wouldn't break my 350€ speakers.I will definitely look into this and upgrade my current, damaging method, thank you so much!//EDITI've watch a couple of videos on music controllers now, it seems like they don't have an option where the leds light up only when bass hits and only for that certain amount of time that there's bass, some even flash when it's activated, all I want is it to just stay lit during the activated state.