I Have To Punch My Subwoofer

[SunnyOctopus]

I got this used subwoofer on craigslist, and I had to replace the panoramic potentiometers because they were all staticky, and didn't work at some positions, and after that, all was well, until, maybe a month or 4 ago...

Now, in order for the sub to play, I have to punch my subwoofer in the spot labeled "1" in the picture below, or kind of fiddle with that little switch labeled "2".

http://i56.tinypic.com/2ijkj8i.jpg

What's wrong, and how do I go about solving my problem?

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Get a second/night job, something lame and easy, or do some side-work (handy? cut grass? paint? photographer? sell roses on street corners?). With the extra cash, buy a little Dayton.

 

[SunnyOctopus]

My sub sounds better than a dayton. I'd rather just keep punching it, though I'd prefer not having to punch anything. x.x

 

[Swerd]

It sounds like the contacts on your subs potentiometers are oxidized.

Buy a can of Caig DeoxIT.

It comes in various sizes, try Radio Shack or order from Parts Express or other places.

Open up the plate amp of the subwoofer until you find the potentiometers. You might have to remove the knobs. Spray on the shafts aiming the spray to go inside the pots. Rotate the knobs or shafts back and forth several times to get the spray into the pots. It may take several applications to clear the oxidation.

 

[emorphien]

People really like a subwoofer to be 'punchy' but this is a bit backwards.

 

[BillCinLR]

You might try something radical, like removing the screws and removing the plate amp to see if there are any loose wires or broken solder connections.

Bill C

 

[j_garcia]

You might try something radical, like removing the screws and removing the plate amp to see if there are any loose wires or broken solder connections.

Bill C

+1. Sounds like a cracked/loose solder joint or loose wire.

 

[Nestor]

You might try something radical, like removing the screws and removing the plate amp to see if there are any loose wires or broken solder connections.

Bill C

^^^^This^^^^

 

[KEW]

While you are in there, look at the switch labeled 2 very closely. I once had a toggle switch like this and the spring broke. Strangely, the toggle felt good, but without the spring working properly, getting good contact was a crap-shoot.