From the Outer Rim - A New Adventure Part Deux

**theSven** · 02 April 2022, 22:32 Saturday

That has to be super frustrating! Let’s use the good things come to those who wait saying. When the new shop is built we should have a meet up! I finally found someone to take the boat off my hands. That frees up 1/4 of my garage. If you lived a tad closer I would say come take over my garage I’m the meantime ��.

**JonMarsh** · 03 April 2022, 08:44 Sunday

I can so relate to Steve's challenges, though mine are not remotely on the same magnitude.

I did get in the "supplementary" batch of epoxy coat for the garage floor Friday and installed it yesterday; also installed part of the L-bar on the lower side of the drywall, to commence getting that ready for clean up, mudding, and topping, prior to painting. The one drawback to having a nominal 4 car garage, is that there is a lot of wall and ceiling to cover at this stage! (topping, primer, and paint).

The wife has been updating trim paint and some doors; she pretty much finished "staging" her den/office after I got her some storage cube shelves on Friday, and is pleased with the results.

Sunday (today) will not be a day of rest, either! Clear coat on the garage floor, and wall prep coming up!

**technodanvan** · 04 April 2022, 19:20 Monday

What's the ETA on the permit, and can you post their phone number so we can put pressure on them?

**Steve Manning** · 04 April 2022, 19:56 Monday

Originally posted by technodanvan

What's the ETA on the permit, and can you post their phone number so we can put pressure on them?

I wish it were that easy Danny ..... I actually just spent a good portion of the day on the phone with the county, the Environmental Health Services Dept. As of this morning it looked like I was screwed and not going to get an approved permit. Turns out I have to have 10K sq ft of my property set aside for a septic area. Fortunately I was able to work with a very helpful woman that was able to get the area re-zoned allowing the area I need for the shop to fit. She sent me an email at 6:30 pm letting me know that she signed off on the approval and forwarded it to her director. Hopeful their as helpful for the next set of signatures!

**Evil Twin** · 11 April 2022, 08:47 Monday

It sounds remarkably similar to the bureaucracy I used to work with before "going Solo".

No apologies to Han.

**Carl V** · 16 April 2022, 14:33 Saturday

(((The wife has been updating trim paint and some doors; she pretty much finished "staging" her den/office after I got her some storage cube shelves on Friday, and is pleased with the results))))

I am slow on the uptake, obviously not observant.

Congratulations

**JonMarsh** · 21 April 2022, 09:28 Thursday

Originally posted by Carl V

(((The wife has been updating trim paint and some doors; she pretty much finished "staging" her den/office after I got her some storage cube shelves on Friday, and is pleased with the results))))

I am slow on the uptake, obviously not observant.

Congratulations

Thank you Carl! The last 18 months have been exceptionally busy. I never guessed retirement would be this much work!

**Steve Manning** · 21 April 2022, 14:39 Thursday

A quick update ..... after twice the expected wait time and many phone calls to the county, I have an approved building permit. This would be in the one step forward column. Of course you know there's a 2 steps back coming, yep ..... the building companies start date has gone from mid May to mid July. Gotta love it!

**theSven** · 24 April 2022, 22:54 Sunday

Everything is stupid busy these days. Do you have garage space at the new place? Anyhow I look forward to the center channel project when we can start that.

**Steve Manning** · 25 April 2022, 11:23 Monday

Originally posted by svenarajala

Everything is stupid busy these days. Do you have garage space at the new place? Anyhow I look forward to the center channel project when we can start that.

No garage here. You typically get a basement rather than a garage in this area.

Did have a little progress on things on Friday. I had to remove a tree prior to things getting started, it unfortunately was inside the shop boundary. I hated doing it since it was such a nice tree .... will have to plant a replacement.

**JonMarsh** · 07 May 2022, 12:45 Saturday

It occurs to me that this is a place where I can post a bit about the efforts in the northern Rim R&D facility to get moved in and organized- of course, not in a regular thread!

This picture only hints at the prior work involved:

Epoxy-Coat and clear coat garage floor
L-bar installed on bottom edge of all drywall
Mudding L-Bar and drywall seams and other issues
Sanding with random orbital sander with vacuum attachment.
Two coats of PVA primer
two coats of Urethan Alkyd satin enamel, for durability and dust and fluid resistance

Then, the high strength steel shelving has been assembled and tweaked, for storage of materials and some tools...

Center tandem area

South Wall

Moving in work and assembly benches will begin today.

**Carl V** · 07 May 2022, 14:38 Saturday

whew!

**JonMarsh** · 09 May 2022, 19:12 Monday

If at first you don't get it right, try, try again

OK, today is mostly about taking a "do-over".

One of the cans of the urethane Alkyd satin enamel was not like the rest- they were all supposed to be "White - 7900" but one was deep color base, and I didn't notice how off white it was until I'd painted the walls and ceiling in the front of the center section and noticed how they didn't match the rest (this can be seen by examination of the picture above).

Today that was rectified- the shelf was unloaded and moved out of the way, everything was repainted and the touch up was done, too, for where the walls and ceiling meet.

Of course, that's all blindingly obvious when you check out the picture below... well, maybe not. But trust me, in room it's quite obvious.

Not facility related, but for me more interesting, I was reminded this last week about the RSS210HF that I bought last year for a potential line array, because I unpacked the four of them from a closet that needed to have it's contents moved... I get the impression this part doesn't get much loving, but I find it has two very redeeming characteristics...

FIrst off, it's still in stock and readily available at PE
Second, the cone behavior for an aluminum part is exceptional, right up there with my all time favorites like the SW223BD02 and the Anarchy 558/554.
And, it turns out it models rather well with different application approaches - sealed or with PRs, in 20-35L depending on what your end goals are.
"Only" 9mm Xmax (how jaded we are these days) but you know it can push a bit of air... makes me think about the possiblities...
And the inductance is half of the E180HE-44... which still isn't in stock.
For example, a sort of "rock and roll" tune in 28L, with just one disk on an RSS265PR, 275 grams, and an F3 of 28Hz with an Fb of 29Hz
Or, a deeper tune with a slower roll off, 350 grams, but an F3 of 26Hz and Fb of 26Hz
Or maybe a "perfectionist" alignment with 35L and 350 grams, with an F3 of 24 Hz and Fb of 24 Hz.

I have in mind two versions of a sort of 3 way, one with two woofers, one with 4. Mid and tweeter level adjusted depending on the configuration- Le Petite or Le Grande.

And given how it works sealed, F3 of 39Hz, in 20L, a Dayton Ardent is a possibility... just have to decide on the right midrange. Scanspeak, PuriFi, SB Acoustics? And I found my secret stash of DA25TX tweeters...

Or...

Really make this a "Dayton Ardent"? How about RS100-4 "full range"? Found some raw data I'd taken a while back... looking at it for a line array...

A basic polar plot at 15 degrees intervals

Distortion check at 93 dB.

Not half bad... definitely something that could be worked with.

I'll be really happy when this move is done.

**JonMarsh** · 25 May 2022, 09:31 Wednesday

Still primarily focused on moving and setup, and maintenance of both the rental and new home. But making clear progress...

This one photo captures much of the feel of the essentially finished workshop/garage- tools and dust collection not moved in yet, but I think you can see the potential...

Upcoming projects include the Calliope CC, an idea I have for what I call the Calliope CC Supreme (yes, it involves constant directivity horns from Eighteen Sound), the Modula PWB (PuriFi-Wavecor-BlieSMA), and the constantly evolving Saint-Saëns Symphonique (started out with E180HE-44 woofers, but their two months of "available any day now) for my back order has raised big concerns.). There may be a Saint-Saëns Lyrique based off that with different driver trade offs on the top end. We'll see. 2022 is going to be an "interesting" year, and that's not even counting the national and world scene and drama going down...

**ergo** · 25 May 2022, 09:47 Wednesday

Looking at the space and progress with great envy, but happy for you at same time ... Photoshop a Klippel Analyzer into the garage and you'll have a self builder dream picture there :B

I had a plan too to start both a house and workshop build at same time in coming months - got the blueprints for the workshop and an offer for the wood framing.... but decided to put the workshop on hold still for now until house is up.
Not sure how are things on US side now, but here in northern/eastern Europe building anything is getting crazy. Both material and work prices are hiking and the material availability is flaky due to war nearby etc. But hard to predict these things and no real way to know if anything will go back cheaper ever.

**technodanvan** · 25 May 2022, 10:42 Wednesday

Originally posted by JonMarsh

This one photo captures much of the feel of the essentially finished workshop/garage- tools and dust collection not moved in yet, but I think you can see the potential...

Looks really nice John, patience is paying off.

Originally posted by JonMarsh

Upcoming projects include the...constantly evolving Saint-Saëns Symphonique (started out with E180HE-44 woofers, but their two months of "available any day now) for my back order has raised big concerns.).

I am also reconsidering the use of the E180HE-44 for similar reasons. I haven't canceled yet but I'm getting closer every day...

Originally posted by ergo

Not sure how are things on US side now, but here in northern/eastern Europe building anything is getting crazy. Both material and work prices are hiking...

Pretty much the same story here. I've been considering building a home but 1) I have no idea where to build it and 2) I'm not convinced now is the time to buy or build.

**Zvu** · 25 May 2022, 12:27 Wednesday

Same is in south-east Europe. Though we build houses from heavy materials (reinforced concrete pillars, bricks, clay blocks and concrete blocks), prices went to hell. I've bought a lot of 1400m2 december 2021 and prices went 30% in 5 months. Prices change weekly. I've bought lumber for roof few months ago and stashed it at my friend when i heard Russia will ban export of raw wood. I can't risk that to happen in a few months. My permit is approved today, but contractor says he can't start before 19-th of june. I've put everything on hold until we get to the roof cover. Then i'll see how much my money is worth and change trajectory accordingly.

**JonMarsh** · 25 May 2022, 14:17 Wednesday

Definitely challenging times all around!

**Steve Manning** · 25 May 2022, 21:35 Wednesday

Ergo, shop looks like it should be nice. As Jon mentioned, things are very crazy here in the US. Delays is the name of the game. My shop should already be under construction, yet here I sit waiting. Site excavation is schedule for 6/13 at this point ..... we shall see!

In the mean time, this is what it's supposed to look like.

**ergo** · 26 May 2022, 07:22 Thursday

Kind of soothing to hear that the general building does suffer from similar issues around the world it seems.

It is also looking like many of us are into "bigger projects" than even the biggest speakers projects done here.... but then again "Mission Possible DIY" can be extended to cover topics beyond audio and speakers

Showing these general building / shop building projects and looking at other's works equally well for me as a good forum content.

**JonMarsh** · 26 May 2022, 07:46 Thursday

Originally posted by ergo

Kind of soothing to hear that the general building does suffer from similar issues around the world it seems.

It is also looking like many of us are into "bigger projects" than even the biggest speakers projects done here.... but then again "Mission Possible DIY" can be extended to cover topics beyond audio and speakers

Showing these general building / shop building projects and looking at other's works equally well for me as a good forum content.

I’m in complete agreement with you on that, Ergo! It’s like an extension on woodworking topics.

One of the best things in my past for that was when Beverly and I decided to have a storage shed with loft put up on her backyard; that was critical to several projects. OTOH, I’ve done a lot of stuff in the past just on my apartment balcony- or in the garage- it was originally built as a condo, but didn’t sell at that time (late 80’s) and an investment company bought it and converted to apartments. The balcony on most apartments these days doesn’t come close, nor does the storage closet.

**theSven** · 27 May 2022, 16:14 Friday

Saint-Saëns is one of my favorite classical composers after I heard an arrangement of his song at the French attraction at Epcot back in 2017. My dad is well versed in classical music and knew the composer when I asked him who that was.

The building situation is rough, but it is really nice to see people building shops that can be used to do more DIY work in the coming years. I think that is an important topic to discuss in the forum on shop layout, tools, painting/finishing. All important topics IMHO that really make the build look attractive when complete.

I do wish Steve lived closer, with all that space I'm willing to bet he will have a paint booth in that shop

**Evil Twin** · 08 June 2022, 15:54 Wednesday

It is becoming clear that this is a developing situation which cannot be ignored or taken lightly...

To that end, I have deployed informers and Imperial spies fallen on hard times to keep me abreast of any developments...

While things have been very quiet for weeks and months, that situation has changed substantially today...

Though not on the scale of a Death Star project, I expect this will eventually draw the attention of local rebel spies... something we must now prepare for, lest operational security suffer.

**Evil Twin** · 09 June 2022, 15:45 Thursday

My informants have relayed to me that the work crews are proceeding with a surprising degree of efficacy...

The fundamental excavation and interface preparation appears complete...

And the bedrock material has been prepared, placed and graded...

And appears to be fully ready for the fabrication of the foundation floor...

**Steve Manning** · 10 June 2022, 17:11 Friday

A few more pictures from the local Imperial Commander ......

**Steve Manning** · 10 June 2022, 17:15 Friday

A few more ....

And now the wait continues for supplies for the construction of the shell.

**theSven** · 10 June 2022, 17:56 Friday

How thick of a slab are they going to pour for this? Did you make a cad of the floor plan yet????

**Steve Manning** · 10 June 2022, 20:01 Friday

Originally posted by svenarajala

How thick of a slab are they going to pour for this? Did you make a cad of the floor plan yet????

They will be pouring 4" of concrete once they get done with all the stone. Once the building is up, they will be laying down ~4" of a different stone and then the concrete.

Nope, no CAD drawing at this point. I'm going to have to see how things looks once I get everything in there before making a final layout plan. To be honest I've never done a shop layout for myself on paper. They seem to be an evolving thing that changes over time to improve work flow. Besides it gives the neighbors something to talk about when I just stand in the middle of the shop and stare off into space.

**JonMarsh** · 10 June 2022, 21:02 Friday

I think ET calls that communing with the Force….

But Gig probably calls it something else…

**Steve Manning** · 10 June 2022, 22:12 Friday

Originally posted by JonMarsh

I think ET calls that communing with the Force….

But Gig probably calls it something else…

I believe the technical term is "Bat Crap Crazy" :crazy:

**theSven** · 11 June 2022, 16:01 Saturday

It's nice that the drive way will go right up to the building. Will make it easier for moving large cabinets like the SMJ Ardent Wavecores you built last year which were heavy. Great to see progress finally starting on this now that the permits are done too. Do you have to put a sub panel in the house to run electricity out to the structure or just going to run a line out from the main box? You can never have enough electricity in a shop IMHO.

**Steve Manning** · 11 June 2022, 16:50 Saturday

Originally posted by svenarajala

It's nice that the drive way will go right up to the building. Will make it easier for moving large cabinets like the SMJ Ardent Wavecores you built last year which were heavy. Great to see progress finally starting on this now that the permits are done too. Do you have to put a sub panel in the house to run electricity out to the structure or just going to run a line out from the main box? You can never have enough electricity in a shop IMHO.

I suspect I will have a sub panel in the shop itself for distribution, but I'm not sure if I will a new feed, or, be able to branch off the house. I've had some preliminary discussions with my neighbor, who's an electrician, apparently it will depend on the size of the feed to the house. It has a 200 amp panel, though the feed may be something like 300 amps. That's yet to be determined.

**ergo** · 16 June 2022, 10:16 Thursday

It's kinda unnerving for Europeans to read these fuse rating over there... 300 amps sound way high for us for anything domestic. Here it is typically 25A or 32A. But yes we have both 230V as well as 3 phases

**JonMarsh** · 16 June 2022, 18:22 Thursday

Yeah, totally different way of doing things- but don't relax yet, keep in mind our homes are fed with two phases, 110 out of phase with each other; across the two gets you 220V. I have a special 220V 35A outlet in my garage "just in case" I should get a BEV someday, and do charging at home. Of course, it can be tapped for other things, too, should the need arise.

**Steve Manning** · 06 July 2022, 17:19 Wednesday

Got a pleasant surprise yesterday, I got moved up a week and half in the schedule and work could start today on the actual build.

The crew was out early and spent some time tweaking the building outline and post locations prior to drilling holes.

This is what you need when digging holes!

**Steve Manning** · 06 July 2022, 17:24 Wednesday

It didn't take long to make a big mess of the prior work of getting the pad leveled out.

The lumber package was also delivered while this was going on.

Work did not continue much beyond this since the county has to come out and inspect the work prior to setting posts. That's all supposed to happen by tomorrow morning.

**theSven** · 06 July 2022, 21:41 Wednesday

After approval from the inspector the cement truck is coming tomorrow? Did you pick out a speaker to imprint for SMJ with the date 7 Jul 2022? Hands and feet are over rated for marking the concrete when you own a speaker building company right! :P Looking forward to seeing more photos of the structure going up!

**Steve Manning** · 06 July 2022, 21:59 Wednesday

Originally posted by svenarajala

After approval from the inspector the cement truck is coming tomorrow? Did you pick out a speaker to imprint for SMJ with the date 7 Jul 2022? Hands and feet are over rated for marking the concrete when you own a speaker building company right! :P Looking forward to seeing more photos of the structure going up!

Believe it or not, the concrete truck won't show up until the shop is built .... they put the floor in last in this style of building.

**theSven** · 07 July 2022, 16:36 Thursday

Originally posted by Steve Manning

Believe it or not, the concrete truck won't show up until the shop is built .... they put the floor in last in this style of building.

After checking the previous post of the building I realized it didn't have any info about the floor or elevation if that's what it's called when they show the foundation. Definitely want to see more photos as this goes up!

**Steve Manning** · 07 July 2022, 19:33 Thursday

More work and picture taking done today. It might be tomorrow before I get them posted though ..... my butt is dragging trying to get over Covid, again! Yep, I'm vaccinated, but it came special delivery through my granddaughter this time.

**JonMarsh** · 07 July 2022, 20:26 Thursday

Originally posted by Steve Manning

They will be pouring 4" of concrete once they get done with all the stone. Once the building is up, they will be laying down ~4" of a different stone and then the concrete.

Nope, no CAD drawing at this point. I'm going to have to see how things looks once I get everything in there before making a final layout plan. To be honest I've never done a shop layout for myself on paper. They seem to be an evolving thing that changes over time to improve work flow. Besides it gives the neighbors something to talk about when I just stand in the middle of the shop and stare off into space.

I was joking with a friend at work about the same topic, in regards to my current working space and trying to get stuff done with the big patio furniture set in the garage. Figuring out where to put stuff for now is more like Silvaco SmartSPICE, with what I would call a Monte Carlo software annealing optimization... I do a walking pass through the garage in the AM and tweak stuff, for getting done what I need to do during the day, then the same thing often in the evening- slowly it "evolves" towards a usable layout for getting the current tasks done, though by no means a layout I would plan ahead of time- too many unforeseen variables.

But stuff is getting done. POC test cabinets for now, mainly...

**Steve Manning** · 08 July 2022, 10:10 Friday

Well this might seem like a big jump from the last set of pictures, but it only took them a couple of hours.

One thing encouraging is the crew constantly checking stuff for square.

**Steve Manning** · 08 July 2022, 10:21 Friday

This is certainly a young mans job .....

Had to run an errand for about an hour.

When I got back!

**1Michael** · 08 July 2022, 13:18 Friday

Wow, that is looking like a building.

From the Outer Rim - A New Adventure Part Deux

From the Outer Rim - A New Adventure Part Deux

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