New D3004-6022 Illuminator + WG patterned after Monacor WG-300

[JonMarsh]

This is about a component pairing under consideration, inspired by DaveFred's project using the WG-300 with an older ScanSpeak tweeter, configuration similar to some things offered by Heissman Acoustics in Germany, but not sold here. The older tweeter I was looking at was the D2604-833000, which Heissman had good results, published on his site, but Dave said his tests didn't match that and he went with a ring radiator version.

WG-300's are hard to source these days; I did a special order of 6 pieces with a European distributor who said they could get them, and it still took 4 months.

So, the basic intent would have to clear multiple stages...

• Tweak up and evaluate WG-300's with the target tweeter using an adapter kit that DaveFred kindly sent me like the one's he used
• Prepare a waveguide 3D model in Shapr3D, which could be targeted for some sample builds...
• Pass on the profile data and results to Steve, for a wooden waveguide fabrication or complete front panel, as might be useful for the PuriFi two way design currently in progress for the Seas DXT, depending on measured results.

Why am I interested in the WG-300 profile?

• I have tools including the ATH software, can generate a potential design from scratch (have done that!) but this gets me measuring things pretty quickly- if you don't count the 4 month wait for the waveguides!
• Serendipity- the adapter DaveFred sent me can be used with minor "adaption" with the newer Illuminator tweeter
• The profile looks a LOT like the MCM profile that worked so nicely with the SS tweeter in the Modula MT XE now known as the D2608/913000. Which, of course, I happen to have a pair of the "new" part number version on hand... it is not compatible with the mounting adapter that works with the tweeters Heissman has tested.
• But the key point, about the similarity to the MCM waveguide and Modula MT XE, is how much I liked the sound of that little two way. It was given to an Aunt of my daughter, who unfortunately died in a rafting accident about 3 years ago in the Summer on the Canadian north shore. For my own use, that might make a very nice auxiliary speaker in somewhere like my bedroom, or workroom, or the garage.

Will this be worth all the effort involved? Only time will tell, but it's a much more interesting use of time than sitting in front of the boob tube. Which we have't even hooked up, in over 18 months at our new place.

The profile has been traced with a Ganasan Countour gauge and transferred to paper, then to EazyDraw.




The mechanical drawing for the D3004-602200 still leaves something to be desired, but the 3D models available on the ScanSpeak web site are pretty handy...



From this, one can prepare good dimensional drawings, such as this front view...






Using the profile model above, I generated a first pass. concept for a possible 3D model plot for a waveguide.







When things are farther along and some of the initial testing with the waveguides I have is completed, I'll have to contact some of the usual suspects like AugerPro to see if I can hire someone to fabricate a couple of parts for testing.

In the meantime, I'm reinforcing the Monacor WG-300 and getting ready to do a basic test with those and the adapter plate.

Cross fingers...

[JonMarsh]

And the hardware has arrived...






The build quality is top flight, even for an Illuminator model. Steve speculated that perhaps they are applying some lessons learned from their OEM business with Wilson to select new parts in the public range of models. Testing will tell more, but first examination, and the list of improvements incorporated seems to support that idea...

• Lower distortion and improved frequency response extending to beyond 40kHz due to optimized internal construction.
• Increased sensitivity (+1-1,5dB) due to higher grade neodymium magnet.
• Improved Q due to optimized internal volume in a new high precision reinforced polycarbonate rear chamber.
• A new smoother look with Black anodized aluminium Ø62mm faceplate.
• Better connection with new gold-plated terminals with improved heat resistance at soldering.

Of note, the reinforced rear chamber seems almost like an aluminum casting in strength, but quite dead acoustically.

[augerpro]

Let me know if you need something printed!

[JonMarsh]

I was hoping you might pop up sometime soon, but prepared to PM you, also! That's a definite possibility, I'm working on details on the overall design and a test case using the adapter bits and existing Monaco's I have to play with. Stay tuned, or expect me to be in touch with you!

[JonMarsh]

Time to update the status of progress...

Step 1:

• Tweak up and evaluate WG-300's with the target tweeter using an adapter kit that DaveFred kindly sent me like the one's he used

The 6022 has a similar geometry but not the same dimensions as the faceplate mounting for the 83300. Actually, it's even smaller!
Complicating things a bit further, the Monacor mechanical drawing is one of the least complete examples of that type...



The first step in this process was setting the wayback machine to Modula MT XE, and reinforcing the waveguide, which like the MCM part is rather "thin"; not what you'd call robust.



.
Fiberglass and J-B Weld were used to reinforce the structure with fair improvements in rigidity and inertness, as judged by the "tap test" (patent pending...)

😉

Next step was verifying a clean fit between tweeter mounting plate and waveguide, then back sanding the protruding lips until the tweeter flange sits flush on the mounting plate with a flush fit for the inner ridge and the inner bevel of the tweeter.


Here, the tweeter mount plate after the modification.




A picture of the tweeter resting on the mounting plate, before locating and drilling holes for bolting the tweeter on to the plate.




Here's a front view of the tweeter mount plate after the tweeter has been mounted to the rear of the plate:





And a front view of the waveguide after mounting the tweeter plate to the Monacor waveguide with M6 bolts.






Next steps will be checking the impedance plot and mounting in a test enclosure as used for previous 6.5-7" waveguide tests.