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Geofón DIY kit guide
Introduction
Important notice: This kit requires skill and experience with soldering. We are providing it “as is”. We are confident it will work, when properly constructed according to the published design. We will not be able to help you with bad soldering jobs or other errors based on an insufficient standard of assembler workmanship.
Please do not attempt to construct the project if you do not fully understand it, or if you do not feel completely confident that you can build the project without further assistance.
If you never soldered before, we highly recommend watching these videos before you start with the kit. Soldering Tutorial Part by EEVblog Part 1 & Part 2
Required tools
For assembly of the Elektrosluch Mini City DIY kit you will need:
- a soldering iron (at least 20 W or better)
- solder (0.75 mm or 1 mm, lead-free)
- 2.5 mm Allen (hex) key
- 14 mm wrench (optional)
Building guide
1. Examine the package and check if you have all the necessary components and tools.
2. Unpack the XLR connector and the small piece heat-shrink tubing from the tube. Identify the cable end with three leads. Slide on the XLR boot (if you forget, you may need to desolder the connector later) on the cable and the small piece of heat-shrink tubing on the exposed twisted conductor without the insulation — this is the shielding of the cable.
3. Solder the provided XLR connector to the cable. You will notice it has small number markings. The exposed conductor with heat-shrink tubing shall be soldered to pin number 1, brown conductor to pin 2 and white to pin 3. Heat-shrink tubing will shrink when you will be soldering the shielding conductor. If you are not happy with the amount of shrinkage, you can use a lighter or a heat-gun to help it shrink fully.
Technical note: The Geofón is connected as a true balanced microphone, which results in the exceptional low noise.
4. Assemble to connector. If you need help, here is a manual by its manufacturer.
5. Unscrew the Geofón body parts apart and remove the Geofón element from inside.
6. Pull the unused cable end through the cable gland on the top part of the Geofón body. Do not tighten the gland yet!
7. Solder the conductors to the pins on the element. Brown conductor should be connected to the pin with a dot next to it.
8. Carefully pull the cable with the element soldered on through the gland as far as possible (without damaging the solder joints). Use the provided bolt (in the tube) and a 2.5 mm Allen (hex) key to fix the element in position through the side hole on the top part of the Geofón body. The thread is only 3D printed, so be careful not to over-tighten. The main purpose of this bolt is to prevent the Geofón element from rotating when the body is disassembled.
9. Screw the bottom part of the Geofón body on the top part, tighten the cable gland on top of the top part of the Geofón with your hand as tight as possible. If needed use 14 mm wrench, but do not over-strain the gland. If you are having trouble with screwing the bottom part of the body, check if the side-bolt isn't deforming the top part and loosen it as needed.
10. Your Geofón is ready for the vibrations of the world!