How to Recone Your Sundown SubwooferUpdated 8 months ago
In this article you can watch these videos provided by Sundown Audio teaching you how to prepare your Sundown Audio subwoofer for a recone, as well as the process of doing the recone.
How to prepare your woofer for a recone:
Overview:
- This content is part of a multi-part series focused on the preparation and tools required for reconing a subwoofer.
Options for Repair:
1. Self-Reconing:
- Purchase a recone kit to drop into the subwoofer.
- This series will cover the steps to recone using a drop-in kit.
2. Professional Rebuild:
- Send the subwoofer to the manufacturer for rebuilding, which incurs additional shipping costs.
3. Replacement:
- Discard the broken woofer and purchase a new one, considered the most expensive option.
Video Structure:
- Four Parts:
1. Tools needed to break down the woofer.
2. Breaking down the woofer (sanding and prepping).
3. Tools needed to perform the recone.
4. Installing the recone kit.
Tools Needed for Breaking Down the Woofer:
- Grinder:
- Recommended type: Heavy grit sanding disc (24 grit to 100 grit).
- Knife:
- Ensure a fresh blade for cutting the surround and spider.
- Safety Gear:
- Safety goggles, respirator or mask, gloves, and a fan for ventilation.
- Important to work in a well-ventilated area due to toxic fumes (especially from CA glue).
- Setup:
- A Lazy Susan is suggested for ease of use during reconing to spin the woofer without moving it around.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
1. Remove the Gasket:
- There may be a rubber or metal gasket. Remove screws as needed.
2. Cut Surround & Spider:
- Start cutting the surround and then the cone to gain access to the spider. Cutting close to the edge is recommended.
3. Sanding:
- Use grinder to clean both the surround and spider landing down to bare metal.
- Clean surfaces with compressed air or a vacuum.
For Reconing:
- Shims:
- Pre-made shims are available; alternatives include paper or transparent projector paper.
- Glue Options:
- Use CA glue for high excursion woofers (requires activator).
- Alternative: Two-part epoxy for non-high excursion woofers (e.g., Loctite 5-minute epoxy).
- Surface Preparation:
- Clean with isopropyl or denatured alcohol before applying glue.
- Use E6000 or a silicone-based glue for the surround landing and dust cap.
- Check Terminals:
- If broken, replace terminals before starting the glue process.
- Additional Tools:
- Sandpaper for dust cap edge, clamps (8-16) for securing parts if needed, and a surface cover to protect work area.
Conclusion:
- The guide concludes with reassurance that reconing is not as daunting as it seems and that an upcoming video will demonstrate the entire reconing process.
How to recone 10" & 12" woofers:
X Series: Versions 1 to 4
Z Series: ZV4 to ZV7
Team Series: Starting from the 12-inch model
SDN Series: 10-inch to 18-inch (specific to 10-inch and 12-inch for this guide)
Nightshade Series: Versions 3 to 6 (and likely up to version 7)
What’s Included in a Sundown Recone Kit:
Cone with Surround - Pre-glued to simplify setup
Spider - Arranged to fit easily upon installation
Voice Coil - Comes pre-attached to lessen workflow
Dust Cap - Requires sanding to ensure proper adhesion
Preparation Steps:
Inspect Your Kit: Check for any imperfections in the kit components (e.g., spider alignment).
Clean the Frame: Ensure there’s no debris or dust accumulated in the gap before fitting the new cone. If needed, blow out any particles.
Sanding the Dust Cap: Scuff the dust cap with an old sanding disc to prepare for adhesive application.
Installation Process:
Dry Fit the Recon Kit:
Ensure everything fits well before proceeding. Test alignments of holes and leads with terminals.
Use a Shim for Alignment:
Create shims with printer paper if you don’t have a pre-made shim for better centering during installation.
Apply Glue Carefully:
Use CA glue (cyanoacrylate) for bonding. Apply a bead to the landing areas and drop the recon kit in, ensuring leads align with terminals.
Weight the Center:
After placing the kit, use a weight to hold it in position while the glue sets.
Connect Terminal Leads:
Securely attach the leads to the terminal blocks. Ensure the positive lead is always on the left and negative on the right.
Final Assembly:
If using rubber gaskets, ensure they properly seat during the installation. If using metal gaskets, minimal clamps are needed.
Post-Installation:
Allow the glue to fully cure, typically taking about 24 hours for full strength.
Inspect the assembled subwoofer to ensure all components are secure and aligned properly.
Safety Precautions:
Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear when handling glue and tools.
By following these steps, you can effectively recone your Sundown subwoofer for optimal sound quality and performance.