[roymail]

For those of you who build your own crossovers, I have a question.  I don't want to know all about crossover design.  I'll leave that to the experts.

What I'd like some help with is the physical layout of the crossover design or schematic.  In other words, how do you decide what parts go where on the crossover boards?

Is there a method to this, some do's and don'ts, etc?  I've done it, but honestly some of my layouts look pretty crappy (nice word).  There's got to be a better way or some method to follow.

Perhaps this is discussed on some audio websites, but I've not found the info I need yet.  I'm hoping for some help here and would appreciate any advice or direction.  Thanks!

[S Clark]

Parts Express has a decent article on the subject.  http://www.parts-express.com/techHelp.cfm#showAnswer
Click on "How do I build a crossover?"

[roymail]

Thanks, S Clark, that should be helpful.  Appreciate it. 

[avionic]

Another good read on crossover assembly:   http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=83325.0

[Duke]

In order to minimize crosstalk between inductors, as a general principle, try to orient them at 90 degree angles to one another.   For example if the axis (hole in the middle or core of metal) of inductor #1 is pointed north-south, orient inductor #2 east-west and inductor #3 up-down.   If you have 4 or more inductors, try to have two right-angled ones physically more or less in between each pair that share an orientation.   Keeping the inductors as far apart as feasible is also a good idea, as the induced field strength falls off with the square of distance.
   
Inductor cross-talk (the field of one inductor actually inducing a low-level replica audio signal in another, no physical connection necessary) is real, but may or may not be audibly significant.  Still as long as you have to mount the inductors anyway, might as well stack as much of the deck in your favor as possible.

EDIT:  Poseidon's diagram below is better than my description.  Use that.

Secure all crossover elements tightly to the board so they don't vibrate. Physically double-check all solder joints and connections; a poor connection can still pass signal, but become intermittent over time.  This is much easier to do before you install the crossover.

[poseidonsvoice]

And to add to this:




From Troels Gravesen's excellent primer on the placement of crossover coils.


Both the link to Danny R's sticky and what Duke said are very relevant and important. Read thoroughly!

Anand.

[roymail]

Helpful info from everyone, and greatly appreciated.