I recently faced a unique challenge with my subwoofer, and I wanted to share my experience and solution with the community. It’s a story of persistence, a bit of DIY, and learning along the way.
The Problem
I have an active subwoofer that lacks an auto-off feature. To manage it, I initially used a Shelly Plug S connected to a Shelly scene. The scene turned the subwoofer on when the amplifier detected more than 10 watts and off when it dropped below. This setup worked technically but had a major drawback: every time the subwoofer turned on or off, it produced a loud popping noise. This noise eventually caused the speaker to burn out, leaving me with a frustrating issue.
The Solution
After some research, I came across a tip suggesting that delaying the power switch by 20-30 seconds could eliminate the popping noise. I tried this, but unfortunately, it didn’t solve the problem. However, another tip suggested that the issue might be related to the power supply. The advice was to install the Shelly 1 internally, directly after the internal power supply (DC side), to avoid voltage spikes.
The Journey
I decided to give it a try. I purchased a Shelly 1 and took apart my subwoofer. The challenge was figuring out where to connect the Shelly 1. I wasn’t entirely sure about the voltage after the power supply or how to jumper the Shelly for DC operation. I also noticed that the internal switch had blue and white wires, which I assumed were the power leads.
After some trial and error, I managed to connect the Shelly 1 correctly. I discovered that the voltage after the power supply was stable and suitable for the Shelly. I also learned that jumpering for DC operation was straightforward once I understood the wiring.
The Outcome
The result was amazing! The popping noise was completely eliminated. I could now automate the subwoofer without worrying about damaging it. It’s been a few weeks, and everything is working smoothly. I’m thrilled with the outcome and the sense of accomplishment from solving the problem myself.
Tips for Others
If you’re facing similar issues with popping noises or voltage spikes, here are a few tips:
- Internal Installation: Consider installing the Shelly internally to avoid external voltage fluctuations.
- DC Connection: Ensure the Shelly is connected after the power supply to avoid spikes.
- Research and Patience: Don’t hesitate to research and experiment, but always prioritize safety.
This experience taught me the value of persistence and the joy of solving problems through creativity and learning. I hope this story inspires others facing similar challenges!