Having fun with Hog 30

Chucky · #1 03-05-2011, 04:51 AM

Swapped a speaker in my Pignose using a Neo 8" from Madisound (on sale <$20). Big improvement, I have had this combo since around 1997 and changed battery's once (battery's plus store).

http://www.madisound.com/store/produ...oducts_id=8991

Notice I had to cut a notch in the internal brace to make it fit, otherwise just some extra patience to place the speaker. No need to change speaker leads.

I like using my Raven Labs PMB II as a boost. Oufit is best used with piezo acoustic/electrics or passive electrics.

Chucky · #2 03-05-2011, 04:54 AM

Unit is looking so good because of a custom cover I had made from a Tent and Awning store using awning materials.

Chucky · #3 03-05-2011, 06:55 AM

Charging the Hog w/ Sunlight. Has not been properly field tested yet though.

Flint Hills Festival here I come (maybe).

Btw...those are reflected clouds in the panel, glass material used is mirror smooth.

PaulMacCnj · #4 03-05-2011, 07:14 AM

The Hog 30 is a cool little combo! I can offer a couple tips...

First, you can flatten the response of the cabinet if you add some speaker insulation. This avoids the nasty peak that can occur. See here:
Speaker Cabinet Insulation

Second, the batteries are lead acid and need to be kept charged. Not fully all the time, but they will go dead permanently if left with no charge. I know this from experience. Plus, there is a warning about it on the batteries themselves. I don't know if the owner's manual says anything about this because I bought the store demo unit with no manual. If you do have to replace the batteries (like me!), there are low cost alternatives. Just read the number off of the battery and search on the Internet. I've seen them in the $5 to $10 range (each, you'll need 2).

Chucky · #5 03-05-2011, 03:53 PM

Thanks for the tip about cabinet insulation. I think I'll follow that up. Not sure but also might put some paper style packing foam as a shim around the battery's since they seem to be a cause for rough vibration at elevated volume. The combo really shakes now when I push it hard. Only concern is battery safety, I know they are sealed gel but still I wonder.

Chucky · #6 03-06-2011, 05:06 AM

This is the bass I use with my Hog 30. Thomastik strings give it a nice deep mellow tone that does not distort at playing level.

I did put some egg crate style foam from a previous project inside today as insulation.

Chucky · #7 03-07-2011, 03:51 PM

I gotta admit...can't get away from my effects these days. I have the Pandora set on Canyon (a bit much) but can dial it down with my handy effects knob on the PMB II. Instant busking rig I think. Those Thomastik strings are the key in my opinion, made for Piezo's so they claim. However everyone has their own preferences.

koobie · #8 03-07-2011, 06:23 PM

Solar powered bass rig, how cool is that. Do you get enough sunshine in Madison for that to be (somewhat) practical?

Chucky · #9 03-08-2011, 03:12 AM

Upper midwest is good for sunshine, practicality is not appreciable though. The solar panel was bought for backpacking in the wilderness.

A charge to the battery's is all that is needed, not running the amp on sunlight. It's a 20 watt panel w/ 1.8 amps in full sun and has been years since purchased.

My wife tells her friends I have a warehouse in my cave of these items. She is exaggerating I hope.