Diameter of silk Diamond Disc linkage

[JohnM]

Would/could someone please measure the diameter of a silk Diamond Disc reproducer linkage with a micrometer and tell me the measurement? Thanks!

[larryh]

John,

I don't have a clue as to the diameter of the linkage but did find that when I was actively trying various ideas for diaphragms that the size of the linkage was somewhat deceptive. In other words often a very thin material such as two threads of cotton button thread would easily produce sound of the quality or volume of the edison link which was much thicker. However often in my attempts materials that were close to the edison size would have muffled or lackluster sound qualities. No doubt the various methods of shaping and attaching the link to the diaphragm would effect as well the amount of total sound out put.

I know that isn't the answer you looking for, but just a observation from some tinkering.


Larry

[dennis]

Once, in a very unsophisticated fashion, I used a piece of braided fishing line to replace a missing original Edison DD thread. It worked surprisingly well!

[Brad]

How about dental floss (possibly from Montana ) or waxed "whipping" )the cord used to tie wiring harnesses together in pre-printed circuit board electronic gear.

[OrthoFan]

Hi John:

I take it you are trying to find an appropriate piece of silk thread, identical or similar in size to the original?

I did a search of the patents, and could find no reference to the specific size of thread used, but did find this -- http://edisonphonos.proboards.com/index ... hread=1222

If there's a well-stocked hobby shop near where you live--one that specializes in sewing crafts--you may be able to find a spool of "silk embroidery thread" used for making tassels that's about the correct diameter. (Another option might be snipping off a thread from some old graduation cap tassel.)

OF

[Amberola 1-A]

I miked up a few from my parts box and they ranged from .026-.028.

Bill

[larryh]

I found that the dental floss had some advantages in bright sound, but tended to stretch over time and worse come undone where it was tied. I also tired over the counter braided material which looked pretty much like edisons link, but the sound was lousy.. The last thing and something I am still doing is using that cotton extra strong button thread made in a double loop and tied at the end to make a small loop to go over the stylus bar. It has worked and held up well. But everything is dependent on what the other pieces of the diaphragm are made of and how its constructed. Small changes can make huge differences in tone and volume. Not to mention distortion.

[JohnM]

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply, but I've been busy all day. Thanks for all the info and advice. I will heed the warnings about the different performance characteristics of various materials.

[edisonphonoworks]

I buy silk braid from walmart, and do away, with the metal eyelet part that hooks to the stysus bar, and tie it it in a loop to the metal loop in the ivory cap, and then loop it around the eye on the stylus, with it still in the weight, and then twist the weight a about 3 times or until it sets the limit pin the correct distance from the top, which is a penny width, and it sounds great! Yes, it will eventually wear the area where it meets the sylus, but it will last a very long time, and easy to replace, and you do not have to buy a new diaphragm.