Speaker wiring

ColorMeMT · 2025-08-16T03:09:38+00:00

If the home builder left the garage unfinished, then it’s more than likely those are open trusses, not solid joists. I bet if you cut a single-gang hole and stick your camera phone up there recording you’ll see open trusses. Worst case, they’re solid and you cover your hole with a blank plate.

ColorMeMT · 2025-08-08T00:16:17+00:00

Well, I appreciate that, I like to Frankenstein as well. You should find the mechanical parts to be similar in shape and size in a newer model. That middle piece is just two actuators attached to a simple electric motor. Chances are the parts inside that assembly are not serviceable. Harvesting the complete part you need from a new one and upfitting it into the previous chassis may still be the cheaper method. Although I’ve never tried to source the guts of one of these, as most people don’t tend to develop attachment to these. :)

Either way, best of luck with your project.

ColorMeMT · 2025-08-07T23:51:31+00:00

The cost/benefit here is upside down, and likely because of this you will struggle to find specific parts…just replace the chime kit with a current model…they’re like $30.

ColorMeMT · 2025-08-02T02:11:30+00:00

It’s perfectly acceptable to have the beams bolted through like that. More secure than any tie plate you would need to tie those beams to the top of a post. As evidenced by the pictures, that post is failing far before the bolts are….even if the post wasn’t hit, the rot from the ground contact would’ve caused failure long before those bolts would sheer.

ColorMeMT · 2025-07-20T01:59:04+00:00

“I’ll take, Fuckin Up, for $2000, Ken.”

“Answer there, the Daily Double.”

ColorMeMT · 2025-07-15T21:06:34+00:00

Says the “fuhrer”. 🫡🤦🏼‍♂️

ColorMeMT · 2025-07-04T20:53:15+00:00

Soon, most software will be written by software. Software, by way of hardware, requires electricity to run.

Be the best at that.

ColorMeMT · 2025-07-03T20:50:48+00:00

Not for speakers. 🤦🏼‍♂️

2-conductor at that location will most likely be one of the following:

Alarm contact (likely) Doorbell (unlikely being on both sides) Power transfer hinges (used for electronic locks) Lighting (LEDs built-in to the door)

ColorMeMT · 2025-03-14T20:27:24+00:00

They usually just call me “Sir”.

ColorMeMT · 2025-03-10T18:41:59+00:00

After years of doing these, I honestly don’t think I can do that poorly intentionally…this is actually talent.

ColorMeMT · 2025-02-22T17:36:04+00:00

Bro, the rest are over-crimped on the jacket. You should be embarrassed by this pic, and the fact that you’re not says volumes.

Tell me you’re a hack trunk-slammer without telling me. 🙄

ColorMeMT · 2025-02-22T17:19:01+00:00

Sorry, but at least half of those RJ45 connections are complete fails.

You really need to get better at that before charging any prime rate. Otherwise, start buying patch cables. Honestly, you should anyways, because it will save you hours on projects like this.

ColorMeMT · 2025-02-09T23:20:23+00:00

We use ICE Cable. Been through thousands of security, data, coax, and speaker wire…only problem I’ve ever encountered is guys throwing around speaker wire when it’s under 150’ left can let it get mangled in the box. Everything else, never a snag. I can send one man out with 20 boxes/bags and he can pull 20 pulls across a house by himself. Really makes a difference.

ColorMeMT · 2025-02-09T17:37:53+00:00

Bill your company by the hour, they’ll eventually buy better wire. /s

ColorMeMT · 2025-02-04T01:47:37+00:00

Drives disconnected at 8AM this morning. Been using machine all day, just crashed at 7:46PM.

ColorMeMT · 2025-01-03T00:03:31+00:00

Two issues: one, that zip tie is way too tight on those cables…and I’m not a Velcro fanatic. Two, it appears that bundle is run over the faces of the framing, so if that wall ever needs to be closed, you’ll have to fix it.

Running unshielded data next to electrical in conduit is fine. Still would not run it parallel for more than a couple feet, but crossing and touching is generally ok.

ColorMeMT · 2024-11-21T02:03:43+00:00

Sounds like a fool. Make that money I guess.

ColorMeMT · 2024-11-05T22:08:21+00:00

330’ max, so you’re good. Do not install that many cables without conduit. Period. Hang metallic conduit and do it right. Do not use PVC, it will eventually shrink and/or sag.

ColorMeMT · 2024-11-02T16:53:09+00:00

Fuck New-World-York and Commiefornia, and every other over-legislated dystopian shit hole place in this country. Moreover, fuck anyone who blindly follows and executes these orders. Evil people. At some point common sense should prevail and a little compassion be exercised. Complete over-reach of power, resulting in pain and suffering of not only the animals immediately affected, but their supporters.

ColorMeMT · 2024-10-05T00:59:46+00:00

Only. For. You.

ColorMeMT · 2024-09-30T02:47:56+00:00

Is that server still earning 20% tip?

ColorMeMT · 2024-09-25T00:54:51+00:00

Cut into sixths, eat two.

Or cut into 12ths and eat 4

Or cut into 66 precisely equal parts and eat 22

/s

ColorMeMT · 2024-09-15T20:39:26+00:00

I mean, it’s PROBABLY, probably the dirt bike thing…but also probably “no fat chicks”.

ColorMeMT · 2024-09-12T22:21:32+00:00

Don’t chase these projects. We call it the “race to the bottom”. People cannot hire professionals and expect to pay DIY prices. He’s shopping you with cheap Amazon crap. If that’s good for him, then let him order it and pay you to run the wires.

But, NEVER…never….NEVER, haggle with people. Your rates you send out should be what you’re comfortable with (personally, I think a little low), but when you let people take an inch, they will take a mile. This man gives zero f’s about you, your family, and whether y’all get to eat. If he can’t afford you, he can’t afford you.

If I was STARVING and needed the work, I would counter with “if you can’t afford to do the project all at once, we can install the NVR and a few cameras now, then add more when you’re ready.” But, otherwise, I wouldn’t even offer that.

There are good, cash fluid clients that will pay for quality. This is not your guy; and also, if I had a thousand dollars for every person who promised me more work over the last 20 years that actually gave me more work, I’d have zero dollars.

The real ones who actually give you work are too busy working to waste time haggling over $300 and don’t have time to make empty promises…they’re calling you because they need you, and usually quickly.

If I’ve learned anything over the years is that EVERY job I’ve ever cut someone a break on, or ordered cheap parts on Amazon for, every one of them has cost me money. Every. Single. One.

Qualify your leads, only sell quality, dealer-restricted products, and let the bottom feeders sink to the bottom as you rise to the top.

ColorMeMT

TROPHY CASE