PROJECT MAY
DESIGN BRIEF

  Overview

This project will develop a stereo loudspeaker system for the Webmaster of Lansing Heritage that showcases the design and fabrication skills of the members of Lansing Heritage and the technology embodied in JBL's state-of-the-art transducers.

Organization

Co-project managers reporting to a steering committee overseeing four working groups:

1. Electro/Acoustical Team

2. Enclosure Team

3. Documentation and Communication Team

4. Budget and Materials Team

Critical Success Factors

Performance:

The system will incorporate drivers that represent the state-of-the-art in transducer technology. The final loudspeaker must result in state-of-the-art system performance

1. Frequency Response 40hz to 50khz ± 3db (In room -3db point of 30hz)

2. The system will be designed for maximal transient response and minimal levels of dynamic compression.

3. The system configuration shall utilize a vertical alignment with twin 380mm drivers above and below a midrange compression driver/horn and UHF compression driver/horn.

4. The driver configuration for each loudspeaker shall consist of  2 - JBL 1500AL bass drivers, 1 - JBL 435Be midrange compression driver and 1 – JBL 045Be UHF driver.

5. The midrange horn shall be a custom built wood horn based on the geometry of the JBL H9800 BiRadial ™ horn and incorporate the 045Be UHF horn in the upper lip.

6. The system network shall be a passive design with the allowance for tri-amping.

7. The system shall incorporate a degree of tuning flexibility to result allow in situ modifications to accommodate room response.

Industrial Design:

The industrial design shall strive to:

1. reflect the state-of-the-art performance

2.   be aesthetically pleasing

3.   reflect the professionalism of the project participants

4. reflect positively on the JBL brand

5.   integrate into a home environment

Schedule:

The schedule calls for a completed system to be delivered and installed in the Webmaster's residence in Winnipeg, Canada by October 15, 2004.

Documentation:

The project, from inception through to completion, shall be documented in a dedicated section of Lansing Heritage website.  This documentation shall:

1. record the project definition

2. record the design and construction process

3. record any unanticipated issues as they developed and how they were resolved

4. promote the association of JBL in this project

5. provide the information necessary for others to replicate the design

6. record the final installation and commissioning

Known Constraints

The system must be transportable for long distances and installable in a home environment. The drivers and labor for design and construction are all being donated. Out of pocket expenses will be targeted to be less than $4,000

Activity Breakdown

Conceptual Design                                                   -           Jan, 2004

Data Collection                                                         -           Jan – Mar, 2004

Design Prototypes                                                    -           Feb – Apr, 2004

Industrial Design                                                       -           Mar – May, 2004

Fabricate Prototypes                                                -           Feb – Jun, 2004

Design Final System                                                -           Jun, 2004

Fabricate Final System                                            -           Jun – Sep, 2004