Installation Manual

Tactile Sound Transducers
9
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Tactile Sound Transducers
8
Installation: Chairs & Couches
Installation: Traditional Floors & Platforms
TRADITIONAL FLOORS
Transducers may be mounted under a floor by attaching a hardwood
bridge between adjacent floor joists, or by installing a 2” x 6” bridge
with a curved niche. When installing under a floor, access may be from
the basement or the ceiling below the floor. The TST will be mounted to
a bridge connected between adjacent floor joists.
If your goal is to excite the area of the floor directly beneath a chair,
then attach the Transducer to the closest joist underneath the chair.
Note: Carpeting and padding may reduce the tactile effect.
PLATFORMS
Recommendation: Clark Synthesis recommends using only TST429
Platinum Transducers for platforms. Use of (1) TST429 Platinum
Transducer for every 4 ft. by 8 ft. area of the platform is suggested.
Platforms are a great alternative to mounting a Transducer directly
to a chair. This method is especially practical in home theaters with
multiple rows of seating placed on platforms. An activated platform will
deliver tactile sensations to your feet as well as the rest of your body via
the chair.
Whether constructing a new platform or fitting Transducers onto an
existing one, it is best to space the Transducers an equal distance from
each other and the edges of the platform. If using only one Transducer,
locate the Transducer in the center of the platform. Be sure to leave a
way to access the Transducer should service be required.
To minimize energy loss into the floor, use Isolation Feet between the
platform and the floor. Do not glue a platform to a concrete floor.
Clark Synthesis recommends using plywood or hardwood for the
platform’s top surface. DO NOT USE MDF (medium-density
fiberboard). We highly recommend using adhesive and screws instead
of nails. Loose fitting joints can cause unwanted vibrations and buzzing
noises.
As a general rule, most chairs and couches have an underlying
wooden frame. The Transducer can be mounted directly to a
frame member or to a hardwood bridge that is rigidly secured
to chair or couch’s bottom frame. The bridge should be at least
3/4" thick and cut to span the two frame members or connect
two sides of a box frame. The more centrally located the frame
member or bridge is on the overall structure, the better the
distribution of tactile sound.
For best results, the Transducer should be parallel to the
ground (horizontal) so that the motion is up and down as
opposed to side to side. The Transducer can be mounted to
either the top or bottom of the bridge. When attaching the
Transducer to the top of the bridge, be sure that the Transducer
and the wiring does not interfere with any recliner mechanism.
When attaching the Transducer to the bottom of the bridge, be
sure that the Transducer does not touch the floor.
A chair or couch with armrests is preferred since a significant
amount of tactile sensation is felt in the hands and arms.
Transducer mounted
under the bridge
Transducer mounted
over the bridge
Hardwood Bridge (min. 3/4” thick)
Tip: Tighten
two Jam Nuts
against each
other to screw in
Hanger Bolt using
wrench.
Mounting Detail
2” x 6” Bridge with Curved Niche
3”
6”
Jam Nut
Glue and screw plywood
oor surface to all frame
members including the
bridge
Glue and screw all joints