How to build a PC Speaker Remote

[Solidus]

I have a very nice speaker system, the altec lansing acs-54w. My only Problem is that i have the speakers sort of far in the back of my oversized 19 inch monitor, so if i want to change the volume i have to get up and reach around, and i change the volume frequently. Is there any way to build my own remote for it? it doesn't have to be wireless, just a simple volume up/down thing on a three foot wire. I don't mind busting it open and rearanging wires or drilling holes. all i need to know is what supplys i need, where to get them, and what to do. Buying new speakers is not an option as i had to sell my soul for these and, as a college student, i'm lucky to have enough money for food. any help would be appreciated.

[Bsdboy]

If your speakers have a volume knob just desolder it and solder a 3 conducter wire
of your choice in its place and solder the other end of the wire to the volume control
you removed(remember how it was originally
connected)mount it in a small box,DONE.
If they have up/down buttons do basicly the
same thing but use a 4 conducter cable and use your buttons(in this case I would use new momentary buttons and leave the original ones in place but you can remove and use the old ones.

Bsdboy

[This message has been edited by Bsdboy (edited 05-06-2001).]

[Goldwingnut]

Good old Radio Shack has a device called an L-pad. Designed as an in-line volume reducer. The sound card sees a constant impedance, the speaker volume varies. One L-pad acts as a volume reducer for one stereo pair; I.E. front or rear channels.

It only works if the two speaker outputs share a common ground wire. Not recommended for a good home stereo, but probably just right for a sound card. If the sound card has a three-conductor plug, it will work.

[thekingofpain]

I have some similar speakers---I just crank the volume knob up all the way and use the the taskbar control slider, so I guess my mouse is actually the "remote"...

[This message has been edited by thekingofpain (edited 05-06-2001).]