jason m

All speaker wire is stranded cable. I'm wondering why? Why not use solid core Romex. A 250 foot roll of 12-2 romex is way cheaper than that much 12 gauge speaker wire. I don't hard-wire outlets and switches in "lamp cord", why do we wire speakers that way? I know better "in wall" speaker cables have twisted conductors which is supposed to cut down on electromagnetic field interference from other nearby electric lines, I believe. I'm not necessarily talking about "in wall" applications, though. (Don't tell me about flexibility, I want to know about sound quality.) Thanks.

I've been upgrading parts of my system. The old speakers are awesome. The new receiver is at least mid-grade. There's nothing wrong with my speaker wire, but I was wondering why all speaker wire is stranded. I'm a contractor, and always have 12 and 14awg romex around. Why not use that? Does it need to be stranded?

My son's RC came with an 1800 mAh 6 cell battery pack. It's wicked fast and fun, but our only complaint is the run time - 15-20 minutes. I can upgrade to up to 5100 mAh 7 cell. At first, I thought that would be a significant increase, but the website (HorizonHobby) describes it as providing more punch and top-end speed.

Is that all mAh's translate to, or is it longer run time, too? The 5100 mAh battery is $45, but a spare, or two, 1800 mAh battery is only $10 each. I don't need more speed, but would love more time with the truck when we can take it out. (There's been lots of snow since Christmas, but I'm thinking spring.)

Thank you.

We finally got our first HDTV! (Samsung LN40C630) There's a PS3 and digital cable/DVR box hooked up with HDMI. The Wii has the component cables, too. My problem is with the receiver. It's a 14 year old Technics SA-AX730, and has nothing but RCA, red and white, inputs. Although it is a 5.1 receiver, I still have only three speakers, old JBL S312BE's (love them), and a JBL Venue series center channel speaker, but I still see adding rear surround speakers sometime.

Obviously, I'm limited with my receiver, but I've always been happy with it. I've been looking and looking at new digital receivers. It's confusing, and I know I want a good one. Having HDMI-through capabilities (and up-convert with the Wii) would be great, but not if the receiver sucks. I know there are good ones, but I do have a budget, so in the mean time, I want to make my old receiver work. I've found digital to analog converters, but I've also seen comments on them that they don't support Dolby Digital 5.1. I take that to mean that I will not be able to use my center speaker, let alone future rear speakers.

My TV has two audio out jacks - "Audio Out" (I believe to be Coax) and "Digital Audio Out (Optical)" which I have no experience with. Which would I, or could I, use?

I love the idea of having everything go to the receiver and just one HDMI cable to the TV, but it's a money concern. I want to build an awesome wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling entertainment/bookshelf center (I'm a carpenter) and add those rears and possibly a subwoofer (although the 312's have great bass). Buying a new QUALITY receiver dampens the rest of my plans.

I apologize for the long intro, but here goes. Can I take all of these digital sources through the TV first then to my analog receiver? Can I still have the full 5.1 speaker set-up (I need a center, my hearing isn't what it used to be)? If I can, which out jack should I use? Can you tell me what cables and converters I need, or at least point me in the right direction?

Thanks so much.

A new TV, receiver and PS3 are making me redo my "entertainment center/system" and I want to it right. I have a pair of JBL S312BE's I bought about 13 years ago. That's where this question comes from. I never bought banana plugs because I always thought they were all about convenience, but I never did know. The wire I use (there are other speakers now, but its all that original spool) is quality, 12 gauge, could be Monster but I honestly forget. Should I buy banana plugs? Do they make for better sound?

I'm not a roofer (carpenter) but have done many roofs. When we get shingles to the job site, especially early, its common practice to tarp them. I'm going to do the roof on one of my dad's rentals, and he, being the deal searcher, found a down on his luck builder selling unused dimensional shingles for $7.00 a bundle. Thing is, they've been stacked on pallets on a job site, for probably a year, uncovered.

What is the risk? They're GAF in paper packaging, and the bundles will open and be a pain to carry. If they're still wet, they may be heavier, and we'll get wet carrying them. Is it just a matter of convenience? To make a long story short, is there a chance the shingles won't perform? Specifically, I think, will they still seal?

Anyone have an answer? Thanks.

I always like to have big mounds of black eyed susan, but end up buying new plants every year. A couple years ago I learned they reseed (I used to deadhead). First I let the "pods" stand all winter into early spring, but nothing. Last year, I let them stand, but collected the pods and rolled them in my hands to disperse in the area. So far, while the other perennials are well on their way, I have only about 5 pathetic BES leaves. What else can I try? Should I really work the soil and carefully plant seeds? They propagate in the wild don't they? Tired of spending my planting money every year on the same perennials.

Started right up as always, then put in reverse and started to back out and it stalled. Now it won't start. Cranks just fine, but won't fire up. Sounds like a car out of gas, but it isn't. Any idea if it would be the pump, electrical problem with the fuel injection, etc.? Anything they're are notorious for having break, that I might fix myself? I'm no mechanic (a carpenter) but certainly not helpless with a little direction.

13" ("portable") is the best I can do now. I'm down to the Ridgid, Dewalt, or Delta. Words of wisdom?

The Pens have been waiting since last Wed to see who they play, and the Rangers since Fri. Now those two will play beginning on Friday. Meanwhile, Montreal (who just finished on Mon) and Philly (finished yesterday) will start a day earlier on Thursday. Doesn't make sense to me.

My F-150 started having tranny problems that are almost like slipping but not quite. The TCIL light ("OFF" on the shifter) was flashing and the check engine light was on. I did the free diagnostic at Advance Auto and the code for the speed sensor came up. I had my mechanic put a new one in - it looked like it would be difficult to put in and I'm a carpenter, not a mechanic. I got the truck back and it was still doing it. I was told it might take a while to cycle out of the computer, but it still hasn't. I've used a loaner here and there when jobs are far away, but when I drive it, one day it will be almost fine and the next so bad that I'm about to pull over and call for a tow. On bad days, it will stall while idling in gear but is fine in nuetral. Any idea what the problem is? The good then bad and good again makes me think its electrical. Could the whole computer be bad? Any suggestion on where to take it, a chain place like Pep Boys, a transmission shop, or the Dealership? Thanks.

Does it woory you that they don't know the starting O-line yet? Is this a good reason to work something out with Faneca? If the line doesn't come together how will any one be able to play well (Ben and Willie)?

Who cares about ya anyway?

Have you seen this mascot? Heard its name?? I can't put it down here, I'm too embarrassed. Do you care at all for it? I've seen sites with posts where a lot of people think its 'great' or 'awesome'. I don't know a single person who doesn't hate it. I hope he's on the first list of team cuts, what do you think?

Here We Go Steelers, Here We Go!

My grandfather recently died. Apparently, he did not have an adequate will, and his house (estate?) is in probate. Know what that means? I've always loved that house and have thought about buying it. No one seems to know what is happening now. Any help? Thanks.

I'm damn proud of Bubby Brister next to that "guy".