Explendid amplifier designed by Michael Bittner, our MikeB

If Q8 does not turn on then it's voltage regulator function will not be in operation.
That would leave a high voltage across the Vbe multiplier.

Yes, reduce R13 to 2k2, You could even reduce R13 as low as 1k5, but any value from 1k5 to 2k2 will do the job.
There is something else going on.
A short across the Vbe multiplier?

BTW.
the ratio of R13 : R13+R35 sets the voltage ratio of the multiplier.
Vmultiplier max ~ 2k2+330 /330 *Vbe = ~7.6*Vbe this is comfortably above the 4*Vbe across the output stage to just turn on all four driver and output devices.

The minimum Vmultiplier ~ 2k2+330+1kVR / 330+1kVR = ~2.7Vbe
This is comfortably below 4*Vbe, but does leave a significant voltage across ther driver bases. This is the part that is not working. Find the circuit assembly error.
 
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Hi guys!

Going back to my SymAsym build, I can't make the bias adjust to work :scratch1:

It worked the first time I power the amp, set it to a low 20mv across both 0.22r just for a test run. Following the other day I cannot measure any dc voltage across the re and at the bases of the drivers, totally zero, none. Playing music with it, it will work and I can get DC voltages but without music it goes back to zero. I thought I messed up the vbe 1k trimmer because I am hearing faint clicks while repeatedly doing the process. :h_ache:

I decided to run a simulation of the amp and made new values at the bias circuit for use with a 5k trimmer (believing I busted my last 1k trimmer but never bothered to check it off board) but after placing the new values on board and adjusting the trimmer per simulation result, it still didn't work. :confused:

Attached is a revised pcb lay-out and my schematic. Notice the addition of a small resistor at the ltp emitters (R36), this reduces a few CCS current because DC transistor condition in sim shows that one trannie is hot (Q6 tied to 22k-ground). The 2.2k addition seemed to lower the THD figure (in simulation).

My actual build is working nicely, sonic is very good, dead silent and no turn on/off thump... I just can't figure out why biasing stopped working or is not working. I have check the drivers, vbe bias and output trannies but found no indication of any defects....any ideas what has gone wrong and where to check for possible fault?

BTW I am using c5200/a1943 and c5171/a1930(drivers), DC offset is -12mv (no matching done).

Regards!
Albert

Hi,
this 2 point should be open circuit.
 

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Hi guys. I've got a little problem over here. I've messed up my measurement. By mistake I used 2 mica disks under every MJ on the alu-L. So I've unsoldered them and changed it. All again in were working totaly fine, but I wanted to readjust the voltage above the emitter resistors. And than it happend, I've got a shorting while measuring. I've got contact with one measuring tip and the alu-L... so now there is a indian smoking signal every time I power the TO3 on ( the 22R Resistors ). :flame: :bawling: With a diode tester I've measured the base-emitter diode/Voltage which now equals 290mV ( functioning channel 2 shows around 500mV ), so they are trash now, huh? Does anyone think there could be another mistake or is the "only thing to do now" buying new MJ's and change them? Thanks for your help! :)

Cheers,
Buckitronic
 
Just to confirm they are dead, check continuity between collector and emitter,
should be open circuit in both directions. It's a common failure to burn through the base junction, so transistor becomes a short circuit between collector and emitter but retains slight diode function between Base and emitter.

If they don't measure shorted, then check boards make sure nothing else has shorted to cause the problem.
 
Thank you Symon, its a shorting... I'm realy to stupid to measure without destroying anything... does someone maybe know a trustful person/merchant where I could buy a matched NPN and PNP pair of them? Better from the EU/Germany, but without big shipment costs other countrys would also be possible.

Cheers,
Buckitronic
 
Not sure exactly which devices you are using, you mentioned TO3 case?

Getting Matched pairs can be expensive, and limits the number of suppliers.
I think others have commented that you could buy a number and then pick the best pairs. I've done this my self when building a JLH Class A.
 
I've used the MJ21195G and 96G as transistors. And I would rather pay a bit more for the matched ones as for a a bag of transistors and measure them. First I dont have any device for measuring the Hfe and second I dont have so much money for a say 10 pieces of each NPN and PNP, just a normal student. :xeye:

Cheers,
Buckitronic
 
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Hi Mace Horny,
If you read some of the thread, other transistors were discussed along with the advice that if you do change transistor types, you need to ensure that the amp doesn't oscillate or show instability. You need an oscilloscope and a sine wave generator. A sound card could work. Also try a square wave test, all into a dummy load.

The above is also needed when repairing amplifiers. Things get interesting when you are working on higher powered amplifiers! Skip this step at your peril.

-Chris
 
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Hi Buckitronic,
Well, if that's how you want to build it, go ahead. I would buy a few extra in case there are a couple off spec. As for what types, you can read up on which worked and whick didn't. I used the excellent MJW0302A and MJW0281A. If you do read, you might come across where I mentioned these, and also that I was able to run them at far lower bias to achieve very low distortion.

I don't think you can get those anymore, so see what everyone else used.

-Chris