help finding best amp and schematics.

[dudio_me]

hey guys, i posted a thread previous and didnt seem to get any idea of how i wanted to go about acheiving my new plan,

basically i come from a background of classic car restoration, so as much as i know in this world isn't all that useful so excuse my ignorance.

in short i have built an austin mini, and im fed up of not being able to fit any good power amps into it, theres simply not enough room for the huge sized items on the market, i know if i build it myself not only will i have the satisfaction but i will be more likely to be able to put it somewhere suitable!

so, my needs are simple (ish) i need a power amp that will deliver volume, handle a 4ohm speaker and run from a 12v dc supply, i know i will need some kind of supply for this, which i also will need help with.

all it needs to be able to do is produce power, sound quality and as us in car guys call it "response" can all be altered by the parametric EQ already set up for the car, i am looking at around 100 watts rms.

does anyone know of a good, proven design that i can build from easily available parts or am i wasting my time?
i do not know how this switch mode power supplies work so its just a case of build it from a plan with a good chance of it working.

thanks for any help!
scott

[Cal Weldon]

Moved to car audio

[tsmith1315]

Hey Scott.

OK, you can't just say you restore classic cars without giving us some goodies. That would be wrong. Not even a picture of the Mini?

There's plenty of car guys in here, show us some pic's!

And as for your dilemma... That's a tough electronics project if you haven't done some DIY electronics before. It will take a good bit of time, and could easily cost quite a bit more than buying a good quality new or used amp.

Beyond a working schematic, PCB layout and heatsinking are critical. Connectors, a suitable enclosure, and heatsinks can be frustrating to find and expensive as well.

That's not to say it can't be done, and done well.

The SMPS is the most difficult part. With that done, there are a host of amplifier designs out there that will work well.

I doubt you'll be able to make anything smaller than what's commercially available for a given amount of power. You could build the power supply and amplifier sections in separate pieces, which may afford flexibilty.


Here's the relevant thread for DIY SMPS in this forum. Grab a cup of coffee and sit down, it's long:
Making car amplifier SMPS with tl494 + DC Protection

Also check out www.bcae1.com, which belongs to our own Perry Babin.

[ca90ss]

Why not just go with something like this, they are about as small as you can get
http://www.arcaudio.com/productdescr...125.2-mini.asp

[djQUAN]

Originally posted by ca90ss
Why not just go with something like this, they are about as small as you can get
http://www.arcaudio.com/productdescr...125.2-mini.asp

the name also suits the application.

[jol50]

Check out some of the new ICEpower amps, Pioneer PRS amps use it and other brands have come out. They are pretty small for their output, they are class D full range (class FD Pioneer calls it) and also very efficient. I found one of the Pioneers for 140 plus ship here with a quick look, it is 150x2rms at 4 ohms.

[dudio_me]

yep i think your right guys, this is way over my head!
ill stick to beating steel and spraying paint!

thanks anyways
scott

[MatthewS]

Originally posted by ca90ss
Why not just go with something like this, they are about as small as you can get
http://www.arcaudio.com/productdescr...125.2-mini.asp

That thing is simply adorable.. I just wanna buy one and keep it in my pocket.. or use it for a headphone amp

- Matt

[dudio_me]

im going to email them and see if they can supply me with one in the UK, and i will post back results when i get it.

scott