The "Dummies' Guide to getting parts/assembling CarlosFM's chipamp"

Status
This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.
Seeing as how finding all the necessary parts at Digikey is a pain in the kiester (and I'm not sure if I have the right ones, anyway), I figure I may as well post a list of decent parts usable for a CarlosFM LM3886 chipamp. Except for the gargantuan capacitors used in the PSU, everything's from Digikey.
A quick question or two, though: Can I replace any of the PSU caps with caps of higher values? (such as the 2x 10,000 uf caps with 1 20,000 uf cap, or the 4700 uf cap with a 6200 uf capacitor.) Also, what would be the disadvantage to using a premade bridge rectifier? (A 200v 8A bridge rectifier is $1.50 from the Electronics Goldmine.) Or could some cheaper diodes be used? (They're over 1$ each, or about 18$ for the 16 needed for a monoblock setup?)
Also, how much sound quality would be lost by using one PSU instead of two?

PSU board:
(From Digikey):
2 493-1116-ND CAP 4700UF 50V ELECT VR RADIAL 0 3.49000 $6.98
-These are the 4700uf caps.

5 BC2.2KW-2CT-ND RES 2.2K OHM METAL FILM 2W 5% 0 0.32000 $1.60
-These are the caps used to drain the capacitors, and are placed across the rails. 5 is the minimum order.

2 P1.0W-2BK-ND RES 1 OHM 2W 5% METAL OXIDE 0 0.28000 $0.56
-These are the 1 ohm resistors between the 4700uf caps and the 10,000 uf caps.

2 495-1617-ND CAP 0.1UF 275VAC EMI SUPPRESSN
0 0.29000 $0.58
-these are the 100nf caps used to bypass the 10,000 uf caps.

2 0.47W-2-ND RES .47 OHM 2W 5% METAL OXIDE 0 0.23000 $0.46
-These are the .47 ohm resistors used in the "snubber".

10 1395PH-ND CAP 1500PF 100V CERAMIC DISC Y5V 0 0.07700 $0.77
These are the 1.5nF caps used in the "snubber". (NOTE: Ceramics were chosen due to price, not because they're good. 10 are ordered due to minimum order requirements.)

8 RURP860-ND DIODE ULTRAFAST 600V 8A TO-220AC 0 1.11000 $8.88
These are the rectifier diodes. They look almost identical to the MUR860's CarlosFM reccomends.

From Ebay:
4x Nichicon 10,000 uf 50v caps: 10$. Somebody's selling 'em for less than half of Digikey's price.

Total: 30$, + ~4$ shipping for one PSU.
Hmmm....I wonder if the regulated PSU might make more sense? At 7$ for each regulator, they're a little bit pricier, but you don't have to bother with the 10,000 uf caps. Plus, it's regulated, which is likely a good thing.

Chipamp:
2 495-1172-ND CAP 2.2UF 100V METAL POLY 0 1.16000 $2.32
5 PPC15.0KXCT-ND RES 15.0K OHM METAL FILM .50W 1% 0 0.19400 $0.97
5 PPC330BCT-ND RES 330 OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0.43400 $2.17
6 495-1147-ND CAP .10UF 100V METAL POLY 0 0.17000 $1.02
4 495-1135-ND CAP .0033UF 100V METAL POLY 0 0.17000 $0.68
2 338-1125-ND CAP 300PF 500V MICA CHIP 1812 1.93000 $3.86
5 PPC100BCT-ND RES 100 OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0.43400 $2.17
5 PPC2.0KW-1CT-ND RES 2.0K OHM METAL FILM 1W 5% 0 0.34800 $1.74
4 LVRA-.10CT-ND RES .10 OHM 1% 1W METAL STRIP 1.26000 $5.04
2 LM3886TF-ND IC AMP AUDIO PWR HP 68W TO220-11 0 5.99000 $11.98
2 493-1112-ND CAP 2200UF 50V ELECT VR RADIAL 1.91000 $3.82

Total cost for chipamp: 36$.

Total grand cost, not incl. PSU: 56$. (60$ incl. veroboard.)
Not a bad deal, eh?

Now, here's the part y
 
The Regulated PSU:
2x 10,000 uf 50-60v capacitors from ApexJr, 1.50$ each. 3$ total.
NOTE:
These replace the 4700 uf caps in the original circut. I'm pretty sure they should work, though. (If not, feel free to correct me.)

Parts for Regulated PSU:
1 2 LM338T-ND IC REGULATOR ADJ 5A TO-220 0 2.50000 $5.00
2 8 RURP860-ND DIODE ULTRAFAST 600V 8A TO-220AC 0 1.11000 $8.88
3 5 BC2.2KW-2CT-ND RES 2.2K OHM METAL FILM 2W 5% 0 0.32000 $1.60
4 4 P5181-ND CAP 47UF 50V ALUM LYTIC RADIAL 0 0.25000 $1.00
5 5 BC91W-2CT-ND RES 91 OHM METAL FILM 2W 5% 0 0.32000 $1.60
6 2 495-1143-ND CAP .047UF 100V METAL POLY 0 0.17000 $0.34
7 5 PPC.47CCT-ND RES .47 OHM 1W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0 0.88600 $4.43
8 10 1N4003-E3/23CT-ND DIODE GP 1A 200V DO41 0 0.06900 $0.69
9 2 495-1161-ND CAP .47UF 100V METAL POLY 0 0.57000 $1.14
Total cost for single PSU:
25$.
This is pretty much Carlos Filipe's regulated PSU circut with bigger capacitors on the input.

Not a bad deal, eh? The LM338's should provide enough power for two gainclones. However, I'd prefer to use standard "bridge" rectifiers, as the diodes alone are nearly half the cost.
 

Attachments

  • snub_002.png
    snub_002.png
    23.4 KB · Views: 1,292
Transformers:
There's two inexpensive options for transformers at ApexJr. (By the way, the guy who runs it is very helpful.)

For non-regulated PSU:
2x Signal BL1752 transformers from ApexJr per PSU, at 8$ each. (36$ total for a monoblock setup.) These put out an impressive 7 amps at 24 volts AC on US line current, and have 3A 14v secondaries for a preamp. If you've got 220v house current, you can use the secondaries instead. (They're rated for 3 amps at 24 volts at 220v for the primary.)

For a regulated PSU:
2x Avel-Lindberg dual 28v output toroidial transformer, 150VA+
$22.00ea, 44$ total for a monoblock set.
These are nice transformers, but you'll likely end up needing to use two.

I do have a few questions, though:
1.
Will the 470nf "bypass" cap allow the 10,000 UF replacement for the 4700 uf capacitor work properly?
2.
Would the 800v/8 amp rectifier listed on ApexJR for $2.50 work in place of the MUR860's?
3. Would it be possible to modify the regulated psu to use the smaller transformer, and to have a smaller output voltage?
 
16$ for two of the above transformers, for a 336VA 24-0-24 combined power, should work just fine. ApexJR also has 100VA dual-winding 22v transformers for $17.50, two of which would make for a fine monoblock system if you want to use toroids.
Fuseholders are cheap at RadioShack. Also, this is designed as a "power" amplifer, for use with a preamp or iPod (or whatever.)
ApexJR has some inexpensive pots, though; they've also got some nice knobs.
 
Revised version of PSU/Chipamp parts lists!

I made a few mistakes, now corrected.
Here's the parts list for a proper Carlos Filipe gainclone.
(They're all muddled together, and unlabeled; I'll fix that soon.)
Index Quantity Part Number Description Customer Reference Backorder Quantity Unit Price
USD Extended Price
USD
1 5 BC2.2KW-2CT-ND RES 2.2K OHM METAL FILM 2W 5% 0 0.32000 $1.60
2 8 495-1617-ND CAP 0.1UF 275VAC EMI SUPPRESSN 0 0.29000 $2.32
3 2 0.47W-2-ND RES .47 OHM 2W 5% METAL OXIDE 0 0.23000 $0.46
4 10 495-1175-ND CAP .0015UF 250V METAL POLY 0 0.13300 $1.33
5 2 23J1R0E-ND RESISTOR WIREWOUND 1.0 OHM 3W 0 1.28000 $2.56
6 5 PPC15.0KXCT-ND RES 15.0K OHM METAL FILM .50W 1% 0 0.19400 $0.97
7 2 338-1125-ND CAP 300PF 500V MICA CHIP 1812 0 1.93000 $3.86
8 5 PPC100BCT-ND RES 100 OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0 0.43400 $2.17
9 5 PPC2.0KW-1CT-ND RES 2.0K OHM METAL FILM 1W 5% 0 0.34800 $1.74
10 4 495-1135-ND CAP .0033UF 100V METAL POLY 0 0.17000 $0.68
11 4 493-1112-ND CAP 2200UF 50V ELECT VR RADIAL 0 1.91000 $7.64
12 2 495-1172-ND CAP 2.2UF 100V METAL POLY 0 1.16000 $2.32
13 2 495-1173-ND CAP 3.3UF 100V METAL POLY 0 1.61000 $3.22
14 5 PPC10KBCT-ND RES 10K OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0 0.43400 $2.17
Subtotal $33.04

And, from ApexJR:
To order from Apexjr:
2x LM3886T's, 3.95 each. Also request insulators.
12,000uf 50V $1.29 x6
Signal BL1752 x2 7.95
IEC receptacle with 6 amp filter 2$
Gold plated RCA jacks A 2$
2x Dual binding posts B 2$
2x 600v 25A bridges from ApexJR
$42.50

Total cost, INCLUDING 330VA transformers:
75.54 + about 10$ shipping from ApexJr.
Transformers, jacks, and whatever are all included in this price; the only thing not included is an enclosure.
Pretty nice value for the money!

Also, if someone could host this info on a page, it would be dandy. I spent ages looking for a list like this when I first started.
 
The now-annotated and corrected lists:

5 BC2.2KW-2CT-ND RES 2.2K OHM METAL FILM 2W 5% 0.32000/ $1.60 total
R1, R2 on PSU
These are the 2.2k “bleeder” resistors in the front of carlosFM's psu circuit.

8 495-1617-ND CAP 0.1UF 275VAC EMI SUPPRESSN 0.29000/$2.32 total
C7, C8 on PSU, CZ C3 and C5 on amplifier.
These are the 100nf capacitors (MKT polyester film) used on the amplifier and psu circuit. This is enough for 1 PSU, and 2 amplifers. 2 are needed per PSU, 3 per amplifier.

2 0.47W-2-ND RES .47 OHM 2W 5% METAL OXIDE 0.23000/$0.46 total
R5, R6 on PSU
These are the .47 ohm snubber resistors. They're metal oxide instead of metal film; however, from what I've read, this should'nt hurt quality much.

10 495-1175-ND CAP .0015UF 250V METAL POLY 0 0.13300/ $1.33 total
PSU C9, C10
These are the 1.5 nf caps used in the PSU snubber. 10 ordered due to minimum order restriction.

2 23J1R0E-ND RESISTOR WIREWOUND 1.0 OHM 3W 0 1.28000 /$2.56 total
R3, R4 on PSU
These are the 2 1 ohm resistors used in the PSU's “smoothing” section.

5 PPC15.0KXCT-ND RES 15.0K OHM METAL FILM .50W 1% 0.19400/ $0.97total
R1 on amp
These are the 15k resistors on the input to the circuit.


5 PPC100BCT-ND RES 100 OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0.43400 /$2.17 total
R2 on amp
These are the 100 ohm resistors

5 PPC2.0KW-1CT-ND RES 2.0K OHM METAL FILM 1W 5% 0.34800 $1.74
R3 on amp
These are the 2k resistors in the circuit.

4 495-1135-ND CAP .0033UF 100V METAL POLY 0 0.17000 $0.68
These are the 3.3 NF snubber capacitors
C7, C8 on amp

2 495-1172-ND CAP 2.2UF 100V METAL POLY 0 1.16000 $2.32
C1 on amp
These are the input capacitors

2 495-1173-ND CAP 3.3UF 100V METAL POLY 0 1.61000 $3.22
C6 on amp
These are the 3.3 uf capacitors on the amp. (Feedback?)



5 PPC10KBCT-ND RES 10K OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0 0.43400 $2.17
RM on amp.
I'm not quite sure what these do.

4 P10333-ND CAP 1000UF 50V ELECT FC RADIAL 0 1.75000 $7.00
C2, C4 on amp
These are the power capacitors on the amp.

2 338-1065-ND CAP 300PF 500V MICA RADIAL 0 2.00000 $4.00
Cs on amp
These are the 300pf capacitors on the amp.

5 BC2.7W-1CT-ND RES 2.7 OHM METAL FILM 1W 5% 0 0.16000 $0.80
Rz on amp
These are the Zobel network resistors.

4 LVRA-.10CT-ND RES .10 OHM 1% 1W METAL STRIP 0 1.26000 $5.04
R4, R5 on amp
These are the snubber resistors. They're metal oxide film by necessity; 1w metal film resistors cost 4$ each, and must be bought in groups of 10! I don't know what these will do to sound quality.

Subtotal: $38.48 + shipping.

To order from Apexjr:
2x LM3886T's, 3.95 each. Also request insulators; he'll likely give you some for free with a good-sized order.

10,000 uf 63v x8, 12$. (C3, C4, C5, C6 in PSU).
These are the big power capacitors.
Signal BL1752 x2 7.95
These are some inexpensive power transformers. (They also have some nice toroids; 2 of the $17.50 toroids at 100VA each should make for a nice monoblock setup.) 2 are needed; tie the center leads together for the ground to form a 24-0-24 transformer.

IEC receptacle with 6 amp filter 2$
This is a place to put in a power cable. It's also got a filter, for what it's worth.

Gold plated RCA jacks A 2$
Input!

2x Dual binding posts B 2$
Output!
Total from ApexJR:
42$

Not included from either location:
MUR680 diodes x8. Expect to pay 10$ for the lot.
These are the power diodes. Digikey no longer carries them; you'll have to find them somewhere else. Alternately, use a bridge rectifier.


Expected total cost:
100$, incl. shipping. Does not include case; I'd just find something interesting and broken (a toaster?) and use it instead.

Next up:
The parts for the BrianGT psu (much cheaper!) and Chill Amp amplifier.
 
The Annotated Chipamp.Com PSU:

5 BC2.2KW-2CT-ND RES 2.2K OHM METAL FILM 2W 5% 0.32000/ $1.60 total
These are the 2.2k “bleeder” resistors in the Chipamp.com circuit. 4 are actually needed, one is extra.

4 495-1617-ND CAP 0.1UF 275VAC EMI SUPPRESSN 0.29000/$1.16 total
These are the 100nf capacitors (MKT polyester film) used in the snubber and bypass capacitors.

2 23J1R0E-ND RESISTOR WIREWOUND 1.0 OHM 3W 0 1.28000 /$2.56 total
This is the 1 ohm resistor used in the snubber.

Subtotal: $5.32 + an additional 5$ handling fee for all orders under 25$ + shipping.
NOTE:
For an additional 13$, 2x Panasonic TS 10,000uf 50v capacitors (part # P6473-ND) from Digikey can be added in place of the capacitors from ApexJr. Wether you'll notice the difference, I can't say.

From ApexJr:
2x 10,000 uf 63v Nichicon capacitors, $1.50 each, 3$ total.

EC receptacle with 6 amp filter 2$
This is a place to put in a power cable. It's also got a filter, for what it's worth.

Subtotal: 5$

From neither place (again):
Diode bridges of your choice, est. 8$. ApexJR has some nice bridges for $2.50, but these might not sound as good according to some. MUR860's reccomended.

Total:
$20.32 using ApexJR parts
$28.32 using Digikey parts.

Actual “chill amp”:
Note: Parts are for TWO amps, not one. However, only one diode bridge is included below. (Just order more MUR860's if you want two, increasing the price about 11$)
4 P10315-ND CAP 4.7UF 50V ELECT FC RADIAL 0.27000/ $1.08
These are the 4.7uf electrolytics. They're Panasonic low-inductance TF's instead of the Black Gates.

5 BC2.7W-1CT-ND RES 2.7 OHM METAL FILM 1W 5% 0.16000/ $0.80
These are the 2.7k resistors. They're made by BC, and should be good enough.

4 P10333-ND CAP 1000UF 50V ELECT FC RADIAL 1.75000/ $7.00
These are the 10000uf 50v electrolytic FC capacitors, as per the original.

5 PPC22KW-1CT-ND RES 22K OHM METAL FILM 1W 5% 0.34800/ $1.74
Phoenix Components 22k resistors. I believe that Chipamp.com's kits use these.


5 PPC680BCT-ND RES 680 OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0.43400/ $2.17
These are the 680 ohm resistors. Yet more Phoenix.

2 LM3875TF-ND IC AMP AUDIO PWR HP 56W TO220-11 0 0 6.18000/ $12.36
These are the LM3875TF amplifiers.
Subtotal: $25.15


From ApexJR:
2x Signal BL1752 x2 7.95/15.90 total
+10$ shipping.

Possible replacement parts from ApexJr:

4x 4.7uf 400v Metallized Polypropylene caps
I'd like to try these in place of the 4.7uf Panasonic electrolytics. 1$ each, 4$ total.

4x 1000 Mfd 100V Electrolytic Panasonic $0.45, $1.80 total.
A possible replacement for the Panasonic TF's, but much cheaper!
(Am calling today to find out about this.)

From Newark InOne.
8x MUR860's, at $1.36 ea., $10.88
http://www.newark.com/NewarkWebComm...l.jsp?SKU=08F2145&CMP=AFC-CC3763909474&QText=

Grand total cost, incl. transformers (but not shipping):
$51.93 +potentiometer/attenuator+shipping.

NOTE:
Potentiometer is not included in this price. I'm calling the guy who runs ApexJR today to ask about one.

By replacing a few of the parts, it could be dropped as low as 40$!

I think I may be ordering one of these, instead.
 
Oops!
That's the Rev1, not the Rev2.
In the Chill-Amp II, add two more .1UF capacitors.
Also, he seems to be using either a .22uf or a 22uf capacitor; I can't tell. In the schematic, it's labeled 22uf; in the instructions, .22.
http://jwg.student.utwente.nl/fedde/chill-amp2.html

Will a single 4.7uf polypropylene do the job? The ones at ApexJR look pretty good, and they're cheap.
Also, can this design be improved by adding a snubber to the PSU? Or perhaps some power filtering caps? (2x10,000uf?)

Also, can anyone reccomend an inexpensive potentiometer/attenuator? Digital's good, especially if it's simple.
 
First:
Cheap MUR860's!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Power-Rectifier...oryZ7287QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
They're 8$ (3$ shipping) per group of 15.

Secondly,
I'm still looking for a stepped attenuator or high-quality pot; they're really, really expensive, as a rule of thumb. Also, the 22uf input capacitor, an "Elna Silmic" at 22uf, is supposed to help the sound quality a bit; I'd like to see how much they cost. (Hopefully, not more than a few dollars.)

Third,
by adding 2 12,000 uf caps and a snubber on the PCB directly, could I further improve sound quality?
 
Good work Joseph. I will try to stick that on www.substitutereality.co.uk tonight. My problem is I'm trying to force myself to learn by not including anything on there I don't understand myself, and to include any information I have to look up to get an understanding. To post your list I'm going to have to read up on CarlosFM's design which looks like a big chunk to bite off!

That, and the fact I've been reminded I'm taking the missis to the theatre tonight, means another late one for me!
 
I just want to give feedback on the cap swap I did... lemme just say they are worth five times what I paid for it in terms of sound...
I can tell these from my old caps in a blind test with one ear tied behind my back... I have allready ordered more... they are from RS components and manufactured in the UK by Ampohm, look under polystyrene capacitors if you are interested.

I can't wait for my wife to come home and hear it. Its better than ever and bass has become something you "hear" with your chest more than your ears through the little vibrations.
 
To mods:
This thread needs a change of name, and possibly a sticky.

My part order(s) for a ChillAmp w/CarlosFM PSU:

1 5 PPC680CCT-ND RES 680 OHM 1W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0 0.49000 $2.45
2 5 PPC22KW-1CT-ND RES 22K OHM METAL FILM 1W 5% 0 0.34800 $1.74
3 5 PPC1.00KXCT-ND RES 1.00K OHM METAL FILM .50W 1% 0 0.19400 $0.97
4 8 BC2054-ND CAP FILM MKP .1UF 63VDC 2% 0 0.62000 $4.96
5 4 23J1R0E-ND RESISTOR WIREWOUND 1.0 OHM 3W 0 1.28000 $5.12
6 5 PPC22KW-2CT-ND RES 22K OHM METAL FILM 2W 5% 0 0.60400 $3.02
7 5 PPC.47ACT-ND RES .47 OHM .33W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0 0.68200 $3.41
8 2 495-1316-ND CAP .0015UF 630V METAL POLYPRO 0 0.33000 $0.66
9 2 495-1316-ND CAP .0015UF 630V METAL POLYPRO 0 0.33000 $0.66
10 8 P10323-ND CAP 100UF 50V ELECT FC RADIAL 0 0.44000 $3.52
11 5 BC2.7W-1CT-ND RES 2.7 OHM METAL FILM 1W 5% 0 0.16000 $0.80
Subtotal $27.31
Handling $0.00
(Est. 5$ shipping)
I'll annotate this stuff later, but these are the parts for four Chill-Amps; a stereo pair for me, and a stereo pair for my girlfriend. (Lucky me!)

From ApexJr:
4x Signal transformers as spec'd above, 32$
8x 10,000uf 63v caps, 12$
4x 4700uf 50v caps, 6$

From random person on Internet:
30x MUR860's, 19$ incl. shipping
Total cost per:
52$ each. (Possibly reduced later.)

I still need input pots and input caps, though.
 
Oy, what a day. (Note: I'm still reeling from getting my wisdom teeth removed. Pain, pain, and more pain.)
The above list does not include LM3886TF's. (Each is about 6$ at Digikey).
However, I intend to get mine as samples. (I've got a corporate e-mail account, and I do technically run a company, if a small one.)
 
Status
This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.