I'm in the process of hooking up my ICEpower 250 module I'm using for my latest build. I was successful in testing a single channel this morning without any majic smoke. 🙂 However, I am curious what pin 4 is used for on the signal connector labeled; Monitor, Unbalanced attenuated output signal. I am using RCA connectors in an unbalanced configuration and simply used the while and black leads of the coax cable. Everything worked fine in my test without pin 4 connected to anything. Is pin 4 used with an unbalanced config in some way?
Thx,
Rick
Thx,
Rick
It's just a signal output; if you're simply using the module as a basic power amp you probably have no use for it.
I've now got a wicked hum when no input is connected to the amp, that I did not catch during testing due to the startup/shutdown delay.
I believe it involves pin 3 shown in the image below. I've got pin 5 (Vi+) going to the hot side of my RCA jack, and pin 6 (Vi-) going to the ground side. I now think this is incorrect unless I was using balanced inputs, which I'm not. Pin 3 labeled AGND happens to be the braided sheath on the coax cable going to the RCA jacks. This is connected to nothing. In this case, is my hum is coming from an incomplete circuit, or because I'm using both Vi+ and Vi- improperly? And the braid needs to attach to my RCA ground side. Correct? If using unbalanced inputs I do not need to use Vi- correct?
Just wanted to run this by the forum before I go making changes, since I just got everything into the case. The wiring table is right out of the ICE Power documentation for the modules I'm using.
Rick
I believe it involves pin 3 shown in the image below. I've got pin 5 (Vi+) going to the hot side of my RCA jack, and pin 6 (Vi-) going to the ground side. I now think this is incorrect unless I was using balanced inputs, which I'm not. Pin 3 labeled AGND happens to be the braided sheath on the coax cable going to the RCA jacks. This is connected to nothing. In this case, is my hum is coming from an incomplete circuit, or because I'm using both Vi+ and Vi- improperly? And the braid needs to attach to my RCA ground side. Correct? If using unbalanced inputs I do not need to use Vi- correct?
Just wanted to run this by the forum before I go making changes, since I just got everything into the case. The wiring table is right out of the ICE Power documentation for the modules I'm using.
Rick
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By disconnecting Vi- and connecting the shield to ground seems to have eliminated the hum. Where should Vi- from the amp be connected now? Anywhere, or just leave it disconnected? Sounds pretty good now. 🙂
Rick
Rick
Hey thanks Nisbeth. After looking at a few diagrams and reading a bit more on it I came to that conclusion too. I haven't finalized the soldering yet, but will make sure I connect Vi- to AGND.
Rick
Connected Vi- to signal GND and that cleared up all the hum. The amp is sounding great and I have no hum issues even if you short the inputs. Just what I 'didn't' want to hear! Anyway, I'm waiting now for my face plate to be engraved, so once that gets back I'll finish installing the switch and put it into service.
Rick
My ICEpower amp Build
Hello all,
Here are some pics of my latest amp build. Ever since I got my first Pioneer Elite HT receiver a few years ago, I have been taken with the sound of class D and in particular the silky smooth sound of the ICEpower modules - or at least the way Pioneer has implemented them. Last winter I purchased a couple of the ICE power 250A modules as the foundation of my own class D ICE power amp. The 250A modules come complete with hook-up cables (used for factory testing), but the harnesses can then also be used in the build. Very convenient.
As can be seen in the pictures below, the modules are small enough, and include a solid aluminum slug as a heat sink. The design of the modules forces you to use the slug as the mounting source, as there are no mounting holes in the PCB - which is very dense with SMDs and other components. I built an S shaped bracket from aluminum angle which is secured to the bottom of my case. This supports the modules nicely and provides a convenient way to sink the heat away and onto the chassis bottom plate. However, with casual listening I doubt heat will ever become an issue unless I push the amp to extreme volumes for long periods of time.
These ICEpower modules require a single-ended +48VDC for the rail voltage and +-12VDC for the opamps. I selected an appropriate SMPS from Connexelectronics and a simple 12 regulated PSU for the +-12 Voltage. All stuffed comfortably 🙂 into a nice aluminum chassis. As with most of my builds, my uber methodical nature generally leads to a lengthly project. And this one was no different. (Actually, I had about 3 different projects going over the winter months.)
I haven't had a lot of time for critical listening yet, but with the casual listening I've done during the break-in period has not disappointed. (I'm having too much fun with my new gainclone [LM4780] amp. 🙂 ) But it's also not as nice sounding as my Elite receiver either. But that's not a fair comparison. I think for a lot of people - you either love or hate class D. I'm in the love camp, but I also have and listen to class A/B amps as well.
Enjoy.
Hello all,
Here are some pics of my latest amp build. Ever since I got my first Pioneer Elite HT receiver a few years ago, I have been taken with the sound of class D and in particular the silky smooth sound of the ICEpower modules - or at least the way Pioneer has implemented them. Last winter I purchased a couple of the ICE power 250A modules as the foundation of my own class D ICE power amp. The 250A modules come complete with hook-up cables (used for factory testing), but the harnesses can then also be used in the build. Very convenient.
As can be seen in the pictures below, the modules are small enough, and include a solid aluminum slug as a heat sink. The design of the modules forces you to use the slug as the mounting source, as there are no mounting holes in the PCB - which is very dense with SMDs and other components. I built an S shaped bracket from aluminum angle which is secured to the bottom of my case. This supports the modules nicely and provides a convenient way to sink the heat away and onto the chassis bottom plate. However, with casual listening I doubt heat will ever become an issue unless I push the amp to extreme volumes for long periods of time.
These ICEpower modules require a single-ended +48VDC for the rail voltage and +-12VDC for the opamps. I selected an appropriate SMPS from Connexelectronics and a simple 12 regulated PSU for the +-12 Voltage. All stuffed comfortably 🙂 into a nice aluminum chassis. As with most of my builds, my uber methodical nature generally leads to a lengthly project. And this one was no different. (Actually, I had about 3 different projects going over the winter months.)
I haven't had a lot of time for critical listening yet, but with the casual listening I've done during the break-in period has not disappointed. (I'm having too much fun with my new gainclone [LM4780] amp. 🙂 ) But it's also not as nice sounding as my Elite receiver either. But that's not a fair comparison. I think for a lot of people - you either love or hate class D. I'm in the love camp, but I also have and listen to class A/B amps as well.
Enjoy.
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