Zen with lower voltage?

DorcyDuck · 18th April 2004, 09:46 PM

Hi,

I'm intending to build a "normal" Zen (i.e, no variation). However, the trouble begins even before I've touched anything: it seems rather difficult to get a 24 V transformator.
As I don't really need any particular amount of power, I assume I'd be fine with 18 V, which is what I can get. However, do I need to make any adjustments to the circuit, and if so, which?

Thanks everyone!

Jan

till · 18th April 2004, 10:09 PM

http://www.schuro.de/preisl-se-rkt-2.htm

joensd · 18th April 2004, 10:40 PM

Schuro is certainly a nice-priced "audio parts" shop.
Remember you could also take a transformer with two 12VAC secondaries which you can also get at Reichelt.
Reichelt has got very good prices as well but doesn´t stock the usual parts you need for your diy-projects (like bigger heatsinks or good quality pots).

Using a lower voltage transformer is of course an option as well if you don´t need the full output power.

Nelson Pass · 18th April 2004, 11:29 PM

I have built Zens with 25 VDC (18 VAC) that worked fine,
but you have to accept the lower power. At the same time,
you can use more bias current.

azira · 19th April 2004, 04:24 AM

My zen runs on a 24VDC transformer no problem. Works pretty well I think. No parts need to be changed either I think. I didn't follow the parts on the schematic exactly, however, I used bias resistor/pot combination that I could find onhand.
--
Danny

DorcyDuck · 19th April 2004, 06:43 PM

Thanks to everyone who's replied! I'd like to answer each one, though I don't know how to deal witht his forum software. Hence I'll do it the pedestrian way.

till: I'd rather not buy from another supplier as that means postage again. Yes, I am cheap - or poor, depends on the definition of either.

joesd: I thought of using the 2 x 12 V transformer - I'd have to put the two taps in series, right?

Nelson: are any changes necessary to run it with 25 VDC?

Jan

paulb · 19th April 2004, 07:05 PM

I think Nelson means that you can run it as-is from 25VDC, but you can also raise the bias current for the same transistor heat dissipation because you're running from a lower voltage.
The Zen's not fussy, go for it.

DorcyDuck · 19th April 2004, 07:27 PM

Hi paulb,
thanks for the clarification!

Jan

azira · 20th April 2004, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by paulb
I think Nelson means that you can run it as-is from 25VDC, but you can also raise the bias current for the same transistor heat dissipation because you're running from a lower voltage.
The Zen's not fussy, go for it.

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that I changed any of the parts so that I could run it at a lower voltage. Virtually none of the parts (except the bias resistor) values are critical so I used what was onhand. You could do the same actually..

DorcyDuck · 20th April 2004, 05:02 PM

Thanks again for the clarification.

I've just ordered the parts for a 2*12=24V system. Is it common/advisable/desired to put up info on how I progress as well as pictures?

Jan

18th April 2004, 09:46 PM	#1
DorcyDuck diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Hamburg	Zen with lower voltage? Hi, I'm intending to build a "normal" Zen (i.e, no variation). However, the trouble begins even before I've touched anything: it seems rather difficult to get a 24 V transformator. As I don't really need any particular amount of power, I assume I'd be fine with 18 V, which is what I can get. However, do I need to make any adjustments to the circuit, and if so, which? Thanks everyone! Jan

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
GM70 Lower Voltage PP Question	Mush	Tubes / Valves	3	3rd March 2010 11:36 PM
How to lower mains voltage using resistors	johnm	Tubes / Valves	14	13th June 2008 07:41 PM
Lower voltage LM386?	DonFlamenco	Chip Amps	1	6th September 2006 10:56 PM
Should I use high voltage value zeners or multiple lower voltage zeners in series?	jarthel	Parts	7	30th May 2006 04:56 PM
How to lower supply voltage	avenger	Chip Amps	18	24th November 2003 07:20 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

18th April 2004, 10:09 PM	#2
till Banned Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Germany, Clausthal	http://www.schuro.de/preisl-se-rkt-2.htm

18th April 2004, 10:40 PM	#3
joensd diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Germany	Schuro is certainly a nice-priced "audio parts" shop. Remember you could also take a transformer with two 12VAC secondaries which you can also get at Reichelt. Reichelt has got very good prices as well but doesn´t stock the usual parts you need for your diy-projects (like bigger heatsinks or good quality pots). Using a lower voltage transformer is of course an option as well if you don´t need the full output power.

18th April 2004, 11:29 PM	#4
Nelson Pass The one and only Join Date: Mar 2001	I have built Zens with 25 VDC (18 VAC) that worked fine, but you have to accept the lower power. At the same time, you can use more bias current.

19th April 2004, 04:24 AM	#5
azira diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Near Seattle	My zen runs on a 24VDC transformer no problem. Works pretty well I think. No parts need to be changed either I think. I didn't follow the parts on the schematic exactly, however, I used bias resistor/pot combination that I could find onhand. -- Danny

19th April 2004, 06:43 PM	#6
DorcyDuck diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Hamburg	Thanks to everyone who's replied! I'd like to answer each one, though I don't know how to deal witht his forum software. Hence I'll do it the pedestrian way. till: I'd rather not buy from another supplier as that means postage again. Yes, I am cheap - or poor, depends on the definition of either. joesd: I thought of using the 2 x 12 V transformer - I'd have to put the two taps in series, right? Nelson: are any changes necessary to run it with 25 VDC? Jan

19th April 2004, 07:05 PM	#7
paulb diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Calgary	I think Nelson means that you can run it as-is from 25VDC, but you can also raise the bias current for the same transistor heat dissipation because you're running from a lower voltage. The Zen's not fussy, go for it.

19th April 2004, 07:27 PM	#8
DorcyDuck diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Hamburg	Hi paulb, thanks for the clarification! Jan

20th April 2004, 05:02 PM	#10
DorcyDuck diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Hamburg	Thanks again for the clarification. I've just ordered the parts for a 2*12=24V system. Is it common/advisable/desired to put up info on how I progress as well as pictures? Jan

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)