Grr I think I'm killing my own project

[pjpoes]

Well I really need to slow down. Work has increased my stress and work load some, and I only had about an hour I could devote to my amplifier project today. I haven't been able to touch it in a few days while I was waiting on parts. I hooked up the amplifier and power supply in a sort of test rig and took another big step backward. I used orange and white wire for my power leads, and accidentally reversed the colors when I wired the power supply compared to the amp. When I matched my colors, I didn't make sure that the colors matched the polarity and sure enough I blew an amplifier an amazing fireworks display. The module is now in need of complete rebuilding, so I'm down to two modules. I can't believe I did that, it will probably take another two or more hours and 50 dollars in parts just to fix that module.

On a good note, I did finaly fix everything wrong with the power supply and get it going again. I hooked up another module and now was able to listen to the amp through a test speaker. First thing I noticed was that the amp has to run under load for a minute or two before the background gets quiet enough, but once going its near silent. Not completely, but I don't have a good ground scheme in this test setup, nor are all the wires twisted right, or seperated well from power wires. Once that is done, I think there will be a drastic difference. I'm also only using one bridge rectifier in the test power supply and the final design will use two. Other than the screw ups, I'm happy with the results so far, and feel it will be a very nice amp when done. Here are some test pics, I wouldn't call them progress though.

[sandyK]

You must be even more impatient than I am !
Don't try to rush things so much. By the time you order/pickup and replace the parts , you could have done it properly. I know this from similar experiences . Never work on it when you are tired either.
BTW, did you have a couple of PW5 resistors across the fuse holders in the amplifier module?

SandyK

[pjpoes]

no, is that to drain the caps? I am using a lightbulb until my resistors come.

[sandyK]

No, the resistors are often put there during initial setup, before bias is adjusted. They give some protection to the more expensive O/P devices, but wouldn't have helped the capacitors and some of the small signal devices as much in this case. Do your modules have provision for fuses ?
If not put a couple between the supply electros and the module.
You could initially try something like 100 ohm PW5s and check that the voltage drop across them is fairly low. Obviously , if they get pretty hot quickly, turn the power off in a hurry.

SandyK