Thanks.
they are a lot cheaper than tentlabs.
@weust for input Ian Canada MK2 dac, check the link Why.
https://www.tentlabs.com/Components/cdupgrade/shunt/index.html
So no real use for a transport only streamer, I f I read it correctly?
Mine will be a I2S transport only.
Mine will be a I2S transport only.
During the weekend I was able to install the ProtoDAC on my Ian Canada streamer.
My friend, @Chris1967, who is more experienced than me with the soldering iron, did all the soldering of the UFL cables on the ProtoDAC board, as per @Gabster 2000 instructions, taking care that we followed the correct order.
The ProtoDAC was powered from the 5V UCconditioner, which also powering the clean side of the StationPi Pro. Initially thin, single thread cable was used for that.
Unfortunately my streamer box was already full and I could not find any free space for the ProtoDAC. So I placed it on top of a plastic sheet, as you can see below.
The first test of the streamer + DAC on Chris' desktop headphone system was immediately successful, i.e. sound was coming out of ProtoDAC. So, we decided to connect it to his main system, to have a better listen to the ProtoDAC sound quality.
Although the ProtoDAC was brand new and was not burned in at all, the sound was pretty good right off the bat. Of course it was not at the same level compared to Chris' ROCKNA Dac, but the ProtoDAC gradually improved even during the first 30 mins of listening. The sound was natural, smooth and without digital artefacts. If I had to nitpick, the detail could still be improved, and the soundstage was not as three dimensional as desired.
I guess the ProtoDAC may still improve, as it gets burned in.
@Gabster 2000 was right about the value for money of the ProtoDAC. Also, many thanks to Mark (@hifiamps) for designing such a great-sounding and cost-effective DAC.
When I returned home, I replaced the thin cables (white and blue) for the 5V power of the ProtoDAC with thicker, single strand cables, like the ones I've used throughout the streamer.
But I was also able to compare the ProtoDAC with my Lab12 DAC1 SE+ Dac, and the results were quite interesting...
I already have a Raspberry Pi 4B 2GB model with a HDMI Pro and FifoPi Q7 (not the new models because those of course were released less than a month after I bought mine), and the PurePi II (won't be using the PurePi II in the new build.
Via Giastras I ordered a custom toroidal transfomer with one AC6V and dual AC9V @ 3A each.
Should be arriving this week, I hope.
Other Ian Canada stuff I ordered, and already have waiting here, are:
(sorry for the capital letters, it's from my note which is a copy/paste from the Audiophonics website)
STATIONPI PRO
UCCONDITIONER PRO 3.3V
UCCONDITIONER PRO 5V (two times, for RPi and other boards)
LINEARPI MKII DUAL
LINEARPI MKII SOLO
MONITORPI PRO
Toggle Switch on PCB with cable
SC-PURE 45.1584MHz
SC-PURE 49.1520MHz
Also bought some Audiophonics Copper / Silver Wiring Cable 4mm² PTFE Sleeve Ø3.6mm Red and black wire.
Chassis will probably be a Pesante case from Modushop, after I've done measurements and test setup.
And finally I want to order a I2S cable, the Tubulus Concentus.
This will go into my Holo Audio Spring 3 Level 2 DAC.
Hi guys,
I'm finishing up my latest DAC/streamer and have a question. I'm using the new ReceiverPi DDC board along with an Amanero board for USB input. I'm assuming my Amanero board (not from Ian) is working since I can see it being identified in roon. However, it never 'enables' when configuring the endpoint in roon. I've reviewed the DDC docs, and it appears that no other switch, or jumper setting required for the Amanero board to work. I have enabled the DDC in the MonitorPi PRo. Yes, I have selected the USB input within the MonitorPi Pro setting.
Any ideas?
I'm finishing up my latest DAC/streamer and have a question. I'm using the new ReceiverPi DDC board along with an Amanero board for USB input. I'm assuming my Amanero board (not from Ian) is working since I can see it being identified in roon. However, it never 'enables' when configuring the endpoint in roon. I've reviewed the DDC docs, and it appears that no other switch, or jumper setting required for the Amanero board to work. I have enabled the DDC in the MonitorPi PRo. Yes, I have selected the USB input within the MonitorPi Pro setting.
Any ideas?
hey guys.. how much power does the fifopi ma 1.5 and q7 flagship version require? clock circuits are very low power right? I have a 30VA r-core transformer with dual 12v secondary windings.. do you think a single 12v secondary winding off that would be enough after running it through the regulator with the trimpot to adjust down to 3.3V? or should I just bite the bullet and get a nice 3.3v built power supply?
You are correct, the USB Amanero board itself is not a roon endpoint. It's just a mechanism to take digital data from a PC and process into the ReceiverPi DDC - basically converting it to an I2S data stream. This is what the ReceiverPi DDC does natively for HDMI, Coax, and Toslink data via their inputs, and processing via either an RPi or RPi-free implementation. My application is a full-featured DAC and streamer using an RPi and the MonitorPi Pro as the controller. I've used the Amanero boards in similar system builds, just not using the ReceiverPi DDC, but the StationPi Pro where it worked fine. In any event, I'm going to order Ian's newer Combo768 since I want the higher resolutions.
Answer: It works. Do you ever fell like a real retardo sometime!? It helps to start roon on the PC you want to configure the Amanero (or Combo384) in your endpoint! Dah. 🙂
Good day folks, wondering if I can get some advice here.
I am building an DIY Iancanada Streamer / Dac #92b Flagship Full function SYNC Clock mode DAC KITsiancanada.ca, which utilizes 4 packs of 2, large ultra capacitors (3v - 3000F) with UcPure Mk III Power Supplies, also by Iancanada.
https://iancanada.ca/products/41c-ucpuremkiii-ultracapacitor-power-supply?variant=47553789428012
Two of the packs are wired for +/- 5 volts. One pack wired for 5 volts and the 4th pack 3.3 volts.
I need to purchase 2 transformers to power the ucpureMKiii boards. My understanding is that these transformers need to have independent secondaries so that I can power all 4 boards with 2 transformers.
I am an electrical idiot, and don't have any idea how to calculate the power needed for the transformers, and which transformers have the necessary independent secondaries.
Is anyone willing to dumb it down for me? or simply tell me which to order?
I've watched Gabsters videos and tried to get part #s as well as follow threads here, but I don't want to make a mistake and fry my system.
I should add that I will be adding a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 to the system and an Amanero USB board. Frankly not sure if that changes the power requirements for the transformers.
I am happy to buy hospital grade transformers from Mouser or suitable transformers from Toroidy. I emailed Toroidy more than 2 months ago about what I was looking for but did not receive a reply.
This may be one possibility; Triad Magnetics from Mouser part #553-VPM24-4170 link: https://www.mouser.ca/ProductDetail/553-VPM24-4170
Appreciate your help!
Additional Info re UcPure MK iii
Specifications and Highlighted Features
I am building an DIY Iancanada Streamer / Dac #92b Flagship Full function SYNC Clock mode DAC KITsiancanada.ca, which utilizes 4 packs of 2, large ultra capacitors (3v - 3000F) with UcPure Mk III Power Supplies, also by Iancanada.
https://iancanada.ca/products/41c-ucpuremkiii-ultracapacitor-power-supply?variant=47553789428012
Two of the packs are wired for +/- 5 volts. One pack wired for 5 volts and the 4th pack 3.3 volts.
I need to purchase 2 transformers to power the ucpureMKiii boards. My understanding is that these transformers need to have independent secondaries so that I can power all 4 boards with 2 transformers.
I am an electrical idiot, and don't have any idea how to calculate the power needed for the transformers, and which transformers have the necessary independent secondaries.
Is anyone willing to dumb it down for me? or simply tell me which to order?
I've watched Gabsters videos and tried to get part #s as well as follow threads here, but I don't want to make a mistake and fry my system.
I should add that I will be adding a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 to the system and an Amanero USB board. Frankly not sure if that changes the power requirements for the transformers.
I am happy to buy hospital grade transformers from Mouser or suitable transformers from Toroidy. I emailed Toroidy more than 2 months ago about what I was looking for but did not receive a reply.
This may be one possibility; Triad Magnetics from Mouser part #553-VPM24-4170 link: https://www.mouser.ca/ProductDetail/553-VPM24-4170
Appreciate your help!
Additional Info re UcPure MK iii
Specifications and Highlighted Features
- Pure ultracapacitor power supply
- Ultracapacitors work in class A mode with current going only in one direction.
- Output can be configured to 3.3V , 5V ( and 15V)
- Has both switched and continuous (great for clock oscillators) outputs
- Outputs are 100% isolated from charger, input and other circuit when it is turned on at pure mode
- Has built in on/off control switch (on board or external)
- Has an isolated on/off control management chain that can be set up in a group of power supplies.
- Optical isolators are used for all internal operating logics.
- Can use 9V to 20V DC input for 3.3V/5V configuration and 18V 20V DC input for 15V configuration.
AC 9V 12V input is also possible for 3.3V/5V configuration (My emphasis) - Pre Charging current has 3 A (default) and 1.5A two settings to be suitable for different input power supplies.
- Built in protection scheme to prevent ultracapacitor from exhausted and low output voltage
- Dynamic output current: up to 1000A (d ecided by the ultracapacitors
- Output ESR: Less than 0.5 8 mOhm (3.3V or 5V configuration, decided by the ultracapa citors)
- Output noise: Decided only by the ultracapacitors
- Heavy duty design for 24/7 operation
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Hi @Gsabest
When powering the UcPure with an AC transformer Ian recommend setting the UcPure charge current to the lower setting at 1.5A. This is done at solder joints at the back of the PCB. Look at the manual for further instructions.
Then you know how much current your transformer must deliver. Just always have some headroom and Ian recommend doubling that or close to.
So you would need a transformer that can deliver ~3A at each rail of the secondaries windings.
So two transformer with 2x9V at 50 VA would be an excellent choice to power 4 x UcPure. Each transformer would deliver 2 x 2.78 A. 50VA ~ 50watt.
You can always go with a bigger transformer. They usually come in 50 VA, 60VA, 80VA and 100VA sizes.
When powering the UcPure with an AC transformer Ian recommend setting the UcPure charge current to the lower setting at 1.5A. This is done at solder joints at the back of the PCB. Look at the manual for further instructions.
Then you know how much current your transformer must deliver. Just always have some headroom and Ian recommend doubling that or close to.
So you would need a transformer that can deliver ~3A at each rail of the secondaries windings.
So two transformer with 2x9V at 50 VA would be an excellent choice to power 4 x UcPure. Each transformer would deliver 2 x 2.78 A. 50VA ~ 50watt.
You can always go with a bigger transformer. They usually come in 50 VA, 60VA, 80VA and 100VA sizes.
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@Gsabest
The 100va Dual output works great I do not recommend a 50 VA unless it is a single output but then you will need a lot of transformers
I have 1, 50Va dual output and hate it it is too slow.
I keep my UcPures on the Default 3A with no issues that transformer is rated at 4A per output so great margin
I think the main things is your safety layers
1) 3 to 4A fuse on each low voltage AC line
2) A main Fuse for your Transformers High Voltage line
3) Grounding the Transformers (if using the medical grade ones They have a green Ground lead)
4) Grounding the Case
5) Using non flammable wiring
6) Short leads large AWG wire from UCpure output
7) Do not short Fuse on UCPure
8) Soft start if using a switch or Relay to start the Transformers
9) Secure all UCs to the case
10) make sure to use cover screws on the UCs
11) Make sure Transformers are wired correctly for 120, 240 100 .... as a wrong wiring can cause the transformers to heat and burn check the Temperature of the transformers it can easily happen.
12) Cover all high voltage wires and terminals NONE should be exposed.
This is a partial list Have fun and play safe
Gaby
The 100va Dual output works great I do not recommend a 50 VA unless it is a single output but then you will need a lot of transformers
I have 1, 50Va dual output and hate it it is too slow.
I keep my UcPures on the Default 3A with no issues that transformer is rated at 4A per output so great margin
I think the main things is your safety layers
1) 3 to 4A fuse on each low voltage AC line
2) A main Fuse for your Transformers High Voltage line
3) Grounding the Transformers (if using the medical grade ones They have a green Ground lead)
4) Grounding the Case
5) Using non flammable wiring
6) Short leads large AWG wire from UCpure output
7) Do not short Fuse on UCPure
8) Soft start if using a switch or Relay to start the Transformers
9) Secure all UCs to the case
10) make sure to use cover screws on the UCs
11) Make sure Transformers are wired correctly for 120, 240 100 .... as a wrong wiring can cause the transformers to heat and burn check the Temperature of the transformers it can easily happen.
12) Cover all high voltage wires and terminals NONE should be exposed.
This is a partial list Have fun and play safe
Gaby
good morning. i need help! can someone help me figure out how i should solder the lundahl 1544a transformers on the iv board from Ian Canada.!? i cant figure out the schematic! can you help me.!? if you have any pics too. maybe someone has done it already! i hope someone can help me out
Hi all,
Late to this party and trying my best to catch up reading all the 600+ pages.
Hi Gabster, I am using a gen 1 Terminator and when I build the Ian’s streamer feeding i2s I notice the same like u that the T is reclocking the i2s that’s why min improvement. I try other singxer dac and Ian streamer push the dac another level.
My opinion is yes, T will reclock all input. But depends on what your original streamer quality is. If it’s feeding the T with like 70-80% good signal and now with Ian’s streamer u feeding with 90% good signal. It still good. No FIFO can recreate perfect signal from a bad input. What’s lost is lost. T is just reclocking a better signal. If u already using a good streamer of course the limit is down to the clock in T too. I feel Ian’s streamer fifo+ SCPure is much better than T’s FIFO and clock.
So I have pursue to change the Terminator crystek 975 to SC Pure just for fun. Project in progress but encounter some issue. My Terminator 1 Crystek 975 is running 6.06V supply not sure why and it’s been working past 4-5yrs. I triple confirm this and finally got Alvin’s help to open his demo Terminator and measure on his set to be the same. Ian told me some manufacturer overdrive the clock to get better performance. So I struggled and managed to modified the onboard shunt regulator and lower the voltage to 3.4V. And waiting for my second pair of SC Pure and will put in and try once I am free.
Have fun
Ck
For my knowledge what is the function of shunt regulators? And how to use them?
Thanks.
