I'm starting to plan out my F5m build and I noticed the power button on the back panel for cases. It seems the button should be on the front since it would be more difficult to reach behind the rack mount to power up the 2 amps. ( I'm considering a Deluxe 4U Aluminum as my case ) Has anyone done a button on the front panel like ACA? I imagine cutting/drilling a clean hole will be an issue for DIY. I was envisioning an illuminated push button on the front panel.
There are a great number of solutions for front panel switches. For what you describe, you may consider checking out the H9KPXG along with a typical "anti-vandal" switch.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...ains-relay-includes-soft-start-h9kpxg.354971/
I don't want to presume your ability, but it may be worth saying that it's generally a good idea to get the basic amplifier up and working properly before adding additional / extra circuits.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...ains-relay-includes-soft-start-h9kpxg.354971/
I don't want to presume your ability, but it may be worth saying that it's generally a good idea to get the basic amplifier up and working properly before adding additional / extra circuits.
Thanks, that is exactly what I had envisioned. It's my first amp build so I'll hold-off on add-ons until it's working.
I ordered twi F5m kits w/2 power PCBs, and also plan on using a 'Deluxe 4U Aluminum' case with all the stuff that comes with that kit. I see the RCA/Speaker/Switch/Fuse kit is sold out. Any suggestions on where I can get those parts or a kit?
I plan on getting 2 transformers next.
Is there anything else I should order to get going?
I ordered twi F5m kits w/2 power PCBs, and also plan on using a 'Deluxe 4U Aluminum' case with all the stuff that comes with that kit. I see the RCA/Speaker/Switch/Fuse kit is sold out. Any suggestions on where I can get those parts or a kit?
I plan on getting 2 transformers next.
Is there anything else I should order to get going?
The list of parts for the back panel kit is posted, but here's what I can generally remember.
M3 standoffs (5mm with 3mm thread depth)
M3 x 5mm screws
M3 x 10mm screws
M3 washers
(not in kit, but get some) M3 split washers
M3 fender washers
Black M3 x 8mm machine screws (for mounting inputs / PEM)
M3 Keps nuts
PEM (Can't remember exact one, but it's been posted)
Neutrik D-type mount RCAs.
You'll need a few other things... like wire and tools etc. Check out the AJzm build guide. Separate from the actual amplifier boards and your power supply, it shows pretty much everything you'd need.
M3 standoffs (5mm with 3mm thread depth)
M3 x 5mm screws
M3 x 10mm screws
M3 washers
(not in kit, but get some) M3 split washers
M3 fender washers
Black M3 x 8mm machine screws (for mounting inputs / PEM)
M3 Keps nuts
PEM (Can't remember exact one, but it's been posted)
Neutrik D-type mount RCAs.
You'll need a few other things... like wire and tools etc. Check out the AJzm build guide. Separate from the actual amplifier boards and your power supply, it shows pretty much everything you'd need.
These are some of the parts I ordered
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/693-4304.6090
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/568-NF2D-B-2
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/568-NF2D-B-9
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/568-NC3FD-LX-M3-B (M3 threaded, shouldn't need nuts to hold it in)
I also got 6-8mm stainless steel standoffs with a 4mm M3 thread which fit perfectly. The 6mm ones I have are too long.
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/693-4304.6090
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/568-NF2D-B-2
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/568-NF2D-B-9
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/568-NC3FD-LX-M3-B (M3 threaded, shouldn't need nuts to hold it in)
I also got 6-8mm stainless steel standoffs with a 4mm M3 thread which fit perfectly. The 6mm ones I have are too long.
I got my amp lettered up! Here, look!
I wanted to do something non-permanent, so this is a vinyl transfer sticker. I used the free font "Abnes" and made up the text and sent it to Sticker Mule for a transfer sticker in black vinyl. It was about $20 (small qty, what can ya do). I shoved the text 4x into the standard sized sticker template, so if this holds up I'll prob give away the other 3 at Burning Amp.
Woot! I am pleased!
I wanted to do something non-permanent, so this is a vinyl transfer sticker. I used the free font "Abnes" and made up the text and sent it to Sticker Mule for a transfer sticker in black vinyl. It was about $20 (small qty, what can ya do). I shoved the text 4x into the standard sized sticker template, so if this holds up I'll prob give away the other 3 at Burning Amp.
Woot! I am pleased!
Drilling a hole for a switch is not difficult. I have done that with my amplifiers.
First cover the front panel with masking tape, then measure and mark the location. Next, use a centre punch and punch a dimple at the hole location. Make the dimple deep enough so that a drill bit will not slide out of the dimple. Then drill a pilot hole with a small diameter drill bit, say 3/16". Finally, drill the final sized hole with a stepped drill bit. If the front panel is very thick, it may need to be drilled from both sides.
As always, measure twice, and then check again before centre punching. Also work slowly and carefully.
Attachments
Fancy-pants aluminum cases with big heat sinks love a thick front panel. Mine was 1 cm thick, which was too much for the switch I had. I used a hand router with a straight / square cutting bit to remove ~3 mm of material around the hole on the back so I could get the retaining nut on the switch.
Aluminum isn't too hard to work, you can do it with wood tools usually just go slow. It's easy to mar the finish on it, so be careful of that. I use some WD40 for cutting fluid when drilling stuff. Do you have a drill press? I would hesitate to try to do it by hand.
A steel project case is another story tho!
I think I am in exactly the spot that you are in, first First Watt build after only doing the Amp Camp, I also have the dual power supply and just got two 300va 18v transformers and got some great 3D printed transformer seats from a member hear "Birdbox" he is super helpful!
