how to proceed

[trifidmaster]

After a ~long~ pause I have built one channel, powered it up, sound comes out, so far so good. I have just followed the instrustion and measured a few points/voltages.

For the test I have used a aluminum plate: 200 mm x 130 mm x 7 mm.
The 3 FETs are attached to it it with micas and paste.

Temperature of the plate: 80 C.

Is this normal?

trif.

 

[Blues]

If you check the Zv4 gallery at PassDiy and read through the construction description you'll see how big the heatsinks you'll need. Keep the HS temp at 50-60 C for longer mosfet life.

 

[trifidmaster]

Thanks.

Up to now in the test I have used a bare aluminum plate with thermal paste.

I have already ordered a heatsink with 0.14 degC/W.

 

[trifidmaster]

Update: New heatsink is with me - and it is relatively big: 30 cm x 20 cm x 4 cm/channel.
Temperature is 52 C.

The SOUND: indeed not too much bass, but focused, and tight.

Currently the enclosure is in "production".

trif.

 

[trifidmaster]

Update:
here is the picture of the "prototype":

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

Stefan.

 

[trifidmaster]

...and here is the "final" enclosure design:

Stefan.

 

[trifidmaster]

Can anyone tell me where and how can I offer my ZEN amp inclusing the robust housing for any buyer.
I would appretiate any guidance into this direction.
Thanks.
trif.l

 

[kilowattski]

I don't believe you can. I believe that these designs are copyrighted by Nelson Pass even though are were designed for the DIY enthusiast. They were intended for personal enjoyment, not to be sold commercially.

 

[juma]

This dilemma has occupied the ethical menu of our souls many times, and i believe that consensual conclusion, based on Mr. Pass' words, was something like this:
"If you need money to finance your next project it's OK to sell your old amplifier for reasonable price, but it's highly inappropriate to make any number of amps with intention of making a profit selling them" - or I'm wrong ?

 

[trifidmaster]

Thanks for the answers.

I do not want to make any profit - I just want to get some money to finance my next amp. I have made ONLY one ZEN amp - that it is.

Stefan.

 

[trifidmaster]

The final housing is ready.
So, the whole amp can slowly "migrate" into the very heavy housing.

I will post a few photos as work progresses.

trif.

 

[trifidmaster]

The right side-coolblock is attached to the "perforated" bottom panel, and the 4 PCB supporting legs are also installed, see picture:

trif.

 

[trifidmaster]

The power transformator + 3 rectifiers + 2 elcos are fixed onto the bottom of the enclosure.

 

[trifidmaster]

And here is the bottom of the amp. You can see the screws holding the power transformator and the 3 rectifiers. The 4 legs are also installed.

 

[ulanbatorr]

I think you have done a very good job!

 

[trifidmaster]

ulanbatorr, thanks for the kind words.
trif.

 

[trifidmaster]

This photo shows the installed channels.
The next step is the installation of the back panel.

 

[trifidmaster]

Hi,
After many weeks the back panel is manufactured from 8 mm thick aluminum, what is brushed and naturally anodized.
It looks very nice 🙂

Unfortunately during the manufacturing process the wholes for the cinch inputs were made a bit big: 27 mm instead of 21.5 mm.

Now, I am manufacturing the "correction" rings for the cinch inputs.
Once made - I will show more photos.

Stefan

 

[trifidmaster]

The correction rings are manufactured and inserted into the "big" holes.
They fit neatly - I have "fixed" them with a bit of glue.
After that the Neutrik CINCH connectors were fitted.

I will post the photo of the back plate later today.

 

[trifidmaster]

Close up: cinch with ring from outside: