Thank you ever so much for the detailed reply, I appreciate it.You need data. Measure the load's current demand with the DMM in series Ampere mode first. To see if its more than it should explaining the dissipated heat. Don't forget to place the red jack in the DMM's special socket for current measurement. Another reason would be having unnecessarily high AC secondary transformer leading to high DCin-DCout across the L-A even when the load's current demand is what you expected. You can verify the DC difference across the reverse protection diode D11. Do that when actually powering the application. If the mA consumption proves normal, augment the sinking because its much cheaper than changing the transformer.
*Any loss on the output cables is dissipated on the cables not on the sink. You can also measure the voltage drop across the beginning and end of the output cables while working. If its significant, use thicker / shorter ones.
It is showing 9.7V in actually.
According to my cheap DMM, the max draw is 1.25A even when booting the USBridge Sig.
It powers nothing else now. Only a USB stick.
D11 reads 6.84V while playing music.
It draws enough current while booting. But 1.25A startup in a 500mA spec digital device is still logical. You have voltage space (judging from the D11 reading) to use a lower VAC transformer reducing dissipated heat or keep it and augment the sinking someway. Taller sink, external sink, something.
*Is 9.7V in you mentioned the transformer's AC voltage going to the L-A?
*Is 9.7V in you mentioned the transformer's AC voltage going to the L-A?
Yes. 9.7V is the trafo AC into L-Ad.It draws enough current while booting. But 1.25A startup in a 500mA spec digital device is still logical. You have voltage space (judging from the D11 reading) to use a lower VAC transformer reducing dissipated heat or keep it and augment the sinking someway. Taller sink, external sink, something.
*Is 9.7V in you mentioned the transformer's AC voltage going to the L-A?
I thought it was closer to 9V.
Thank you again for your advice.
It should be near 12V DC rectified and the difference to 5V burns on the sink at enough current rate by your device so it gets hot as expected. You haven't done something wrong in the build. 6.84V difference at 500mA is 3.42W. It takes more sinking or a 7V AC transformer to decrease the heating.
Did you confirm the 500mA spec with your meter when the device is in normal music playing mode by the way? Maybe its more?
It is more.
It sits at about 0.85A mostly with a jump to about 1-1.1A occasionally.
I didn't leave it running for long, as the meter seems to say to limit its use on current setting.
But it seemed pretty settled at 0.85A with a jump up when i skipped to the next track.
It sits at about 0.85A mostly with a jump to about 1-1.1A occasionally.
I didn't leave it running for long, as the meter seems to say to limit its use on current setting.
But it seemed pretty settled at 0.85A with a jump up when i skipped to the next track.
Ah, I see, thanks.
Actually, I have an offer of a swap for a 7V from a very helpful man 🙂 .
Actually, I have an offer of a swap for a 7V from a very helpful man 🙂 .
Last edited:
Does the value of C1 & C2 critical? I got some spared FC 330uF 100V (10mm dia.) from recent project, could it substitute for C1/C2 directly?
Not critical. It may take to wait just a little bit longer to drop voltage when you trim vout though.
I have a spare 400VA transformer with 25VAC secondary - can I use with with L adaptor if I mount to a larger heatsink? Is 1.5V to 20V range still achievable, or too much heat?
The range is still achievable, but too much heat for substantial current draw loads even if you will set for 20V DC output. Such a Tx is best used for a 27-28V DC heavy draw application.
Thank you for your advice.I seem to be running a bit hot in comparison to others.
I bought the full kit from Tea Bag and sinking on board with those.
The sink is too hot to touch and according to my DMM, 70C (16C Ambient)
10V in 5VDC out.
Powering a USBridge Sig with it. Which then powers a Khadas Tone Board (which asks for a 500mA power supply )
I tried removing the KTB, but it only made a few degrees difference.
Would quite long DC cables cause it ? (I forgot you advised short as possible.)
I got hold of an EI trafo for now.
It gives 7.2V loaded.
The central span is still quite toasty, but i am a lot happier.
Darn. I was hoping you wouldn't ask that, lol.You are welcome. How many degrees C toasty now? Was 70C before.
I fried my dmm, so i can't test it.
Different meter, but down at 46C now.You are welcome. How many degrees C toasty now? Was 70C before.
- Home
- Amplifiers
- Power Supplies
- L-Adapter