Forgive me. I am the noob of all noobs. Those of you without patience for such should save themselves the trouble and flip the channel. Being an audio equipment lover who came to it back in the early 80s, I got away from it while I got established in a family and professional life. Now I find myself on the other side of the curve with a nearly empty nest and a little time on my hands. And so I have come to circle back to this old girlfriend, but found that my old stuff pulled out of storage-- NAD 3230, Alison Acoustics 8s and a mid-70s Dual 1219 my dad gave me -- are all pretty hobbled at this point.
I have been lurking for a bit around in the Pass Lab neighborhood bar here for some time since hearing about the ACA a few years ago and hearing the J and J2 a friend turned me on to. The idea of building my own decent audio equipment that bears some signature of all this beautiful stuff is more than I can resist and so here I am looking to get rolling. I am a noob for sure, but I come from adventurous stock and so here I am jumping in whole hog as we say in Nebraska.
My end goal I suppose is to get a pre amp in place with a couple simple mono blocks and drive some sort of speakers, all of which in the end I will have built myself. So: I have the ACA in hand as a starter project. If I figure it out, I will get another and make them monos. I need a pre-amp as well, and so I also have the Korg B1 amp project sitting here in a box. I figure all of these will get me rolling. If I want to upgrade at some point I suppose I will.
Here's the problem for guys like me:
The kits and instructions you guys have all put together are so good. I have been through them in my mind, and I have no doubt I will be able to put them together. I can follow instructions that are no harder than a Lego set. That's great, and I am thankful.
But there is another side to this: there is a way in which you have made it all too easy for a noob like me. As a result, I don't sense that I am learning what I need to learn. I have been reading the site for sometime and trying to make sense out of the basic language of (1) electronics; (2) audio signal jargon and so on. I am catching on to some of it, but I am still at a point where the language inside the discipline is a real challenge. All you guys living in Athens may forget what it is like for those who don't speak Greek.
And so I fear that when I return to the list from building some of the simpler stuff to the list to do some things that are a little more advanced -- that bi-amp active crossover project is very tempting for my plan to build some speakers I have in mind, for example -- I am concerned that I won't understand the secret language you all speak so easily to one another.
So here is the newbie who is not an-electrical engineering PhD question: where do I go to get the basic intro to the language being used? Where do I get the keys to the secret knowledge? Send me there. I promise I will keep my head down and do as I am told.
Bonesthrower
Lincoln, Nebraska
I have been lurking for a bit around in the Pass Lab neighborhood bar here for some time since hearing about the ACA a few years ago and hearing the J and J2 a friend turned me on to. The idea of building my own decent audio equipment that bears some signature of all this beautiful stuff is more than I can resist and so here I am looking to get rolling. I am a noob for sure, but I come from adventurous stock and so here I am jumping in whole hog as we say in Nebraska.
My end goal I suppose is to get a pre amp in place with a couple simple mono blocks and drive some sort of speakers, all of which in the end I will have built myself. So: I have the ACA in hand as a starter project. If I figure it out, I will get another and make them monos. I need a pre-amp as well, and so I also have the Korg B1 amp project sitting here in a box. I figure all of these will get me rolling. If I want to upgrade at some point I suppose I will.
Here's the problem for guys like me:
The kits and instructions you guys have all put together are so good. I have been through them in my mind, and I have no doubt I will be able to put them together. I can follow instructions that are no harder than a Lego set. That's great, and I am thankful.
But there is another side to this: there is a way in which you have made it all too easy for a noob like me. As a result, I don't sense that I am learning what I need to learn. I have been reading the site for sometime and trying to make sense out of the basic language of (1) electronics; (2) audio signal jargon and so on. I am catching on to some of it, but I am still at a point where the language inside the discipline is a real challenge. All you guys living in Athens may forget what it is like for those who don't speak Greek.
And so I fear that when I return to the list from building some of the simpler stuff to the list to do some things that are a little more advanced -- that bi-amp active crossover project is very tempting for my plan to build some speakers I have in mind, for example -- I am concerned that I won't understand the secret language you all speak so easily to one another.
So here is the newbie who is not an-electrical engineering PhD question: where do I go to get the basic intro to the language being used? Where do I get the keys to the secret knowledge? Send me there. I promise I will keep my head down and do as I am told.
Bonesthrower
Lincoln, Nebraska
One place to start is the First Watt website. Read the articles about the Zen amps and others. That will give you a running start. Others will pipe in soon. Way more knowledgable that I am. HeyBill
well, like in (endless and repetitive) story about even blind hen finding a seed, I'm exactly like that , poking with my beak entire life, while still being blind
for starters - go to firstwatt.com, find "articles" page and start reading
then proceed ..... with everything else 🙂
books - Cordell, JL Hood, Morgan Jones, D. Self .....
there is, I think, sorta fresh thread about seeking on-line tutorials ...
for starters - go to firstwatt.com, find "articles" page and start reading
then proceed ..... with everything else 🙂
books - Cordell, JL Hood, Morgan Jones, D. Self .....
there is, I think, sorta fresh thread about seeking on-line tutorials ...
Also recommend building a simple Gainclone too.
The history of the 47 Labs Gaincard (and the birth of the Gainclone) is very interesting to say the least.
Nine parts, $5000.
Mick Feuerbacher Audio Projects
The history of the 47 Labs Gaincard (and the birth of the Gainclone) is very interesting to say the least.
Nine parts, $5000.
Mick Feuerbacher Audio Projects
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There's a guy on YouTube called Uncle Doug. Best teacher on the subject I have ever seen. Most of his stuff is tube based but gives tutorials on basic electronics as well.
The AC Wave Form, Peak Voltage, RMS, and Amplifier Power Ratings - YouTube
Capacitors in Audio Circuits: Part 1 - YouTube
Resistors, Part 1: Their Circuit Function & Practical Applications of Ohm's Law - YouTube
The AC Wave Form, Peak Voltage, RMS, and Amplifier Power Ratings - YouTube
Capacitors in Audio Circuits: Part 1 - YouTube
Resistors, Part 1: Their Circuit Function & Practical Applications of Ohm's Law - YouTube
@ Bonesthrower , you deserve respect , saying/thinking , like all ( many ) of us , that you know that you dont know , this is the very first step in acquiring knowledge , I am sure you'll find here all you need 🙂
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Download the simulation software, LTspice, and use it in conjunction with the lessons in circuit theory. You can test and measure circuits and try "what if?" scenarios. This "hands-on" approach will accelerate learning.
...where do I go to get the basic intro to the language being used? Where do I get the keys to the secret knowledge? Send me there. I promise I will keep my head down and do as I am told.
The answer depends on whether or not you want to learn to design/modify circuits. So, how serious are you about the DIY thing? If you only want to construct commercial kits you will require minimal knowledge, such as how to safely handle components, how to solder and how to use a multimeter. You will not need to learn to read circuit schematics.
If you, instead, want to learn the basic physics of how circuits work, to read a schematic, understand the circuits that others have designed and to design some not too complex circuits of your own, then I recommend the following. Take a focused one-year course that are often offered at electronics trade schools, such as Lincoln Tech, or the like. These are considered certificate programs. You could complete such a program in one year even taking it part-time at night. You won't learn to be an professional Electrical Engineer, however you will learn to be quite functional on the technology. Such schools also have two-year programs if you are more serious. Where you finish in two-years of full-time study with an Associate Degree, and are then called an Electronics Technician. Now, keeping in mind that the domain of electronics covers a truly vast range of specialty knowledge, so much that I very much doubt that any one person can be said to know everything. However, the good news is all that you really require in order to competently participate in most of the DIY fun is a relatively small piece of that vast knowledge.
Some of the online videos mentioned above may help you decide whether you want to commit to the discipline required. If you don't find any of them at all fascinating, then learning to gain even a certificate level knowledge probably isn't for you.
The answer depends on whether or not you want to learn to design/modify circuits. So, how serious are you about the DIY thing? If you only want to construct commercial kits you will require minimal knowledge, such as how to safely handle components, how to solder and how to use a multimeter. You will not need to learn to read circuit schematics.
If you, instead, want to learn the basic physics of how circuits work, to read a schematic, understand the circuits that others have designed and to design some not too complex circuits of your own, then I recommend the following. Take a focused one-year course that are often offered at electronics trade schools, such as Lincoln Tech, or the like. These are considered certificate programs. You could complete such a program in one year even taking it part-time at night. You won't learn to be an professional Electrical Engineer, however you will learn to be quite functional on the technology. Such schools also have two-year programs if you are more serious. Where you finish in two-years of full-time study with an Associate Degree, and are then called an Electronics Technician. Now, keeping in mind that the domain of electronics covers a truly vast range of specialty knowledge, so much that I very much doubt that any one person can be said to know everything. However, the good news is all that you really require in order to competently participate in most of the DIY fun is a relatively small piece of that vast knowledge.
Some of the online videos mentioned above may help you decide whether you want to commit to the discipline required. If you don't find any of them at all fascinating, then learning to gain even a certificate level knowledge probably isn't for you.
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Enlist in the military and go to electronics school. They don't have any audio amplifier training that I know of, but you'll learn basic electronics, then how to troubleshoot, maintain and repair some set of military electronics gear such as communications gear, aviation electronics.
If you like the work, you can go to university on the GI Bill after your enlistment.
If you like the work, you can go to university on the GI Bill after your enlistment.
Don't actually.. Nee.. much Knowledge Pick an Amp project from the DIY Shoppe. Buy the parts/kit and follow the V good Pictorial guide for that Amp.
. That simple
. That simple
During the 50s and 60s housewives built a lot of US audio gear, from Dynaco (RIP) to Audio Research (still do).
All that is necessary is dexterity, and the ability to follow instructions. No electronics knowledge necessary.
To dovetail onto above: you may want to keep it simple. Forget LTSpice and circuit design.
You probably want to understand the power supply (PS), a simple unregulated one to begin with. So start with the Excel spreadsheet (others can point you to it since I am lazy to look for it right now):
Just get an idea of wiring a transformer for a uni or bi-polar PS, fuse rating, how much AC voltage to expect with a certain load, the meaning of phasing between two secondaries, voltage drop across rectifying diodes, how to get a ground point, capacitor size effect on reducing ripple, CRC (or CLC) filter you could already consider a bit advanced topic but at least understand voltage loss across a resistor or inductor.
Then move onto understanding the idea of defining "ground" and how to wire those to prevent ground loops (floating PS ground connection to "Earth ground" across a thermistor or diodes like in common Pass PS, and branching out with similar cross-section and length wires in a star-type ground).
Past that you will only need a project for which a printed circuit board and BOM is available to get the right parts that fit. You watch the orientation as you solder them.
You get some idea of heat dissipation on output transistors and heat sink rating, and how to screw the devices to the heatsink without shorting the gate on a mosfet for example while ensuring heat transfer across mica and the thermal compound (a.k.a. 'goo").
If there are some trimmers to adjust the circuit, the people here will coach you through it. You will need one (or two) digital multi-meters and some leads with clips and a phone to keep taking pictures and posting your questions here. Over time some concepts will get simpler. You can start getting why people talk about setting the bias high etc. etc.
Of course one can always go to First Watt articles, or start making the 1W simplified circuit in the F5 amp article and then build on it to get to the full blown push-pull circuit. But not everybody here (incl. me) has the time to become a circuit designer; however you can still make a very nice amp and/or speakers based on the knowledge available here on the forum, and hopefully enjoy the process.
You probably want to understand the power supply (PS), a simple unregulated one to begin with. So start with the Excel spreadsheet (others can point you to it since I am lazy to look for it right now):
Just get an idea of wiring a transformer for a uni or bi-polar PS, fuse rating, how much AC voltage to expect with a certain load, the meaning of phasing between two secondaries, voltage drop across rectifying diodes, how to get a ground point, capacitor size effect on reducing ripple, CRC (or CLC) filter you could already consider a bit advanced topic but at least understand voltage loss across a resistor or inductor.
Then move onto understanding the idea of defining "ground" and how to wire those to prevent ground loops (floating PS ground connection to "Earth ground" across a thermistor or diodes like in common Pass PS, and branching out with similar cross-section and length wires in a star-type ground).
Past that you will only need a project for which a printed circuit board and BOM is available to get the right parts that fit. You watch the orientation as you solder them.
You get some idea of heat dissipation on output transistors and heat sink rating, and how to screw the devices to the heatsink without shorting the gate on a mosfet for example while ensuring heat transfer across mica and the thermal compound (a.k.a. 'goo").
If there are some trimmers to adjust the circuit, the people here will coach you through it. You will need one (or two) digital multi-meters and some leads with clips and a phone to keep taking pictures and posting your questions here. Over time some concepts will get simpler. You can start getting why people talk about setting the bias high etc. etc.
Of course one can always go to First Watt articles, or start making the 1W simplified circuit in the F5 amp article and then build on it to get to the full blown push-pull circuit. But not everybody here (incl. me) has the time to become a circuit designer; however you can still make a very nice amp and/or speakers based on the knowledge available here on the forum, and hopefully enjoy the process.
Can you guys please post for the OP that Excel spreadsheet for sizing up an unregulated PS? (if you don't I will look for it). Thx!
😀 Does one Really ? need to have knowledge of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science... to Buy, Cook and Enjoy a Steak ?
Small hope of even approaching Pass's knowledge, let alone art.. simply to benefit from his largesse?
PS; Buy a 300va 18 v Antec Torroid, the DIY shop power supply pcb and fill it.
Small hope of even approaching Pass's knowledge, let alone art.. simply to benefit from his largesse?
PS; Buy a 300va 18 v Antec Torroid, the DIY shop power supply pcb and fill it.
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On the other hand-- would you want a self-trained surgeon cutting on you?
The OP is asking how to learn about electronics, not how to learn enough audio electronics so he might open his own amplifier design/manufacturing company.
The craftsmanship part is learned by doing. You can't watch youtube videos, read internet articles about machining, electronics fabrication, troubleshooting and claim to know about this hobby. With several exceptions, we're all hobbyists. I don't think the manufacturer's use this website/forum to learn their craft.
I know very little about raising cattle, but I know how to buy and cook and enjoy a steak because I've done it. Many, many times.
The OP is asking how to learn about electronics, not how to learn enough audio electronics so he might open his own amplifier design/manufacturing company.
The craftsmanship part is learned by doing. You can't watch youtube videos, read internet articles about machining, electronics fabrication, troubleshooting and claim to know about this hobby. With several exceptions, we're all hobbyists. I don't think the manufacturer's use this website/forum to learn their craft.
I know very little about raising cattle, but I know how to buy and cook and enjoy a steak because I've done it. Many, many times.
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