It is a good idea in theory.
To get a -90dB control in 0.5dB steps will need 180 relays? It may be a bit bulky, not say expensive to implement. A -90dB control in 0.5dB steps may not be necessary. What is a generic implementation like? Did anyone make a PCB and BOM for it? Thank you for the information.
Are you thinking about something like this, or similar?
Remote control Passive Volume Control with Display
I am new to this concept. Can you link a schematic? Is there a control IC designed for this? Thank you.
"20 Questions"
128dB range in concept.
Say "43.5dB"
Is it more/less than 64dB?
Is it more/less than 32dB?
Is it more/less than 48dB?
Is it more/less than 40dB?
Is it more/less than 44dB?
Is it more/less than 42dB?
Is it more/less than 43dB?
Must be 43.5dB. Seven steps.
The price factor of different volume control type as from ebay.
1. Relay step volume control: $90 and up.
2. CS3310 IC volume control: $40 and up.
3. Motorized ALP potentiometer: $20 or less.
All include remote control.
1. Relay step volume control: $90 and up.
2. CS3310 IC volume control: $40 and up.
3. Motorized ALP potentiometer: $20 or less.
All include remote control.
The input resistance of the CS3310 (same as a PGA2311) is 10K. For me this is a good thing as higher resistance potentially increases noise. Power consumption is 70 mW. The main pro with the CS/PGA is that they can provide gain if needed - up to+31.5 dB. You will not get that with motorized pots or binary attenuators without an opamp anyway. The CS/PGA gain is not always there like an external opamp. The gain of the chip is controlled by a stepped attenuator inside the chip. Channel tracking is well under 1/2 dB at any setting with a 256 step size of 1/2 dB. It also has a hardware MUTE. I picked up 5 DIP for $13 out the door.
The con is that it must be loaded with a microcontroller but that is trivial with an Arduino. I have a system running that listens to IR remotes (can be easily changed to nearly any brand). I use LG but it works with Samsung simultaneously too. Anybody wants the code just ask.
G²
Last edited:
Can you share some pictures of your preamp?
Do you have an estimate on the parts cost of your relay-based R-2R stereo attenuator?
Last edited:
or you could use my preamp control as a passive preamp or add a gain buffer to drive long cables.
See Preamp Control - Volume, input, mute, remote
See Preamp Control - Volume, input, mute, remote
Remote selector and volume control on ebay
I found a package on ebay at a reasonable price. The 63 dB volume attenuation should be adequate for most preamp application.
HIFI Remote volume Controller peramp pre-amplifier audio 128 steps /4 way input | eBay
I like the 308mm enclosure depth which would allow easy addition of buffer card or upgrade of transformer. Any first hand experience of this stepped relay ladder volume unit?
I found a package on ebay at a reasonable price. The 63 dB volume attenuation should be adequate for most preamp application.
HIFI Remote volume Controller peramp pre-amplifier audio 128 steps /4 way input | eBay
I like the 308mm enclosure depth which would allow easy addition of buffer card or upgrade of transformer. Any first hand experience of this stepped relay ladder volume unit?
Last edited: