I built a stereo amplifier using ZapPulse modules running at about 65V.
For the PSU of this project I bought new capacitors, Nippon chemi-con LXG 80V 4700uF through Ebay.
The amplifier ran fine at normal listening levels, but after some time on loud volume one capacitor started smoking.
Assuming this was an incident, I never had any trouble with capacitors, I replaced the component and tested the whole thing for a day at normal volume.
But again, after about 30 minutes music on high volume again one capacitor started smoking. I use 6 caps per module.
I this just a case of a bunch of bad capacitors I have to ditch or could this be caused by something else ?
For the PSU of this project I bought new capacitors, Nippon chemi-con LXG 80V 4700uF through Ebay.
The amplifier ran fine at normal listening levels, but after some time on loud volume one capacitor started smoking.
Assuming this was an incident, I never had any trouble with capacitors, I replaced the component and tested the whole thing for a day at normal volume.
But again, after about 30 minutes music on high volume again one capacitor started smoking. I use 6 caps per module.
I this just a case of a bunch of bad capacitors I have to ditch or could this be caused by something else ?
I guess the obvious thing would be to verify the voltage across the cap when it starts to smoke. If the voltage is within the rating of the cap then either the cap is mislabeled or there is some other factor I'm not aware of.
Was it the same capacitor in your layout... and the same channel?
What is the wattage output at "high" volume?
What is the wattage output at "high" volume?
those caps are probably a faulty lot (sadly not uncommon with ebay purchases)
But on the other hand: Watch your psu voltage ripples with a scope with different loads. Maybe your rectifier creates small "surges" which then overload the quite tightly tolerated caps. 65V can quickly become 70V and more if the mains voltage varies, and the rectifiers switching "impulses" do the "rest".
But on the other hand: Watch your psu voltage ripples with a scope with different loads. Maybe your rectifier creates small "surges" which then overload the quite tightly tolerated caps. 65V can quickly become 70V and more if the mains voltage varies, and the rectifiers switching "impulses" do the "rest".
The amplifier is not with me at the moment (it's at my brothers house), but in time I will measure it with a scope.
I'am not sure what the output power was, but the speakers are large and rated 4 ohms, he has also a large living room and was alone in the house, fill in the rest....
At this moment I think also of a faulty lot as I have never experienced this kind of problem.
I'am not sure what the output power was, but the speakers are large and rated 4 ohms, he has also a large living room and was alone in the house, fill in the rest....
At this moment I think also of a faulty lot as I have never experienced this kind of problem.
Was it the same capacitor in your layout... and the same channel?
I ask because it could be your layout is favoring one of capacitors...
I'm good with the bad lot thing too... electrolytics, because they age, ESPECIALLY when not in use, are something you really want to buy new if you can manage.
😉 😀
I ask because it could be your layout is favoring one of capacitors...
I'm good with the bad lot thing too... electrolytics, because they age, ESPECIALLY when not in use, are something you really want to buy new if you can manage.
😉 😀
do not forget supply bumping...
when driving 4 ohm at hi level, voltage may rise...and kill the caps.
whats the idle supply in your set?
when driving 4 ohm at hi level, voltage may rise...and kill the caps.
whats the idle supply in your set?
- Status
- Not open for further replies.