The ACA is a great place to start. Do what a lot of people have done on this site, and build it point to point on perfboard. The guys creating their own designs do it all the time.
Read the https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pas... Don't wait for perfection, build towards it.
I just built an ACA, then ACP+, and now have a quad of THF-51S ready for a more involved project. This was my first foray into electronics since college, so I am still something of a beginner and can relate my experiences.
Tools:
Good soldering station
Wire clippers
Wire strippers
Third hand
Soldering mat
Electronic test equipment:
Digital Multimeter capable of measuring voltage and resistance.
That's all I really needed to start. I'd also recommend starting with an ACA complete kit as it has everything you need and lets you concentrate on assembly and making it work. More importantly, the guide Amp Camp Amp V1.6 Build Guide - diyAudio Guides is excellent.
I definitely have gotten more stuff since then. I ran into a common issue with my ACP where the J113's didn't match, and so bought a wide selection of 1% 1/2 Watt resistors to try to get that right. Next I bought a cheap DC power supply and breadboard to try to build a testing setup for my jfets (I'll let you know how that goes as soon as the assortment of J113's I ordered arrives). I also bought a cheap transistor tester, which is handy though I'm still learning what to make of the information it gives me, after that a curve tracer might be nice.
As I have no spare components whenever I needed to order something like a resistor or capacitor I got extra. Though it does add up, having spares for the build and for general use is very handy, and far better than the alternative of spending $10 in shipping for one 10 cent part.
I did recently buy an oscilloscope, but really haven't found much use for it yet, I've just wanted a nice DSO since college and am amazed at what's available now. In hindsight I would have been better served by a second DMM.
@JamesHH - Thanks for your reply, that's what I was looking for, general advice about which tools you have used, and which tools you think are valuable for these types of projects. 😀
@GnuB - I have altered my thinking, and will look for additional small projects to help gain some experience.
@seanny @Nelson Pass - Thanks for keeping my hopes up, at least I have a mystery project to dream towards. 🙂
@GnuB - I have altered my thinking, and will look for additional small projects to help gain some experience.
@seanny @Nelson Pass - Thanks for keeping my hopes up, at least I have a mystery project to dream towards. 🙂
It seems so basic, but lot of problems come from not understanding how to solder. You can get cold joints or fry your semiconductors if you don't get it right. Seeing as how you are enjoying the details of building you might find this video informative. EEVblog #180 - Soldering Tutorial Part 1 - Tools - YouTube from EEV blog.
I did chip in my two penn'orth fwiw, but it went on a bit so I transferred it to a pm.
And it says pretty much the same as everyone else.🙂
And it says pretty much the same as everyone else.🙂
@nelson - should we start shopping around for more unobtanium parts?
If so any advice beyond the ones you mentioned here ��
If so any advice beyond the ones you mentioned here ��
Does anybody know if the Pass design using the THF-51S will require JFETs and if so which ones?
@rootscript,
Take a look at the link below. Excellent construction guide for beginners regardless of the chosen project. And it has a section dedicated to the "Tools You Will Need". 🙂
Aleph J build guide for noobs
Take a look at the link below. Excellent construction guide for beginners regardless of the chosen project. And it has a section dedicated to the "Tools You Will Need". 🙂
Aleph J build guide for noobs
rootscript,
I have found magnifying glasses invaluable, especially as I get older.
This is an option
I have found magnifying glasses invaluable, especially as I get older.
This is an option
Now I succeeded getting these devices after they were returned to Japan by a mistake.
But I have also a VFET-kit just released from customs.
I wonder if I now will get too many SITs.......if that is possible?
I understand that a VFET is a SIT-variant made for audio only by Sony.....and that the SITs I just got was made for industrial use for high voltage "power-switching" but "by accident" are nice for audio-use also.
Why did the production of these devices stop?
Because MOSFETs are used now instead (cheaper)?
But I have also a VFET-kit just released from customs.
I wonder if I now will get too many SITs.......if that is possible?
I understand that a VFET is a SIT-variant made for audio only by Sony.....and that the SITs I just got was made for industrial use for high voltage "power-switching" but "by accident" are nice for audio-use also.
Why did the production of these devices stop?
Because MOSFETs are used now instead (cheaper)?
Attachments
@ Meper
Tokin data sheet page 5 say made for industrial application and audio amplifiers V-FET / SIT data sheets
Tokin data sheet page 5 say made for industrial application and audio amplifiers V-FET / SIT data sheets
If the Tokin parts were $50 in the 1980s, then yes, newer MOSFETs are less expensive and can operate at much higher voltages.
For certain, there are publicly available discussions of defense contractors building and using SITs in the 1980s.