I figured out a quick way to test the boards using enlarged spade terminals inserted into the board. I have to solder the power input Molex KK connectors to provide the rail power. I am using my VHEX+ amp as the test amplifier and listening to music as the test. The dot on the 220uF BP cap indicates a tested unit.
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Status update on the SRR testing and shipping. I have managed to test about 3 dozen units so far. I listen to music through each one before marking a dot on top of the large BP cap (and marking "OK" on the backside with a Sharpie). The testing has revealed 3 bad units on one panel - the small VSON SMT voltage regulator appears to not be properly soldered as it is not making any 15v from the 50v input. We suspect it may be due to the placement near the large BP cap which may block some heat from the reflow oven process. So far it has been isolated to a single panel. But good that I am testing each one before sending out.
Here are the ones that have passed testing so far:
Here are the units taped together with a piece of foam in between and the back sides of the PCBs exposed as shields for the components on the inside faces:
I am hoping to ship them all out this Saturday.
Btw, the units have not been shipped out yet for anyone to test/use/hear - what's with the low 3-star rating on the thread? I think these will be excellent devices for anyone in need of a state of the art SRR protect circuit. I appreciate all of your patience in waiting for the units to be manufactured. You will have them very soon!
Here are the ones that have passed testing so far:
Here are the units taped together with a piece of foam in between and the back sides of the PCBs exposed as shields for the components on the inside faces:
I am hoping to ship them all out this Saturday.
Btw, the units have not been shipped out yet for anyone to test/use/hear - what's with the low 3-star rating on the thread? I think these will be excellent devices for anyone in need of a state of the art SRR protect circuit. I appreciate all of your patience in waiting for the units to be manufactured. You will have them very soon!
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Thanks again X for the further update, you have been busy I see.
The packing looks fine to me as well.
With regards to the faulty boards you have found - have you been able to fix them or are you going to get them replaced from the manufacturer - just interested in what happens in that situation as I assume the manufacturer has done there own testing before sending them out to you.
The packing looks fine to me as well.
With regards to the faulty boards you have found - have you been able to fix them or are you going to get them replaced from the manufacturer - just interested in what happens in that situation as I assume the manufacturer has done there own testing before sending them out to you.
The manufacturer did not do any testing - they simply assemble. I think it’s fixable. The voltage regulator IC needs to be reinstalled. Probably a cold solder joint on one of the bottom facing VSON pads. There is no 15v produced so it’s pretty obvious the problem is the regulator. It takes time though so I just set them aside for now.
SSR’s tested, packaged, and shipped. Took me 6 solid hours starting at 2am. Just a few not shipped due to addresses needing clarification.
All individually tested for functionality and each one plays music through a speaker before getting the black OK dot of approval:
Here is how they are wrapped with foam and Scotch Blue tape.
Waiting for envelopes:
Stuffed in bubble wrap mailers with extra armor tape on outside, labeled and ready for pickup:
I have included the matching Molex 2-pin KK shell and crimp connectors for each board in the package. It’s wrapped in blue tape so make sure you retrieve it before tossing the envelope out.
All individually tested for functionality and each one plays music through a speaker before getting the black OK dot of approval:
Here is how they are wrapped with foam and Scotch Blue tape.
Waiting for envelopes:
Stuffed in bubble wrap mailers with extra armor tape on outside, labeled and ready for pickup:
I have included the matching Molex 2-pin KK shell and crimp connectors for each board in the package. It’s wrapped in blue tape so make sure you retrieve it before tossing the envelope out.
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You're welcome, Pinocchio!
I had some time to look at the bad units, and used a hot plate and hot air pencil to pull off the voltage regulators. As i suspected, the solder joints were not fully-formed as the microscope photo of the VSON pads show:
I used copper braid to clean up the old solder on the board and the LDO chip. Then re-applied solder paste and placed the part back on. Reheated on a hot plate from below to 135C and applied a 280C hot air pencil from above for 20 seconds.
Tested the 3 units and they all work now. Not too hard to fix. These were the only 3 in the 96 units that I have tested thus far that were bad.
I had some time to look at the bad units, and used a hot plate and hot air pencil to pull off the voltage regulators. As i suspected, the solder joints were not fully-formed as the microscope photo of the VSON pads show:
I used copper braid to clean up the old solder on the board and the LDO chip. Then re-applied solder paste and placed the part back on. Reheated on a hot plate from below to 135C and applied a 280C hot air pencil from above for 20 seconds.
Tested the 3 units and they all work now. Not too hard to fix. These were the only 3 in the 96 units that I have tested thus far that were bad.
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Excellent detective work X!!
I was also very happy to receive the shipping confirmation of these
Black Beauties 😁
Thanks again for all the time and efforts you, jhofland and JPS64 put into this neat and tidy protection package. Now, it’s time for us to put them to good use!
Cheers,
Vunce