UGS-muse preamp GB

[Torvbakkane]

Hi Alex and Eric,
Today I have received the delivery of the prints that I have ordered.
It took its time because of Covid-19, but those who are waiting for something good do not wait in vain.
Thank you guys for doing a great job.
Regards Helge

 

[Paul M]

Hi Paul,

Hold on, I found something and updated the way I handle the encoder.
Could you please check this binary and let me know?
Thanks.

Hi Alex,

I uploaded the new firmware, and the volume now changes by 0.5 dB every second position, with some skips.
I think the skipped positions are due to bouncing that is not handled by the RC on the channels, but skipping every second position seems to be constant.

Paul

 

[Paul M]

I also just noticed that it seems to be reversed: counterclockwise the volume goes up, and clockwise the volume goes down.

 

[vannhoem]

Here it is. 😉



To all, I omitted to keep the 5 pins connections for the analog power through the Salas shunt regulators as well hence the reasons why the connections are not fully point to point.

If you see a mistake, just let me know.

Noted down, many thanks Eric.

 

[gionag]

Alex,
now that everything has settled down, may i "carefully" and "respectfully" ask for the promised solder paste layer file to submit a stencil paste ?

thanks a lot

 

[Stones]

Hi Everybody,
While waiting for some support from miniDSP for the minisharc I use on my DAC, there was no progress I could do on that part so I spent some time on the overall control software to recognize new switch behavior.
I am able to detect now double click on top of short & long click.

In short it means that I can completely control my DAC with just 2 encoders as discussed earlier and I can easily port this piece of software of the UGS Muse.
So for those who would like to use only 2 encoders to control the preamp (and no switch), I think it should be possible.

Is code for the 2 encoder version posted someplace / available for this Alex?

 

[Paul M]

I found a small issue with the upgrade from the UGS All-Inclusive to the UGS Muse. After finishing the upgrade, I couldn't get any output from the subwoofer board: the relay wasn't activating.

The reason is that when using the subwoofer board from the AI set of boards, the sub relay +5V and GND are reversed on the Muse version. The result is that the relay coil polarity is reversed and the relay is always set to bypass mode.

When mounting the relay on the subwoofer board you must disregard the small + sign and mount the relay on the same side as all the other components. If you are re-using an already built subwoofer board from the UGS AI, with the relay mounted according to what was specified for the UGS AI, you must remove the relay and mount it on the other side of the board (with the other components).

I'm adding pictures to make it more clear.

Paul

 

[Alex_twn]

Thanks a lot Paul for your investigations, you are right !

Damned I did not realized this 😱 😡 but probably because I don't use the subwoofer board which I find useless on my side.

Sorry about this and yes mounting the relay on the other side will set back the polarity correctly.

 

[Alex_twn]

Alex,
now that everything has settled down, may i "carefully" and "respectfully" ask for the promised solder paste layer file to submit a stencil paste ?

thanks a lot

Hi Gionag,
Ok which one do you need? As a reminder I do not own all the design files from the previous UGS AI design.

 

[Alex_twn]

Is code for the 2 encoder version posted someplace / available for this Alex?

No it is not yet. I just created a version for my DAC that I can back port on the preamp.
When do you need this? Did you already completed the assembly of your preamp?

 

[Stones]

No it is not yet. I just created a version for my DAC that I can back port on the preamp.
When do you need this? Did you already completed the assembly of your preamp?

99% Built boards (five PN’s were back order but arrive Friday). I have plenty of other things to do so no worries.

 

[Alex_twn]

Wow you are very fast too !
The good thing is that I verified today and the current PCB is very easy to modify to add a second encoder, I will explain what to do.
Then I will need to port the code and you will have to help me debugging as I don't have 2 encoders on my preamp, just on my DAC but since they are not 100% identical I may make some small bug while porting that you will have to let me know.

I will do my best to do it before the end of October as I have some other requests too from other members.

 

[aterren]

Alex, you are amazing. ;-)

 

[Alex_twn]

Thanks but let's not speak too fast, I need to do the work first 🙂

So to summarize for all the software upgrade plans
1. Add bypass mode while the preamp is off
2. Add latched outputs for the trigger
3. Implement the dual encoder control of the preamp

 

[jacek_k_wawa]

Alex - some additional item we discussed a long time ago related to modification of User Interface. I know that you said that it may not happen but maybe we are now getting critical mass for FW modification and this can be done as well?

BTW - what is 'latched output for trigger?

 

[Alex_twn]

Hi Jacek,
I'd like to but modifying the UI is far more complex that the modifications above.
The critical mass is only you at the moment 😉
Just kidding but to be honest I am thinking about a new UI for my DAC and it will require a complete new approach.
This new method will use a totally different GFX library allowing me to do much more and more beautiful things.

Again the DAC will be the pilot run for this and if successful then I could do something for the preamp. The existing hardware on the preamp seems compatible and will need only the addition of a flash to store the GFX elements.

Let me finish the DAC and hopefully a nice GFX solution will come out that could become an upgrade for the preamp for those who want.

 

[Alex_twn]

Ah yes I forgot latched ouptut is ouptut keeping at level H rather than pulses.

 

[schultzsch]

Alex am I right that the new gfx(if implemented) will be only for the dual display version?
I ask because at this moment I am not sure about which way to go(single vfd vs dual oled).

 

[Alex_twn]

Probably, the OLED provide a better resolution.

 

[gionag]

Hi Gionag,
Ok which one do you need? As a reminder I do not own all the design files from the previous UGS AI design.

i just need the top+btm for the left/right motherboard (the one where the ugs are fitted) and the top+btm for the controller pcb (where the mcu is at)

i think all of thoose are your original work... in total would be 5 gerbers

thanks