Newbie help with F5

[Tuberoller]

Hello everyone,

Newbie here trying to tackle to the F5. With ACA experience I thought I would take the plunge.

Different versions and lack of step by step guidance has slowed my progress considerably.

Working on the PCB now and was wondering if someone could give me the go-ahead. I know I still need a 15 k resistor for the led.

Thanks

 

[Zen Mod]

didn't found 6L6's building guide?

 

[Tuberoller]

Additional photos

 

[Tuberoller]

I'm using the Firstwatt F5 amplifier V3 guide linked on the store's website at the moment.

This is not a turbo - right?

I'm hoping this guide is complete and appropriate. Some of the wiring between boards, ground and connects is a little fuzzy to me.

Thanks

 

[Zen Mod]

Amplifiersass Labs Amplifiers

 

[ColinA123]

This is the guide that you should be reading.
An illustrated guide to building an F5

 

[Mrshazbot]

There is this updated guide to with new pics

Firstwatt F5 amplifier v3 - diyAudio Guides



I was in the same boat as you when I built mine. My only experience with anything was the ACA so the F5 was a big leap.

The confusing part for me was that all the guides had different information and different version of amplifier and PSU boards, so it was hard to figure out what was correct and what was out of date.


I personally used a combo of three guides. First the PDF one I think you referenced already. That had great instructions on the PSU and other things.

Second, the build guide on this forum by 6L6 - An illustrated guide to building an F5

Then the link I provided above.

The PDF guide had really good instructions on the biasing process, at least the best that I could understand, but it said to turn the adjustment pots one way to set resistance but that was the wrong way so I almost fried my amp.

Use a bulb test for sure, it saved me from certain destruction twice.

 

[Dennis Hui]

The PDF guide had really good instructions on the biasing process, at least the best that I could understand, but it said to turn the adjustment pots one way to set resistance but that was the wrong way so I almost fried my amp.

Use a bulb test for sure, it saved me from certain destruction twice.

Unfortunately going by direction is not fool proof since it also depends on
the orientation of the pot.

Instead, for the V3 schematics,
( see p2 of http://www.firstwatt.com/pdf/art_f5_turbo.pdf )

just turn P1 and P2 so that the measured resistance
across R5 and R6 are close to zero.

 

[Tuberoller]

Thanks Mr Shaz. Yes I’m in the boat and concur.

Using the pdf guide you linked, authored by 6L6, as it is the most clean and concise, also using the current pcb boards offered by the DIYAstore.

Wanted to follow the thread you and Colin referred to but alas, off the bat, had an older pcb.

So, Mr Shaz, sounds like I am good to go with your first link ( pcbs and ups) until I get to some point to point wiring where the illustrated guide help as well.

Zen mod - hit your link and never saw that page before. Picking up some interesting things there....

Am I building the F5 version 3?

Thanks again for everyone’s great advice and info!

 

[6L6]

That's the current F5 v3 PCB. Looks like the store kit components.

 

[Tuberoller]

Yes it is mostly from "the store".

PSU components bought separately.

I am going to try to follow the guide you provided for the store. Can anyone tell me what this is:

 

[Russellc]

Looks like one of those magnet deals for RFI blocking maybe?

Russellc

 

[Zen Mod]

Flux Capacitor?

 

[cubicincher]

Back to the F5 - future:


flux compensator - more unlimited energy - ferrite beads



Greets
Dirk

 

[Tuberoller]

Update. Boards completed. Only question was which direction to mount LEDs, particularly on the PCB for UPS. Please chime in if you see anything faulty or questionable . Thanks

 

[Tuberoller]

I think I may have used the wrong input holes in
The ups board - on the right?

Also, is this connector block mechanical or do you also solder it?

Thanks

 

[Mrshazbot]

Here is what I did on mine. If you read this thread you can see what I did the first time and the mistake I made doing it the wrong way ->>> An illustrated guide to building an F5

 

[Mrshazbot]

You have the black and red wires on the right side in different holes than the picture in the guide. I'm smart enough to know they are in different holes, but not smart enough to know if it will still work or not the way you did it.

 

[McQuaide]

Either hole is fine, they both go to the same place. Check it with a continuity tester.

 

[Tuberoller]

Thanks for the thread cue. Great idea to thread the leads in with the connect crimp, maybe solder after for insurance.

Glad the other holes will still work, hate to redo it

Was hoping not to proceed with the bulb testing. Have no idea how to set that up ... Sounds like another project?

Thanks again for the valuable input 👍😊