Folsom's great little 7297 Chip Amp

matt_garman · « **Reply #320 on:** 21 Apr 2016, 04:58 pm »

Quote from: lacro on 20 Apr 2016, 10:27 pm

Matt, Did you bypass the existing cap on the bottom as Jeremy suggested or removed/replaced it?

I did an outright replacement.

Folsom · « **Reply #321 on:** 21 Apr 2016, 06:03 pm »

Matt has skills.

matt_garman · « **Reply #322 on:** 21 Apr 2016, 09:27 pm »

Quote from: Folsom on 21 Apr 2016, 06:03 pm

Matt has skills.

You're being far too generous.

I just used some solder wick then rocked the old cap as I heated the leads. Any residual solder got cleaned up with solder wick. Failing that I just use my pin vise and precision drill bits to clean out any remaining solder.

I developed these skills doing through-hole replacements on the cheap tpa311x boards. The pin vise was the game-changer for me, as I was able to stop worrying about over-heating the boards/traces. I just quickly absorb as much solder as I can with the wick, then clean out the rest (if necessary) with the drill.

lacro · « **Reply #323 on:** 21 Apr 2016, 10:21 pm »

Quote from: matt_garman on 21 Apr 2016, 09:27 pm

I just used some solder wick then rocked the old cap as I heated the leads. Any residual solder got cleaned up with solder wick. Failing that I just use my pin vise and precision drill bits to clean out any remaining solder.

I developed these skills doing through-hole replacements on the cheap tpa311x boards. The pin vise was the game-changer for me, as I was able to stop worrying about over-heating the boards/traces. I just quickly absorb as much solder as I can with the wick, then clean out the rest (if necessary) with the drill.

I have used the pin vise too, but I have to be very careful I am starting the drill in the center of the hole or I run the risk of drilling off center, possibly doing damage. Don't ask how I know this

I am having pretty good luck with this tool:

http://www.amazon.com/Tenma-21-8240-Vacuum-Desoldering-Iron/dp/B008DJRYIG/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1461171099&sr=1-4&keywords=electric+solder+sucker

KR500 · « **Reply #324 on:** 22 Apr 2016, 06:17 pm »

Lacro, thanks for posting your pictures and thoughts on the amp design
My seasonal job finished yesterday so I can begin my spring project build of Folsoms amp

lasgoofus · « **Reply #325 on:** 22 Apr 2016, 07:10 pm »

what would be the safe procedure to discharge the Antipole power supply caps... if just testing after assembly?

Folsom · « **Reply #326 on:** 22 Apr 2016, 07:13 pm »

Screw driver's have insulated handles typically.

It's not good to do that a lot. You can add a 10k resistor on the discharge location on the Antipole, after discharging, if you think you'll need to often.

lasgoofus · « **Reply #327 on:** 26 Apr 2016, 06:30 pm »

yikes discharging the caps right after unplugging it creates quite a spark...I tested it the power supply is putting out 24 volts so I'm at the point of finding an affordable enclosure..I might go to thethrift store and purchase some old electronics's and reuse metal case. fun project so far.

Folsom · « **Reply #328 on:** 10 May 2016, 11:08 pm »

There are still some boards available.

restrav · « **Reply #329 on:** 10 May 2016, 11:47 pm »

Quote from: Folsom on 10 May 2016, 11:08 pm

There are still some boards available.

how much do they cost? is it just the boards or complete kit? the first post is a little confusing, it is someone else that has made the topic and it has a link to indiegogo so im not sure.

Odal3 · « **Reply #330 on:** 11 May 2016, 12:00 am »

The best way is to send Folsom a message.

Onlysleeping · « **Reply #331 on:** 11 May 2016, 05:28 am »

PM sent

Found some mods on another forum that worked well for bass. Interested in checking this version out.

drew_t · « **Reply #332 on:** 15 May 2016, 10:34 pm »

Folsom, I'm going to PM you as soon as they let me use the PM system . . .

richidoo · « **Reply #333 on:** 15 May 2016, 11:16 pm »

I think your PMs will work after you make 3 posts.

Folsom · « **Reply #334 on:** 16 May 2016, 12:59 am »

PM's sent, we'll see if it works with me sending, otherwise makes some posts please.

limits · « **Reply #335 on:** 16 May 2016, 02:51 pm »

Hi All:

I would like to extend a huge thank you to lacro for suggesting the Tenma desoldering iron. It made replacing the 7297 chip a breeze. Unfortunately, my amp still does not work

At that point, I put it away. I may pick it up again this week and check voltages, but I feel so snake-bit that I'm tempted to give up, or possibly try a new board...

keith_correa · « **Reply #336 on:** 24 May 2016, 06:16 am »

Quote from: Onlysleeping on 11 May 2016, 05:28 am

Found some mods on another forum that worked well for bass......

Can you post the link please?

Garytr · « **Reply #337 on:** 26 May 2016, 03:03 pm »

Hi,
I have tried the Chinese TDA7297 and I like it. I was wondering if any boards/kits are still available?
Garytr

BRN · « **Reply #338 on:** 3 Jun 2016, 02:20 am »

I finally built my amp. The boards came together easily. I did not run into any issues and everything fired up the first time. The chassis is from Landfall Systems. Dave was great work with and it's great being able to design a chassis the way you want it. In addition,the chassis has a great fit and finish. Well worth the cost.

The amp is fresh out of the box and needs to break in, but based on initial listening i think we have a winner. I'm going to let it break in over the next couple of weeks before I say anything else. I will say one thing, my Blumenstein Orca speakers like the extra power, over my Decware ZKIT1 amp.

Odal3 · « **Reply #339 on:** 3 Jun 2016, 02:36 am »

That looks really good!!!