Folsom's great little 7297 Chip Amp

mrmky · « **Reply #120 on:** 1 Feb 2016, 05:21 am »

I'm a brand new member here and would like your amp to be my next project, how do I get a board and bom ordered?

lacro · « **Reply #121 on:** 1 Feb 2016, 04:10 pm »

I need to get some solder. Whats the current suggested type? I have always used Kester 44, 60/40, .031 diameter. Should I switch to Kester 63/37 Eutectic, and what diameter is best? How about Cardas, worth the $?

S Clark · « **Reply #122 on:** 1 Feb 2016, 04:17 pm »

Quote from: lacro on 1 Feb 2016, 04:10 pm

I need to get some solder. Whats the current suggested type? I have always used Kester 44, 60/40, .031 diameter. Should I switch to Kester 63/37 Eutectic, and what diameter is best? How about Cardas, worth the $?

Don't know about the Cardas being worth the money, but it is easier to work with than Kester 60/40.

Mmaxed · « **Reply #123 on:** 2 Feb 2016, 08:53 pm »

Heads up for any one using Jeremy's Mouser BOM. I put my order in last week using the BOM and did not check the cart over. Today when the package arrived I had ordered one of each component not the quantity indicated in the BOM. Not a big deal to me as I had forgotten some other stuff needed any way. No idea if that's just the way it works or if I made an error importing it to Mouser.

Folsom · « **Reply #124 on:** 2 Feb 2016, 09:19 pm »

Quote from: Mmaxed on 2 Feb 2016, 08:53 pm

Heads up for any one using Jeremy's Mouser BOM. I put my order in last week using the BOM and did not check the cart over. Today when the package arrived I had ordered one of each component not the quantity indicated in the BOM. Not a big deal to me as I had forgotten some other stuff needed any way. No idea if that's just the way it works or if I made an error importing it to Mouser.

Seriously?

The BOM's have the quantity... I'll pass this on with email.

Folsom · « **Reply #125 on:** 2 Feb 2016, 11:53 pm »

I've been in contact with Mouser.

As long as I make sure to specify the quantity column when I upload it, it works fine. Their system is a bit complicated for such a simple task.

You can also use the "EZ Buy" tool.

Mmaxed · « **Reply #126 on:** 3 Feb 2016, 12:09 am »

Awe crap, my mistake. I am pretty sure I did not specify the quantity column. I just ASSumed that the columns would all follow in as in Jeremy's BOM. It does seem like a kinda strange process getting it in.

Sorry for the alarm, but maybe it will prevent someone else having the same issue.

Mark

Folsom · « **Reply #127 on:** 3 Feb 2016, 12:11 am »

Well I tried to sell kits instead but that didn't go so hot

.

Mmaxed · « **Reply #128 on:** 3 Feb 2016, 04:04 am »

No worries Jeremy, it seems there is a learning curve for a lot of us. That's part of the fun and challenge.

lacro · « **Reply #129 on:** 3 Feb 2016, 02:40 pm »

Quote from: Folsom on 2 Feb 2016, 11:53 pm

I've been in contact with Mouser.

As long as I make sure to specify the quantity column when I upload it, it works fine. Their system is a bit complicated for such a simple task.

You can also use the "EZ Buy" tool.

I did specify the quantity column with my order. However, Mouser's system must be buggy, as it INCREASED some of the parts quantities. Example: It changed the Oscon caps quantity from 12 to 27 ?? Some other parts were increased as well. I had to go line by line and change everything to the correct quantity.

lacro · « **Reply #130 on:** 3 Feb 2016, 03:06 pm »

Quote from: S Clark on 1 Feb 2016, 04:17 pm

Don't know about the Cardas being worth the money, but it is easier to work with than Kester 60/40.

OK... Cardas is easier to work with. I will get a small amount of Cardas to try with the amp board, but how about Kester 63/37 Eutectic? I need solder for everyday use. I am going to buy a 1# roll so should I stay with 60/40 or go with 63/37?? Opinions/experiences appreciated!

Mmaxed · « **Reply #131 on:** 3 Feb 2016, 04:17 pm »

When I first started DIY a few years ago, I bought a pound of Kester 63/37 .031 diam. It was what I started with and all I used for several years. Don't really do a lot of solder work. A while back when ordering a new soldering station to replace the cheapie that died, I added a lb of 60/40 to try, don't remember the brand. Took it for a test run and didn't like using it. With the 63/37 eutectic when you lift the iron it almost instantly solidifies. The 60/40 takes several seconds to do so. For a fellow like me that shakes the quick to set makes life easier. Maybe if I'd learned on 60/40 my opinion would be different.

Folsom · « **Reply #132 on:** 3 Feb 2016, 05:10 pm »

I've been using Kester 44, for a long time. It's like the roll doesn't end. I have some WBT too, for doing silver connections. It's ok, nothing overly special. Technique is what seems to be the most important.

On another note... someone get one running

Brad · « **Reply #133 on:** 4 Feb 2016, 08:04 pm »

Quote from: Folsom on 13 Jan 2016, 06:52 pm

I just checked on the boards. They ship to me tomorrow.

Oh and I have some Great News.

While I've been writing up some instructions and checking the BOM over for like the 10th time to make sure it's perfect, I decided to do a test with another part. The result is you guys will save $10, and the best part... It's a huge upgrade, the amp sounds way better than when anyone heard it before.

Hopefully silly question: Is this change included in the boards/BOM that shipped?

Folsom · « **Reply #134 on:** 4 Feb 2016, 08:09 pm »

Folsom · « **Reply #135 on:** 9 Feb 2016, 02:00 am »

Surely someone here has got the amp running?

Peter J · « **Reply #136 on:** 9 Feb 2016, 02:59 am »

Quote from: Folsom on 9 Feb 2016, 02:00 am

Surely someone here has got the amp running?

Gonna be a while for me, I'm eyeball deep in speaker project and heading into busy season. Any chance you could resend BOM? I just changed over to new computer and had Outlook go sideways which took yours and some others to never-to-be-seen-again ethers. Thanks!

Folsom · « **Reply #137 on:** 9 Feb 2016, 03:46 am »

Certainly.

I bet some of you will regret not building it sooner. A week ago I did the upgrade to the amp I sold to my buddy to replace his Bryston. A few highlights...

It's more like a $3000 upgrade.
The power it has now, it's as if it is more powerful than my Bryston [3BSST2]
I can hear everything now, even stuff I didn't think you were suppose to be able to understand without it cranked.
There's no need to really increase the volume, you get everything you want at all volume levels.
It's the easiest listening I've ever had. In fact I found myself a few times going into a meditative trance, which has never happened before.

lacro · « **Reply #138 on:** 9 Feb 2016, 11:59 pm »

Quote from: Folsom on 9 Feb 2016, 03:46 am

Certainly.

I bet some of you will regret not building it sooner. A week ago I did the upgrade to the amp I sold to my buddy to replace his Bryston. A few highlights...

It's more like a $3000 upgrade.
The power it has now, it's as if it is more powerful than my Bryston [3BSST2]
I can hear everything now, even stuff I didn't think you were suppose to be able to understand without it cranked.
There's no need to really increase the volume, you get everything you want at all volume levels.
It's the easiest listening I've ever had. In fact I found myself a few times going into a meditative trance, which has never happened before.

Upgrade??

Folsom · « **Reply #139 on:** 10 Feb 2016, 12:03 am »

It's included in the BOM everyone received. It's an upgrade over the versions other people heard that have posted in the thread. There's nothing for you to "change".