Anyone intrested to build an AKSA 55N+ for me?

rmihai0 · « **on:** 19 Feb 2005, 12:08 am »

PM me.

AKSA · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 Feb 2005, 12:19 am »

I'm quite happy to build the modules for you....... then all that remains is putting it into a box and wiring it up.

Cheers,

Hugh

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Feb 2005, 07:31 pm »

Hugh,

Chris[/list:u]

AKSA · « **Reply #3 on:** 28 Feb 2005, 08:31 pm »

Well, Chris,

I've not heard yet, but we live in hope!!

It takes me about 8 hours to build up a couple of very correctly made AKSA 55s, and I charge $AUD320 for this, being just $40 per hour, half the price of a good plumber here in Australia. Sadly, this puts a lot of people off, but never mind, it's a tough industry!

Cheers,

Hugh

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #4 on:** 28 Feb 2005, 08:39 pm »

Thanks Hugh......I hope he's able to find someone to help. Lets see who I can think of :

From his profile I see he's in Canada....[/list:u]

fajimr · « **Reply #5 on:** 28 Feb 2005, 09:43 pm »

I certainly appreciate your offer Hugh although would worry about shipping a complete unit from Oz to the US. But its nice to know its out there. I have spent some time myself going through the different threads here, trying to determine if I had the time and or willingness to learn the skills necessary (I know I don't have the skill at this time). I know there is a great support base out there- just don't know if I WANT to make that jump.

I've been keeping my eye on this thread to see if there is anyone out there willing to build these. Maybe if people who would be interested and willing to do so, could post their name and other pertinent info (experience, final costs, etc) that might help those of us who love great music but just can't seem to make the time to take the plunge.

cheers
jim

rosconey · « **Reply #6 on:** 28 Feb 2005, 09:54 pm »

holy crap man have hugh build it for you-

its like enzo offering to build your ferrari personally-

have it shipped back air freight so it gets treated with kid gloves, and im sure it would be well packaged

fajimr · « **Reply #7 on:** 1 Mar 2005, 09:21 pm »

Quote from: rosconey

holy crap man have hugh build it for you-

its like enzo offering to build your ferrari personally-

jeez, you're right.... I have no idea what I was thinking ....let's see, I'll attribute it my afternoon pre-second cup of coffee doldrums .. thanks for pointing out the obvious, rosconey

Carlman · « **Reply #8 on:** 1 Mar 2005, 10:27 pm »

It's been my experience that Hugh will build the amp modules and go as far as mounting them in a nice case...

The issues we had in the past were that Hugh doesn't have 120v transformers readily available... He'd have to order them and wait weeks to receive them... Plus they add a lot of weight to the completed amp. What's more is shipping the amp becomes a problem at full weight regardless of the package handler used.

So, the risks add up.. Or at least this was the case with the few amps I've bought. I've never had one make it to the U.S. in perfect condition.... The last one was really close, though and had no damage. If Hugh packed things like other products that are shipped around the world, it may not be an issue. (i.e. used compressable foam instead of newspaper

)

However, I think Hugh is in the business of selling kits and doesn't want to get into the business of selling completed amps.

I'm not intending to speak for Hugh, only relay my experiences with many of the same issues that I've had come up in the past.

For these reasons, I built Lonewolf a 100w amp that I was very happy with all the way around. Hugh did the circuitry and case assembly and I sourced, purchased, and wired the RCA's, binding posts, and transformers. I felt we made a good team and produced an excellent amp.

I assembled Lonewolf's amp because he's someone I've come to know and trust for the past year and I had time. I also felt comfortable with the 100w having built 2 previously. Also, Hugh now has a nice case that made things even easier and cleaner. All of this made for a very neat and tidy assembly and transaction. I knew LW wouldn't expect a level of service I couldn't provide. I'm just a guy that did a favor for a friend... it's not a business for me and building electronics for someone you don't know has a lot of risks associated (on both sides).

So, that's probably why you don't have a lot of people jumping to build one... Plus, even doing it the way I did for Lonewolf will take me 5-10 hours or so to order the parts and assemble the amp. Plus, I burned his in for 200 hours before shipping. Plus, I put ERS, Cardas connectors, and Tara Labs output wire into the amp. LW's amp sounds really good. I have since found better binding posts, though...

Hope this gives some insight about amp building and why you haven't gotten much response. I'll be glad to talk to you about it but I can't guarantee I'll do the project.

-C

AKSA · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Mar 2005, 11:08 pm »

Carl is dead right.

I'm delighted to build the modules and power supply, but even the box is a trial because of the packaging/transit difficulties. The modules and power supply are easy to package securely and quite light; it's only the heatsinks and metal work which are the shipping problem. Transformers are out, as they add a lot of cost to the shipping - far too much.

I am in the business of kits, very true. I love the design and service issues, but I really find it hard, grinding work, difficult and repetitive, to build the amps to a finished product. I'm doing this now with the GK1 Swift, and it's hard going. Since I've already had a good career, I tend these days to pick and choose a little, but I've never found anyone around here at moderate cost to match my construction techniques, which makes it difficult to farm the work out. This isn't arrogance; I've just had a LOT of experience with pcb assembly.

Wiring up the modules into a box isn't difficult. You do need to be very careful with the transformers, and since there is no agreed convention on color coding the terminations, every installation is different so great care is needed. There are good instructions in the documentation, of course, but even they don't appear to be comprehensive enough and people still have difficulties which I can only solve with digital photography and a few emails. And I won't even mention the issues of the metal work; a lot of people have trouble drilling a hole in a box, often because they have inadequate tools.

Cheers,

Hugh

soitstarts · « **Reply #10 on:** 2 Mar 2005, 12:41 am »

Jim.
It pains me to think that you may miss out on an ASKA over such issues. I had never done any electronic work before I built my AKSA. I think a lot of people would be surprised how achievable it is IF YOU TAKE YOUR TIME and if anything seems to be out, go back and check. The solder Hugh supplies is a breeze to use (ask for extra) and the instructions are well put together.
My approach was to organise a couple of technicians I knew to be able to help me out if I needed it for a carton or 2. Thankfully, I didn't need them. (my carton, now)

If you are keen, have you thought about approaching a teacher from a school or college? or maybe an electronics shop to see if someone wants some afterhours work? You would have the advantage of having the builder there for the duration and sort out any problems. It's not easy, but it is worth a bit of work.
BTW, I made a mistake that was spotted on the forum by Felipe and was able to fix it with no damage, I may be wrong, but it appears if a couple of tests pass OK then its hard to do REAL serious damage. Took me a while to sort out the tranfos, too.
It realy is worth a bit of looking around, good luck.

Martin.

fajimr · « **Reply #11 on:** 2 Mar 2005, 05:22 pm »

thanks carlman and hugh for your comments,

I really DO understand the situation... reminds me of when I remodeled the kitchen. I am happy with the results but it took me way more time than I anticipated and all those tools are sitting around in the basement (much to my wife's chagrin).

so when this thread appeared I was simply wondering if there were people out there who might be interested simply to see if I could add an AKSA to my options when the time comes to upgrade. And, personally, I wouldn't expect anyone to do it as a 'favor' and would only consider a trade of some kind ($$$, goods, services....o.k. maybe not services). in any case at this point in time, I am not ready to make the plunge.... i need to have a little time to save for these necessities of life.

fajimr · « **Reply #12 on:** 2 Mar 2005, 05:25 pm »

martin

maybe what I need to do is to run down to rat shack and see if they have a cheap kit that I can play around with to see if I like doing this stuff and learn a few things along the way...... but it is certainly reassuring to hear from so many in this circle who feel that it IS doable..... who knows, maybe I will end up doing it myself (I go back and forth on this all the time)....

AKSA · « **Reply #13 on:** 2 Mar 2005, 09:13 pm »

HI Jim,

All you need is confidence, and a little experience. An inexpensive RatShack kit will give you this, and introduce you to the appearance, feel and implementation of the components. You need recognition skills for resistors, caps, diodes and transistors; none of it is difficult, but like any new skill it takes a little time.

I always recommend to those with no building experience a cheap kit, something like a tiny chip amp for the computer, or an electronic ignition for an older car, or a headlight reminder, or any 2" square pcb with less than twenty components mounted on it. This gives the necessary training wheels, and gets you up to speed with soldering, which is a lot like welding, though probably easier.

Lastly, a mentor who lives locally is a great idea. These people can motivate you and check your work, and turn the exercise into something with a sense of achievement and pride. You'll need some cosmetic skills to do an AKSA nicely; component dress and symmetrical installation looks much better. Often a mentor will be older, and can share interesting insights they've learned over the years.

Cheers,

Hugh

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #14 on:** 3 Mar 2005, 03:41 am »

Carlman :

Quote

I assembled Lonewolf's amp because he's someone I've come to know and trust for the past year and I had time. I also felt comfortable with the 100w having built 2 previously. Also, Hugh now has a nice case that made things even easier and cleaner. All of this made for a very neat and tidy assembly and transaction. I knew LW wouldn't expect a level of service I couldn't provide. I'm just a guy that did a favor for a friend... it's not a business for me and building electronics for someone you don't know has a lot of risks associated (on both sides).

[/list:u]

Thanks for the kind words Carl !!! And once again I have to say both you and Hugh did a great job on my AKSA....THANKS !!![/list:u]

Quote

LW's amp sounds really good. I have since found better binding posts, though...

[/list:u]

WHAT !!! You found better !!! &#%*&.......just kidding , the ones I have now are fine.....

[/list:u]

Chris[/list:u]

BillyM · « **Reply #15 on:** 3 Mar 2005, 02:50 pm »

Quote from: fajimr

...and see if they have a cheap kit that I can play around with to see if I like doing this stuff and learn a few things along the way......

That is a fantastic idea. I have found some smaller amps, dont sound half bad, and give you plenty of easy solder points. HERE is a small kit that is all inclusive, cheap, and easily acquired. Do yourself a favor and pick up a good soldering iron. I purchased THIS iron a while back, very good for the money, tip is small enough for some little work.

Goodluck,
--BillyM

Gordy · « **Reply #16 on:** 3 Mar 2005, 03:37 pm »

Very nice BillyM, wish I had known of that 9 or 10 months ago! Might have to pick one up for my nephew...

Just saw your vote of confidence Chris, thanks! I've been finding lately that I've a special affinity / knack for turning caps into post face-hugger alien eggs. But then, Occam tells me I don't really belong until I've blown myself across the room. Hopefully, I won't ever belong...

Felipe · « **Reply #17 on:** 3 Mar 2005, 05:13 pm »

Quote from: soitstarts

BTW, I made a mistake that was spotted on the forum by Felipe and was able to fix it with no damage, I may be wrong, but it appears if a couple of tests pass OK then its hard to do REAL serious damage. Took me a while to sort out the tranfos, too.

Just a note : It was Francis i think who tracked the mistake with the swithced resistor , not me

Felipe

fajimr · « **Reply #18 on:** 3 Mar 2005, 05:28 pm »

thanks everyone...

I'll go ahead and run down to ratshack and see what they have. if nothing, then I might jump on BillyM's pointer .. the kit looked interesting but I am not sure how I could test it to see if my labors were fruitful

Gordy · « **Reply #19 on:** 4 Mar 2005, 04:36 am »

Fajimr,

I see you picked up BillyM's suggestion

Please let us know how it works out for you!!!

Thanks, Gordy