[randytsuch]

I sat down this morning, and made a table, showing the sizes of the different caps that could be used
1778 X2   C3/0.01   C3/0.01   C2/0.1   C2/0.1   C1/1.0   C1/1.0
pitch   0.4   0.4   0.6   0.6   0.886   1.08
w   0.15   0.25   0.24   0.21   0.48   0.43
h   0.35   0.49   0.47   0.4   0.79   0.8
l   0.5   0.5   0.7   0.7   1.035   1.23
                  
338 X2   C3/0.01      C2/0.1      C1/1.0   
pitch   0.3      0.4      0.886   
w   0.16      0.24      0.39   
h   0.35      0.47      0.77   
l   0.39      0.5      1.02   
                  
338 X1   C3/0.01      C2/0.1      C1/1.0   
pitch   0.6      0.6      1.08   
w   0.19      0.39      0.81   
h   0.44      0.65      1.22   
l   0.69      0.69      1.2   


So, as of now, 338 X2 for C1 and C2 would not work, and the 338 X1 for C3 would be hard to fit.
The 338 X1 for C2 is a little wide, but it does fit if you use either X2 for C3

Randy

I noticed the formatting gets messed up when I post the table, hope you guys can make sense of it.

EDIT Fixed cap reference numbers

[BradJudy]

Testing a better formatting

Code: [Select]

1778 X2   C1/0.01   C2/0.1   C2/0.1   C2/0.1   C3/1.0   C3/1.0
pitch        0.4      0.4    0.6      0.6      0.886     1.08
w            0.15     0.25   0.24     0.21     0.48      0.43
h            0.35     0.49   0.47     0.4      0.79      0.8
l            0.5      0.5    0.7      0.7      1.035     1.23

338 X2       C1/0.01      C2/0.1      C3/1.0   
pitch            0.3       0.4       0.886   
w                0.16      0.24      0.39   
h                0.35      0.47      0.77   
l                0.39      0.5       1.02   

338 X1       C1/0.01      C2/0.1      C3/1.0   
pitch            0.6       0.6       1.08   
w                0.19      0.39      0.81
h                0.44      0.65      1.22
l                0.69      0.69      1.2

[randytsuch]

OK, this should look better



Fixed

[BradJudy]

Working in inches for these is a bit of a pain as they are all metric.  0.4 is 10mm, 0.6 is 15mm, 0.886 is 22.5mm and 1.08 is 27.5mm. 

The current design has both 22.5 and 27.5 on C1/6, 15mm on C2/5 and both 10mm and 15mm on C3/4.  This accommodates all pitches except for the 338 x2 0.01 which I'm deeming too small to do safely in this design.  Edit: I just noticed that the 338 X2 0.1 is 10mm, which is not handled either. 

Edit2: I also just noticed that Randy's numbers are opposite of mine on the board, so my line is confusing.

The only part left to work out is the thickness of the caps...

[BradJudy]

Since height is just an issue of enclosure size and nothing restricts the lengths of the caps on the board, width is the only restricting factor. 

Note that the CMC outline on the board is for the largest of the CMC's: the CoilCraft combo series.  Using the JW Miller 8100 series leaves you more room on the inside. 

[BradJudy]

Okay, to put a quick end to the cap discussion, the board has been stretched by 0.5" to allow for mounting either the 1778 X2 series or the 338 X1 series on the top of the board.  Pending spacing checks, I'll call that closed for the cap discussion.  Accommodating the 338 X2 series doesn't make sense since the 0.01uF won't safely fit anyway. 

Here's a new pic:



I don't plan on leaving both sets of silkscreen traces for the caps.  One or the other will go. 

[BradJudy]

Okay, I think I'm ready to call this done for prototyping.  Here's the latest board:



It's mainly symmetry tweaks and distance verification from v0.5. 

For those interested in a closer look, here's the PCB file itself (you'll need to install ExpressPCB to open it) - http://www.bradjudy.com/pics/felix.pcb

[BradJudy]

BTW: It looks like something like the Serpac 152 (http://www.serpac.com/products_s-152.htm) might be a good option for an in-line Felix box.  They are <$8 at Digikey and Mouser.

[ecramer]

BTW: It looks like something like the Serpac 152 (http://www.serpac.com/products_s-152.htm) might be a good option for an in-line Felix box.  They are <$8 at Digikey and Mouser.

Hey just want to thank BradJudy for all the work put into this project 

Ed

[kyrill]

yes
and very thorough

[BradJudy]

Thanks.  I think the board is all set.  I just integrated some feedback from Randy to increase the pad size of the mount holes to match the head size of a #6 machine screw. 

I'll place the order for prototype boards today, as well as parts to fit-test the boards. 

I was thinking of selling off the spare fit parts with boards and then I got thinking about just doing an optional "kit" choice.  It looks like some of the parts like the JW Miller chokes and the MKP 338 caps have a discount at a quantity of 10 (the mid-sized 8100's drop by $2.30/ea at qty 10, which is more than the others).  The F1778's have a price break at qty 50, which might also be reachable.  I wouldn't want to deal with a lot of different combinations though, so I'd probably stick to the standard 1/.1/.01 on caps and only choose a couple of choke sizes.  Unfortunately, CoilCraft lists their first price break at 250, so I don't think there's any cost advantage there other than potential shipping savings.

Would an option like this would be desirable?  Or does everyone want to buy their own since they'll have to order other parts (cases, cables, breakers, etc) anyway?

[BradJudy]

BTW: It also occurred to me that supporting the largest 8100's on this board is kind of pointless since these trace sizes are only appropriate for 10A, so limiting it to the 8109-8118 range is fine.  The 8119-8121 range is rated for 14.5A+ and I don't think anyone here is interested in the 8101-8108 range.  I'll leave the large choke pads on - it doesn't appear to impact the cost.

[JoshK]

That is a good idea Brad.  I wouldn't allow for intentional misuse and limit it to the smaller rated chokes. For the higher rated chokes, one should just do point to point with higher awg wiring.

[double nickels]

hello,
I have lashed up two units by the GBB construction method (CC 10amp, vishay 1.0,.1,.01 film caps) but forgot to
orient the (film?) writing on the caps in the same direction.  This was mentioned by someone (occam?).  My question
is, is this a significant oversight and should I reconstruct?

Thanks to all involved, as this simple unit sounds better than any of my
previously used power conditioners.

Matt

[tanchiro58]

hello,
I have lashed up two units by the GBB construction method (CC 10amp, vishay 1.0,.1,.01 film caps) but forgot to
orient the (film?) writing on the caps in the same direction.  This was mentioned by someone (occam?).  My question
is, is this a significant oversight and should I reconstruct?

Thanks to all involved, as this simple unit sounds better than any of my
previously used power conditioners.

Matt

Hi Matt,

I did build the same as your Felix based on the first Gary's schematic (Vishay 1.0, 0.1, 0.01--CMC (CC)-- 1.0, 0.1, 0.01). It still sounds very nice to me with the switching PS inside the box. I do not want to reconstruct the film caps at the main output (main in: 1.0, 0.1, 0.01--CMC--0.01, 0.1, 1.0: main out) but I will build another one as the new pictures of Gary in this thread to compare them. I do not think there will be a problem.

Tan

[Occam]

Double Nickles,

I wouldn't worry about it.... A couple of years ago, working with Tianguis (Larry) on the Felicia, we found that we preferred the same alignment of caps within bypass groupings. It didn't matter if the whole group was turned around (this was balanced split phase power). It wasn't a large difference. My experience is anecdotal, and hardly scientific. This is a different situation where we're dealing with a single phase (hot) signal with the caps bridging to a grounded (neutral) connection, as in a Felix. Some folks have posted over on AA as to the preferable orientation, (I can't recall where specifically or do I vouch for their accuracy) but all I can suggest is that this is an area where we all could benefit from others experience and experiments. Then again, it might not matter at all....

A breadboarded Felix or other type of conditioner is one of the few instances where we can put a DUT (device under test) and compare between 2 such, or against a wire bypass, without having to power a system down and suffer the constraints of comparing sound with an intervening gap, or change in volume. All it takes is a pair of 4pdt (center off) switches.

The 4 poles are HotIn, HotOut, NeutIn, NeutOut, referring to the inputs and outputs of a Felix
Bypass is simply 2 wire links from HotIn to HotOut and NeutIn to NeutOut/
The 2 4pdt(center-off) switches would be wired for their 3 positions as follows -

Switch_1
1. DUT1
2. Out of circuit (center off)
3. Bypass DUT1 (wire links)

Switch_2
1. Bypass DUT2 (wire links)
2. Out of circuit (center off)
3. DUT2

I'll draw up a schematic and post it in a new thread 'A switchbox for comparing power conditioners'

FWIW

[double nickels]

Hey,
Thanks for the info guys, I didn't think it was a big deal, but since it's mains and I have limited diy I thought
it's best to get feedback from those that know.  My wife didn't like the look two units powered bare on the floor, so now it's enclosure building time, not my favorite part.  But.....

Matt

[natemil]

Hi,

I have a basic question.  Is there a rule of thumb for sizing the fuse, A and V?  Would it be the same or a fraction of the filtering component's fuse? 

thanks, Doug

[nature boy]

Gordy and I are working to put some Felix's together for my main HT and bedroom HT set up.  We're looking for some relatively inexpensive enclosures (ABS or aluminum) that can house three Felix circuit boards, caps and Coilcraft CMC's with two side mounted AC receptacles.

An 8"x6"x3" enclosure box or slightly larger will do it.  We are looking for options beyond the relatively flimsy Radio Shack project box.  I saw some Hammond 1591ESBK ABS Project Boxes (7.5"x4.4"x2.4") but these are too small and I don't think Hammond makes a larger ABS box. Your suggestions would be most welcome!  Thanks.

NB

[kyrill]

hi NAture boy
i see many boxes in your image

Why dont you make them from wood and make them shiny and beautiful?
You can use copperfoil and or aluminum foil inside to connect to earth to block RFI