My Inline Power Cord Felix

dBe · « **Reply #20 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 06:46 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 10 Feb 2011, 06:14 pm

Well, the nice looking Felix has an issue. I've had it plugged into the wall with no load behind me and it started having a rattling noise. I took the top off and all looks fine but it's a strange noise like it's the choke. ??? Still has power at the IEC though.

Any ideas?

Any DC on the incoming lines?

Dave

jtwrace · « **Reply #21 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 07:05 pm »

Quote from: dBe on 10 Feb 2011, 06:46 pm

Any DC on the incoming lines?

Dave

About .5V It was fine then it started making this noise.

TomS · « **Reply #22 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 07:08 pm »

I had one buzzing in my 4-box. I replaced that choke with another of the same shipment, now no problems. I suspect they aren't impregnated/sealed very well.

dBe · « **Reply #23 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 07:18 pm »

Quote from: TomS on 10 Feb 2011, 07:08 pm

I had one buzzing in my 4-box. I replaced that choke with another of the same shipment, now no problems. I suspect they aren't impregnated/sealed very well.

Yeah, things will start to rattle a bit with DC if they arent well potted. On small inductors like those I have found that saturating them with a thin or medium viscosity CA adhesive works well to settle them down.

Dave

jtwrace · « **Reply #24 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 10:36 pm »

Thanks for that Tom. I got home and replaced the choke and it's still making noise. Is it possible that I got two that are bad? I called Coilcraft and the QC director is going to call me back as they want the units back. Good for them I still have the shipping box which has the Lot # on it.

Do caps make noise if they're failing? Short of buying some more chokes I don't have a clue.

and just because we all love pics...

TomS · « **Reply #25 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 11:32 pm »

Sounds like a small amount of DC on the line, usually less than a diode drop worth.

jtwrace · « **Reply #26 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 11:36 pm »

Quote from: TomS on 10 Feb 2011, 11:32 pm

Sounds like a small amount of DC on the line, usually less than a diode drop worth.

mgalusha · « **Reply #27 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 12:00 am »

Quote from: jtwrace on 10 Feb 2011, 10:36 pm

Do caps make noise if they're failing?

Sometimes they make noise if they are not failing. I've had brand new X2 caps buzz like you wouldn't believe.

I had a problem with all sorts of things around our house buzzing a few months ago. Turned out to be a failing power supply in an older TV. Once it was unplugged lots of things quieted right back down.

See if there are any large heating appliances on while you have the Felix plugged in, sometimes those can cause CMC's to make noise.

BTW, it looks great.

jtwrace · « **Reply #28 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 12:43 am »

Quote from: mgalusha on 11 Feb 2011, 12:00 am

Sometimes they make noise if they are not failing. I've had brand new X2 caps buzz like you wouldn't believe.

I had a problem with all sorts of things around our house buzzing a few months ago. Turned out to be a failing power supply in an older TV. Once it was unplugged lots of things quieted right back down.

See if there are any large heating appliances on while you have the Felix plugged in, sometimes those can cause CMC's to make noise.

BTW, it looks great.

Oh goody. I love a wild goose chase.

sts9fan · « **Reply #29 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 01:05 am »

Don't feel bad. Mine is doing the same thing.

jtwrace · « **Reply #30 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 01:23 am »

Quote from: sts9fan on 11 Feb 2011, 01:05 am

Don't feel bad. Mine is doing the same thing.

Seriously?

mjosef · « **Reply #31 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 02:08 am »

Just implement a DC blocker before the Felix, as shown in the original Felix thread...here, midway down the page... http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=25757.200
Actual pictures of the build (by Gordy) are on the previous page.
Google "DC Blocker" for more info on the circuit.

sts9fan · « **Reply #32 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 04:24 am »

Seriously. I have a dedicate line. Guess I need a DC
blocker.

jtwrace · « **Reply #33 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 12:32 pm »

Quote from: sts9fan on 11 Feb 2011, 04:24 am

Seriously. I have a dedicate line. Guess I need a DC
blocker.

I guess I do too.

How much DC do you have? I have .5V

I think I'm going to setup a couple of DMM's in my house and leave them on and see if it changes during the day.

jtwrace · « **Reply #34 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 12:37 pm »

Quote from: mjosef on 11 Feb 2011, 02:08 am

Just implement a DC blocker before the Felix, as shown in the original Felix thread...here, midway down the page... http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=25757.200
Actual pictures of the build (by Gordy) are on the previous page.
Google "DC Blocker" for more info on the circuit.

How about some pics and a parts build list?

sts9fan · « **Reply #35 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 02:05 pm »

Its just a bridge and two 3300uf 35V caps. Are they both just attached to opposite corners of the bridge?

jtwrace · « **Reply #36 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 04:12 pm »

I just got off the phone with the head of Q.C. at Coilcraft. My first P3717-AL is going back for some testing. They will do a basic electrical test then if needed do some destructive testing. I will report what they tell me.

dBe · « **Reply #37 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 04:14 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 11 Feb 2011, 04:12 pm

I just got off the phone with the head of Q.C. at Coilcraft. My first P3717-AL is going back for some testing. They will do a basic electrical test then if needed do some destructive testing. I will report what they tell me.

Indiansprings · « **Reply #38 on:** 14 Feb 2011, 03:00 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 11 Feb 2011, 04:12 pm

I just got off the phone with the head of Q.C. at Coilcraft. My first P3717-AL is going back for some testing. They will do a basic electrical test then if needed do some destructive testing. I will report what they tell me.

Are there other options besides the Coilcraft?

Occam · « **Reply #39 on:** 14 Feb 2011, 03:39 pm »

Yes, the JW Miller 8100 series CMCs. The group buy board has holes to accomodate these coils (up to the 8118) as well as the Coilcrafts.
http://www.bourns.com/data/global/pdfs/8100_series.pdf
available from Newark and Digikey