jamesmking

portable if you are godzilla or king kong....

I thought I might post some of the modifications I have been doing to my Flox Alien vasto. I got fed up with the not so rigid spoil board and so filled in the bottom with 20mmx40mm aluminium extrusion... and replaced the thin t slot and mdf spoilboard with a 30mm thick mdf slab. The result is far more rigit and will take my own weight (60kg) with ease and no detectible flexing. The plan for the spil board is to have m6 threaded inserts on the underside of the board to allow me to screw in work holding clamps/brackets. A 20mm by 20mm grid engraved and a set of 3.175mm holes around the edge so I can insert small pegs to make lining up work with X and Y axis easier. I also got fed up with the cheapo controller. It has no rs485 support so it could not control my spindle vfd. I could not change spindle speed or direction in software. In fact the original unmodified machine could only switch on and off the cheap dc motor it was supplied with and had a potentiometer for manual speed control with no indication or rpms. It has no wifi support and no user interface, is also only 3 axis and completely undocumented. I opted to rip out the controller and put in a rootcnc controller (https://www.rootcnc.com/root-controller-iso-about/) running fluidnc (http://wiki.fluidnc.com/) control software. It took a while to configure fluidnc and re do all the control box wiring. I replaced the 2 pin spindle power socket on the back with a 4 pin to carry rs485 from the controller to the spindle vfd. I also removed the pause and resume buttons and replaced them with sockets for a tool height probe and a 3d probe. While I was at it I replaced the now redundant potentiometer that used to control the voltage on the original 48V spindle output with a fixed voltage divider of 12V so I could run a good quality noctura cooling fan and power diode lasers directly. I also got a cheap minbot labeller and went on a labelling spree. The result is I can store multiple profiles (one for the laser and one for the vfd spindle) in the controller flash, In fact rootcnc and fluidnc is versatile enough and has enough I/O I could run a vfd and laser at the same time if I could find a sensible way to mount both. I can control the spindle speed and direction in software and by using standard S and G3,4 and 5 gcodes, control the machine via the built in web server, usb or wifi and have much less fan noise, power 80W diode lasers directly from the control box and have 2 more axis. The spindle control and a spare axis makes an automatic tool changer such as the rapid change atc https://rapidchangeatc.com/ a viable option. I now have enough expandability that I could add control for a rotary axis, run a pendant or even consider automated tool changes... I have been experimenting with automated tool height measurement and have written some gsender macros to set the tool length offset using the tool height setter I recently purchased. I still have to manually remove and insert and screw down the tools but the aim is that I will then just press a button and the machine will measure the new tool height and Z axis work coordinate so the tip of the tool is at the same physical Z height as the previous tool. I chose the tool height sensor because it is also compatible with the rapid change atc.. Gsender has poor documentation for its macros so I got the source code and reverse engineered the macro language parser. I love open source software, if you can't find the information online you can always find it in the source code. The Z axis mount is too narrow to accept a mounting bracket for an 80mm diameter spindle. So at the moment I am stuck with 65mm spindles which limits me to only er11 collets and a maximum end mill diameter of 6mm. So when I have finished rebuilding the machine I will make a new zaxis mounting plate for 80mm spindle brackets and am looking at buying a 2.2KW er20 spindle with ceramic bearings and better dust sealing. Further in the future I would like to get the rapid change atc which will probably necessitate extending the y or x axis extend the x axis from 420mm useable to around 550mm or so. I'm also thinking about changing to closed loop steppers. happy cnc'ing James

That would be very nice, but, I suspect given the general behaviour of the human race, that there is a giant no fly zone around the sol solar system. I also think "humanity" probably has developed immunity to kindness/forgiveness. The story goes that the Argentinians could not get the Exocet working so as part of the support package they had several french advisors fly to argentina during the war to help them use them against the uk ships.... (https://theweek.com/world-news/falkland-islands/45704/bbc-finds-evidence-french-helped-argentines-sink-our-ships) remember it pays to pay for the support package

latest stax announcement: Due to decreasing sales of the sr009 we are discontinuing the sr007 since we don't know how to increment the price to make as much profit on it as the sr009 series. (We also forgot how to make spares and repair it cost effectively). We are proud to announce the release of the sr007a mk3. This release solves all the warmth issues of the previous sr007 models and benefits from the added clarity, detail and speed which made the sr009 series such good sellers. Please ignore the sr007 mk3's cosmetic similarities to sr009, we assure you the mk3 is a completely reimagined and redesigned sr007 brought into modern profit levels using modern technology for only $9000. Available now from all two remaining authorised dealers in Japan. Stax would also like to announce a new energizer to partner with the all new sr007 mk3; the srm007C rap using state of the art TPA3255 driving a 1:10 step-up transformer. The srm007C rap is manufactured under license by our new partners the IAG group in their mega factory in Shenzhen. It offers class leading efficiency for those who can't afford the utility bills associated with a valve design. Finally and terminally Stax would like to announce a collaboration with Blackstone private equity where Stax will rent back its manufacturing space from Blackstone in return for access to Blackstone expertise in increasing profitability and reducing manufacturing costs..

So Stax kill about the only good headphones they sell. Welcome to second-hand sr007 prices skyrocketing...

Well its not DC coupled (i.e. NO capacitors in the signal path) and it has a very low voltage swing - 200Vrms... due to the fact it has pre-amp tubes in its output rather than power tubes like the EL34. The bandwidth is not great and there is no distortion specifications at all (nothing vs output voltage and nothing vs frequency) which is a bit suspicious. I suspect the amp will have trouble driving Stax sr007. There is little information about the power supply but it does not appear to be fully regulated. As such it certainly does not look to be even close to a blue hawaii, mini T2 or T2 in specs and capability. Even the all valve Megatron has more voltage drive and almost certainly a better power supply. It is not known if the amp uses anode load resistors (bad) or constant current sources (good) for the output valves, but I suspect it's resistors. On the plus side it does not appear to have an output transformer... unlike some crappy comercial designs and does not require any DIY skills. However, if you don't mind building your own amp you can almost certainly make something substantially better (fully regulated power supply, fully DC coupled, constant current sources for the power valves etc) for around the same price.

perhaps your last post is exactly why no one else replied. I would like to see a long term solution to the entire Palestine problem. For your information I have never protested on the topic in question for either faction and have no desire to, its complicated mess and saying one side is exclusively right is impossible and unhelpful to a long term solution. I could call you a bigot for implying the UN and therefore, probably by extension, the entire world plus all universities is anti-Semitic but that would achieve nothing, but your words, do show your silo mentality which I am afraid to say is all I have experienced every time this topic has been discussed, my father has experienced similar as well and I am slowly coming to the conclusion this kind of experience might be widespread. I could be insulted by your words saying you expect me to protest in support of the palestinians or to remove my head from my arse, (If I could bend around that flexibly the climbing problem I got stuck on today would be a breeze). But I refuse to be insulted. I would say insults are the arguments employed by those who are in the wrong, but I dont think all you say is wrong. I am afraid to say that, in my opinion it is people exactly like you who make it so hard to feel any connection or sympathy for the Jews, but I try to keep an open mind, since, just because the proponents of an argument speak objectionably, it does not mean their argument is without merit. However, I have no desire to further engage with you on this topic or any other.

I'm sorry, but I am not sure what you are trying to imply. Just because no one comments does not mean that no one has an opinion (informed or otherwise) or that silence means that you are right or that everyone agrees with you or that there are not counter arguments to what you have written. The lack of comments could simply be that no one wants an argument with you (especially with your privileged role as a moderator), or start a flame war. If the protagonists on both sides in Palestine where equally reserved perhaps there would be fragile peace or even better a pathway to some solutions to the problems. Each side can point to the past, to past atrocities from the other side, atrocities that fuel more retribution and atrocities and naturally lead to attack is the best form of defense arguments. Until there is forgiveness and a willingness to not look at the past the deaths on both sides will probably continue at infinitum. International law says Israel illegally occupied the west bank (United Nations resolutions, including 446, 452, 465, 471 and 476 and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 of 2016 reaffirmed this yet again) and then illegally (advisory opinion by the primary judicial organ of the UN in 2004) built settlers homes on what amounted to the front line. If this had occurred elsewhere in a different context the international community would be sending an army to throw the occupiers out... Given this it is hardly surprising Hamas and the Palestinians also use the argument that the Israel is responsible for the deaths and that attack is the best form of defense. And so the atrocities and deaths continue on both sides, each blaming the other and each attacking the other and calling it defense and the human suffering continues.

I just have a Mastech MS5308 Lcr-Meter. kemet 35v 47uf tantalum esr 100hz 0.4ohm 120hz 0.4ohm 1khz 0.22ohm 10khz 0.19ohm 100khz 0.12ohm panasonic 47uf 63V electrolytic esr 100hz 1.1ohm 120hz 1.0ohm 1khz 0.39ohm 10khz 0.33ohm 100khz 0.30ohm chinesium "suntan" brand electrolytic 47uf 105C 25V esr 100hz 4.8ohm 120hz 4.4ohm 1khz 1.75ohm 10khz 1.41ohm 100khz 1.26ohm so for this tiny sample size (and not the same voltage rating) tants have lower esr throughout the range I can measure. so not enough data points, resolution, sample size or frequency range etc. to make any real conclusions but maybe enough to start a electro vs tant thread...

I think tants typically will have lower effective series resistance at high frequencies than electros, and in general tants esr decreases with increasing frequency unlike electrolytics. https://www.doeeet.com/content/eee-components/passives/why-low-esr-matters-in-capacitor-design/

its possible that Q1 is only just providing enough current for the replay contacts to just about close resulting in poor switch contact - that might lead to noise. Also does the relay have a built in diode for transient protection when the relay switches state? If not the transients could be damaging Q1 and or the opamps.

I hope he is not using this multimeter. It has a built in transistor test feature so you know its quality.... resistance measurement only up to 2Mohm, and ac bandwidth of an insanely narrow 45hz to 450hz. 500V max input and is not even true rms... all for £2.95 before tax. https://cpc.farnell.com/duratool/d03046/multimeter-digital/dp/IN07220?mckv=s_dc|pcrid|426684131405|kword||match||plid||slid||product|IN07220|pgrid|100371162238|ptaid|pla-1751967123517|&CMP=KNC-GUK-CPC-SHOPPING-9262013734-100371162238-IN07220&s_kwcid=AL!5616!3!426684131405!!!network}!1751967123517!&gclid=CjwKCAjwu4WoBhBkEiwAojNdXqPLfzyh0bPlKygDGgTcWuNmZFHencRS08mstzeQNiGSrgSmFODsSBoCkpYQAvD_BwE 😬 💥 😱 🚑

a bit like a berk or a pillock but more nasty and very much like a Berkeley Hunt

Since the T2 needs a complex power supply I am also including a T2 power supply testing guide. There are multiple options for the T2 power supply but the one I built is: The gerbers can be found here: <insert link> The guide is intended for both pre-power on verification of an amp build, verification of voltages on power on and general troubleshooting. All tests are performed using a Brymen BM869s and peak DCA75. Using a different multimeter may effect the results slightly but you should still get similar behaviours and ball-park figures. All tests are performed with the psu not connected to an amp and no mains transformer connected. unfortunately many of the transistors are packed tightly together so it is not easy or really possible to get test probes onto all the legs of all the transistors from the top and so the verification guide will be separated into two halves: testing from the top and testing from the bottom. Since all the high voltage power supplies are basically identical except for differing values for some resistors ad the pre regulator zeners I will cover one psu rai and the diode tests and dca75 tests should be the same for the other high voltage rails. (The 500V and above rails also have two caps in series with bleed resistors in parallel for the input smoothing and output smoothing to reduce the financial cost of the caps and increase the cap options) The low voltage rails are trivial - diode bridge, bulk cap, monolithic off the shelf regulator and smoothing cap and so will not be covered. NOTE the 3w resistor which direct connects to the 10 volt reference will get hot (depending upon the supply rail) it can reach 80C+, If you look at my schematics above I suggest increasing the value of the resistor to reduce the current and decrease the temperature. Also raise it from the pcb as much as possible to keep it away from the nearby 0.1uF capacitor. NOTE if you use 0.1% precision resistors for the output voltage set resistors then they must be rated at above 250V for the 560V rail or (in my experience if you use 250V rated working voltage resistors their resistance will drift higher and higher with time and the 560V rail will eventually hit the zener string voltage of 600V and this will cause an uncorrectable dc offset in your T2 amp). Transistor and diode location Top The two ksc5026 (T3 and T2) form a long tail pair with T3 input being the 10V reference and T2 input being the the voltage across R5 (and half of P1) in the voltage set string. To improve the performance of the differential amp T6 and T4 form a current mirror. R12 is the common resistor for the long tail. The output of the long tail comes from the collector of T3 and goes to T7. Probe Tests from above Diode test of the zener pre regulator D5 and D4 measuring across each separately, you will get about 0.6V drop, probes reversed the multimeter will register a steadily increasing voltage until it shows open. This is true of each zener in the string. Diode test D2 you will get about 0.6v drop in one direction and an instant open in the other Diode test D1 you will get about 0.52v drop in one direction and an instant open in the other Diode test D3 you will get about 0.54v drop in one direction and an instant open in the other Note it is possible for a transistor to fail in such a way it has very little gain but still has a diode drop and so diode checking transistors is not a foolproof measure of a transistors health. But 0V drop when not expected indicates a short etc. Diode and dca75 tests of the 10m90s NOTE the 10m90s has a live tab and absolutely must be insulated from the heatsink it is mounted to. Like the 10m90s in the t2 amp boards the 10m90s measures the same when the polarity of the probes has been reversed. Just like the T2 amp the peak dca75 can't identify this component in circuit and variously shows it as a low voltage zener ~ 1.6V or an led. Diode and dca75 tests of the fqp8n80s The peak dca75 can't identify this component in circuit and variously misidentifies it as two diodes or a diode and led. Diode checks from underside Transistor and diode location Bottom Diode test T1 2N3904 NPN transistor. forms the active part of the current limit circuit. It monitors the current through R15 and when the voltage drop across the resistor gets too high T1 starts to cut off the pass mosfet FQPF8M80C. If you get correct voltage output with no load but any load massively decreases the output down to about 75V suspect T1 has gone short circuit. Diode and DCA 75 test T2 and T3 KSC5026 NPN transistor. These form the long tail pair differential amp which compares the voltage reference against a portion of the output voltage controlled by the trimmer P1 and the series resistor ladder R3, R4 R5. There should be very close to 10V across R5 if not one possibility is R3 and R4 have too higher a resistance value, possibility from using resistors with a too low working voltage - especially in the -560V rail which puts more than 250V across each of R3 and R4 in the series ladder. NOTE T2 is connected to a both ends of a cap and so this cap will slowly charge resulting in the diode test reading showing an increasing voltage drop until the multimeter finally displays open when the cap has charged to the same voltage as the meter outputs and so no current flows at all fooling the meter into thinking there is an open circuit. This does not occur with T3 The dca75 reliably and correctly identifies T2 as a NPN silicon transistor hfe 19 and T3 as a NPN silicon transistor hfe 2. Diode and DCA75 test T4, T6 T7. Ksa156 PNP transistor. T4 and T6 form the current mirror for the long pair differential amp. NOTE T4 has base and collector shorted together and so measures similarly to a single diode. The DCA correctly and reliably identifies T7 as a PNP transistor hfe 135 The DCA obviously identifies T4 as a diode junction if you don't connect the 3rd lead, otherwise it just reports a short between two of the leads - which is correct. The DCA correctly and reliably identifies T6 as a PNP transistor hfe 2 <<<work in progress>>>

The unofficial mostly modern T2 troubleshooting and verification guide. Weclome, this guide covers the mostly modern T2 which has the following schematic: The gerbers for the amp can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1r3g2TAtBUaBdiMorTWX7yYgeJ7maQbYW and the gerbers are staxt2nc3fdh7.zip The guide is intended for both pre-power on verification of an amp build, verification of voltages on power on and general troubleshooting. All tests are performed using a Brymen BM869s and peak DCA75. Using a different multimeter may effect the results slightly but you should still get similar behaviours and ball-park figures. Transistor and Diode Location Section 1. Build verification with no valves installed and no wires/volume control connected to the amp All of these checks can be performed with a multimeter from the top side of the amp board leds Checks. All 3 leds on each channel should read about 0.55V voltage drop in forward bias (multimeter + terminal/red lead connected to led + and multimeter - terminal black lead connected to led -) and open circuit in reverse bias (swap the probes around) when tested with a multimeter in diode check mode. The leds will not light from the diode test due t the current draw if the components around them. The exact forward voltage drop will depend upon the characteristics of the red led but anything significantly different here indicates a problem. 0 voltage drop in both directions indicates a short across the led or the components it connected to. check for solder bridges and failed short transistors. 0L indicates in both directions means the led has dry solder joints or is blown. using a multimeter in resistance mode check the leds D23 close to the -360VDC psu input. In forward bias expect around 4M ohms. With the probes reversed you should get open circuit. D24 is the led closest to the octal socket for the EL34 and should read about 1.8M in forward bias and about 1.9M in reverse. D1 is between in the 9 pin sockets but close to the heatsinks. This should read about 1.5M in both directions. Readings in both directions of a few hundred K ohms or lower indicate the led may have been leaky or a transistor it is connected to has gone short circuit or a solder bridge. Input terminal checks With the multimeter in resistance mode and the - terminal connected to the amp ground, and the positive terminal connected to the + input of the amp you should get about 340K and the same for the - input. Naturally expect the same results for the other channel. If significantly different suspect incorrect resistors for R94, R7 (positive input). Or R95, R8 on the - input. Output terminal checks With the multimeter in resistance mode and the - terminal connected to the amp ground, and the positive terminal connected to the + output of the amp you should get about 0.5M and the same for the - output. Naturally expect the same results for the other channel. Valve Socket Checks. With the multimeter in resistance mode and the - terminal connected to the amp ground, and the positive terminal expect the following resistances for both EL34s: (socket viewed from the top of the amp). (note the 0.5M reading may start lower and quickly ram up and the small capacitors in the circuit are charged by the multimeter). For the 6922s (socket viewed from the top of the amp) Diode Checks of transistors Note it is possible for a transistor to fail in such a way it has very little gain but still has a diode drop and so diode checking transistors is not a foolproof measure of a transistors health. But 0V drop when not expected indicates a short etc. Diode checks KSA1156 checks Q1, Q2, Q3 two of the ksa1156s (Q2 and A3) measure the same in diode mode the centre one (Q1) differs slightly. All combinations of probes and pins on a transistor result in open circuit unless otherwise shown otherwise: + indicates positive multimeter probe attached, - indicates negative multimeter probe attached n/c indicates no probe attachment. Note: for the other channel EACH KSA1156 is rotated 180 degrees about the y (vertical) axis. Peak DCA in circuit testing Q1-3 The peak DCA 75 identifies all 3 transistors as PNP silicon. The centre with a hfe or around 28 and the other two with slightly higher hfe of 30 to 31. This test is reliable, anything significantly different indicates a problem. Note it is easier to do these tests from the underside although you can hook up the dca proe hooks to something like a sensepeek weighted self standing spring loaded probe tip assembly and test easily from the top (https://sensepeek.com/pcbite-20 Diode check and Peak DCA 75 for Q23P FJPF2145 This is reliably identified as a NPN with hfe 26 and is part of the virtual battery connected to the + output side of the channel. NOTE: It has a mirror image pinout compared to the ksa1156s. Diode check and peak DCA 75 check for Q5 2SK216 This is reliably identified as a N channel mosfet with body diode and has a transconductance of 23.3mA/V. Although not part of the virtual battery it is directly connected to it. WANRING This transistor has a live mounting tab and must be fully insulated from the heatsink. A resistance check from the metal tab to the heatsink it is mounted on absolutely must read open circuit. Diode measurement for this transistor does not show a stable reading. In this case dec indicates a reading that decreases over time. The next two transistors in the heatsink row are Q23N and Q4 which perform exactly the same role and are exactly the same type of transistors as Q23P and Q5 respectively and should measure about the same I got 28mA/V for the Q4 so expect a little variance here). NOTE: on the other channel the order of the 2SK216 and FJPF2145 are reversed. Diode check and peak DCA 75 check for Q35 and Q36 FJPF2145 These are the current providers (driven by Q34) for a 10mA constant current source that feeds the input 6922s. The job is equally divided between them and they should measure the same. The DCA75 reliably identifies them as NPN silicon hfe 25-26 Diode check and peak DCA 75 check for Q15 and Q10 (10M90S) These are identified out of circuit by the dca75 as N channel depletion mosfets. However, in this circuit they provide anode current and are wired in such a way the DCA75 can not identify them and reports no component. The DCA75 should not report any shorts and the metal mounting tab is live and absolutely must be insulated from the heatsink they are mounted on. Q15 and Q10 are identically configured and should measure the same. The gate and cathodes are connected together with resistors totalling only 400ohms so the diode drop voltages will be lower than for the other transistors also unlike the other transistors all combination of probes will result in a voltage drop. The voltage drop should be the same in the forward and reverse directions. Diode check and peak DCA 75 check for Q28 and Q29 (KSA1156) These are identified out of circuit by the dca75 as PNP silicon. However in this circuit they are wired in such a way the DCA75 can not identify them and reports no component. Each should measure the same. Diode check and peak DCA 75 check for Q26 and Q27 (2SK216) These transistors do not produce stable diode voltage drops. Diode check and peak DCA 75 check for Q25 and Q24 (2SJ79) These transistors are not easy to get a stable reading on. Diode and peak dca75 Check Balance servo Q37 - Q40 (MPSA06) 4 of the MPSA06es have their collectors and bases shorted together and so can be considered to only have two pins as far as diode checking concerned. NOTE for any transistor with shorted pins only two dca75 probes were used (one to the shorted pins and the other to the non shorted pin) to avoid the dca just reporting probes shorted. Understandably ni this case the dca75 can not identify the component as a transistor and instead reports a 9.87V zener. All other transistors are correctly identified and hfe provided. Diode and peak dca75 Check Virtual Battery Q16 - Q18 (STN9360) and Q20 (MPSA06) the other virtual battery in the channel (just to the left) should measure similarly and is identically laid out. Q20 pt 1 has collector and base shorted. All 4 stn9360 should diode measure similarly. NOTE for any transistor with shorted pins only two dca75 probes were used (one to the shorted pins and the other to the non shorted pin) to avoid the dca just reporting probes shorted. Understandably ni this case the dca75 can not identify the component as a transistor and instead reports a 10V zener. All other transistors are correctly identified and hfe provided. The stn9360 are pnp and the remaining non shorted mpsa06 as npn Diode and peak dca75 check Q30 and Q31 (FJPF2145) Each transistor provides a separate 5mA current source and are directly connected to the virtual battery. With the led D24 across their base and emitter. Each is identically configured and should read the same. Dca75 reliably identifies both transistors as npn both hfe 18 Diode and peak dca75 check Q32 (on seperate small heatsink) and Q33 (FJPF2145) this forms a 20mA current source which is controlled by Rv5 and sets the DC offset. DCA75 reliably identifies both transistors as npn both with hfe 26 Diode and peak dca75 check Q34 (FJPF2145) Q34 provides control for Q35 and Q36 which creates a 10mA current source. The dca75 says no component detected. <<< IN PROGRESS >>> #include <usual_disclaimer.h> #include <usual_high voltage_warnings.h>

update on the RIP T2. The four 270K resistors R65 to R68 are discoloured I believe because of the higher than expected DC voltages across them from the massive DC imbalance. Otherwise there are no visible signs of problems. I found a dead 2SK216 in addition to the dead 2SJ79 on the same channel that the 6922 failed on. Diode testing found the dead J79 but to find the dead K216 I used my peak dca75 to measure the two ksa1156s and found radically different hfe measurements (43 vs 143) so I removed the other J79 and the readings were dd not change. The removed J79 measured ok. So I suspected the K216es and removed them 216es one measured good and one bad. The good K216 was connected to the bad J79 and good J79 connected to the bad K216... The ksa1156es measured the same hfe when the 4 transistors were removed so I believe they are ok. I'm replacing all 4 mosfets with ksa1220A and KSC2690A because that's all I have... The other channel had the same imbalance issues and one of the K216es there is dead too. Both channels now have 1220 and 2690a installed. But I noticed that the ksa1156s on the channel with the failed 6922 measured hfe 51 in circuit and the channel with only the single failed k216 the same ksa1156s measured 2hfe. Hmm... looking at the circuit I decided to measure the resistance across led between the emitter and base of the ksa1156es... channel with the failed 6922 about 150K and about 190K leads revered. Channel with single bad k216 about 3.4M and open when reverse biased... So either the led or the ksa1156s where leaking. Desoldered the ksa1156s and tested them... ok. desoldered the D23 led and replaced it. Now 3.4M and open circuit. So the led had gone leaky. At least both channels now measure the same... The other led close to the EL34 (D24 ) on the channel with the dead 6922 is also leaky . So score so far: right channel 6922 shorted heater to cathode K216 DCA75 measures it as a zener diode J79 DCA75 measures it as two diodes Led Brymen bm869s measures it as a 150K resistor Led Brymen bm869s measures it as a 88K resistor Left channel K216 DCA75 measures it as zener diode

I wish you good luck. I can't believe how screwed up Stax as a company is. All they have to do is make the sr007a with spares, support and repair, license the blue hawaii and modern T2 from Kevin and maybe a couple of cheaper energizer designs and they would done.

I'm thinking about that. I didn't realise there were so many around. I guess I could cut the legs short and run high voltage silicone wire to the appropriate through holes....

In the uk I had a sr007 mk2 cable replacement from electromod (I got the cable caught did not realise stood up and damaged the cable). They may be able to help. Good luck https://www.electromod.co.uk/stax-spares

It lives! the son of the mostly modern (RIP) T2 was powered up for the first time this morning (not in a case and with cheap valves) and looks good. All virtual batteries within 0.6V of 740 volts with no adjustments to the trimmers. DC offset after warm up <4V without any adjustments to the trimmers. DC ballance <0.03V power consumption as expected. I did have a bit of a scare. When powering on with my variac for the first time the led next to the EL34 was very dim compared to the others and all the leds where less bright than my original build. Then I remembered that I used different leds in this build and they are in general less bright. I don't think I can be bothered to remove these leds and replace them with the same as the RIP T2. Latest update in the rip T2 troubleshooting, diode testing and comparing the silicon to the son of T2 it looks like one of the J79s is dead... which is a pain since I have no replacements. This dead J79 is on the same channel as the failed 6922. The op-amps and voltage references tested fine. This does not explain why the other channel also had a massive ballance issue between + and - outputs but at least its some progress.

i clean before applying paste. I also don't want to contaminate the cleaning solution. The aim is to get rid of the flux residue, which can be acidic and potentially can breakdown and conduct at the sort of voltages we have.

I moved flat 3 weeks ago (downsized - long story) and the T2 is literally the only stax amp I have on hand here and is my only source of sound! (The mini T2s and blue hawaiis are in storage. Megatron still has no case for the psu). So its a priority project. This is exactly why I have a policy of either building two or each amp or keeping enough spares in stock to build a second one. (The reason I originally did not build a second mostly modern T2 was I wanted to build a fully modern T2 using alternatives for the 2SJ79 and 2SK216 but I had not got around to checking the pcb layout and getting pcbs spun). PCBs are currently drying...

parts stuffing completed on two new mostly modern T2 amp boards. Now waiting for the ultrasonic cleaner to warm up. Then drying, mounting on L bracket and heatsinks... and then *gulp* the stressful part. power on and testing... *fingers crossed* I have no more spare NOS parts, only one 10V voltage reference left, no spare valve sockets etc... so this had better work.

Viva Egoista STX, are you brave enough to listen to it? good news it probably will not sound like crap for long. 💣 💥 bad news you probably will need a new house 🚒 and unless you took the regeneration perk, a new body 🚑

well all the el34s survived, right hand channel input 6922 is bad. Time to go to bed and cry.