Quote:   No leds in my build. I'll measure the output and see if it cycles, I'v got the 380mA version of the PSU.

I have a wierd problem with my build (it's posted some 5 pages back), it refuses to power on after a day or so. I've reflowed the power switch and even chaged it to a different model, with no luck. It works okay after reflowing the solder at the switch but then stops.   Could it be the Cisco...

Quote:   This should be correct.

One more 12AU7 Starving Student running:         Home made PCB (thanks Fred for the layout!), Panasonic FC electrolytic caps, Icel 1uF on C2/C4, IRF510, EHX tubes, pot knob from a Cambridge Audio amp. Took me about a year to complete, including gathering the parts, making the PCB...

A small problem I've encountered: Since last weekend, the GrubDAC that I use at work doens't show up on my Mac at startup. When i put on some music it comes out through the built in speakers (very annoying). I have to disconnect the USB cable from the Grub and put it back - everything works as...

Okay, so far I've watched a couple of movies and listened to music through the DAC, clear and crisp sound, no EMI noise that I can pick up, works great. I would say that the output is better than on the built-in chip of my motherboard, but, thats how it should be ;)   Thanks for the desing...

Quote:   Yeah, will see how it sounds once inside the case. I've got small metal shields from a Cambridge Audio amp Im trying to salvage, might just cover the IC & chip part of the SkeletonDAC.

Seems I got it working now, soaking it in alcohol for cleaning seems to have done the trick. Checken pins 21 and 22 too, no short there, thanks for the tip Awro!   Nice, now to install it in the machine it belogs...

...naah, fixing that didn't solve the problem, still goes to mute. 

Hmm, hmm, I might have solved the problem, at work though, so can't try solving it now. I have the C14 cap shorted it seems, as i placed it level with C13 and soldered the holes two holes that are further apart together (which I shouldn't have done, of course). 

It does not detach, it is recognized and stays in the system as it should, the sound is good also, only problem is it drags the audio slider down in Windows 7 and on my Macbook it mutes the audio or drags the audio. Very strage.   The source does not matter, Spotify, Foobar, iTunes all do...

...that said, I thought I had it working ;). It seems to go mute / non mute / mute / non mute / mute / non mute as I hook it up. The USB connection is ok, tried on two computers with a mini-b and direct contacts. Any ideas?

Built one succesfully! Had a previous GrubDAC experience and the SkeletonDAC was very similar so had the routine down. Proper light, helping hands, keeping the parts in bags until they get out on the board and everything went nicely. First startup - no identification / light on LED, turns out...

Darn, wish I was on the list. Looks VERY good and REALLY interesting! 

The help you can get here is amazing! No matter what you build there's someone to give expert-class advise in less than 24h. I can also cast a vote for the GrubDAC. Mine was a hazzle to build, had to replace a few parts after misplacing them (lesson one, be careful with those small SMD parts)...

  Quote: Any comments on my post about the mirrored PCB? I could post pictures if its too confusing.   

I made two PCB:s from the layout Fred shared. Im now unsure If I made the right choice as I mirrored them for the print / tone transfer. Looks as though they are flipped compared to Freds...    The whole thing is on hold, pending parts. 

Im really glad too. After losing and burning chips, ordering new ones, having the project put away because of the frustation surrounding it.    Only goes to prove that this DYI SMD stuff really needs patience. I've now got a clear and crisp setup at work: GrubDAC - 6DJ8 Amp - Sennheiser...

Started tinkering with my Grubdac after having it put away for a couple of months. Resoldered the chips, tried it once, the Wolfson chip gave some orange light and smoke as I plugged it in. Tried reflowing one more time and VOILA, IT WORKS.   Really, after the chips giving out smoke and...

Quote: PM:ed! Great stuff! All the best things are free   

Fred, if would like to share the layout it would be superb!   forever

There's a lot of solder on the chips atleast, might easily do a bridge. Hard to see.  (ugh, not that Im an expert, still confused and sad for mixing up my own GrubDAC, it's payday tommorrow anyway so... ;) 

Quote: No problem Tom, my entry into the SMD-world hasn't been the smoothest, but it won't stop me from pushing on 

Tinkered with the DAC today. No progress though. A new TPS chip in place i checked for solder joints on the chips, got a 0 - 3.3V resistance of some 70ohms. When I plugged the DAC in the port the Wolfson chip gave out some smoke - bad news I guess.   Will se if I'll place a new order on a...

My worst burn? Not when doing DIY but when working in a bakery in my late teens. I worked at the owens where we pushed some 2 metre high trolleys in the 2.5m high owens and then out of the owens and to the porch of the building to chill. Once while I pushed the trolley out of the owen I stumbled...