Mini³ Step by Step Build Log - UPDATED 3/20 (56k Warning!)

Mar 17, 2009 at 9:29 AM Post #21 of 83
I'm actually planing to make my own mini^3 and if this guide is completed, it will be my number 1 reference. Definitely keep going please!
 
Mar 17, 2009 at 10:01 AM Post #23 of 83
this thread is exactly what i needed .... i cant wait to start my mini3....... such a great amp!!!
 
Mar 17, 2009 at 10:50 AM Post #24 of 83
Anyone thinking of building one, do it. Really simple and very good sound. The only issue I found was the lack of detailed instructions/pics on the main site, so this thread will be a great resource. Even if it's only to help illustrate which components go what way.

My tip of the day for the build, and is contrary to the instructions; drill your faceplates before soldering your jacks and potentiometer. Or if you bought AMB endplates, then place the jacks on the board ready to solder. Then place the endcap on. Then solder. This lines them up. Even if you drilled a little off, do this and it won't matter (it's not so much in relation to the PCB but to each other).
 
Mar 17, 2009 at 12:38 PM Post #25 of 83
This is awesome, this will definately be my fist big DIY project.
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PLEASE KEEP GOING!

xx
 
Mar 17, 2009 at 12:38 PM Post #26 of 83
Quote:

Originally Posted by Good Times /img/forum/go_quote.gif
The only issue I found was the lack of detailed instructions/pics on the main site,


You are kidding right! AMB website is the only thing you need! Instructions and support are fantastic. Not to take away what the OP is doing here...
 
Mar 17, 2009 at 2:38 PM Post #27 of 83
I found the instructions a bit sparse compared to Tangents at first but after working on the project and re-reading the site it got better. I guess I was just used to someone holding my hand so when I pulled up the site and was just given a list of component types to solder in order it freaked me out a bit.

Just to let everyone know I finished the build last night and it seems to work. The only think I am not pleased with is the bass seems to be a bit overwhelming. Anyone know if this could be a sign of a problem. There is not distortion and I only ran the amp for around 5 minutes so its possible it needs to break in.
 
Mar 17, 2009 at 6:18 PM Post #28 of 83
To avoid leading others astray who might use this thread as a guide, please replace the photos of the reverse-mounted OPA690ID with ones with the correct orientation. I know the text describes this oopsie, but "pictures speak louder than words".
 
Mar 17, 2009 at 6:37 PM Post #29 of 83
correct me if i'm wrong, but it seems in the first pics that you have soldered the parts from the top?? IMO the cleanest way to do through hole is to solder from the bottom as long as the board is through plated; it will work both ways, but if you do it from the bottom you will avoid the issue you had with blobs near the op-amps. otherwise kudos man; good pics, but yeah, do replace the dud one
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Mar 17, 2009 at 7:02 PM Post #30 of 83
A clever photoshop (or a sloppy Paint job) should be enough to "fix" it. But yeah, the reversed ground opamp will mislead many, especially since this guide is very good and inspiring to many. I wanted to make a guide myself, but jacc1234 beat me to it.

As for the solder on top, he clipped the leads before soldering, which is why I think a lot of his resistors are "falling" or "floating" from the board. But I do see what you mean, some of them did look like he was soldering from the top, that or he applied too much solder and it leaked to the other side.
 

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