[johnsonad]

This IVY is no joke to solder! All that is left are the -IC's, they look intimidating......

 

[BrianDonegan]

There's a lot of info out there on how to solder SOIC opamps, but here is how I do it with regular solder**:

Using a sharp point solder tip and fine gauge solder, I put a small dab of solder on one of the corner pin pads. I then hold the opamp in position with tweezers and touch that pin/pad with the soldering iron, so it is soldered in place. This leaves the opamp locked in position. I then touch the next pin and pad (at the junction) for a few seconds to heat it up and touch it with solder to put a tiny amount of solder on. I just work my way around the chip. Takes about 30 seconds total after the first pin is attached.



** I actually normally use solder paste from a syringe. I put a tiny dab on each pad, then plop the opamp on, then touch each of the pins with the iron. Done. If you do a lot of smd soldering, I can't recommend paste in a syringe highly enough. It's easier then through-hole soldering.

 

[johnsonad]

Thanks Brian, got it done but will try the easier path next time around. Never thought I would have to use a magnifying glass!

Another question:

For those of us using both balanced and SE outputs on the IVY, which values do you recommend for R9-12 and R13-16 or do we need to pick one set or the other? Thanks!

 

[Beefy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianDonegan /img/forum/go_quote.gif There's a lot of info out there on how to solder SOIC opamps, but here is how I do it with regular solder**:

Tangent has a video of exactly that procedure......

 

[BrianDonegan]

Quote:

For those of us using both balanced and SE outputs on the IVY, which values do you recommend for R9-12 and R13-16 or do we need to pick one set or the other? Thanks!

You should use the standard 2K in all positions.

 

[Beefy]

After a productive day, my Buffalo made its first sounds......

All of the wiring I have done is temporary, and there is still a fair bit of wiring work to be done for the OTTO, LEDs and TOSLINK. I'm waiting on some Teflon SPC wire from navships. You can see the spare space for another LCDPS when Brian has them back in stock.

At first listen, the sound is good. SPDIF lock is less than a second from my Camrbidge Audio 540Dv2, which I am very happy with.

The only issue I have had so far is with the OTTO. Pin 2 randomly pops up 10-80ohms resistance. I have reflowed the joints, but I think it is in the relay. I don't need all 4 pins, so it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[fran]

Brian/Russ,

Did either of you notice a burn-in time for the buffalo?

Fran

 

[BrianDonegan]

Quote:

Did either of you notice a burn-in time for the buffalo?

No

 

[n_maher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianDonegan /img/forum/go_quote.gif No

WUHOO! I knew I liked you Brian, or did your business manager make you say that?

 

[BrianDonegan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by n_maher /img/forum/go_quote.gif WUHOO! I knew I liked you Brian, or did your business manager make you say that?

No

 

[fran]

say something else other than "no"

 

[nopietns]

Why can't I find any information on whether it's an upsampling DAC or not?

 

[BrianDonegan]

This might help: http://www.esstech.com/products/digi...F%20080221.pdf

It is an upsampling DAC.

 

[nopietns]

I still can't find whether it upsamples tp 192, 96 or any other frequency.
And I guess it's impossible to bypass the upsampling, right?

 

[johnsonad]

Have a small problem with the LCBPS, I can't get the +/- below around 16 to 17 volts. The heat sinks are getting hot too. Pretty sure I soldered it together right. The little screws on the voltage regulator have hit their end and keep clicking without a drop in the voltage.