Sound system build progress thread (warning: will be slooooow)

[Spart]

The Arc Audio ecosystem uses relatively low impedance volume controls (500 ohms in this case) which is an intentional design choice for reasons I won't get into here, suffice it to say they know what they are doing. The problem arises from the fact that there are no 500 ohm digipots (the closest is 1 kohm) because they will be susceptible to ripple and noise.

...two channel digipot and wire it in parallel?

It's always something with these projects.

Sponsored

 

[ashmostro]

I'm not certain that would work, and at any rate, the DAC version is simpler and more reliable. I should have gone this route in the first place. But I'm just a hobbyist, not an EE!

 

[ashmostro]

For those who want to build the volume control device themselves, here's the schematic I created on the path to getting PCBs made.

 

[ashmostro]

Was quite busy this weekend:

Automotive-grade connector (the same brand Honda uses):

 

[ashmostro]

Update: I have further modified the board and it's ready for PCB prototype production. I have design the board fit inside the smallest version of Lansing's "D" style enclosure seen here. They do custom features like flange mounts for surface mounting, and can pre mill the end cap to accommodate the single connector seen in the picture above. The footprint is pretty small: about 3"x2.75" by 0.75".

Even better news, I am working with a member in CivicXI to integrate to his Helix DSP and I have confirmed that Helix uses standard potentiometers in its remote control strategy, so we will be able to control Helix DSP/amplifier volume with this device (so factory integration is possible).

Here's the latest 3D model for fun while you wait..

Sponsored