Neurochrome Modulus-686

[eksiil]

I've been thinking about attempting a Neurochrome build. how difficult is it -- a matter of connecting cables following clear, easy to follow templates or something that requires specialist understanding of circuit diagrams etc?

[killie99]

It's pretty straightforward. Tom supplies very good instructions on how to put it all together.
You can buy the Mod-686 fully populated but the other boards (if you want to use them, there are others available) Power-686, Guardian and ISS need to be purchased as bare boards and you need to order parts and stuff the boards yourself. Again, Tom supplies you with the BOMs, which you can order from Mouser as a project, so it's pretty easy to get all the correct parts - or you can choose to purchase the components you require from anywhere.
You don't need to be able to understand circuit diagrams to build it but ability to solder and distinguish different types of components (how to correctly orientate diodes electrolytic capacitors etc) is fairly essential.

[CageyH]

There is a new ISS (intelligent soft start( coming out soon, which is only available fully populated.

I was unsure if I could do this, hence building the Guardian 686 first. That went quite well, so now I plan to build the power boards.

[CageyH]

Progress



Guardian 686



Power 686



Power 686 from the other end.

[CageyH]

2nd Power 686 finished.



Probably total overkill, but I don't intend to use any other amplifiers after this is finished.

[CageyH]

I've been thinking about attempting a Neurochrome build. how difficult is it -- a matter of connecting cables following clear, easy to follow templates or something that requires specialist understanding of circuit diagrams etc?

The Power 686 boards were easier than the Guardian 686 to build, in my opinion.
There is less space between components, and the transistors were a challenge, but I watched a few YouTube videos, and I succeeded at my first attempt.
If you can solder, and use the internet, it is relatively easy.

The instructions supplied are very clear. There are step by step photos of what your board should look like as you progress through the stages.
I think I have just finished the soldering for this project now, apart from maybe a few cables to make up the harnesses.

It was quite therapeutic.

[killie99]

Kevin, Looks like you've configured the Guardian incorrectly. To use the Guardian with a Mod-686 you must use the balanced/bridged/BTL configuration, see page 11 of Tom's Guardian guide and you need 2 Guardian's, one for the left channel and a Guardian for the right channel.

[CageyH]

It's built for a dual mono.

[hornucopia]

What IS a Guardian circuit? Surge protection? Soft turn-on?
And kudos to Stuart for observation!

[CageyH]

It's built for a dual mono.

But you may be right, I may need two for a 686. In which case it may well be configured incorrectly.

It looks like you are correct.

Thanks for pointing it out.
Time to order some more parts...