Tentlabs Remote Controlled Volume Control DIY PDF Print E-mail
Monday, 25 August 2008 20:12

TentLabs Volume control

Volume-control-Basis Volume-control-Display
"Clean and transparent sound, easy application, incredible specs "

DIY

The module consists of 2 PCBs, and comes fully stuffed and tested. It is intended for either upgrade of existing equipment, or building new.

General Description

Designer Jos van Eijndhoven set the concept for this DIY module. It fills a gap by combining high end sound quality with ease of use: Volume can be set in 64 steps of exactly 1.0dB. Additionally, 4 inputs can be chosen, all controlled by a single knob or Philips / Marantz and Sony remote controls. It is a passive design, hence long cables and low impedance power amplifiers cannot be driven. To solve that, a high performance, discrete design line amp / buffer will be introduced soon.

Technical description

64 steps of attenuation are achieved with 6 relays. This is a fundamental difference compared to other attenuators, which usually have more contacts or resistors in their signal way. The relays are controlled by a micro controller, which also takes care of input selection. A second micro controller on board of the display section takes care of remote control decoding and controls the other micro to achieve correct volume and input settings. It also displays these settings. Power supply consists of a low drop 5V regulator. On board rectifiers and decoupling capacitors assure proper functioning of the whole unit, being powered by either AC or DC.

Electrical Specifications

Input impedance: > 40 k-ohm (actual value depends on volume setting)
Output impedance: < 8 k-ohm (actual value depends on volume setting)
Power: AC or DC, 6 to 10V max, current max 150mA DC, 225mA AC (power connector supplied with module)
Volume setting: 64 steps of 1.0 dB
Channel imbalance: < 0.15 dB
Inputs: 4
Input / Output connectors: Cinch / RCA (can be supplied without connectors on special order)
Remote control: Not included, can be programmed by Philips / Marantz models and most Sony types

Mechanical Specifications

Main PCB size: 120*58*28 mm (W*L*H)(excludes connectors)
Hole pitch: 111*49 mm (symmetrical)
Display PCB size: 120*20*8 mm (W*L*H) (excludes control shaft)
Hole pitch: 111*11 mm (symmetrical)
Display PCB size can be reduced to : 80*20*8 mm (W*L*H) (excludes control shaft)
Hole pitch: 71*11 mm (symmetrical)
All hole diamters 3.2 mm

Prices and availability

The module is supplied as function passive attenuator and comes with interface wiring and power supply connector.
The introduction price is €199,- including VAT ex shipping. Introduction prices are valid until October 15.

Warrantee

This module is warranted for 5 years, assumed all mounting instructions are followed.

Warrantee
Last Updated on Monday, 25 August 2008 20:21