Contents Unpacking and checking against parts list, (detail sheet, circuit drawing and parts check sheet supplied with the kit). Part 1 – Operation Headphone amplifier connection details User guide Operation Type 1 (decoder) Operation Type 2 (arm chair) Operation with audio source or cell phone Optional extras Part 2 - Kit Assembly Cable “left and right” connections Soldering with examples of a dry joint Resistor component codes Capacitor codes Diode mounting / bending a component lead Notes to specification PCB overlay components by letter A prefix on check sheet Suggested assembly procedure Acrylic housing assembly Connect the audio output jack socket and power supply socket Audio, power and switch connections Terminal block connections from the back of the PCB Testing...
Part 1- Operation Thank you for purchasing a rabbitone headphone amplifier kit. The rabbitone HD 5k is designed to provide many hours of entertainment in usage. The design has been developed primarily to allow the impaired in hearing to connect to a TV, Video or Television decoder (DSTV). Thus allowing a very clear speech to a standard low cost headphone. Most headphones commercially available will function with the amplifier as the control circuit uses very high power electronics. However experience has shown that the JST HP 525/535/ 565, Sennheiser HD201, HD202 and HD 205 work very well with the unit. These headphones are freely available in South Africa. To reduce the bass and improve the treble, thus improving the speech interpretation, many components have been tried to obtain this feature in the design. Other headphones will perform equally well with the unit. The unit is NOT a hifi amplifier and is not intended for such usage. It does however perform exceptionally well with a normal MP3, cellular telephone or other audio source. If using a Android cell phone, some outstanding DAC improver (digital to analogue converter) music player apps are available in the play store. This will provide a outstanding sound source. A wall power supply is provided with the unit, if mains “hum” is noticeable, it is advisable to use a battery power supply (not supplied). Any voltage between 10-22 Volts DC at least 0,5 amps will be suitable. Use the earth bolt and attach to the house mains by means of a wall plug and connect to the earth pin. The wall plug does not need to be switched on. Ensure all connected devices are earthed and use shielded cables. All connections to be clean and corrosion free.
Headphone amplifier connection details ON/OFF Switch Volume control Earth post, access at the rear Audio input 3,5 mm jack Headphone socket DC external power connection, 10 -20 VDC 2,1 mm DC plug...
User guide The kit is complete for the operation types as listed above, so purchase cables as required, these are freely available. Connect to the two audio output phono sockets of the A/V device (DSTV) Please note that most older model devices have not had the RCA phono connections used prior to this installation. Always ensure to clean device output connections when first using the rabbitone. This ensures a noise free operation. Use a scouring pad or similar. If using installation as Type 1, this is less likely to pick up external noise. This installation may not remotely control the headset volume. Locate headset stand at the arm chair. Set decoder output to approximately 50-60% of volume. Set the TV volume to suit listeners to hear correctly Set the amplifier to be able to hear normally Use decoder volume control to adjust normal hearing. This installation requires other TV listeners to adjust the volume at the same time. If using installation as Type 2, this may be adjusted at the arm chair. Set decoder output to approximately 50-60% of volume. Set the TV volume to suit listeners to hear correctly Set the amplifier to be able to hear normally and adjust as required at the arm chair...
Operation Type 1(decoder) 2 x RCA plugs HDMI cable 3,5 mm male jack plug to 2 X RCA splitter cable 3,5 mm female jack socket At decoder 3,5 mm male jack plug Standard headset plug Headphone extension cable Adjust headset volume and control with remote, phono plugs to output of decoder preset headset volume...
Operation Type 2 (arm chair) HDMI cable 2 x RCA plugs Shielded extension cable Standard headset plug 3,5 mm male jack plug to RCA At the arm chair plug splitter cable Adjust headset volume and control with remote, phono plugs to output of decoder and maybe adjusted at the arm chair...
Operation with audio source or cell phone AUX cable 3,5 mm – 3,5 mm Plug to side of the circuit board Standard headset plug rabbitone Please note the 3,5 mm input requires a high quality aux cable If used with a cell phone, it is advisable to download and use a high quality music player app for outstanding musical performance...
Part 2 - Kit assembly Introduction It is expected that the kit builder has some soldering experience. The kit is level 2. Always use a fine tipped soldering iron. It is not advisable to use a heavy industrial unit. Use fine solder when assembling. Some basic tools are required for assembly. A small screwdriver, small side cutters, pointed nose pliers, small metric Allen keys, small spanners. A multimeter is advisable to check voltages and polarities. A smartphone will aid in determining left and right headphone connections when connecting. Download a “left and right” app from a app store as this makes it very simple to set the correct speaker when assembled. Benzine and a small toothbrush will be required to clean the printed circuit board when complete. When using soft solder, always wash hands before consuming foodstuffs, avoid contact with lead. The kit is supplied as a complete package, the assembled kit works and has been in service. It performs to expectations. When assembling, ensure that components are not overheated by poor assembly equipment. Completed units are available on request.
Cable “Left and Right” connections Ring right (red cable) Tip left (white cable) Barrel signal ground Please note ! We have noticed some dodgy cables that are swopped around..always test with a cell phone app to confirm left and right.
Soldering with examples of a dry solder joint Always ensure that the joint is not moved whilst cooling, this will cause a matt finish. A shiny joint will be correct joint. Please ensure that you use a fine tipped soldering iron DO NOT OVERHEAT JOINTS WHEN SOLDERING...
Capacitor codes Please note, the capacitors for input audio are electrolytic but non polarised with the long leg as the positive known as non-polar These are part numbers C1, C2, C3 and C4 Power and output capacitors are polarised electrolytic, the device is marked and the long leg is always the positive These are part numbers C7, C8, C9 and C10...
Diode mounting Bending a component lead Always ensure a diode is correctly Take care when bending a component lead not Inserted to the PCB or the system to damage the “die” of the component. will not work. Always use pliers to prevent undue strain on the die.
Notes to specification The amplifier may be configured for different uses by changing components. The audio output capacitors C9 and C10 are set for speech, if the device is to be used for hifi type music change to a “audio grade” capacitor such as Nichicon MUSE, Rubycon Black gate Panasonic or similar. These devices have been tested with outstanding results. Available from Mouser electronics in the USA online or RS components. The kit builder may change at discretion. Input capacitors C3 and C4 are supplied with 1,0 uf bi polar (may be inserted any way around) These block input DC voltages. If replaced with audio grade capacitors, this my improve the audio quality for music usage. Capacitors C1, C2 and terminal block TB2 not used with HD5 kits. The volume control is standard with a 1 K ohm logarithmic device, if changed to a 10 K ohm logarithmic device the amplifier will perform as a bookshelf speaker amplifier with very satisfactory results. Ideally used with a power supply of 18 Volts DC, the amplifier is capable of producing 2,5 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms.
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PCB Overlay components by letter prefix A on the supplied check sheet TB2, C1 and C2 not used with HD5 Potentiometer Speaker / headphones Power in Switch connection Pico fuse...
Suggested assembly procedure Firstly check that all components are available for assembly against the check sheet, no need to open packets, retain in the packet prior to assembly. Start with the amplifier PCB, (printed circuit board) the components are all marked with a A prefix. Remove heatsink retaining screws and assemble the I/Cs (integrated circuits) as follows, take care not to bend the pins when inserting in the PCB. Note the I/C is polarity marked and the PCB is marked accordingly. Ensure the heatsink is assembled prior to soldering, take care not too overtighten the assembly screws to prevent damage to the I/C. The heat sink Is drilled off centre, this allows the heat sink to fit precisely over the two I/Cs. The heat sink is supplied with a heatsink grease compound. When soldering secure the 4 corners of the I/Cs first to ensure the heatsink sits flat on the I/C allowing heat dissipation. Heat sink 2 x Integrated Circuits M3 x 16 mm brass cheese head screw...
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Additional assembly details Suggested order of assembly PCB assembly Do not bend the wires attached to the device without support using a pointed pliers to avoid the component from damage. PCB terminals TB1, TB3, TB4, TB5, all resistors, the LED (long leg is positive), The small capacitors, the large capacitors. It is a good idea to strap the two power capacitors together to prevent them from sitting “skew” prior to soldering, parts C7 and C8. Use a small cable tie. Assemble the potentiometer, Making sure the legs sit flush with the printed circuit board, the holes may need to be opened depending on the device type, do not use force to insert. Assemble the stereo input jack last. Part number J1. The Pico Fuse is F1 with a spare provided do not overheat. Then clean the PCB with Benzine and a toothbrush to remove the flux. Now the PCB is complete. Keep to one side for assembly to housing. Assemble the housing Firstly identify the components and confirm the correct sides to the outside and front of the unit. The front is a straight side Remove protective vinyl to reveal the clear acrylic. Ensure to use clean hands or this will reveal grease smears. Assemble base unit pillars, firstly insert feet, then screw pillars to each corner. Only tighten by hand to prevent the acrylic from cracking. Apply the side panel sticker using a plate of soap and water, float the sticker in the soap and water then apply to the panel. Line up with the sockets. Note, the side panel has the small countersink on the inside to allow for the stereo socket. Wipe when in position, remove all bubbles. Allow to dry (not in the sun). Apply rabbitone sticker to the wall power supply. Insert ground bolt to bolt hole bottom panel rear left hand side. Loosely assemble all four sides and top panel before inserting the PCB. Confirming that all panels line up. Insert top screws to confirm. Place the PCB to the four holes and ensure the 4 x 6 mm spacers are inserted between the base and the PCB. Note, the front of the base has a flat and the small 6 mm hole is to the left at the back. Use the 4 x M3 x16 mm cap screws to assemble the PCB. Use the 4 x M3 nylock nuts.
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Dual usage - bookshelf amplifier/ headphone amplifier The kit has an option to use as a bookshelf amplifier providing 2,5 watts per channel RMS or use as a headphone amplifier. A simple change is required. Use a A10k logarithmic potentiometer. On the PCB underneath : Headphone amplifier – insert two 1k resistors across the Volume pot outer connections Bookshelf amplifier - leave out resistors Solder 1k ohm resistor to outer terminals Volume potentiometer RV1 underneath the PCB Connect speakers direct to the PCB terminal block, leave out 3,5 mm jack socket as per diagram showing left/right.
Connect the audio output jack socket and power supply socket When connecting the audio socket, take note of the tip and band connection. The tip is the left signal, check this with a aux cable and a multimeter for continuity. Connect the white wire to the left connections, the right wire is red. Ensure a heat shrink is placed over the solder joint to tidy the assembly on completion. The black wire goes to the barrel. Three wires are required for the headphone connection. Solder the three cables and apply heat sleeve to make a neat joint. Twist wires (remember that you look at it) ! The power socket only requires 2 connections. Insert the wall power supply (supplied) and then check the positive and negative output. red to positive and black to negative. Solder the cables onto the socket, apply heat sleeve and twist together. Assemble to the side panel. Audio output to the front, power input to the rear. Remember ! Always twist cables together and keep as short as possible. Connect the earth lug to the ground pin on the terminal block, solder the black cable to terminal and apply heat sleeve, allow sufficient cable and connect to a wall plug ground pin. Wall plug not supplied. Tin the cable ends and screw cables to the PCB terminals as per attached illustration. If the polarity is connected wrongly, the pico fuse will blow and this has to be replaced.
Audio, power and switch connections Connect on / off switch, solder to terminals and apply heat sleeve Power in, left positive, right negative Audio out to jack socket...
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Terminal block connections from back of PCB Common negative Connect earth point to common negative Negative input Left speaker positive Right speaker positive Power in positive max 22 VDC Earth bolt...
Testing Before connecting the device confirm the following : All solder joints are confirmed to be in a shiny condition, or NOT dry joints The 2 amp pico fuse is showing continuity Confirm amplifier ground earth bolt is connected to the house ground by means of a wall plug connected to earth (use supplied earth lug) The power supply cable is connected correctly Switch on confirming LED light works before connecting audio input and headphone cables ALWAYS SWITCH ON WITH THE VOLUME CONTROL AT MINIMUM TO AVOID HEADPHONES DAMAGE Download a cell phone app that shows left/right audio and plug in a aux cable to the side. Plug in headphones. Check left/right, this will show that the system works. If not correct, change the left right audio output cable to suit. Note, we have seen some aux cables with left/right swopped over so always check with the intended cable that will be used. Now you are ready to listen to the rabbitone audio experience. Enjoy your audio ! and don’t forget to like us on Facebook ! rabbitone, Ballito, KZN November2017...
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