Almost there...

[mlp-mx6]

I'm liking all the tones I have quite well. One bugaboo I'm still working on. This is a 3-channel affair where I have a clean-only channel that can switch to a Clean/OD pair of channels. The way I have the relays set up is that the ODS-side switches between clean and OD (call this Relay 1), and the output of that relay feeds the other (call this Relay 2) which switches between that selection and the clean-only channel. When this 2nd relay is "on" then the clean-only is selected.

The issue is that when Relay 1 is set to OD but Relay 2 is on (clean-only wins), then I am getting some crosstalk where a buzz is overlaid on the clean-only side. If I deselect the OD for Relay 1 then the buzz disappears.

I am creating another relay board, because I think that there is evidence of too much soldering/unsoldering/resoldering within the tight confines of the relay pins. This is a turret-board setup. It was a challenge getting the relay pins soldered properly inside the turrets, and I think that with some debugging and re-routing (unsoldering / resoldering) to try to isolate the buzz, I have excess solder on the turrets so that they are effectively RIGHT NEXT to each other. I am revising my approach on this new board, so I'm hopeful that the new board will have more space between the turrets and avoid the crosstalk.

[Normster]

You might try Gary's approach...install eyelets upside-down beneath the relay and run short leads out to your turrets.

[mlp-mx6]

Yeah, I've spoken (via email) w/ Gary, and he even sent a picture of his relay layout. I tried a quick protytpe using the eyelet approach w/ what I have and they eyelets were too close - I'm sure I did something wrong. (FYI, I am using the exact same relays as Gary, except in the 5V version (he may be using the 12V version, I'm not sure))

However, I have refined my turret layout for the relay pins - it is MUCH more accurate now. I have also learned from my mistakes and the pins will be much easier to get soldered in cleanly. Further, I now have more space in the row of "connection turrets", one for each relay pin, so I can make connections to the amp on those more easily. Finally, I am connecting the relay turrets to the "connection turrets" from underneath rather than "lacing them together Hoffman style" so things should stay much neater.

[glasman]

Yeah, I've spoken (via email) w/ Gary, and he even sent a picture of his relay layout. I tried a quick protytpe using the eyelet approach w/ what I have and they eyelets were too close - I'm sure I did something wrong. (FYI, I am using the exact same relays as Gary, except in the 5V version (he may be using the 12V version, I'm not sure))

Yup, they are 12V OEG's that I purchased via MOUSER. You have to offset the holes ever so slightly to make it work. I have built about 20 of these boards todate with no issues.

Here is a picture of the original boards that I built for my first amp. Notice how the eyelet are shifted up and down with respect to the pins. And the eyelets on the center pins are centered. The dark black dots are the relay pin locations. The small open circle is the drill location.


[img:256:348]http://www.glaswerks.com/cloneproject/c ... layout.jpg[/img]

This might gives some more ideas for people. BTW, that is AVERY label material that I use for the layout. I stick it to the board and use that as a drilling template for prototypes. For bigger projects I have found a local PCB shop that will drill my boards in quantity for a very reasonable charge. And I have slave labor (my boys) at home that are really good at installing eyelets .

Gary

[mlp-mx6]

My boards look very similar to that, but I'm using turrets instead. I do install an extra set of turrets just like his for connections, except I do not have 4 extras on the coil, just 2.

What I did worked great - until I had too much solder on the turrets...

I use TurboCad LE (free) for my turret layouts. Works great. Print to paper and tape it on there. I will have to look into the other paper Gary mentioned.

[glasman]

My boards look very similar to that, but I'm using turrets instead. I do install an extra set of turrets just like his for connections, except I do not have 4 extras on the coil, just 2.

What I did worked great - until I had too much solder on the turrets...

I use TurboCad LE (free) for my turret layouts. Works great. Print to paper and tape it on there. I will have to look into the other paper Gary mentioned.

The full sheet stuff is available at most office warehouses (Office Depot, Office Max, Staples etc).

Gary

[Bob-I]

I'm liking all the tones I have quite well. One bugaboo I'm still working on. This is a 3-channel affair where I have a clean-only channel that can switch to a Clean/OD pair of channels. The way I have the relays set up is that the ODS-side switches between clean and OD (call this Relay 1), and the output of that relay feeds the other (call this Relay 2) which switches between that selection and the clean-only channel. When this 2nd relay is "on" then the clean-only is selected.

The issue is that when Relay 1 is set to OD but Relay 2 is on (clean-only wins), then I am getting some crosstalk where a buzz is overlaid on the clean-only side. If I deselect the OD for Relay 1 then the buzz disappears.

I am creating another relay board, because I think that there is evidence of too much soldering/unsoldering/resoldering within the tight confines of the relay pins. This is a turret-board setup. It was a challenge getting the relay pins soldered properly inside the turrets, and I think that with some debugging and re-routing (unsoldering / resoldering) to try to isolate the buzz, I have excess solder on the turrets so that they are effectively RIGHT NEXT to each other. I am revising my approach on this new board, so I'm hopeful that the new board will have more space between the turrets and avoid the crosstalk.

I had similar issues until I seperated out the supply. When I had both relays powered through one node on the PS board they interacted terribly. I added a 100 ohm resistor and a second filter cap and the interaction is gone.

[mlp-mx6]

In my case the buzz is not power-supply related, it is bleed from the other channel.

[Bob-I]

In my case the buzz is not power-supply related, it is bleed from the other channel.

Yes, what I'm talking about it intermittant or incomplete relay activation. I was also getting some interaction between relays, I.E. Hit relay 1's switch and relay 2 would activate.

[mlp-mx6]

I have to admit, I wish that were my problem. It seems I'm getting signal crosstalk. The relays are engaging (or not) properly. I can hear them click very distinctly. However - and this is with my NEW relay board - I'm still getting bleed. In fact, I can turn the volume all the way down on the clean-only and STILL hear the other channel, OD or not. It's very soft, especially in non-OD mode, but it is there. Guess I have a Soldano-effect going... grrr.