Idea Noodle

[leonski]

I have read several of the threads on the DIY nCore builds.    Very, Very, inspirational.
For my panels which I'm all set to BiAmp?
Try this.     Only in the form of a block diagram, all the pieces are their and if I went to the next step of a mockup, knowing dimensions, than I could 'cost' it and THAN figure out I'm Too Broke to afford it!

Based on the size of the nCore400 modules, extra heat sinks, the power supplies and the MiniDSP, i think it'll all fit and be RF- safe.

[klinemj]

Looks legit. I seem to recall another user here doing something similar. It worked out well.

Mark

[leonski]

A few blanks to fill in yet.
Module and MiniDSP are both balanced but the DSP uses Phoenix Connectors. So? No Neutrik connectors needed. Just the right cable. And not much of That!

Need to add up cost of all components than add for case and heatsinks. All-in? maybe 2500$?
Also?
Physical layout is key. Does Mini emit any 'hash' which would interfere with the amps? Do the amps emit anything which would harm the Mini?
I may make cardboard cutouts of each piece just to go thru some potential layouts.

I need to see if Hypex will part with a PRINT of the heatsink side of the module. I need to source heatsinks to bolt the module to. Maybe 100mm X 100mm would do.
I'd have the heatsinks drilled at a machine shop PER PRINT so no issues when bolt up time comes.

[klinemj]

I did my original layouts using simple sketches in PowerPoint. Then, as I prepped to build my cases, I did "paper dolls" for the modulus and connected them with pipe-cleaners to show cable pathways. There's a picture in the first part of my build thread that shows that: -->BUILD THREAD<--

On heat sinks, mine don't have any. The amp module is on a thick aluminum base and I have that directly mounted to my aluminum case. With the way I wall mount mine, there's always about 5 mm of air between the case and the wall - so they cool well from that. Also, the power supply modules have short standoffs that keeps them several mm away from the case, so there's airflow under them also.

I don't know if the MiniDSP's generate any noise to worry about, but I bet the folks at Hypex would answer your questions. And, if they do generate any unwanted noise that the modules could pick up - I would not be surprised if they would share advice on how to best isolate the modules. My hunch is that they would not be an issue...I bet folks use them in combination with Hypex amps already just in separate cases that likely sit nearby.

And, I think your price estimate is in line.

Mark

[leonski]

Any heat sink compound between module and case?
I'm noodling having the heat sink of the module LAPPED for flatness and attaching to what might end up to be about
a 100mm x 100mm heatsink.
'D' amps sometimes are time-limited at power due to heat. This is true of many of the ICE modules. 30 seconds or 60 seconds is usually IT.
FTC power is always a lot less than the modules rated power.
Is that the same for the nCore amps?
If I get to a layout stage, I'll post that back here, as well. But it'll be a 3-d screen capture image from Google Sketchup.

[klinemj]

None at all,but as I said...the base plate of the amp module is a thick piece of aluminum...it is not finned for surface area like a typical heat sink but it is a considerable mass of aluminum. So, it is almost a built-in sink.

I have run mine hard and never found it wanting for power, and I have measured the temp after doing that and it does not get very hot at all. I can't recall the exact temps but...barely over 100 F rings a bell.

If you made a heat sink that is 100*100 mm, the amp module would fit on it as it is something like 88 mm diameter. And I am pretty sure they publish the hole pattern. I might even have a drawing of it in my files. It certainly would not hurt to have a heat sink, but you likely would not really need one. Or, if you used some compound like it used in building a PC between the amp module and case, if yould provide extra help.

Mark

[leonski]

I asked Hypex if they had a heatsink drawing and got a NONSENSE answer.
I may try again if I can find somebody to translate into DUTCH or whatever.

If you have a dimensional drawing, please send along! Also? The output devices are 'bolted' or secured in some fashion TO the heatsink so no easy removal, right?
I'd like to Lap the heat sink for flat and complete interference fit to a heatsink.

I'll use my IR camera when I get as far as tests. Hot spots are easily seen and temps can be estimated pretty closely. I may be able to calibrate the camera, before.
Here is a picture of my Parasound A23 during light to moderate use.

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