Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Other Stuff => Solid State => Topic started by: dpm309 on June 27, 2020, 12:00:43 pm

Title: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: dpm309 on June 27, 2020, 12:00:43 pm
I have a TC TA60CR acoustic amp that makes a loud popping noise when powering down. From what I can find on the web, I might need to add a relay/delay to eliminate the popping noise. Any suggestions?
Found this: https://diyaudiostore.com/products/soft-start-speaker-turn-on-delay-and-dc-protector-boards?_pos=1&_sid=6f035846d&_ss=rIt is a Soft Start & Speaker Turn-On Delay/DC Protector Combo. Would this work or is there an easier solution.
Thanks
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: shooter on June 27, 2020, 03:41:11 pm
got a schematic?

you can try hanging .1uF across(one side + other side -) the big filter caps in the PS

here's a design I reference, the left bottom is the soft start - never used it, the stuff after the PT I use
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: dpm309 on June 27, 2020, 05:56:08 pm
Yes, I have attached the schematic.
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: shooter on June 27, 2020, 06:11:37 pm
has it always been popping?

If so;
I'd decorate C9-10 and DR1 with .1uf's (look at my example cs1-4)

IF not;
how old are the Ecaps?
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: PRR on June 27, 2020, 08:45:36 pm
Replace C3. Use a 25V part this time. But also check the voltage there. Nominally 15V (so a 16V cap was cutting it close); anything much different means other trouble.

These shut-down noises can be hard to tame. It does no damage on a stage amp. But if it makes the crowd jump, a relay "may" be the simple fix.

On this case, simplest may be a 120V relay across the switched 120V power to PT. It will cut-out faster than the caps can start to drain.

But don't rush. I *may* know a guy who knows this amp. It may not be the guy. He may not remember it. He may deny he remembers the 1990s. But maybe...
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: PRR on June 28, 2020, 12:55:51 am
"TR4 in the power amp schematic was the power on / off mute circuit, it looks like something around there has blown. I would suggest he take a look at the signal on TR4 gate with a scope during power up and power down. If it looks good then maybe the J111 has blown. Otherwise it's probably 25 year old capacitors which have dried out."
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: dpm309 on June 28, 2020, 12:51:55 pm
The amp has been popping since I got it. Looks like all original caps. I did run across another solution that involves installing a "speaker standby" switch on the hot lead. You would turn off the standby switch first, then the power switch. Since this is a solid state amp, would not have to worry about damaging an OT. To turn it on, you would turn on the standby switch, then the power switch. This seems like the simplest solution but don't know if I want to install an additional switch.
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: PRR on June 28, 2020, 05:59:26 pm
FET TR4 is the mute. I missed the clear label until it was pointed out. It didn't thump when new. Fix is it works as intended and it should be fine.
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: shooter on June 28, 2020, 06:25:33 pm
guessing L2 is the mute LED

You get more beer money when it all works  :laugh:

EDIT: wrong TR4  :BangHead:
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: PRR on June 29, 2020, 01:01:04 am
L2 L3 are in the preamp (apparently a different designer/drawer) and seem to be overload lights.

The Power Stage mute works two places: TR4 clamping an output transistor, and TR8 clamping the power amp input.
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: shooter on June 29, 2020, 09:02:37 am
 :laugh:
ya, once I scrolled down I caught up
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: dpm309 on June 29, 2020, 11:24:14 am
Thanks for the suggestions. Checked the Hoffman parts catalog and do not see any speaker relays. Searching Mouser did not come up with any speaker relay/delays. Who would carry something like this?
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: dpm309 on June 29, 2020, 11:46:16 am
I have another question. First I am going to connect a 0.1uf cap across the switch contacts like they do in Peavey solid state amps to see if this solves the popping problem. Would an Orange Cap 0.1uf/600V work? This is the only high voltage cap I have on hand.
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: shooter on June 29, 2020, 12:13:32 pm
any cap works given the correct voltage n 600v should be fine

as to relays on speakers, a relay is a switch, a switch is cheaper n easier to wire
Title: Re: Trace Elliot TA60CR
Post by: dpm309 on June 29, 2020, 01:26:59 pm
I'll probably go with the switch. Thanks for everyone's input.