So I wanted to do something different

corndog71 said:
It was the Mk IVs.  Now I remember why I haven't been using them.  They really hate the power in this place.

I just plugged in my Class D Audio SDS-258 and there's zero hum and there's just a tiny amount of hiss audible from the tweeters if you put your ear right up to it. 

I disconnected the ground wire and it didn't change.  So I think it's safe to say the Quickie is in the clear!  ;D

You guys just reminded me of something... When I was using my t-amp, I could either run it from battery or smps. One time my batteries were dead and I put the switcher back in. The Quickie was not happy with all that switching noise! I cant remember exactly what I was hearing, but I couldnt get rid of it by moving them apart.
 
Brubacca said:
Sorry for the dumb question, but where did you get those rod extensions/ couplers for the pots?

The rods I got from my local ACE hardware store.  I just cut them to size.  I ordered the couplers from somewhere online but I can't remember where.  They're not the greatest and I'd like to get some different ones.  I have 2 different sets of hex wrenches and neither seems to fit properly into the set screws. 

 
So I've been pretty lazy with finishing the external looks of my Ultimate Quickie.  The Hammond box still has the protective plastic wrap on it.  The upside of it is that I can write on it.  So one night I got inspired.  I downloaded an SPL meter app for my iphone and used it to mark the typical listening levels I use.  This also allowed me to properly balance the 2 channels.  For the longest time I've been using my dual mono pots and balancing them by ear.  Wow!  To finally get them balanced properly was just a little mind-blowing!  You'd think after 15+ years in this hobby I would have basics like this down but I'm still learning. 
IMG_2110_zpscc870df7.jpg
 
That pic makes me feel good... Someone has kit that actually looks worse than mine! I mean I'm a lazy cheap SOB, but the blue pen is classic!
 
earwaxxer said:
Those pics gave me an idea... A rack mounted Quickie, with handles, massive heat sinks and meters.

I was thinking about incorporating meters.  It would be nice to know where my batteries are at.
 
earwaxxer said:
Those pics gave me an idea... A rack mounted Quickie, with handles, massive heat sinks and meters.
Wow that takes me back! I was too lazy to do it, but when I made the first version, I wanted to glue a brick inside the chassis (and hide the batteries inside as well), and install an IEC power socket that went nowhere. Then when everyone had been listening to it, I'd yank the power cord out at both ends and throw it out the window ... while the music keeps on playing.

I knew I couldn't keep a straight face though. Doc B could do it, but not me, alas.
 
Ooooooo... I like that!  I kind of pulled a similar trick on my brother when I Armaralled his CD.  I used a fake label, said "Bull Semen" like Sam Tellig did.
 
I would question how much load the meters would put on batteries when not in use, can be simply addressed with an on/off switch I would think.
 
It kinda depends on whether they are VU meters, ammeters, or volt meters.

A VU meter or ammeter wouldn't need any switching unless there was backlighting, a voltmeter would be tricky to switch automatically, but it could tie in at the juncture where the 4K resistors go.
 
You can use a double-pole, 3-throw non-shorting switch to select which of the three batteries are being tested, or even a 6-throw version to test each of the 9-v separately. Each position can have its own series resistor to adjust the scale appropriately. Any meter movement up to 10mA will do; and you can calculate the resistor from a knowledge of Ohm's Law and the meter resistance. Install a push-button momentary-on switch so the meter is not used unless the button is pushed, and there will be no significant battery drain.
 
Actually, I'm more concerned about the life of the D cells.  Of course I could just incorporate a couple of test points on the front of the box and forget the meter. :P
 
Direct from China, $2.99 each for a tester:

http://www.meritline.com/battery-tester-for-aa-aaa-c-d-9-volt-and-rectangular-batteries---p-40966.aspx?source=fghdac&gclid=CMmD-7SZxrUCFQThQgod8RAATg

 
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