Xcan v2 Panasonic FM 1800's

[marcm09]

Ok just replaced my lost Xcan with another that's on its way.

On the last one I Used ten 1800uf FC's , Should I try the FM's this time ? How much better are they or is it very minor if any. (also will the Fm's fit ? They look to be the same size, just that it was 2 years ago when i last fitted some?)

Also the output caps though I'd use 1000uf 16v Capxon's ?
And the input caps instead of briding them use a Evox polyproplenes in there,? or I have some spare capxon's that I could use ?

Also any other new mods or things that I can improve on, as it was over 2 years ago since we completed the last amp with 1800uf FC's, Tranny heatsinks with vent holes in the psu board, input and output caps, Evox 4.7 cap and relector valves.

[dejanm]

I did the V2 mod lately so I still remember some things ...

About Panasonic FC 1800 - you must be carefull concerning their size. I used Panasonic FM 1500 and they fit with only 1 or 2 mm free space left. So be careful and check the dimensions in advance.

Are FM better than FC in this application ? I do not know because I didn't made direct comparison. FMs have though lower ESR and that is the reason why I selected them instead of FCs.

Your idea for input caps seems very good to me. I used BGs in that position.

For the output I used 220 uF, 6,3V BG Nx series. But then I put two of them in so called "super cap" configuration. It is very simple: you connect longer leg of one cap with shorter leg of another. And that's it. They have to be BG Nx series - for some reason ... In that way you get two caps in parallel with total output capacitance of 440 uF. One was mounted normally on the PCB and the other one I put on the bottom of the PCB. Place is an issue though and you should be a bit carefull ...

Concerning other mods - I did quite a few of them. I will mention only the most important.

- replacing ZTX transistors in the power regulation (see separate thread about them)
- I replaced diodes and put Vishay SF4007 instead of original ones.
- I put Vishay impulse cap on the supply input instead of that orange no name cap. The value: 0,47 uF, 275 V
- I bypassed all these elco's with Evox Rifa MKK 0,1 uF, 63V. Maybe you could try to use a bit larger value of 1 uF. It will work just fine I believe. Also you might use MKP instead of MKK. Typically people use Wima here ...
- At the moment I am using Reflektor 6N23P-EV valves instead of original ones
- I replaced original MKPs on the main board with Wima of the same value
- I replaced original filtering elcos with Panasonic FM 100 uF, 35V. They are also bypassed with the mentioned Evox-Rifa.
- Replaced lot of resistors using Caddock and in some cases Vishay with the same values as original.
- replaced pot and input jack with those bought here from Mike.

maybe I forgot something ...

And now I discovered that I need a better (stronger) power supply. Basically, if you put larger elcos in power supply and if you replace ZTX transistors with stronger ones, then you will need more current than original wallmart can deliver. Even the external MF PSU is not delivering enough current (417 mA) for such updated unit. I guess something in the area of 1 A is necessary. So be prepared for that if you go all the way long ...

I hope this helps a bit ...

[marcm09]

Did you use ten of the 1500uf caps on the top psu board ?


I have the custom built power supply etc it was more just a case of trying to remember what dam size caps that I fitted, all of the photos I took were at the wrong angles to read the cap values. Reading thru my previous posts and it looks like I used 1800uf caps on the psu board ?

I dont have the new xcan to take some measurements yet and will try to order the components from RS NZ prior to arrival whats your thoughts pinky ?