Fried VM100!

I had a Velleman VM100 200W amplifier module, purchased from Maplin in the UK. For many months, whilst building a sub, the amp has sat in its box.

I purchased from Maplin a metal box and a (Maplin code N04BA) torroidal transformer (160VA, 240V, two 30V secondaries). This week I finally got around to constructing what was intended to be a mono amplifier for a sub-woofer. I finished the box and wiring carefully following the Velleman instructions this morning.

With just the torroid wired via a lamp-bulb (the four coloured leads not connected - no amplifier load), the bulb glowed brightly for an instance and then very rapidly to a very low level but not quite off. I assumed this was current flowing through the transformer primary.

Next I wired the amplifier (rt-ge to the two post on one side and bl-gn to the other two). Again the lamp behaved in the same manner.

I wired it to my speaker and supplied it with output from my MP3 player. All was well. No noise, no hum, just good sound. After 10 minutes or so I switched off, wired it to a line level source via a DI box, and on again, all was well.

I then switched off disconnected all my leads and was going to put it away again. I switched it back on with no supply signal and the amp produced a hum. I knew this should not happen. Before I could switch off there was a fizz sound inside the box. I immediately switched off.

Did I switch it on again too soon?

The board has now fried components/smoked so I cant identify them. I have a photo I can send.

As I have carefully followed the instructions I am very disappointed that this product has failed within 15 minutes of use. I wonder if there have been any other failures of these modules in the batch sold or what might be the cause of the failure.

I have contacted Maplin but their e-mail return period is 5 working days! Whether Maplin will help in any way I dont know?

Can Velleman provide any help. I would be happy to return the failed unit if required.
Thanks P

En Francais:(Google translation)
J’ai eu un Velleman VM100 200W module amplificateur, achetés auprès de Maplin au Royaume Uni. Après de nombreux mois, tandis que la construction d’une sous l’ampli a assis dans sa boîte.

J’ai acheté de Maplin une boîte de métal et d’un (code Maplin N04BA) Transformer torroidal (160VA, 240V, deux 30V secondaires). Cette semaine, j’ai enfin eu le temps de construire ce qui devait être un amplificateur mono pour un sub-woofer. J’ai terminé la boîte et le câblage suivant attentivement les instructions Velleman ce matin.

Avec juste le torroid filaire via une ampoule de la lampe (les quatre couleurs qui ne contribue pas connecté - sans charge amplificateur), l’ampoule brillait brillamment pour une instance, puis très rapidement à un niveau très bas, mais pas tout à fait hors tension. Je supposais que l’était courant circulant dans le primaire du transformateur.

Next I câblé de l’amplificateur (rt-ge d’un côté et gn bl-à l’autre). Encore une fois la lampe s’est comportée de la même manière.

Je l’ai branché à mon haut-parleur et fournies avec la sortie de mon lecteur MP3. Tout allait bien. Aucun bruit, aucune rumeur, juste du bon son. Après 10 minutes, ou alors j’ai éteint, filaire à une source de niveau ligne via une boîte de DI, et à nouveau, tout allait bien.

J’ai ensuite éteint débranché tous mes fils et allait le ranger à nouveau. Je l’ai rallumé sans signal d’alimentation et l’ampli a produit un bourdonnement. Je savais que cela ne devrait pas arriver. Avant que j’aie pu éteindre il ya eu un bruit fizz dans la boîte. J’ai immédiatement éteint.

Ai-je l’activer de nouveau trop tôt?

Le conseil a désormais partie des composantes Fried / fumé de manière je ne peux pas les identifier. J’ai une photo je peux envoyer.

Comme je l’ai suivi attentivement les instructions que je suis très déçu que ce produit a manqué dans les 15 minutes d’utilisation. Je me demande s’il ya eu des échecs autre de ces modules dans le lot vendu ou ce qui pourrait être la cause de l’échec.

J’ai contacté Maplin mais leur e-mail période de retour est de 5 jours ouvrables! Que Maplin aidera en aucune façon je ne sais pas?

Velleman peut fournir aucune aide. Je serais heureux de retourner l’unité défectueuse, si nécessaire.

There are no known problems with this unit.
In fact, it has proven to be a very robust and reliable circuit.
Most likely, a mechanical problem is at the cause of troubles (e.g. one of the supply leads interrupted during use).
We assume that you did not touch the bias current adjust ?
Anyway, you can return the unit with proof of purchase. Our engineers will determine if this is a warranty case or not.
Please return it to:

Velleman Projects Tech. Dept.
Legen Heirweg 33
9890 Gavere
Belgium

I can confirm I didn’t touch the bias current adjust.

What is the absolute Max ac voltage the unit can handle? I have measured the transformer output - unloaded it is 34.4 volts ac - I assume it will be lower under the load the amplifier presents? Is this too high and what to do if it is?

I have hunted high and low for the purchase receipt but cannot find it. I have the one for the transformer, and box etc. bought shortly afterwards (in August 2009) but not the VM100 itself?

Thank you for your prompt reply.

30VAC at the input of the VM100 is the max. voltage the unit can handle.

The N04BA torroid sold by Maplin as suitable for use with the VM100 (See maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=36677) is specified as 160VA 2x 30V, yet without load it produces ~34volts.

Sorry for so many questions:
It would appear this is too much? I think this implies the Maplin transformer is not the right one?
Does the Velleman transformer 12030 produce more than 30V ac without a load?
Is there an alternative lower voltage e.g. 0-25V ac torroid that would provide little safety headroom (at the expense of power output)?

As I cannot find my receipt can I still send the unit back?

Probably under load the output voltage is less.
You can still return you unit for repair.
Check your shipping rates.
Maybe it is cheaper to get a second VM100 unit.