K4004B Note: Take care that IC's leads DO NOT TOUCH the meta

Kits Audio Hi Fi Projects
1

Note: Take care that IC’s leads DO NOT TOUCH the metal plate!

:cry: Well, it happened. The Metal Plate did touch the IC leads for several reasons:

  1. Inconsistent terminology was confusing

  • Metal Plate (Holder)

  • Holder (Metal Plate)

  • Metal Back (IC)

  1. Lack of illustration and instruction in page 10 on how to install (orientation of) the “Holder” AKA “Metal Plate”

  2. The “Holder” AKA “Metal Plate” could’ve been designed much better to prevent contact to IC Leads

  3. There was no preventative measure to insure the “Holder” AKA “Metal Plate” does not touch the IC leads. A simple suggestion of using tape or cardboard during installation would’ve been a good advice.

  4. The most important WARNING was not emphasized and only printed near the end of assembly instruction. There should be a dedicated page on proper handling of such a sensitive element in the kit.

So did I destroy the IC’s buy touching the “Holder” AKA “Metal Plate”? How much are these IC’s? And where could I get replacements? Will the warranty cover the IC damage due the 5 reasons I listed?

PLEASE ADVICE, thanks.

2

We understand that you are frustrated but it is just too easy to blame the kit/manual/manufacturer.
The skill level of this kit indicates that reasonable experience is required.
Sorry, I’m sure you’ll understand that warranty does not cover assembly mistakes.
Anyway, you can order spare IC’s from your Velleman distributor or any other electronic parts store that carries them.

3

I installed the toroid transformer today for the first time and the TDA1514A IC’s were OK!

I was impressed at such a clean and robust sound from something so compact! I just might buy another one for a subwoofer.

For those of you who damaged the TDA1514A IC, I managed to find some for $11.95 each at a guitar amplifier shop in the US darrenriley.com … :blush: I know panicked when I bought a pair, but it’s nice to know I now have spares if I ever blow this awesome amplifier. :smiley:

Cheers, VEL417!
Boombox