i have soldert it all togetker but all leds are burning constand
after chekkking twice all components i measured on ic2 pin 5 12 volts that seams wrong
can someone help me or give some checkpoints ??
kind regards
I have the exact same problem.
All LED’s come on at all times, even with no audio input signal connected.
I have triple checked polarity and for short circuits.
Has anyone built this circuit with success before I blame the kit design?
Any help much appreciated
Thank you
Do they turn off when you short the input ?
I have the exact same problem.
No, they don’t turn off when I short the inputs. If I close J2 (bar), all LED’s are constantly lit. If I open J2 (dot), only the first green (-20db) and the red (+3db) LED’s are constantly lit. If have tried several different inputs strengths - no response at all.
Looks like an assembly problem. Check the input amp circuit carefully. Make sure IC has not been inverted. Always test with input shorted. If input is left open, for some reason, all leds will light.
It double checked everything. Are you saying that I should try and invert the IC’s - is this safe?
No, you should not do that !
You should check if they are mounted the correct way.
From your comment, we can tell that you are a novice, which is fine, but it is very likely that a simple mistake is at the cause of troubles. Have somebody with a little experience take a look at your circuit. Maybe he can spot something immediately. If not, please return your kit for inspection.
I’ll have the shop check it out, it’s just interesting that I’m not the only one with this problem, and this is quite a simple kit.
Hi, I also have the same problem, did you other guys find out what the problem is?
I have double checked everything, I must be missing something?
What do you mean when you say “Short the input?”
No, could not find the fault. I think there is something wrong with the kit. Big disappointment.
It is wrong to assume that we market ‘faulty’ kits. This particular kit has been available for over 10 years. Thousands have been sold. The circuit it a literal application of the data sheet.
We suggest that you return your kit for inspection/repair to:
Velleman Kit Tech. Dept.
Legen Heirweg 33
9890 Gavere
Belgium
[quote=“VEL417”]It is wrong to assume that we market ‘faulty’ kits. This particular kit has been available for over 10 years. Thousands have been sold. The circuit it a literal application of the data sheet.
We suggest that you return your kit for inspection/repair to:
Velleman Kit Tech. Dept.
Legen Heirweg 33
9890 Gavere
Belgium[/quote]
I will double check everthing again today. What do you mean by “Short the Input”?
What part of the circuit would cause this sort of problem? I have checked the IC’s, There fine.
It does seem strange, maybe we are making a common mistake. This is my first Velleman kit, but I have some experience with building modular electronics.
Short the input = put a connection between input and GND
If the IC is OK, then the problem is most likely situated in the input amplifier section.
[quote=“VEL417”]Short the input = put a connection between input and GND
If the IC is OK, then the problem is most likely situated in the input amplifier section.[/quote]
The ground next to the input? I have tried that, But I will try it again. I will also check the Amp Section, its in the back of the booklet somewhere!
Thank you.
Hi, I have triple checked everything. Could you have a look for me to make sure I am not missing anything?
Yes, if you can post a SHARP picture and please post it as a link, not as an image 
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/idolproject/VELLEMAN/114-1500_IMG.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/idolproject/VELLEMAN/114-1499_IMG.jpg
Thanks the best I can do unless I stick it under the scanner but that might wipe the IC.
Also, When I remove IC1 and power the circuit the same happens, all the LEDs light up with or without IC1. So I am guessing the problem might be there?
I also bought the 10 led VU-meter, and got the same problem. All LED’s are lid constantly. Is there something wrong with te assembly-schedule?
Probably, you’ve confused ZD1 with D3
ZD1: orange, black printing 6V2
D3: black, silver printing.
See picture on packaging