ANK DAC5.1 Signature, Construction Manual

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would designate the negative side of the cap. The cap has to be installed in the correct
orientation or it will possibly explode at some point!
The other caps we use we call Signal caps. These capacitors have audio signals going through
them and they have values like .1uf 600v, .22, or .47uf. These are not “polarized” in that they
don’t have a direction. Some manufacturers will recommend an input and output side for sonic
purposes but there is no harm installing either way from an electrical standpoint. When
working with the kit, make sure you identify the Electrolytic and Signal capacitors!
5.6 Voltage Checks
There are a couple of voltage basics that can really help the cause. There are two types of
voltage: DC and AC. DC is a constant voltage, for example the High Voltage in a 300B amplifier is
typically 425v DC, so when you measure from the high voltage point to any ground in the circuit
(even the chassis), you will measure 425v DC.
The other type of voltage is AC voltage, this is basically a voltage that is constantly changing in
the form of a SIN wave. The filament voltages on an EL34 are 6.3V AC or alternating voltage.
With your handy voltmeter, you can measure DC or AC and makes troubleshooting
straightforward. The other key tool on your meter is the OHM meter, you can take a resistor
and measure the resistance in Ohms. For example, you pick up a resistor, put a probe on each
end and set your meter to OHMs and measure 1000 ohms for example, this is then a 1K
resistor. Just as important as resistance, being able to measure continuity is one of the most
powerful debug tools, in other words, is there zero ohms or a straight connection between this
point in the amp and another point? Ask us some questions about this if you don’t understand!
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