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The Mute Audio pupDAC

pupDAC History - 3

Production PCBs -
The production PCB's arrived - with lengthened pads/traces for the PCM chips, no ground plane and improved parts traces around the opamp, cutouts for the RCA jacks, and most importantly, a blue color. Comparatively speaking, they were now easy to build.

(pupDAC production PCB - top)

(pupDAC production PCB - bottom)

(TomB's production PCB build - top)

(TomB's production PCB build - bottom)

PupDAC Case Design -
In-between the prototype build of pupDAC V2R1 and the production PCB's, I decided to pursue the case design. The first thing to develop was the drawing for the machining of the endplates and the proposed silkscreen or laser-etching (laser-etching was eventually selected). Cobaltmute actually provided the laser-etch design for the extrusion body. I combined all the features onto a single drawing for both machining and laser-etching:
Hammond Case Prototype -
While the case design was still based on the Hammond 1455C801, talks with Hammond confirmed that they would only supply anodizing in clear and black. The pupDAC deserved a cobalt-blue, or at least something inbetween a run-of-the-mill light blue and dark blue. it was decided to procure the cases from Hammond machined, but not finished. They would be supplied in raw aluminum finish. In addition, talks with many anodizers recommended laser-etching for the latest in finishing with text/graphics on the case. Local vendors (to Atlanta) were investigated and a suitable anodizing processor and laser-etching firm were selected. Hammond was given the go-ahead to produce the machining for the case. For a finishing touch, transparent blue bezels were included in the procurement order with Hammond. Hammond's service includes an initial prototype for the customer's inspection before volume machingin/finishing commences. Below is the raw aluminum case prototype that Hammond supplied to Beezar:

(Front - with bezels)

(Rear - with bezels)

(Front - without bezels)

(Rear - without bezels)

BLUE Anodizing -
The prototype case was found to be a little off on the USB connector opening. It was raised about 5 thousandths and likewise reduced in the height of the opening. These instructions were given to Hammond and they commenced the machining of the first lot of custom Beezar/Hammond pupDAC cases. Meanwhile, the anodizing was tested for the proper color blue. The results are shown below with the same prototype case:

(Front - with bezels)

(Rear - with bezels)

(Front - without bezels)

(Rear - without bezels)

Laser-Etching -
Testing samples from the laser-etcher proved to be outstanding. Volume processing was ordered. Unfortunately, a small mistake was made on the front plate. Nevertheless, the laser-etcher agreed to stand behind his work and agreed to make up the difference when etching new front plates. A new volume front plate order was made with Hammond and as of this writing, the replacement endplates are being processed by the anodizer. Regardless, the work - even with the mistake - is excellent enough to display here (pics will be updated when replacement panels are finished):

(pupDAC case with laser-etching)

(pupDAC case with laser-etching)

(Complete pupDAC Assembly)
 
file last changed:Friday, November 23, 2012 6:00:00 AM
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