(02-23-2024, 03:24 PM)eDad2003 Wrote: I got my first ProtoDAC built this week and have to say I'm super impressed. The improved soundstage and clarity are immediately apparent. I was previously using a GeekWorm X400 V3.0. My setup is simply an rPi4 + ProtoDAC at this point. I think my next steps are 1) look at a Pi Zero WH implementation, 2) a re-clocker, 3) better power supply.

Much thanks to @hifinet, @Tim Curtis, and the many contributors on this forum. I spent far more time lurking and researching than it took to build.

[My build experience]
I have no experience with component soldering, so I spent a few weeks with practice kits and got the feel for it. After assembly, I immediately knew I had something wrong. I got a ton of feedback/static and barely any sound. I figured I had a cold solder joint somewhere. I spent hours re-checking and re-flowing various connections to no avail. I had a few beers and went to bed. The next morning I re-read the build instructions and voila. When connecting the module, I forgot the module diagram was top-view and I had inverted some of the pins soldered (I purposely had soldered more pins for structural strength, but not all). I am probably lucky nothing fried since I didn't have GND soldered (although I was testing with cheap desktop active speakers). Note: the installation of the C3,C4 electrolytic capacitors is missing from the assembly instructions. No biggie as it's obvious.

This is so much fun, I can't wait to do more!

(02-23-2024, 10:57 AM)Tim Curtis Wrote: Which model WiFi adapter?

(02-23-2024, 04:27 PM)Tim Curtis Wrote:

(02-23-2024, 03:24 PM)eDad2003 Wrote: I got my first ProtoDAC built this week and have to say I'm super impressed. The improved soundstage and clarity are immediately apparent. I was previously using a GeekWorm X400 V3.0. My setup is simply an rPi4 + ProtoDAC at this point. I think my next steps are 1) look at a Pi Zero WH implementation, 2) a re-clocker, 3) better power supply.

Much thanks to @hifinet, @Tim Curtis, and the many contributors on this forum. I spent far more time lurking and researching than it took to build.

[My build experience]
I have no experience with component soldering, so I spent a few weeks with practice kits and got the feel for it. After assembly, I immediately knew I had something wrong. I got a ton of feedback/static and barely any sound. I figured I had a cold solder joint somewhere. I spent hours re-checking and re-flowing various connections to no avail. I had a few beers and went to bed. The next morning I re-read the build instructions and voila. When connecting the module, I forgot the module diagram was top-view and I had inverted some of the pins soldered (I purposely had soldered more pins for structural strength, but not all). I am probably lucky nothing fried since I didn't have GND soldered (although I was testing with cheap desktop active speakers). Note: the installation of the C3,C4 electrolytic capacitors is missing from the assembly instructions. No biggie as it's obvious.

This is so much fun, I can't wait to do more!

Re "Note: the installation of the C3,C4 electrolytic capacitors is missing from the assembly instructions."

Indeed there is no assy instruction for them.

@hifinet, when u get a moment send me a step for C3/C4 install and and I'll. update the doc.

(02-23-2024, 04:36 PM)varunach Wrote:

(02-23-2024, 10:57 AM)Tim Curtis Wrote: Which model WiFi adapter?

@Tim Curtis i bought this simple one since it is based on 5730 chipset that works out of the box. I gotta say its not the greatest since I only get 25 - 30 Mbps on it in my room but gets the job done. The Moode UI loadtime is longer and not snappy which I can live with. I think once the Moode Kernel gets to Linux 6.2 version there is a lot more wifi adapter options available because of compatibility with in-kernel drivers. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHW6T96R?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details 

I also ordered this dual band adapter from aliexpress because it was on the recommended list for plug n play. If this works better, I'll return the other one above.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805749323751.html?

(02-23-2024, 05:14 PM)hifinet Wrote: Thanks Tim.

Regarding reclockers, a budget option is the Hifiberry DIGI2 Pro. It is primarily an SPDIF board, but it will reclock the I2S signals on the GPIO. I have no personal experience, but others have reported good results. Other than that, the only option in a HAT reclocker are the Ian Canada reclockers.