CMoy Audio Amp Beginners Board

introduction goals download etching references

CMoy Beginners Board

Introduction

I searched the web for a CMoy (Chu Moy) audio amp PCB that would be easy to etch, solder, and used a TLE2426CP virtual ground instead of a voltage divider. Though I found many CMoy PCBs, none used the TLE2426CP. I did find a few schematics posted to various mailling lists using the TLE2426CP, but they didn't provide the PCB and the threads were old so I didn't expect much from requests. I then decided to design a CMoy Beginners Board.

I used CadSoft's free version of the EAGLE Layout software to layout the board - this is the most intuitive and complete layout software I've ever used as a hobbyist. This page contains all the information, or links to the information, I used to design and build my board. If your board does not work, there is no need to contact me, you can read the web pages and find the solution to your problem just as easy as I can - I don't want to sound rude, but that's the truth - I just don't have the time to answer personal emails. Seriously. :-) I've put all the information I have on this page. If you have problems I suggest you read TangentSoft's Basic Troubleshooting for Headphone Amplifiers.

bottom of board top of board

Goals of the Cmoy-BB (Beginner Board)

These are the goals I wanted to attain when designing and laying out the board.
  1. Make it easy enough for a novice getting started in electronics to build
  2. Keep the board size small enough to fit in a mint tin (without a battery). The board is about 3x2 inches.
  3. No jumpers
  4. Large pads for easy soldering
  5. Large traces
  6. Part spacing that allows easy soldering of parts
  7. Use a TLE2426CP instead of a voltage divider
  8. Layout the PCB using a high quality free layout program
If you can etch and solder a board that will fit in a mint tin with the battery, you are not a beginner! The board fits perfectly in a mint tin without a battery. If you happen have a problem and can't figure it out, first do a search in the forum archives at HeadWize and Head-Fi to see if you can find posts from others who have had and solved your problem. Failing that, ask for help in the DIY forum at either site; be sure to mention details of the problem and what you've done to try and fix it.

Etching

I printed the PCB on standard HP Matte Inkjet Photo Paper, ironed it on a copper board, and etched it. Here are the sites I used to learn about this method:
  1. Make Your Own Printed Circuits
  2. How to Make PCBs With A Laser Printer
  3. Creating Printed Circuit Boards - Easy

Download

A zip file containing the EAGLE schematic files including PDF files of the PCB, schematic, and silk screen ready for printing can be downloaded.

References

  1. TangentSoft is THE site I most often refered to when laying out this AMP
  2. The original Chu Moy Pocket Headphone Amplifier
  3. CadSoft's FREE EAGLE Layout Editor
  4. TangentSoft has a great set of links to free resources
  5. A free series of textbooks on the subjects of electricity and electronics. Where was this when I was taking my electronic courses, Oh, that's right, the web wasn't spun yet. :-/
Have fun, Tony Cureington