Remote volume for the Kel84 - World-Designs-Forum

damian.duffy · #1 25th September 2010, 09:14 PM

Hi guys

I've had a bit of a search but can't see anything on the site. Is it possible to use a remote to control the volume of the Kel84?

It might be the height of laziness but it would make me a happy man. I can use a soldering iron but I'd need a mod with clear instructions :p

Thanks

Damian

dpogorman · #2 27th September 2010, 10:08 AM

The KEL84 requires a 100K potentiometer. ALPS make a great pot (100K) and they also sell a motorised version. Now I imagine you will want to be able to control the volume via a remote control. Ideally fed from the 6.3vac heater power supply. The KEL84 has a crowded enclosure but I'm sure it cold be done with a little resourcefulness.
As to suppliers: RS can sell you the 100K motorised pot: http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/s...duct&R=2199146 for about £15 and HIFI Collective will sell you a control board and remote control handset for the ALPS for about £45: http://www.hificollective.co.uk/cata...ps-p-6344.html So for about £60 you should be able to install a remote control volume in your KEL84. It's important you get the 100K Alps pot from RS as HiFiCollective only sell the 50K unit and this is unsuitable for the KEL84.
Installation should be easy as the control board ties into the 6.3vac heater supply already available in the amp. A little bit of mechanical work is required to mount the infra red sensor in a location on the front of the amp (get your drill out) and run a cable pair back to the board to carry the signal. If I was installing such a control board, I would mount it on the bottom cover of the KEL84 case as is should have enough room and carefully bring cables down to feed the board. Although this approach would depend on the size of the control board. Another mounting suggestion would be to install additional stand offs on the KEL84 PCB and piggy back the control board.
I assume you still have your wiring diagram from constructing your KEL84 and so can wire up the volume inputs without difficulty.
As an upgrade the work is relatively easy and you should be able to accomplish the retrofit in a few hours.
D.

dpogorman · #3 27th September 2010, 10:47 AM

Here are some possible arrangements to fit the control. Option 1 is mounting the board on the bottom plate for convenience and then running cables to the board. This is easier to fit but harder to wire up.
Option 2 shows mounting the board to the underside of the KEL84 PCB. This is harder to fit, but easier to wire.
My preference would be to mount it to the underside of the PCB. But it would be up to you.

NickG · #4 27th September 2010, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Although this approach would depend on the size of the control board.

80mm * 47mm. Highest point about 30mm.

dpogorman · #5 27th September 2010, 10:19 PM

I found another ssupplier online who provides kits which can be retrofitted into a KEL84. http://electronics.dantimax.dk/Kits/...rds/index.html They provide a full package, controller board and motorised pot. A remote control can be obtained here: http://electronics.dantimax.dk/Kits/...rds/index.html and here: http://electronics.dantimax.dk/Kits/index.html It looks like it would be fun to install any of these kits. It would also be fun to install the input switching kit and fully 'remote' the KEL84. It might get to be a tight fit and the worry is supplying the operating power supply, but I think it would be possible. Let me know if you are going to have a go.

rickychance · #6 29th September 2010, 12:22 AM

Is a 50K pot really unsuitable for KEL84? Surely the only diff is less steps betwween min & max vol? Is that price on the RS website really for the 100K motorised version? It seems to me difficult to tell just from the website whether they're selling the manual or motorised version. I fancy doing this mod too though!

NickG · #7 29th September 2010, 08:36 AM

The only difference is the load it puts on your source. If its a CD player, it will make no difference, if it sa valve phono with high output impedance it will matter a little. 50k is still high compared with SS stuff. It wont alter how the volume changes.

colin.hepburn · #8 29th September 2010, 02:18 PM

Just A thought but if you want input switching as well a complete kit Vol and switching with remote
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MV-06-motorize-remote-volume-control-Input-Selector-C13-/120606736049?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c14b8 beb1

damian.duffy · #9 30th September 2010, 10:23 PM

Thanks guys

I'm away this weekend but hopefully I'll get looking at this next week. And then I can start getting lazy :-)

#10 26th November 2011, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpogorman

The KEL84 requires a 100K potentiometer. ALPS make a great pot (100K) and they also sell a motorised version. Now I imagine you will want to be able to control the volume via a remote control. Ideally fed from the 6.3vac heater power supply. The KEL84 has a crowded enclosure but I'm sure it cold be done with a little resourcefulness.
As to suppliers: RS can sell you the 100K motorised pot: http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/s...duct&R=2199146 for about £15 and HIFI Collective will sell you a control board and remote control handset for the ALPS for about £45: http://www.hificollective.co.uk/cata...ps-p-6344.html So for about £60 you should be able to install a remote control volume in your KEL84. It's important you get the 100K Alps pot from RS as HiFiCollective only sell the 50K unit and this is unsuitable for the KEL84.
Installation should be easy as the control board ties into the 6.3vac heater supply already available in the amp. A little bit of mechanical work is required to mount the infra red sensor in a location on the front of the amp (get your drill out) and run a cable pair back to the board to carry the signal. If I was installing such a control board, I would mount it on the bottom cover of the KEL84 case as is should have enough room and carefully bring cables down to feed the board. Although this approach would depend on the size of the control board. Another mounting suggestion would be to install additional stand offs on the KEL84 PCB and piggy back the control board.
I assume you still have your wiring diagram from constructing your KEL84 and so can wire up the volume inputs without difficulty.
As an upgrade the work is relatively easy and you should be able to accomplish the retrofit in a few hours.
D.

I have the hificollective board, and I have successfully mounted it, but I cannot sus out how to use the heater supply as these are 6.3v across them not individually supplied.

Would some kind soul enlighten me, thanks.