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Zkit-1 Test Point Troubleshooting + Xfmr Noise (Read 57 times)
NikeofNargothrond
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Zkit-1 Test Point Troubleshooting + Xfmr Noise
01/13/26 at 17:54:33
 
Excited for my first Zkit-1 Build and have been rather meticulous doing the assembly, but I am running into a few issues that I hope are minor or easy to remedy.

1. Test Voltages

A - 330vDC (346vDC +/- 10 Target)
B - 309vDC (309vDC +/- 10 Target)
C - 13.77vDC (10.25vDC +/- 2 Target)
D - 3.23vDC/3.83vDC (2.60vDC +/- 1/2 Target)

I found it interesting how Point A was low, B right on target, and the remainders high... This may not be an issue at all but wanted the community's input.  Also, these measurements are NOT holding steady, they are bouncing around on the meter quite a bit.  Ground is alligator clamped at AC Entry lug, so its secure, I figure this may be from me trying to hold my hand steady with the positive prove to take the measurements.

I also took these measurement to put more things into perspective:

AC Input Voltage - 120.8vAC
PTF Output - Black Wires - 120.8vAC
PTF Outout - Brown Wires - 7.17vAC
PTF Output - Red Wires - 315vDC/314vDC (635vDC)

B+ Red Left - 328.3vDC
B+ Red Right - 329vDC
Plate Blue Left - 325.8vDC
Plate Blue Right - 323.1VDC

2. Output Tranformer - Right Only is clicking...

So once I turn the power on, there is no noise for about 10-12 seconds.  once the tubes start to warm up and begins to glow, you can hear what sounds like a whine with increasing frequency, then starts to click.  The interval changes between every 2-4 seconds.  I observed the output tube having a glow that coincides with the clicking.  Not an arc, but glow starts, then goes out with the click noise.  It is mid-way down the tube.  I tried to capture a video of this but with no luck.  Thoughts on this?  The left side is NOT doing this at all.

I have not gone beyond the pre-flight check phase as these two items have me hesitant to hook up speakers or a source.

Photos provided.  Let me know if any of you see anything that may be an issue.  I've double/triple checked polarities, continuities, and did pre-measure every component prior to installation.  

Any insight or help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

Nick Belsky







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NikeofNargothrond
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Re: Zkit-1 Test Point Troubleshooting + Xfmr Noise
Reply #1 - Yesterday at 20:57:14
 
Ok, follow up after further troubleshooting.  I was incorrect about the clicking only being on the right tube, it is in both.  I saw it better once it got dark and I turned all the lights off.  Something is causing the fluctuations in the power side of things and everything else downstream.  I have a few extra 6P15P-EV and a spare 6N1P-EV so tried swapping them with the backups to see if anything changed.  Nothing did.  I don't believe this is tube related.

Upon testing various points on the board for voltage readings, I noticed when placing the test lead on the OPT Blue Wire for the Left channel, the clicking increased quickly, then slowed again when I removed the test lead.  This led me to power down, wait, then revisit some solder points.

Long story short, I re-flowed all of the OPT (both left and right) wires to the PCB.  Cleaned up any excess dried flux in various places to ensure no bridging.  I didn't find anything significant but re-flowed to be sure.  Powered back up to the similar results, but reading at test points were much more steady than before.

I unsoldered the Left Channel OPT Blue Wire lead and left it hanging free then powered up.  Zero whining, zero clicking, zero voltage fluctuations, and all 5 test points nearly at target, well within range.  I believe I may have a bad OPT.  I'm waiting for a call back from Edcore to assist in further troubleshooting.  We'll see what comes from that once I hear back.  In the meantime, I will open the bells to see if anything obvious is inside.  

Stay tuned.
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MM
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Re: Zkit-1 Test Point Troubleshooting + Xfmr Noise
Reply #2 - Yesterday at 22:05:09
 
Hi. What schematic version are you using? I think the problem might be the implementation of the resistor on the 20uf 250v caps.

https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZKIT1.pdf
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Cambridge CXN100, SRA Signature Hybrid Mamushi IC, SEWE 300b, ZSTYX SC, Lii F15 & W15 in open baffle.
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NikeofNargothrond
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Re: Zkit-1 Test Point Troubleshooting + Xfmr Noise
Reply #3 - Yesterday at 23:56:24
 
Using the most recent version dated 08-2025.  I believe this is the same you posted.  I am assuming you are referring to the two 220K 1/2 Ohm resistors.  These are now silk screened on the latest version of PCB (rev 2025).  

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MM
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Re: Zkit-1 Test Point Troubleshooting + Xfmr Noise
Reply #4 - Today at 01:34:11
 
Oh you’re right. I haven’t used the latest board. There used to be an error on the schematic in one of the older versions with the way those resistors were connected.

Not sure what to tell you then. Triple check all your parts values and make sure you didn’t overheat the diodes.
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Cambridge CXN100, SRA Signature Hybrid Mamushi IC, SEWE 300b, ZSTYX SC, Lii F15 & W15 in open baffle.
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