Article: C.A.P.S. v2.0

[beetlemania]

the steps won't be exactly the same, of course, as the components are somewhat different (eg, the Jetway MB has an embedded CPU, so no need to install that part). But I would say there are no meaningful differences. You can also probably find a nice video on Youtube for assembling a PC.<br />

<br />

For example:

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<br />

Or here's one using the case I chose (which has all of the features I wanted - roomy for passive cooling, expansion slots, full size DVD slot, multiple HDD stalls - but is otherwise a cheap POS made in China):<br />

/>

<br />

I'm finding that assembling the server is the easiest part of computer audio!<br />

<br />

Good luck, have fun, happy listening.

[Garf]

Well, it was a quick decision for me, upon listening to the CAPS 2.0 w/o the SOtM card, I quickly ordered one today.<br />

<br />

I could not get my USB dac to run directly off the USB2 controller, as the 5 exposed USB slots in back look like they are being routed through to the USB2 controller, and that routing adds crud to the mix. <br />

<br />

For those of you debating about building CAPS due to lack of experience, I would highly recommend the Small Green Computer build. You can barely get the parts as spec'd delivered for that price. <br />

<br />

Gary

[One and a half]

umm, isolation is very important, you need something else to isolate the USB transmission, it carries a lot of rubbish. <br />

<br />

I wonder if there are any PCI -> S/PDIF solutions, maybe from RME or a Pro solution.<br />

<br />

Here's nice one, prolly worth more than the entire CAPS!<br />

<br />

http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_hdspe_aes.php

[machinehead]

Good info Gary.<br />

<br />

I would love to hear your opinion comparing MPD with JRiver after you get the SoTM card.<br />

<br />

Has anyone created a separate partition to run Vortex box on their server? I dream of just being able to walk up and insert new CD and have it spit it back out, already ripped and cataloged....

[coxhaus]

Randy,<br />

If you would like to isolate your CAPS server from the internet and still be able to access your local files and network just remove the default gateway from your TCPIP settings. Your server will only be able to access local machines. Internet access is shutdown. Whether this is a good option or not is up to you, but it will do what you were wishing for.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi coxhaus - Very good advice.<br />

<br />

[kor956]

I've been busy last few days building a C.A.S.H. for an audio friend. All went well until I connected a V-Link the first time. The computer did not start. Removed the SOtM USB card and the computer started again. Tested the card in another computer, nothing wrong with the card. Inserted the card in the C.A.S.H again computer still does not start. Disconnected the SOtM SATA filter from the SSD now the computer starts up normally (with the SOtM USB card still in the computer).<br />

Is the original Origin external powersupply to small for this computer with both the SOtM Sata filter and SOtM USB card installed (maybe due to high inrush currents)?<br />

I live in the Netherlands the mains should be about 230V but most of the time it is only 225V.<br />

Anyone any idea? Would like to use the SOtM Satafilter to.<br />

Sound is great with the SOtM USB card installed had not expected such a difference with the onboard USB ports.<br />

<br />

Ronald.<br />

[vortecjr]

some power supplies seem to kick out under over current protection. It does not seem to be a matter of the size of the power supply, but rather a function of the over current protection set point. The MB also seems to play a role in this. My power supply works with the pci card and sata filter in combination with my MB, but not in combination with another specific MB. I would try a different power supply... <br />

<br />

Jesus R

[kor956]

Thank you Jesus R. for your answer. I hear a very soft clicking sound from the motherboard when the computer does not start, could it be the 'power good' signal that is 'programmed' to low on the motherboard?<br />

<br />

I am very sorry i made a big typo, where you read C.A.S.H. you should read C.A.P.S.<br />

<br />

Ronald.

[deholt]

Yes, I was warned: "Linux is not the right fit for the C.A.P.S. v2.0 design." Even so...<br />

<br />

I built my C.A.P.S. 2 unit precisely according to Chris' excellent, well researched recommendations. It was great fun to put together, and what a handsome box! My previous server was based on the VortexBox engine, which I have come to really appreciate, so I made the decision to ignore Chris' admonition to avoid Linux (VortexBox runs under Fedora). Anyway, the audio functions of my new Linux-based C.A.P.S. 2 server work flawlessly - stable, sounds great - BUT I simply can't get the VFD210 VFD/IR module to work. No remote, no display. Can anyone give me a clue as to how to get this thing up and running in Linux?<br />

<br />

Honestly, my media server will reside in a closet; so, the display really isn't critical. But, I do need the remote capability, and as a matter of pride, I'd really like to get the display to cooperate!<br />

<br />

Thanks!

[supra]

There was a company making up the Caps2 computer, but reference to them seems to be deleted, is anyone making up the Caps 2 server?

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Supra - Here's a link -> http://shop.smallgreencomputer.com/CAPS-20-CAPS.htm<br />

<br />

[deholt]

Thanks for your responses. I have e-mailed the kind folks at Simple Green Computers to ask for their help (of course, offering to pay for support service). Haven't heard back from them; but, I noticed that the system they put together is loaded with Windows 7, so my fear is that they won't be familiar with Linux setup. Hope I'm wrong.<br />

<br />

Why do I always do things the hard way?<br />

[Audio_ELF]

Not VortexBox, but the newest version of mpdPup (see this thread -- http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/mpdPup-Easy-MPD-Setup-CAPS-Compatible-Runs-USB ) is said to work with the VFD on various cases. <br />

<br />

Eloise

[dallasjustice]

I want Thumbscrews for my CAPS 2.0 case. The problem is that the screws are a little larger than the typical thumbscrews used for most computer cases. I can't seem to find a larger thumbscrew that works for this case. Anyone else use thumbscrews for their CAPS? It would really come in handy since I have made some mods to Chris' originally awesome setup.

[joelha]

Well, this certainly proves that anything is possible . . . my wife and I built our own C.A.P.S. 2.0 server. No way I would have been able to do this without my wife's help. My male ego is not taking this well, however.<br />

<br />

The device has been working great, however I was using a USB external hard drive (I know I'm not supposed to do that) and now want to switch over to an Esata external hard drive (powered off of wall wart).<br />

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Problem is, the PC won't recognize the drive when I plug it in after the PC has booted.<br />

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And the PC won't boot at all when I have the esata drive plugged in before booting up.<br />

<br />

The PC is showing (when the esata external drive is attached before booting up) that it needs to know from which drive to boot up.<br />

<br />

Going into the BIOS under these circumstances isn't giving me the option to choose what boots first. Normally it would.<br />

<br />

I could use a little help here.<br />

<br />

Thanks in advance for whomever offers it.<br />

<br />

Joel

[e seal]

Hi Joel,<br />

<br />

If my recommendations (below) don't work, may I suggest that you post your question under "Music Servers" in the forum. I think that your query will be seen by more readers there than here.<br />

<br />

I built a CAPS v.2, and use a external SATA hard drive to store music files on, so I have some experience with a configuration similar to yours. <br />

<br />

Is your operating system (presumably Win 7) on the solid state drive (usually Drive C:)or on your external hard drive? If it's on the hard drive, I think you would be best to transfer it to the solid stated drive (Drive C:).<br />

<br />

Once you are certain that the operating system is on Drive C:, go into BIOS and be sure that it is selected as the first boot device. At this point, leave the external SATA drive disconnected. Shut down the computer, and install the SATA drive. Be sure that the eSATA cable is pushed in all the way on both ends (computer and drive) and that the wall wart for the SATA drive is also installed so that the drive has external power. I have found that some eSATA connectors don't fit well into their sockets -- they either won't go in all the way without a good push, or they are loose. In either case it causes problems. Now, try booting the machine.<br />

<br />

<br />

Hopefully, this will resolve your problem.<br />

<br />

Best regards,<br />

e seal

[joelha]

Thanks for the reply, e seal,<br />

<br />

In fact my OS is already placed on the internal SSD.<br />

<br />

I'll take your advice and post my question on the "Music Server" section of the site.<br />

<br />

Joel

[Chris Gr]

You may enable AHCI mode if you want to hot-plug your eSata Drive.<br />

<br />

Christophe

[ontherocks]

Let's suppose you have a linear power supply with a 400VA mains transformer with 4 rails and that you want to power up separately a) the CAPS2 MoBo (+12V)b) the SSD with SOtM sata filter (+5V) c) the SOtM USB card (+12V) AND an external eSATA HDD or a NAS.<br />

<br />

How would you configure each of the rails/secondary windings of the transformer?

[1audio]

This is a lot more involved that it may first appear.<br />

You are asking for 4 separate dc outputs from the supply. You need to know the following for each supply:<br />

1) minimum and maximum current requirements<br />

2) output voltage with tolerances<br />

<br />

Then you work back including the minimum and maximum AC in (usually +/- 10% or more), the transformer regulation no load to max load. Then you need to provide for the heat dissipation, which would be transformer on max line full load etc. making sure that at the other extreme the system doesn't drop out of regulation. <br />

<br />

A full on CAPS might have as much as 40W draw. This could require as much as 40W power dissipation from the power supply, about what you would see on a typical 100W amp. The typical three terminal regulator is not adequate to the demands of the CAPS motherboard.<br />

<br />

This becomes quite a project (I'm doing this for a different application right now). If you are not fully conversant with these concepts do the homework before something burns up. It will anyway but you will understand why.<br />

<br />

This is more of a DIYaudio project than a CA effort.

[ontherocks]

thanks Damien<br />

Actually, my question is within the context of deciding the specifications of my order to Paul Hynes of a SR7 linear supply with 4 separate rails. He said that the biggest mains transformer he can use is 400VA but now the question is to give him the information he needs regarding the configuration of the different rails for the 4 components/equipment i plan to power with it and i dont have a cue what to answer to him...

[Audio_ELF]

Not sure if anyone minds if I post this here, but those looking at advanced power supply options for a CAPS type computer may find Item Audio's "Audio Transport" of interest ... http://www.itemaudio.co.uk/windows_audio_transport.html<br />

<br />

Eloise<br />

<br />

PS. I have no link to Item Audio just seen their products reviewed...

[Steen]

Hi Chris...& all...<br />

<br />

Been surfing around once in a while for some years now, looking for HIFI inspiration, and found the wonderful CA site to be an absolute Godsend!<br />

The lengths that You go to, to keep the integrity of the site is a marvel..<br />

<br />

Like to have a go at the CAPS, but have some food for thought.<br />

<br />

CAPS is based on no movable parts. Having recently listened to playback with CD vs Vinyl on the same top notch rig (400K$ - not my own), triggered something...<br />

<br />

Shortly the sound:<br />

CD sounded fabulous, like a magnifying glass looking inside the instruments, atoms and energy might be keywords here.<br />

Vinyl sounded much more palpable, closer to the physical materials so to speak, more realistic.(prefered the latter).<br />

<br />

Two very different experiences of sound;<br />

(could of course lay Swiss Francs aside and buy a Soulution CD player, but I'd be 125 yrs old before the amount would suffice...).<br />

<br />

DIY at my place is quite simple and based on - primarily - boxes/boxing (I'm practical as electronicswise - I only know how to solder). Have f.inst. pulled out the inside of my CD player to sand and oil damp it - drive and all - with very, very good results (a concept that would be completely impossible to commercialise and market. The stuff cannot really be moved after being made!). <br />

So casing without sand - and possibly oil - for the CAPS is not an option for me.<br />

<br />

Watching speakers when fed by Vinyl, One sees a constant, uninterupted movement, fed by CD there is no such movement...so unbroken physical contact between medias - like needle and groove - might be preferable to endless 0's and 1's...!?!<br />

Thus I wondered; One might be able to get, or at least try to get, the best of both worlds using a HDD in realtime playback.<br />

Of course no movable parts has gone, but there is absolutely no doubt You can lead most of the unsought-for vibrations away from the HDD with sand, oil a.s.o...<br />

...Maybe with even better results than only using SSD.<br />

<br />

Not knowing anything about computers the following might be a very old or out of tune song:<br />

<br />

-"Would it be possible to use SSD for OS and storage, while using HDD rather like a turntable: Loading the music, that You want to hear at that precise moment, onto the HDD so as to have it playback directly to the USB device/DAC, without being loaded through RAM or Buffer...?"<br />

<br />

Also:<br />

<br />

-"Car-battery-powering the CAPS, how does One do that? Does anyone have a link to somewhere describing the construction of a setup/device that lets You feed a computer with a car battery, or do You just plug it in?"<br />

<br />

Any feedback or redirecting'll be much appreciated as this might not be considered CAPS anymore...<br />

<br />

Steen

[Julf]

"<i>Would it be possible to use SSD for OS and storage, while using HDD rather like a turntable: Loading the music, that You want to hear at that precise moment, onto the HDD so as to have it playback directly to the USB device/DAC, without being loaded through RAM or Buffer...?</i>"<br />

<br />

No, unfortunately it is not possible. Even the HDD has a RAM buffer that it reads the data into before sending it to the CPU. The disk controller receives the data from the HDD, and puts it in it's own RAM buffer - and from there, it gets transfered into the main CPU RAM buffer. After that the data usually gets copied into a RAM buffer in the player program, that then transfers it into the RAM buffer of the sound card or USB interface. Once the data gets sent out, it gets received into the RAM buffer of the DAC, before it is converted. <br />

<br />

I am sure I forgot a couple of steps, but you get the picture...