UltraCap™ LPS-1 launch thread!

[sandyk]

... 50 years? [ATTACH=CONFIG]29872[/ATTACH]

I'm only about just 16 [ATTACH=CONFIG]29870[/ATTACH] so... I'll have to buy another one later on in my life? :-|

 

 

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]29871[/ATTACH]

 

So you became a CA member when you were only 12 years old ?

[pl_svn]

looks dad forgot to turn parental controls on for some dangerous site(s)

 

 

... four years already I'm here? :-0

[zilch0md]

My shipment arrived Friday, and I continue to be impressed with how good things sound powered via an LPS-1.

 

A question about supply voltages: I know the LPS-1 is designed to be able to provide its available output voltages when supplied with regulated DC at any voltage from 7.5v to 12v, as long as the published current needs are met.

 

That's what it can do; but what would it like to do? Given that a have available a selection of fixed-voltage and adjustable-voltage power supplies, if there's no particular reason from my perspective to pick one... what's the optimal feeder voltage for the LPS-1, what makes it work least hard?

 

Give that I could supply it with any of 7.5v, 9v, or 12v... what will the LPS-1 be most comfortable sipping when providing 7v out?

 

If this answer is different for the other output voltages, it'd be great to know the answers for them as well, just for completeness.

 

Thanks!

 

Superdad will be along sometime Monday, no doubt, to answer this, but I'm guessing the LPS-1 would run coolest with a 7.5V input (with less heat be generated by its voltage regulator). Other than that, it probably doesn't matter (as long as you give it enough amps.)

[malarz]

My understanding is that the Hydra ZPM uses supercapacitors just for additional filter capacitance and the AC charging them remains connected at all times.

 

In contrast, our UltraCap LPS-1 completely separates the AC mains from the output by alternately charging two strings of supercaps, and thus is more like a battery supply (but more convenient and with lower output impedance over a wide bandwidth).

 

The LPS-1 is a vastly more complicated design (262 parts on the board plus a lot of software code), and this was all done in service of the design goal of complete blockage of leakage currents.

 

To-date the only other firm that has accomplished a bank-switching, processor-controlled, supercapacitor-based linear power supply is Vinne Rossi--currently as the built-in supply for his very fine LIO modular source/amp component, though I understand he has announced plans for a $1,000 stand-alone 2.5 amp PS.

 

I hope that helps a little. Supercapacitors are amazing high-energy-density devices, but utilizing them as isolated power sources is not a trivial task.

 

Thanks a lot for for your explanations.

[4est]

I have doubts about that guess, but JS or superdad should answer. The fact that the input current varies with Vin indicates more at play than simply voltage.

 

 

Superdad will be along sometime Monday, no doubt, to answer this, but I'm guessing the LPS-1 would run coolest with a 7.5V input (with less heat be generated by its voltage regulator). Other than that, it probably doesn't matter (as long as you give it enough amps.)

[JohnSwenson]

I have doubts about that guess, but JS or superdad should answer. The fact that the input current varies with Vin indicates more at play than simply voltage.

 

The raw voltage from the input jack goes two places, a switching boost regulator, this takes whatever the input voltage is to a fixed higher voltage. The other location is a linear regulator for the control circuits (FPGA, opto isolators etc)

 

The boost circuit pulls a constant POWER, so the input current will be lower for higher input voltage. This circuit doesn't have to work as hard with higher input voltage (it has to boost less).

 

The linear regulator gets warmer as the input voltage increases.

 

These two are the ONLY parts of the circuit that have any dependency on the input voltage.

 

I personally run mine at 9V to even these two out.

 

BUT please note that all the circuits are designed to work very well at ANY of the input voltages. It makes no difference to the output, the SQ will be exactly the same, all the parts are running well below their rated temperatures no matter what input voltage, so longevity of the device will not vary.

 

PLEASE don't get wigged out over choosing the "optimal input voltage" use whatever you have that works. If you already have multiple voltages on hand or are buying something specific for the purpose that costs the same for the different input voltage/current combinations, then go for 9V. If your choices have different costs then go for the cheapest (or nicest looking or whatever criteria you want to use) as long as it meets the voltage/current requirements.

 

John S.

[gstew]

So a related question... If I had a 12v power supply that could provide 3+ amps continously, would there be any reason not to feed 2 LPS-1s with it?

 

Just curious... I'm checking some supplies I have here, not sure ANY will do that, but just in case.

 

THX!

 

Greg in Mississippi

[jbm0]

I personally run mine at 9V to even these two out.

 

[...]

 

PLEASE don't get wigged out over choosing the "optimal input voltage" use whatever you have that works.

 

Thanks for the response! I promise I won't obsess, it was literally a question of which existing power supply to pull off the shelf and if there was any even slight reason for my hand to go in one direction or another.

[koblongata]

The FAQ reads that you can put 2 LPS1 in serial to get 12V, I was wondering how do you do it, is it as simple as connecting one of the DC output's + to another's -? Thanks!

[Superdad]

The FAQ reads that you can put 2 LPS1 in serial to get 12V, I was wondering how do you do it, is it as simple as connecting one of the DC output's + to another's -? Thanks!

 

Exactly, just like batteries. But you will have to make a custom pair of cables to do it. Obviously a standard DC "Y" cable is not going to connect the two supplies in series (+/-/+/-).

 

And to answer the logical next question: No, at this time we are not offering a pre-made "series" cable for pairing LPS-1s for higher voltage.

 

Cheers,

--Alex C.

[R1200CL]

Exactly, just like batteries. But you will have to make a custom pair of cables to do it. Obviously a standard DC "Y" cable is not going to connect the two supplies in series (+/-/+/-).

 

And to answer the logical next question: No, at this time we are not offering a pre-made "series" cable for pairing LPS-1s for higher voltage.

 

Cheers,

--Alex C.

 

But maybe you can offer to only sell the boards ?

[coot]

Anyone running LPS-1 to power just the W4S RUR? SQ comments?

[austinpop]

Anyone running LPS-1 to power just the W4S RUR? SQ comments?

 

+1

 

I have the same question.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

[Doak]

Anyone running LPS-1 to power just the W4S RUR? SQ comments?

 

I am doing just that w/my LS-1.

Powering LS-1 with HDPlex - not supposed to matter much, though.

Very much liking what I'm hearing. Been a very BZ time and not much critical listening and have not swapped back to previous setup(s).

[Doak]

I am doing just that w/my LS-1.

Powering LS-1 with HDPlex - not supposed to matter much, though.

Very much liking what I'm hearing. Been a very BZ time and not much critical listening and have not swapped back to previous setup(s).

 

I just posted my listening impressions of the LPS-1 feeding a W4S Recovery here:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f27-uptone-audio-sponsored/ultracap%99-linear-power-supply-1-listening-impressions-thread-30172/index5.html#post594994

[coot]

I just posted my listening impressions of the LPS-1 feeding a W4S Recovery here:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f27-uptone-audio-sponsored/ultracap%99-linear-power-supply-1-listening-impressions-thread-30172/index5.html#post594994

 

Doak,

Thank you for the info.

Not sure about voltages here. The Recovery requires 9v, 1A. The LPS-1 outputs are 3.3v, 5v & 7v. How do you get 9v for the Recovery?

I know little about electricity (prolly is obvious). What am I missing?

[Doak]

Doak,

Thank you for the info.

Not sure about voltages here. The Recovery requires 9v, 1A. The LPS-1 outputs are 3.3v, 5v & 7v. How do you get 9v for the Recovery?

I know little about electricity (prolly is obvious). What am I missing?

It appears/sounds to be working very well.

I expect that the W4S Recovery can operate within a range of voltage/amperage, just as the Regen and microRendu.

[Superdad]

The Recovery requires 9v, 1A.

 

The specs on their web site say 6-9V for the Recovery.

[coot]

Thanks, Alex. Order is in.

 

-Al

[Al Jones]

Actually, the first batch of Recovery was specced with a safe operating range of 6.5 - 12V and delivered with a 9V PS.

 

Because of issues in some configurations, the device was quickly revised, specced at 6 - 9V and delivered with a 6V PS.

[mikey8811]

I am thinking of using the LPS 1 with the Recovery. Mine is the Rev B, which you mention is 6-9V. I am using a iFi iPower rated at 9V/ 1.5A to power it.

 

So the LPS 1 with 3.3v, 5v & 7v should be fine outputting 7v correct? And sonically according to Doak pretty good too.

 

I plan to power the LPS 1 with another iFi iPower rated at 12V/ 1.8A which according to one of the Sonore owners on the other thread should work fine.

 

Actually, the first batch of Recovery was specced with a safe operating range of 6.5 - 12V and delivered with a 9V PS.

 

Because of issues in some configurations, the device was quickly revised, specced at 6 - 9V and delivered with a 6V PS.

[feelingears]

FWIW, I am using the LPS-1 now with a W4S Remedy. In my system I prefer it over the microRendu/LPS-1!

[mikey8811]

Feelingears, the Remedy is a reclocker for SPDIF and other inputs like the Recovery is for USB right?

 

I saw in your other thread you listed the microRendu for sale. But you still need a source/ streamer right? What are you using in comparison to the microRendu?

[Matias]

Superdad, having the control logic working for the LPS-1, do you consider expanding the supercap to other applications?

 

I was thinking about:

1. A supercap network DAC amp, in which Ethernet comes in, rendered to a DAC and fed into a class D amp to speakers. Supercap with big capacitor banks feeds the amp during small signals and low power. If peaks and sustained power is more than the power banks can supply, then temporarily connect to the mains.

 

2. Supercap power conditioner. The above in a fixed 110V/220V 50/60Hz output.

[jtwrace]

Superdad, having the control logic working for the LPS-1, do you consider expanding the supercap to other applications?

 

I was thinking about:

1. A supercap network DAC amp, in which Ethernet comes in, rendered to a DAC and fed into a class D amp to speakers. Supercap with big capacitor banks feeds the amp during small signals and low power. If peaks and sustained power is more than the power banks can supply, then temporarily connect to the mains.

 

2. Supercap power conditioner. The above in a fixed 110V/220V 50/60Hz output.

 

This is already in existence. It's called the Vinnie Rossi LIO. Vinnie Rossi - LIO custom modular audio component