A bit more info on these modules which might be of help:
I see from the TCA940 datasheet that Joe kindly sent me, that it's quite a capable IC. It features supply overvoltage protection, output short-circuit protection, and protection from overheating. The frequency response is from 40Hz - 20 kHz, and distortion is stated as 0.3%. The supply voltage can range from 6V - 24V DC. The volume control on the module has a double pole mains rated switch (which has no connections to it), which could be used to switch a mains PSU, to provide a DC supply from 9V - 20V, well within the stated voltage range, built into an amplifier cabinet.
As supplied, it's intended for use with 8 Ohm speakers, but by changing the two caps shown on the attached pic, (which also shows the connections), from 500uF 15V to 1,000 uF 15V the amp is suitable for 4 Ohm speakers, but given tht the IC is fairly well bomb-proof, I doubt it would come to any harm if the caps aren't changed.
Though Bardwell's website says the amp is 10Watts per channel, and the datasheet on the TCA940 states that it is capable of 'up to' 10Watts, the data and graphs on the characteristics indicate and output of 5 Watts.(More than enough to fill an average room!).
I've no idea what's happened to these little modules in their long storage life, but the underside of the PCB has stains that almost suggests that they've spent some time in water! I've tried to clean the underside with flux remover/PCB cleaner, which has had no effect whatsoever, so I've left it alone, given that it works fine.
(The TCA940 IC is pin-compatible with the more familiar TBA810 of the same era, which often featured in magazine projects as the output stage of receivers, or in such things as intercoms, baby alarms, guitar practice amps etc).
Hope these extra notes might be of interest and use to someone.
I see from the TCA940 datasheet that Joe kindly sent me, that it's quite a capable IC. It features supply overvoltage protection, output short-circuit protection, and protection from overheating. The frequency response is from 40Hz - 20 kHz, and distortion is stated as 0.3%. The supply voltage can range from 6V - 24V DC. The volume control on the module has a double pole mains rated switch (which has no connections to it), which could be used to switch a mains PSU, to provide a DC supply from 9V - 20V, well within the stated voltage range, built into an amplifier cabinet.
As supplied, it's intended for use with 8 Ohm speakers, but by changing the two caps shown on the attached pic, (which also shows the connections), from 500uF 15V to 1,000 uF 15V the amp is suitable for 4 Ohm speakers, but given tht the IC is fairly well bomb-proof, I doubt it would come to any harm if the caps aren't changed.
Though Bardwell's website says the amp is 10Watts per channel, and the datasheet on the TCA940 states that it is capable of 'up to' 10Watts, the data and graphs on the characteristics indicate and output of 5 Watts.(More than enough to fill an average room!).
I've no idea what's happened to these little modules in their long storage life, but the underside of the PCB has stains that almost suggests that they've spent some time in water! I've tried to clean the underside with flux remover/PCB cleaner, which has had no effect whatsoever, so I've left it alone, given that it works fine.
(The TCA940 IC is pin-compatible with the more familiar TBA810 of the same era, which often featured in magazine projects as the output stage of receivers, or in such things as intercoms, baby alarms, guitar practice amps etc).
Hope these extra notes might be of interest and use to someone.
Regards, David.
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
