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Build the Muffsy Hifi Dual Power Supply v4

Here are the build instructions for the Muffsy Hifi Dual Power Supply v4.


A 15-18 volts AC wall adapter (do not exceed 18 volts) is needed to make this power supply work. Here is some more information about what you need to build the Muffsy Phono Preamp and Power supply.


You can also have a look at the schematics for the Muffsy products under the Modify It page.

Illustrations Explained

The picture below is a larger version of your printed circuit board. For each step, this will be used to highlight which components you will be adding to the board.

PCB Overlay

You will also get a live view of where you are in the build process. It will show you what each component looks like, and present special information if needed.

Actual PCB with Comments

Bill of Materials

These are the components needed to build the power supply.

Quantity  Component
 1 Printed circuit board - Muffsy RHPS-6
 8Diodes, 1N4004 
2 Resistors, 0.25W Metal Film, 300 ohm 
 2Resistors, 0.25W Metal Film, 3300 ohm 
 2Resistors, 1W, 4.7 ohm 
 6Ceramic Capacitors, 100 nF 
 2Electrolytic Capacitors, 25V or higher, 10 uF 
 1Electrolytic Capacitor 35V or higher, 470uF 
(Grid: 5.8 mm, Diameter: 10 mm)
 4Electrolytic Capacitors, 35V or higher, 2200 uF 
(Grid: 7.5 mm, Diameter: 16 mm)
 1Voltage Regulator, LM317T 
 1Voltage Regulator, LM337T 
 1 Voltage Regulator, LM7815
 1
Screw Terminal, DG301, 2 Positions 
(Grid: 5 mm)

 1Wall Adapter, 15-18V AC
(not included)

Step 1: Solder the Diodes

There are eight 1N4004 diodes on the board. Take your time and make sure you have them oriented correctly. The silver band on each diode matches the symbol on the printed circuit board.

Diode placement
Diodes mounted on the board - Notice the orientation

Step 2: Solder the 0.25W Resistors

Before you continue, consider if you want to change the output voltage. The Muffsy kits are made for +/-15V (which is what you get if you use the included components), but you may have other plans for the power supply. If you plan to use other operational amplifiers, check what their maximum voltage is. Some may need less voltage.

There are four of the 0.25W resistors, they can be oriented whichever way you want. It is a good idea to measure them before they are soldered in place.

Placement of 0.25W resistors
0.25W resistors soldered in place

Step 3: Solder 1W Resistors

The two 1W resistors can be mounted either way.

Placement of 1W resistors
1W resistors mounted on the board

The resistors may look small for a 1W model, that's because they are Vishay PR-01 metal film resistors (pdf). Do not attempt to replace them with resistors that have a lower power rating.

Step 4: Solder the Ceramic Capacitors

Next you've got six ceramic capacitors to place on the board. The orientation does not matter for these, but I like to place them so that the text is outwards and visible.

Placement of the ceramic capacitors
Ceramic capacitors soldered to the PCB

Step 5: Solder the 10 uF Electrolytic Capacitors

These two capacitors must be mounted the right way around. The white band (the negative side of the capacitors) are pointed upwards on the board. See the pictures below for reference.

The 10 uF electrolytic capacitors marked on the board
The 10 uF capacitors soldered to the board, the arrow shows the white band on the caps

Step 6: Solder the Voltage Regulators

The board has three voltage regulators. One for +15V, one for -15V and a third one for +15V AUX power. They are three different models, make sure you identify them as LM317, LM337 and LM7815.


It's important to get both the placement and the orientation of the voltage regulators correct. If you're unsure how to mount them, there are pictures taken from two different angles below.

Please check, double-check and re-check the placement and orientation of the voltage regulators.

They are extremely difficult to desolder if you get it wrong.

Voltage regulators. Notice that the metal plates line up with the bold black lines in the component outline on the PCB.
The voltage regulators from a different angle

Step 7: Solder the 470 uF Electrolytic Capacitor

The orientation of this capacitor is important, place it as on the pictures below and solder it in place.

The 470 uF electrolytic capacitor
Notice the orientation of the capacitor

Step 8: Solder the 2200 uF Electrolytic Capacitors

There are four large 2200 uF electrolytic capacitors on the board, for smoothing the rectified AC voltage.


Orientation is important, all the white bands are facing downwards. Double check the orientation before you solder these capacitors in place, they can be pretty hard to desolder.

2200 uF Capacitors
2200 uF electrolytic capacitors - Notice the orientation

Step 9: Solder Screw Terminal

Solder the three position screw terminal in place. It is for the +/- 15V DC output, and not for the "AUX GND LED".


Make sure the openings in the screw terminal face outwards.

Screw terminal soldered on the board

Construction Complete

Congratulations, you have built a power supply.


To complete your build, continue to the following instructions: