Polaris Project User Manual

USER MANUAL – May 10
th
2021
WWW.GARAGE1217.COM
(R1.2 PCB ONLY)
WARNING:
Although Project Polaris runs at a generally safe 48VDC, Injury from improper assembly is quite possible. The main danger
comes from installing the polarized capacitors backwards as they can only be installed in one direction much like a battery
(more detail on capacitor installation comes later in this manual) If a capacitor is installed backwards, it may burst resulti ng
in burns or eye injury. If you are not experienced in electronics or electronic kit assembly, it would be wise to have an
experienced electronics person review your work before powering the unit on. Upon first power up, wear eye
protection and be wary of any burning smells or electrical noises such as loud pops or buzzes
If using low impedance headphones with power ratings of 300mW or lower, there is a chance you could blow out the drivers
if left playing at high levels – unattended. At high power levels an SPL of over 120dB may be reached in efficient
headphones which is harmful to your hearing. Project Polaris is a very high powered headphone amplifier – use caution and
common sense. High output headphone amplifiers like Polaris are designed to power very demanding headphones or
provide all the headroom you could want with more efficient designs, not to see if you can get your jawbone to rattle.
GARAGE1217.COM IS NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR INJURY, PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE AS THE RESULT OF ASSEMBLY OR USE OF THIS “DO IT YOURSELF” KIT. POLARIS IS
CONSIDERED A HOBBY LEVEL PRODUCT. IT CONTAINS NO ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATIONS AND IS NOT ADVERTISED AS SUCH. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Project
Polaris

Polaris Project Specifications

General

Brand	Polaris
Model	Project
Category	Amplifier
Language	English

Summary

Project Polaris Safety Information

Assembly and Operation Warnings

Highlights potential dangers from assembly errors, capacitor installation, and initial power-up procedures.

Project Polaris Specifications and Operational Guide

Technical Specifications

Details electrical and performance characteristics, including power, resistance, and frequency response.

Normal Operation and Notes

Guidance on startup, protection circuit behavior, volume control, and potential noise sources.

Project Polaris Assembly Preparation

Required Assembly Tools

Lists essential tools and materials needed for building the Project Polaris amplifier kit.

Soldering Techniques and Solder Joints

Provides guidelines for proper soldering, including cleaning leads and achieving quality joints.

Project Polaris Chassis Assembly

Bottom Chassis Preparation and Final Assembly

Instructions for assembling the chassis, attaching the PCB, and initial power-up checks.

Project Polaris Component Layout

PCB Component Identification

Diagram illustrating the placement of components on the Project Polaris circuit board.

Project Polaris Assembly Step 1

Populating Small Components

Instructions for installing small components like resistors, diodes, and capacitors onto the PCB.

Project Polaris Assembly Step 2

Populating Mid-Size Components

Guide for installing mid-size components, including polarized capacitor orientation and heatsink attachment.

Project Polaris Assembly Step 3

Volume Potentiometer Grounding

Detailed instructions for grounding the volume potentiometer to prevent noise and interference.

Project Polaris Assembly Step 4

Populating Large Components and Headphone Jack

Instructions for installing large components such as capacitors, TO263 diode, and the headphone jack.

Project Polaris Configuration Options

Understanding Jumper Settings

Explains how jumper settings customize input attenuation, bandwidth, gain, and output resistance.

Project Polaris Parts List

Component Breakdown

Detailed list of all resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes, and other components required for the kit.