Farad Super3 User manual

Super3 Owner’s manual

Table of contents
Important Safety Information page 3
Warranty page 4
Getting started page 6
AC Power input page 7
Output Voltage page 8
Additional service page 9
Identification of controls page 10
Trouble Shooting page 11
Specifications page 12

Important Safety Information
WARNING: There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified service per-
sonnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, be sure that the apparatus shall not be
exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be
placed near or on the apparatus.
Do not allow foreign objects to get into the enclosure. If the unit is exposed to moisture, or a for-
eign object gets into the enclosure, immediately disconnect the power cord from the wall. Take
the unit to a qualified service person for inspection and necessary repairs.
Read all the instructions before connecting or operating the component. Keep this manual so you
can refer to these safety instructions. Heed all warnings and safety information in these instruc-
tions and on the product itself. Follow all operating instructions.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
Do not place the unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that could block the
heatsink airflow. If the component is placed in a bookcase or cabinet, there must
be ventilation of the cabinet to allow proper cooling. Keep the component away
from radiators, heat registers, stoves, or any other appliance that produces heat.
The unit must be connected to an ac power source only of the type and voltage specified on the
rear panel of the unit as described in the chapter AC power input on page 6. Connect the power
supply to the power outlet only with an earthed IEC power supply cable or an exact equivalent in
a mains socket with protected earthing connection.
The primary method of isolating the device from the mains supply is to disconnect the mains plug.
Ensure that the mains plug remains accessible at all times. Unplug the AC power cord from the AC
outlet if the unit will not be used for longer time.
Do not attempt to defeat grounding and/or polarization provisions. Do not use extension cords.
Do not route the power cord where it will be crushed, pinched, bent at severe angles, exposed to
heat, or damaged in any way. Pay particular attention to the power cord at the plug and where
it exits the back of the unit.
Immediately unplug and stop using the component and have it inspected and/or serviced by a
qualified service agency if:
- The power supply cord or plugs have been damaged.
- Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the unit.
- The unit has been exposed to rain.
- The unit shows signs of improper operation.
- The unit has been dropped or damaged in any way.
- When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance. This indicates a need for
service.
When replacement parts are required outside the guarantee period, be sure the service techni-
cian has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics
as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform
safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.
In households with small children, an adult should provide supervision until the child is capable of
following all the rules essential for the safe operation of the unit.
3

Farad power supplies products are designed and build to comply with international directives on
the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment and the
disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The products must be appropri-
ately recycled or processed in accordance with these directives.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Always switch off and mute devices when connecting or disconnecting the
Farad power supply.
When you have any questions about our power supplies, please contact us at
the power supply. We will reply to you as soon as possible.
Warranty
Scope and duration of warranty
Subject to the terms and conditions stated below, Farad Power Supplies. warrants to the original
owner that this product shall be free from defects in workmanship or materials for a term of 24
months from the date when it was purchased from an Authorized Farad Power Supplies Dealer
or directly from Farad Power Supplies. Moveable property and parts used in moveable property
which have not been produced/fabricated by the seller himself but are produced/fabricated by a
third party have the warranty provided by the third party.
Limitations on Persons and Products Covered by this warranty
This warranty and all rights provided here under are limited to the original owner. In the event
that the original owner transfers ownership of the Product prior to expiration of the 24 months
term, this warranty shall terminate in its entirety upon the date of such transfer. In addition, Farad
Power Supplies does not warrant in any way Products which are purchased from anyone who is
not an Authorized Farad Power Supplies dealer or which have not been purchased directly from
Farad Power Supplies. Therefore this warranty is void and inapplicable if this Product has been
purchased from someone other than an Authorized Farad Power Supplies Dealer, directly from
Farad Power Supplies.
Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted invoice, which is evidence that this
product is within the warranty period, must be presented to obtain warranty service. This war-
ranty is void and inapplicable if the factory applied Serial Number has been altered or defaced
from this product;
What the Consumer must do
To obtain warranty service, please contact the Farad Power Supplier authorised dealer from
which you purchased this product. If your dealer is not equipped or you purchased directly from
Farad Power Supplies, it can be returned by you or the dealer to Farad Power Supplies or an au-
thorised Farad Power Supplies service Agent. Please pack the product very carefully, preferable
in the original packing, to be sure no damage can be done during shipment.
4

Limitations on Third Party Services and Data Sources
Certain Farad Power Supplies products include an interface that enables access to services (in-
cluding data) that are provided by third parties unrelated to Farad Power Supplies. Some of
these services require separate customer sub-scriptions and some do not; and some may be sup-
ported by and compatible with the Farad Power Supplies Product while others may not. Merely
providing the capability to access such services is not to be construed as making Farad Power
Supplies the provider of, or responsible for, the services or for continuing to support or make
such access available; and Farad Power Supplies expressly disclaims such responsibility. Because
Farad Power Supplies cannot control the providers of such services or the services themselves,
and similarly cannot control the communication systems and networks that connect the Products
interfaces to the services, Farad Power Supplies cannot and does not warrant against and shall
have no liability of any kind for, any of the following that are related to third party services, the
providers of those services, or the systems or networks by which the Farad Power Supplies Prod-
uct communicates with the services: (i) unavailability, lack of compatibility or functionality,
interruption, discontinuance, or loss of service, or other unsatisfactory performance, act, or omis-
sion; (ii) loss or unauthorized use or disclosure of, or damage to, personal information, recordings,
or other data; (iii) reduced functionali-ty of the Farad Power Supplies Product; or (iv) any other
loss or damage of any kind. Farad Power Supplies likewise does not warrant against, and shall
have no liability for, any failure of its Products to satisfactorily process any externally sourced
data where such failure is attributable in whole or in part to the makeup of the data itself or to a
non-Farad Power Supplies product, system, or service that is the source of the data or that pro-
vides access to the data.
What Farad Power Supplies Will do under the warranty
In the event of any defect covered by this warranty, Farad Power Supplies shall without charge
provide all parts, material and labour necessary to restore the Product to its original specifica-
tions. After repair, Farad Power Supplies, shall return the Product. Farad Power Supplies handles
a “carry in” warranty, so all costs for shipping hence and forth will have to be paid by customer.
In the alternative, Farad Power Supplies may at its sole option either replace the Product without
charge, or if replacement is not commercially practicable or repair or replacement cannot be
accom-plished within a reasonable time, Farad Power Supplies may refund the purchase price of
the Product, subject where appropriate to reasonable depreciation for actual use in accordance
with applicable laws, in full satisfaction of its warranty obligations. Farad Power Supplies or its
authorized Farad Power Supplies dealer will undertake to complete the repair and return of the
Product as soon as circumstances permit, unless prevented by causes beyond their reasonable
control.
What does this warranty not cover
This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse,
abuse, negligence, commercial use, or modification of, or to any part of, the product. This warran-
ty does not cover damage due to improper operation, maintenance or installation, or attempted
repair by anyone other than Farad Power Supplies or an authorized Farad Power Supplies Dealer
or authorised service agent which is authorised to do Farad Power Supplies warranty work. Any
unauthorised repairs will void this warranty.
This warranty does not cover products sold as is or with all faults. Repairs or replacements as
provided under this warranty are the exclusive remedy of the consumer. Farad Power Supplies
shall not be liable for any incidental in this product. Except to the extent prohibited by law. This
warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other express and implied warranties whatsoever including,
but not limited to. The warranty of merchantability and fitness for a practical purpose.
Some countries and US states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequen-
tial damages or implied warranties so the above exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights and you may have other statutory rights, which vary from state
to state or country to country. For any service, in or out of warranty, please contact your dealer.
5

Getting started
The SUPER3 is a top level low noise dual linear regulated supercapacitor power supply. It is capa-
ble of delivering 3A of continuous current at its rated voltage output.
Operating features
- Double regulated super capacitor linear power supply
- High inductance double shielded toroidal power transformer
- Pi-filter supply input with over 85.000uF of standard electrolytic capacitors
- Always over 1F of supercapacitors, running up to 2.5F for lower voltage outputs
(see table I, page 11)
- Low noise output regulator, post filtered with a Hf pi-filter with ultra-low ESL capacitors
- Fully microprocessor controlled protection against short circuit, over- and undervoltage,
reversed voltage, over-temperature and surge currents.
A few precautions
Please read this manual carefully. In addition to the installation and operating instructions it gives
more information about how to use this power supply optimally in your (audio) system. Please
contact your Farad power supplies dealer, or Farad power supplies directly at info@Faradpow-
ersupplies.com if you have any questions or comments about our products.
Be sure to keep the original sales receipt of your power supply. It is your best record of the date of
purchase, which you will need in the event warranty service is ever required. When you have any
problems with our equipment, please always let us know the serial number which can be found
on the backside of the power supply (see figure 1, position 8).
Placement
Some parts of this power supply can get hot. The heatsink and enclosure of the power supply are
designed to dissipate this heat. Any obstruction of this dissipation can result in damage, or dam-
age to devices near or connected to the power supply. There should be at least 10 cm or 4 inches
of clearance around the power supply. Do not place any flammable material, like wood, plastic,
cloth or anything else, directly above the power supply. Take care there is enough space for air
to freely flow around the power supply. Take care the shelf or cabinet the power supply is placed
in are stable and capable of supporting its weight.
Breaking in
Like all devices in audio, the Farad power supply will show break in behavior the first 200 hours
on AC voltage. The character and quality of this supply will show immediately, but will improve
during this period. Sound will become more tight, more at ease and fluent. Always keep this in
mind when evaluating the power supply during this period.
6

AC Power input
The Farad power supplies SUPER3 has a standard IEC C14 power input. Be sure to only use power
cables with the same connectors. There can be a large difference in sound between power ca-
bles, tuning them definitely will improve the power supplies performance. Farad supplies a range
of power cables for even better performance of the SUPER3. Please see our website for more
information about this.
The transformer of the SUPER3 have been checked for polarity, and are connected such that with
the phase connected to the (L) IEC connector pin the residual transformer leakage voltage is
minimum. This can be very important when installing high-end equipment. If all devices are tuned
for the lowest residual leakage voltage, normally sound will get more open en detailed, giving a
wider stage. Still it is recommended to always try out different polarities, since it is not always
absolute science.
The SUPER3 is configured for a certain AC outlet voltage and frequency as it is manufactured.
This is 100-120Vac/50-60Hz (115 at the back, figure 1, position 6) or 220-230Vac/50Hz (230 at the
back, figure 1, position 6). Do only use the power supply unless you are sure the stated voltage and
frequency matches with the AC voltage and frequency coming from you AC outlets.
Should you move your power supply to a country with other voltages or frequencies, it is possible
to reconfigure the power supply to these voltages. Do not attempt this change of configuration
yourself, unless you are fully qualified. Inside the SUPER3 are lethal high voltages, which only must
be handled by fully qualified personnel.
Like all power supplies, Farad power supplies are always active when the AC is plugged in. This
means there is voltage on most circuits internally, and voltages are present and standby.
If you are away for a long time it is a sensible precaution to turn the power supply totally off by
unplugging the AC cable.
First use
Plug in the power cord in the IEC connector (figure 1, position 7) and the other end in an appropri-
ate AC outlet. The led will flash blue and red a couple of times, and after that starts fading on and
off red, it is charging the supercapacitors. The LED will turn solid blue after the supercapacitors
are fully charged and the supply output gets active. This will take normally about 5-10 seconds.
If the LED does not light up at start up, or behaves strangly press the RES button at the back.
If the LED flashes red after charging, the device is in “error mode”, please see chapter Error to find
out what might be the problem.
7

Output Voltage
The SUPER3 also is factory configured for a certain voltage output. This output is mentioned at
the back, see figure 1, position 3. Always check and double check that this output voltage matches
the voltage input of the device it will be connected to. If these do not match connecting the power
supply can result in permanent damage of the device it is connected to. Farad power supplies
refuses every liability for damage to equipment due to an incorrect connected DC output voltage.
Current rating of the Farad power supply should be higher than the factory recommended cur-
rent. If the manufacturer does not give this value, it can be calculated from the power figure, as
max current = max power / rated voltage. If this does not work, it also can be obtained by reading
the original adapter. Please keep in mind adapter values are mostly very overrated, so mostly will
give a far too high value.
If you are not sure, you can always try out with a Farad power supply, it is fully protected, so
nothing will be damaged if too much current will be drawn. If it works it is ok. If you don’t feel safe
about us, please ask your dealer, or directly at Farad, we are there to help you!
The power supply has a gold plated GX16-4 output connector. We have connected the output to
pin 1 and 3 and the minus to pin 2 and 4.
The quality of the output cable can make a good improvement on the quality of the system the
power supply is connected into. We provide three types of DC output cables:
1) Standard cable, 4 wire tin plated 18 AWG wires with standard connectors. This cable is
standardly included within the price of the SUPER3
2) Level 1 upgrade. This cable is also 18 AWG tin plated copper, but with shielding and gold-
plated connectors
3) Level 2 upgrade. This cable uses 4 of our own non inductive mil spec 16 AWG tin plated
teflon isolated copper wires and uses Oyaide output connectors
All cables are standardly available in with 5.5/2.1 or 5.5/2.5 mm DC barrel connectors. Any other
connector (within normal prices) will be delivered at request, but only in combination with the
level 1 and level 2 upgrade.
Change of output voltage
If you want to use the SUPER3 at a different output voltage, it is possible by reconnecting the
transformer and replacing the supercapacitor module. Please contact your dealer, or Farad pow-
er supplies directly for price and availability.
8

Additional service
Like all other, electrical devices need maintenance. The device heatsink needs to stay free of dust.
Some parts are subject to wear, especially when they get hot. Also parts like capacitors have a
long but limited life-time. Farad power supplies is build and tested very thoroughly but we (and
nobody) can’t rule out a part going defective, a circuit going into failure or out of bias. With Farad
power supplies devices we therefore recommend to service the device (and any other electrical
device) at least every 2 years.
servicing equipment, to make an appointment or if you are not sure when the device did have its
last service.
Replacing the fuse
It is possible to replace the fuse for a high-end version. This will improve detail and precision.
For replacing the fuse you need to remove the upper half of the cover of the power supply. For
removing the cover you need to unscrew the upper two screws at the front and the upper two
screws at the backside.
Please only do this if you know what you are doing, otherwise we strongly recommend to let it do
by a qualified technician. Our dealers or Farad power supplies technicians are always willing to
help you with the replacing free of costs when the supply is taken to our workshop.
WARNING: Please be absolutely sure the power cord is removed from the power supply before
unscrewing and lifting the cover
WARNING: Super capacitors contain a lot of charge and will keep this charge long after the de-
vice is powered off. Making any shorts inside the device can result in injury and serious damage
to you and the device. So always take care not to touch anything except the fuse itself.
WARNING: When the fuse is blown out, please take the power supply to a qualified technician, a
Farad power supplies dealer, or Farad power supplies directly. It probably indicates a failure and
the need for service. Replacing the fuse for a new one and starting the device up again might
result in even worse damage, dangerous voltages in the device and even fire.
9

Identification of controls
FIGURE 1: Front and back of the SUPER3 power supply, controls and connections
1) Indicator LED. The front LED has several modes:
a) Solid blue: Power supply is ready, voltage present at output
b) Fading red: Power supply is charging supercapacitor banks at startup
c) Flashing red: Power supply error. Led flashes fast and then slowly with error code.
d) No LED. Power supply is disabled or in reset, or fuse broken
2) DC output connector. We use a gold plated GX16-4 connector. Plus is
connected to pin 1 and 3 and minus to pin 2 and 4. This output delivers the rated voltage
(stated at position 4) at 3A maximum current continuously.
3) Reset switch. This switch resets the power supplies microprocessor. After a reset the sup-
ply will start a new startup sequence. It can be used to reset the supplied device, or when
changing between differentdevices. Also when an error has occurred and the supply needs
restart. It is recommended to reset the power supply before each use.
4) Rated output voltage. In this box the factory fixed output voltage is noted
5) Heatsink. Heat sink for both of the regulators, please keep clear distance around it so air
can flow through it uninterrupted
6) Main voltage indication. When noted “115”, the power supply is configured or 100-120Vac,
50-60Hz voltage range. If noted “230”, the power supply is configured for 220-230Vac/50-
60Hz mains voltage range
7) Mains IEC connector. Place mains power cord at this connector. The power supply is opti-
mized such that lowest leakage current will be present when AC phase is applied to the (L)
pin of the connector
8) Serial number. Always refer to this number in any communication with your dealer or Farad
power supplies directly.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Always switch off and mute devices when connecting or disconnecting the
Farad power supply.
When you have any questions about our power supplies, please contact us at info@Faradpower-
supplies.com with serial number stated at the back (see figure 1, position 8) of the power supply.
We will reply to you as soon as possible.
10

Trouble Shooting
Most problems in audio systems are the result of poor or wrong connections or cabling. Always
check if the mains power connector and the DC power connector are plugged in tight and cor-
rectly. Also check if the cables are functioning properly, and there are no loose wires. When not
sure, try a different cable, and see if this solves the problem.
Below are some common failures. If you encounter another problem, or the below solutions do
not solve the problems, please contact your dealer, or contact us directly at info@Faradpower-
supplies.com.
Front LED does not light up (in any color), or strange vague signalling
Microprocessor needs reset. Press reset switch at position 3 for two seconds.
If this does not help, there is no AC mains power on the power supply. Check if mains cables and
power cables are plugged in tight and correctly, and if AC voltage is present at the wall outlet.
If this is the case and led still does not light up, please go to your Farad dealer or contact Farad
power supplies directly.
There is no output voltage, and no red error led
DC output cable is not properly plugged in the power supply or the device where the power
supply is connected to. Also check if the right connector is used, for example a 2.5 mm DC barrel
connector on a 2.1 pin input will probably not work.
Front LED stays fading red and does not turn blue at startup
Error in the super capacitor charging circuit, please go to your dealer or contact Farad power
supplies directly.
Front LED flashes red
Error detected. LED flashes a number of time and then is off for 3 seconds, then flashes again.
The number of flashes (1 to 8 times) indicates the error. Disconnect the DC power connector and
reset (position 3), if the error re-occurs, contact your dealer, or Farad directly at info@faradpow-
ersupplies.com. If the error is solved, please check the device on which the SUPER3 is connected,
probably there is a problem there...
11

Specifications
Power input: Factory configured 100-120Vac/50-60Hz or 220-230Vac/50-60Hz
Dimensions: 130 (5.1”) x 200 (7.9“) x 40 (1.6“) mm (W x D x H)
Net weight: 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs)
Table 1: Overview factory configurable voltages and rating
Output voltage Capacitance Max power consumption
3.3 2.5F 16W
5.0 3.3F 20W
6.0 3.3F 24W
6.3 2.5F 25W
7.0 2.5F 27W
8.0 2.5F 30W
9.0 2.5F 33W
10 1.7F 36W
12 1.7F 42W
15 1.4F 51W
16 1.4F 54W
18 1.3F 60W
19 1.3F 63W
24V/2.2A 1F 53W
Any other voltage between 3.3V and 19V available on special request
All specifications are accurate at the time of printing of this manual. Farad power supplies re-
serves the right to make improvements at any time without notice.
www.faradpowersupplies.com
© 2019 Farad power supplies
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