[Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by Mistypanda22 »

is there an american version of the shopping list? having trouble finding 1 for 1 copies
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by DefinitelyHere »

Been enjoying my stim box for a few months now thanks to everyone's help on this thread, but running into an issue lately and been troubleshooting for weeks now, wondering if anyone else has encountered this.

Both my left and right channels seem to be working fine, but when I run into a triphase signal, usually in the 900hz range, nothing happens. I can turn my volume all the way up during these sections in files and nothing happens. I do have the 2 extra resistors that people have been saying are not necessary and wondering if that is the culprit.

I've already tried a few things, resoldered connections to stereo jacks, replaced banana plugs, replaced transformers, replaced triphase switch, replaced tpa amp board, resoldered connections to potentiometers, and checked connections on the wago connectors I'm using.
Just kinda lost at this point and hoping someone experienced something similar. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm using the updated design, with Bob's parts list around pg15-18.

P.s. Anyone know if there is any commercial triphase box coming anytime soon? Would rather just buy something already setup than troubleshooting every few months
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by darthjj »

DefinitelyHere wrote: Tue Feb 13, 2024 10:17 pm Been enjoying my stim box for a few months now thanks to everyone's help on this thread, but running into an issue lately and been troubleshooting for weeks now, wondering if anyone else has encountered this.

Both my left and right channels seem to be working fine, but when I run into a triphase signal, usually in the 900hz range, nothing happens. I can turn my volume all the way up during these sections in files and nothing happens. I do have the 2 extra resistors that people have been saying are not necessary and wondering if that is the culprit.

I've already tried a few things, resoldered connections to stereo jacks, replaced banana plugs, replaced transformers, replaced triphase switch, replaced tpa amp board, resoldered connections to potentiometers, and checked connections on the wago connectors I'm using.
Just kinda lost at this point and hoping someone experienced something similar. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm using the updated design, with Bob's parts list around pg15-18.

P.s. Anyone know if there is any commercial triphase box coming anytime soon? Would rather just buy something already setup than troubleshooting every few months
Just a wild guess, but perhaps a shortcircuit or incorrect grounding somewhere? Make sure the speaker out signals from your amp (going to the transformers) and the secondary circuits (coming out from the transformers) have no connection with each other, or ground.

I assume you've verified that a signal on the left channel is only felt on your channel 1 electrodes, and vice versa.
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by Cdsmith12 »

I am building my first E-Stim based on lolol2 v2 and have never used these types of resistors. Is it ok to bridge the 2 resistors that are connected to the 4 ohm (8 ohm in my case) connection since they are both connected to the same wire on the transformer? I have attached my sketchup design and the part of the schematic I'm talking about.

Thanks
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by edger477 »

Cdsmith12 wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 4:21 pm Is it ok to bridge the 2 resistors that are connected to the 4 ohm (8 ohm in my case) connection since they are both connected to the same wire on the transformer
Yes but the 22 ohm resistors aren't used anymore, last 4 amplifiers I bought worked perfect without it (but consumed less power since you don't waste the output into resistor).
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by darthjj »

edger477 wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 4:31 pm Yes but the 22 ohm resistors aren't used anymore, last 4 amplifiers I bought worked perfect without it (but consumed less power since you don't waste the output into resistor).
I first build a power box without parallel resistors (they're 15 Ohm 2W on the reference design I used btw) since it did indeed look a bit wasteful to have them there. However, I added a pair later, since they appear to "smooth out" the perceived intensity change when altering the carrier frequency. I.e. without those resistors, it felt like the signal got much stronger when the carrier frequency was lowered, and I had to reduce the amplitude to compensate.
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by edger477 »

darthjj wrote: Fri Mar 01, 2024 12:46 pm I first build a power box without parallel resistors (they're 15 Ohm 2W on the reference design I used btw) since it did indeed look a bit wasteful to have them there. However, I added a pair later, since they appear to "smooth out" the perceived intensity change when altering the carrier frequency. I.e. without those resistors, it felt like the signal got much stronger when the carrier frequency was lowered, and I had to reduce the amplitude to compensate.
oh I guess in my box that is achieved by audio condensers that the signal goes through
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by wmounted »

I'm new to estim and planning on building a diy powerbox using lolol2's design. I've already ordered parts and waiting for delivery.

But I'm very concerned about using mains power to power the device,
I understand that many of you guys use class ii power supplies, if you have a real class ii power supply then it's probably safe enough. but i'm having a hard time trusting the labels on powers supplies found on amazon & aliexpress. Especially after seeing this video.
Spoiler: show
So thinking about using batteries instead, and i have a few questions.

At first, I was thinking about using a 12v lithium polymer battery (LiPo), but its nominal voltage is 11.1V, and it might cause issues with the amplifier used in lolol2's design (XH-M543) since it's designed for 12-26 volts. So now I'm thinking about using a UPS battery (sealed lead-acid), their voltage ranges from ~12.9 to ~12.2V (100% charge to 50% charge). I will add a volt meter to the design so i can shut it off if it goes under 12.2 volts.

Assuming efficiency of class D amplifier is 90% and it consistently output 50W(it won't) power when estiming
Input Power required = 50W / 0.90 ≈ 55.56W
In amps = 55.56w/12v = 4.63 amps

So, a 12v 9AH lead acid battery should last about ~58 minutes. (Discharge Time to 50% = (9 AH / 4.63 A) * 0.5)

Is this battery setup safer than using a power supply ?

Do you guys know any other types of batteries that can work better for this purpose ?

My main concern is that if something goes wrong with the amplifier, the batteries could potentially provide a large amount of power instantly, whereas a power supply might not be able to do so. Is this a valid concern?

Sorry for my bad English.
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by diglet »

Sure aliexpress and amazon sell crap power supplies. But are you sure you can't source one from a reputable brand?


If you want to use batteries, you can try looking for an USB-C powerbank that supports one of the power delivery standards. I did a search for local options and found "Xiaomi Powerbank 20.000 mAh V3" which supports 5, 9 and 12v output with the appropriate cable. You will need an USB-C to 12v cable such as this one from aliexpress (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006 ... pt=glo2nld), these will only work if your powerbank supports 12v. Support for 12v is optional in the USB-PD standard, not all power banks support this.


This does sound a lot easier than messing around with bare batteries. The circuitry in the power bank will keep the voltage stable at 12v until the battery is dead.


As for power usage, with efficient waveforms my stimbox draws max 2w from the wall (including conversion losses). With inefficient waveforms it can go up to around 10w. You should be able to get quite some run time out of a normal powerbank.
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by wmounted »

diglet wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:40 pm Sure aliexpress and amazon sell crap power supplies. But are you sure you can't source one from a reputable brand?


If you want to use batteries, you can try looking for an USB-C powerbank that supports one of the power delivery standards. I did a search for local options and found "Xiaomi Powerbank 20.000 mAh V3" which supports 5, 9 and 12v output with the appropriate cable. You will need an USB-C to 12v cable such as this one from aliexpress (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006 ... pt=glo2nld), these will only work if your powerbank supports 12v. Support for 12v is optional in the USB-PD standard, not all power banks support this.


This does sound a lot easier than messing around with bare batteries. The circuitry in the power bank will keep the voltage stable at 12v until the battery is dead.


As for power usage, with efficient waveforms my stimbox draws max 2w from the wall (including conversion losses). With inefficient waveforms it can go up to around 10w. You should be able to get quite some run time out of a normal powerbank.
You are right, this definitely seems like the easiest and safest option. I had no idea power banks could provide 12V. Now i feel stupid for trying to mess around with bare batteries.

I hope you right about max power draw, It seems most powerbanks only support ~1.5A at 12V.

I'm steering clear of mains power. I don't want even the slightest risk of barbecuing my sausage. :lol:

Thanks for the help :thumbsup: I'll give an update once I've built the powerbox.
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by picofarad »

Thanks for all the help from the pioneers here.

I just completed my new setup. I have been breadboarding it but just finished soldering everything in my aux. box. I choose to go with a completed Bluetooth amp and build a box for the contacts, transformers, and current limiting resistors. It's nice to have a clean setup rather than jumper cables strewn about.

Details and helpful comments are in this thread viewtopic.php?t=26748
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by Mistypanda22 »

i managed to complete my box but im having trouble getting it to work properly. idk if its because of user error or a wrong setup tbh.

ive tested it with the multimeter (mostly using continuity to see if the electrodes are indeed working properly)
and ive noticed that either my multimeter cant properly give a good audio output at different stim strengths, or my stim may be a lil faulty.
i tried testing it with the leads but to no avail. and having tested the leads themselves, im lead to believe that they dont have any continuity
that led me to try and test the electrode ends themselves, and the multimeter says they are working the same as the entrance, but i dont really feel anything when putting it to my leg.

im a lil lost on if im doing something wrong, or if i need to do something else


is there a specific site or software that people use for this stuff? or is it flat out giving the box an audio and it spits out current? idk
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by picofarad »

i managed to complete my box but im having trouble getting it to work properly. idk if its because of user error or a wrong setup tbh.

ive tested it with the multimeter (mostly using continuity to see if the electrodes are indeed working properly)
and ive noticed that either my multimeter cant properly give a good audio output at different stim strengths, or my stim may be a lil faulty.
Not sure what's all in your build but a couple of comments:
  • When you say you're checking continuity, you have a setting on your meter such that when you touch your two probes together it beeps? Or are you using a DC ohm resistance? Regardless, your device should not be powered on when doing so or you will blow a fuse in your meter or worse fry it. Such a setting can help identify loose wires, bad connections, or colder soldered joints. Always good to do so on any project.
  • As to test equipment for measuring the output the multimeter is not ideal, an oscilloscope would be better
  • Probably the best thing to do is to carefully trace all your wiring and ensure that you hooked it up as it should be, that generally resolves most electronic kit problems.
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by Mistypanda22 »

when i touch 2 places, it beeps. i tried that and was able to get varying beeping sounds depending on the signal and volume, so that was good. my main issue/ confusion is if there is indeed a good enough current going through it, why cant i feel it on my leg for instance?

i sadly dont have an osciloscope. i COULD take it to school one day and test it there, but idk

i carefully traced the wires as i was putting them in, and triple checked before even plugging it in. i am pretty confident that at the very least its connected somewhat properly. as im actually getting a signal and can vary it
the build i ended up doing was this.
Spoiler: show
https://i.imgur.com/NFh6EpD.png
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Re: [Tutorial] Building your own DIY E-Stim Stereo Device

Post by picofarad »

if there is indeed a good enough current going through it, why cant i feel it on my leg for instance?
I'm not recommending you do this, but it is what I do.

With both electrodes (are they metal or conductive rubber?) on the same leg and with a conductive gel (salt water can work too) see if you can feel something as you turn up the volume. Having a good steady source like one of the calibration routines found in the various web teases would work. It may take more power and I'm always sure I have the ability to quickly kill the power.

I usually set the computer volume low, and the amp at 25% and work my way up.
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