My new amp. Single ended, 12AX7 / 12AU7. Internal MAX1771 SMPS generating 240 volts from a 12 volt DC power pack. My best amp design so far I feel.........
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/OB1.jpg)
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/OB2.jpg)
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/OB3.jpg)
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/OB4.jpg)
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/OB5.jpg)
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/OB6.jpg)
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/Board.jpg)
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/Process1.jpg)
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/Process2.jpg)
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/Process3.jpg)
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/Guts.jpg)
That is definitiley your best work so far, that looks incredible! Even down to the layout and fitting two full sized tubes in a 1590B Amp.
I tip my hat to you good sir ;)
Whoa! That looks freaking good! I love those tube guards, where did you get them?
Will you be selling this? :D
I wish there was something covering the tops of those tubes, though...
Does it just turn on when you plug in the power?
Work of art!
amazing work!
your God has been good with you...
sound clips?
your minature amps are always fun to look at :)
Just out of curiosity, what kind of solder do you use? It comes out very clean and mirror-shiny... no flux residue... Or is that the result of after-solder cleaning?
Incredible piece of work!
Thanks for those beautiful/nasty/perfect pics.
EXCELENTE !!!!!
wow... this is just a perfect match of size/clean build and amps desing
RICK, go on and do some DEMOS!!
Rick, time yourself next time you begin soldering, I'd like to know how long it takes you to do THAT...... :o
Cyborg Perf Boy from Outerspace strikres again !!
Luverly !
one day i tells theee!!!!
Thank you for your kind comments guys!
Quote from: azrael on May 28, 2010, 04:15:41 PM
Whoa! That looks freaking good! I love those tube guards, where did you get them?
Will you be selling this? :D
I wish there was something covering the tops of those tubes, though...
Does it just turn on when you plug in the power?
The tube guards are from Banzai, they are modular, so it's possible to add an extra level to cover the top of the tube too. There just isn't any room for an on/off switch, but I figured it's no loss as the power pack can be turned off at the wall. I did consider using a stereo socket so you could just unplug the guitar to switch the amp off - do you guys think that's a plan?
Yes, I'm planning to offer these for sale soon.
Quote from: JKowalski on May 28, 2010, 05:49:40 PM
Just out of curiosity, what kind of solder do you use? It comes out very clean and mirror-shiny... no flux residue... Or is that the result of after-solder cleaning?
The solder I use is 99.3% tin and 0.7% copper. I don't do any after-solder cleaning, that how it comes.
Quote from: rousejeremy on May 28, 2010, 07:31:54 PM
Rick, time yourself next time you begin soldering, I'd like to know how long it takes you to do THAT...... :o
Hahaha - I can probably perf a circuit in less time than it takes to etch, drill and populate a PCB. :D
Demos will have to wait until I get access to my mic.........
QuoteThere just isn't any room for an on/off switch, but I figured it's no loss as the power pack can be turned off at the wall. I did consider using a stereo socket so you could just unplug the guitar to switch the amp off - do you guys think that's a plan?
Just an idea here but you know those volume pots you can get on computer speakers where you turn it and it has a built in rotary switch that turns on the speaker before controlling the volume... I wonder if one of those could be found that would fit.
A bit like this I think, but smaller - http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=2208
how many Db can this thing kick out rick? is it giggable as back line in your average pub when mic'd up through a P.A?
Chapeau! 8)
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!
That's the sound of Rick ratcheting the bar ever upwards. Phenomenal work.
240V? DC? On that tiny board?
SKWEEK!
Rick, I was just thinking, how does it perform hum-wise? I'm guessing the heaters run direct from the dc input, is that noisy? Also I guess that the heater feeds are short enough to not be to susceptible to RF, and are probably fairly well shielded by the chassis, but can you pick up any chopping noise from the switcher?
Sorry, not wishing to be a pooper, i'm just in awe.
Also, where did you hide the spring reverb?
You need to start marketing these better: they're absolutely beautiful and people pay absolutely silly money for things like a zvex nano.
ok, ok ill be "that guy"
any plans on releasing the build details to the rest of us. :icon_biggrin:
Rick
You have out done your self again. :o
Excellent job.
Silly question, how did you get the tubes to glow blue?? The obvious would be a LED but the tube socket is not transparent, at least not the one I have seen??
Sound samples pleas
Quote from: solderman on May 30, 2010, 02:36:49 PM
Rick
You have out done your self again. :o
Excellent job.
Silly question, how did you get the tubes to glow blue?? The obvious would be a LED but the tube socket is not transparent, at least not the one I have seen??
Sound samples pleas
I think from the look of the pictures, you can see a resistor on the pins of the Tube Socket and I think it's leading to an LED in a hole in the center of the socket, my guess atleast.
Quote from: sundgist on May 28, 2010, 04:31:17 PM
Work of art!
Couldn't agree more - it's amazing!
BTW, this fellow Surrey-ite LOL'ed at your avatar :)
Quote from: starekase502 on May 29, 2010, 09:07:13 AM
ok, ok ill be "that guy"
any plans on releasing the build details to the rest of us. :icon_biggrin:
+1
I've got some 12AU/12AX and a 2291 requiring a home!
Quote from: frequencycentral on May 28, 2010, 03:27:45 PM
My new amp. Single ended, 12AX7 / 12AU7. Internal MAX1771 SMPS generating 240 volts from a 12 volt DC power pack. My best amp design so far I feel.........
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/Process1.jpg)
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb292/frequencycentral/Guts.jpg)
Really nice, but I would not like to be asked to replace scratchy pot or dead component inside :D
Quote from: knealebrown on May 28, 2010, 08:25:40 PM
how many Db can this thing kick out rick?
Haven't measured for Db yet.
Quote from: knealebrown on May 28, 2010, 08:25:40 PM
is it giggable as back line in your average pub when mic'd up through a P.A?
Probably!
Quote from: markeebee on May 29, 2010, 03:33:32 AM
Rick, I was just thinking, how does it perform hum-wise? I'm guessing the heaters run direct from the dc input, is that noisy? Also I guess that the heater feeds are short enough to not be to susceptible to RF, and are probably fairly well shielded by the chassis, but can you pick up any chopping noise from the switcher?
This has had a loooooong development period. No flaws.
Quote from: markeebee on May 29, 2010, 03:33:32 AM
Also, where did you hide the spring reverb?
You missed it? Look again. :D
Quote from: Hides-His-Eyes on May 29, 2010, 05:44:20 AM
You need to start marketing these better: they're absolutely beautiful and people pay absolutely silly money for things like a zvex nano.
Yeah, working on a website right now.
Quote from: starekase502 on May 29, 2010, 09:07:13 AM
ok, ok ill be "that guy"
any plans on releasing the build details to the rest of us. :icon_biggrin:
Usually I share everything but this one dies with me. Sorry. I think it's HOT. Besides, when you know the four main components already, the rest just falls into place. ;)
Quote from: Scruffie on May 30, 2010, 02:58:38 PM
Quote from: solderman on May 30, 2010, 02:36:49 PM
Rick
You have out done your self again. :o
Excellent job.
Silly question, how did you get the tubes to glow blue?? The obvious would be a LED but the tube socket is not transparent, at least not the one I have seen??
Sound samples pleas
I think from the look of the pictures, you can see a resistor on the pins of the Tube Socket and I think it's leading to an LED in a hole in the center of the socket, my guess atleast.
Yup! The tube sockets have a hole just big enough for a 3mm LED, this and the resistor are soldered between pins 4 and 5 of the tube socket.
Quote from: Thomeeque on May 31, 2010, 04:32:31 AM
Really nice, but I would not like to be asked to replace scratchy pot or dead component inside :D
Yeah, not fun. You have to
know it's bulletproof before putting it together. I'm considering more easily servicable alternatives.
Hi Rick,
That is just the beautiful, I see you must of managed to get the Max1771 to perform well. Any sound clips available yet to have a listen to ?
Hey i recognise those valve protectors, same as the ones i use. There quite expensive but look really nice.
Congrats and when you get the webpage done don't forget to let us know where it is.
Hey Rick
Iv'e just had a thought, as this is a high voltage amp (240v) if you haven't already it may be an idea to use pin 4 of the MAX1771 conected to a microswitch, wich will dissable the high voltage circuit if the enclosure bottom is removed. If you are planning on selling these on your website, then it would help stop any numpties getting a 240 volt belt when they take off the bottom and poke a finger inside. Just an idea.
Another great amp :) its neverending, btw did you maybee try ECC99 for output tube? I did this for my firefly build and it was like day and night compared to 12AU7, just a tought.
Brilliant work!
And You are the first, who did tube head in 1590B with full sized tubes! :)
I see no heat sink for IRF (IFR740?), looks worry.
This project must be commercially successful and popular with sofa guitarists! ;)
Quote from: Ice-9 on May 31, 2010, 12:49:38 PM
Hey Rick
Iv'e just had a thought, as this is a high voltage amp (240v) if you haven't already it may be an idea to use pin 4 of the MAX1771 conected to a microswitch, wich will dissable the high voltage circuit if the enclosure bottom is removed. If you are planning on selling these on your website, then it would help stop any numpties getting a 240 volt belt when they take off the bottom and poke a finger inside. Just an idea.
That's a great idea Mick, I'll look into that. Hey, thanks for the heads up on the valve protectors all those months ago too.
Quote from: gena_p1 on June 01, 2010, 09:44:02 AM
Brilliant work!
And You are the first, who did tube head in 1590B with full sized tubes! :)
I see no heat sink for IRF (IFR740?), looks worry.
This project must be commercially successful and popular with sofa guitarists! ;)
Yes I am the first (beams!)! The IRF840 doesn't get too hot in this SMPS design.
Sound clips .....pleas :P
most excellent :icon_mrgreen:
Quote from: frequencycentral on June 01, 2010, 04:34:57 PM
Quote from: starekase502 on May 29, 2010, 09:07:13 AM
ok, ok ill be "that guy"
any plans on releasing the build details to the rest of us. :icon_biggrin:
Usually I share everything but this one dies with me. Sorry. I think it's HOT. Besides, when you know the four main components already, the rest just falls into place. ;)
Just don't ask us to debug it for you and we'll be cool with that. ;)
The 12au7 does suggest a firefly-esque output section... The tranny is a 125a sort of thing I assume?
Looks absolutely awesome as always, Rick. I hate you so much. ;D
Quote from: solderman on June 02, 2010, 01:41:52 PM
Sound clips .....pleas :P
+1Still waiting for that...
Quote from: frequencycentral on May 31, 2010, 07:00:01 AM
Yeah, not fun. You have to know it's bulletproof before putting it together. I'm considering more easily servicable alternatives.
They sell PCB mount tube sockets of the same format as the ones you used, perhaps the board could be mounted to those, with a header connector to a board for the pots & a header connector that goes to all the jacks/transformer. Then you could remove the whole main board just by unscrewing the tube sockets and disconnecting two headers. If a pot is scratchy you could switch out the "pot board" with a new one and troubleshoot the old pot board later.
It probably wouldn't cost much more, headers+pins are cheap and the tube sockets should be about the same price as the ones you have. You can get the two PCB's made pretty cheaply too.
Hi Rick,
Great build. Question about the power supply if I may. I was wondering the difference between this one and the other nixie supply that uses a 555 instead of the MAX1771. From what I can see on your board it is a very similar to 555 design with the IRF740 and the inductor. I found this
http://www.allspectrum.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=521
Which looks to be the design of the PS you are using, yes? Do you find this one works better than the 555 circuit? Do you have the schematic for just the PS?
I found this too
http://www.tubeclockdb.com/nixie-kits/56-simple-nixie-power-supply.html
That supplies 180V from two 9V batteries.
Your amps are mobile Bro!
I wonder how long two batteries would last?
It would be cool if you could rig the battery pack with re-chargables and then you could have two packs and recharge one while you are using the other. The amp is so cool and so mini it would be killer to have the portable option!
My hat goes off to you, sir. Can't wait to hear it.
Whatever happened to the Soundclips of this, You holding out on us Rick?
That is gorgeous. Me want!
These look pretty sweet. Very impressive! How loud do these things get?
And by "loud", I mean perceived volume. Not dB.
Hi Rick,
for me Rick is an amp guru. Great Rick. I love it.
Do you think someday to share the schematic with us?
Thank a lot Rick
Regards
how many watts? can you play clean and loud?
Did you see the MkII? (the MkI was too difficult to build).
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/967492/Obsession%20II/OBII%20Front.jpg)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/967492/Obsession%20II/OBII%20Side.jpg)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/967492/Obsession%20II/OBII%20Top.jpg)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/967492/Obsession%20II/OBII%20Back.jpg)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/967492/Obsession%20II/OBII%20Guts.jpg)
Spiffy job. :icon_exclaim:
Soundclip? :o
Quote from: Govmnt_Lacky on January 24, 2012, 01:35:32 PM
Soundclip? :o
I actually don't own one at the moment. :icon_redface:
Quote from: frequencycentral on January 24, 2012, 02:02:00 PM
Quote from: Govmnt_Lacky on January 24, 2012, 01:35:32 PM
Soundclip? :o
I actually don't own one at the moment. :icon_redface:
Well neither do I but, I still would like to hear a soundclip :icon_lol:
Either way, the work is stunning as usual Rick! :o
Oh my GOD this looks incredible! I just joined and have spent the last 3 hours checking out various things but KEEP GETTING HUNG UP ON RICK'S DESIGNS.
The last update on this dude was almost 2 years ago, any word on this ever becoming an item for purchase? If not, any hope of ever getting our hands on the build detail? :icon_lol:
Seriously, though...as someone just getting into DIY pedal/mods/builds, ALL of the ideas you've put forth are in-crd-di-ble.
Thanks Rick! This amp was my inspiration, now i'm working on something similar:
(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/Thomas_Eduardt_Hafemann/IMG_9897_zpse863d31b.jpg)
(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/Thomas_Eduardt_Hafemann/IMG_9898_zps8fd6d6e0.jpg)
The amp is running with 220V provided by the max1771 smps, has a 12ax7 as preamp and a 12au7 as cathode follower and SE power amp.
BMP tonestack, gain and master volume.
I'm trying to get a little bit more distortion from the preamp to use it before solid state amps right after the master volume.
Build in effects would be nice, but i think it wouldn't fit in a 1590b, so, no chance to test the little tremolo from the vibratone submini amp...
cheers!
Thomas
Quote from: beauregardless on September 08, 2013, 07:18:20 AM
Oh my GOD this looks incredible! I just joined and have spent the last 3 hours checking out various things but KEEP GETTING HUNG UP ON RICK'S DESIGNS.
The last update on this dude was almost 2 years ago, any word on this ever becoming an item for purchase? If not, any hope of ever getting our hands on the build detail? :icon_lol:
Seriously, though...as someone just getting into DIY pedal/mods/builds, ALL of the ideas you've put forth are in-crd-di-ble.
Ditto! I wouldn't mind buying one of these.. :)
The final result, not as good as Rick's but still in a 1590b:
(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/Thomas_Eduardt_Hafemann/IMG_20140220_011332_zpsc7184ed5.jpg)
(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/Thomas_Eduardt_Hafemann/IMG_20140219_194835_zps8898a6fc.jpg)
Thomas
Soundclpis? :icon_mrgreen:
From my series of new videos, old amps, I'm reviving this thread.
Now with the small Marshalls, Fenders, Vox, Palmer, MPF, Wangs available it looks like there a lot of this kind of small amplifiers around, every brand has one!
Well most of them use a real PT, and not a SMPS, but still...
It really sounds nice with a bigger speaker, but the camera mic has it's limitations.
Hope you like it.