Real McTube project updated

[Fp-www.Tonepad.com]

http://www.tonepad.com/project.asp?id=23

I just made some updates to the project pdf.

I'll always remember Fred and the fun we had together working on this layout.

Fp

[Mark Hammer]

That *was* a pity about Fred.  Smart guy.  Big loss.

I was able to snap up some 12v/300ma transformers cheap from a local Radio Shack.  Would these be sufficient?

[Fp-www.Tonepad.com]

Fred used 500mA transformers.

I believe 300mA should be enough but they will probably get hot, so keep that in mind. Specially for T1.

The heater current is 150mA because the heaters are used in series with 12vDC.

The rest of the current from T1 is used in B+ supply.

I think you're safe with 300mA. I suggest you build it and then take some readings to confirm you're not stressing the transformers.

Fred was the most creative and active tube gear builder I've ever met, I'm sad he's not with us anymore, but I'm also very happy to have met him.

Fp

[Hailstorm350]

I use 200mA and they work great, IMO they actually make the tube sound better because it pushes it.  sure they get hot, but who cares.  My face gets hot during a great solo!   lol ok so that was a bad analogy...

[Fp-www.Tonepad.com]

hehe, good analogy!

If your face get's too RED, that's a sign of either a great solo, or you're ready to pass out! Same thing goes for the transformers, although they all get hot, sometimes too hot is not a good thing.

By taking a few simple readings you could find out weather your transformers are "good" hot or "bad" hot

Fp

[12afael]

I`m using two 220/12v 1A for a two tube preamp.
but I don`t know very well how calculate the total current on the first transformer.

Maybe a little 110/220 transformer would work for b+ too.

[wui223]

Fred was the most creative and active tube gear builder I've ever met, I'm sad he's not with us anymore, but I'm also very happy to have met him.

Fp

Sorry may in know what happened to Fred? Did u mean....
Honestly i was not a friend to him, but his site shows his talent and creativity in this field

[Paul Marossy]

I was able to snap up some 12v/300ma transformers cheap from a local Radio Shack.  Would these be sufficient?

That's what I used in mine. I haven't used my McTube long enough to see if they get hot, though. I think it sounds better at the little bit lower plate voltage that it gives you, too.

[sir_modulus]

Fred was the most creative and active tube gear builder I've ever met, I'm sad he's not with us anymore, but I'm also very happy to have met him.

Fp

Sorry may in know what happened to Fred? Did u mean....
Honestly i was not a friend to him, but his site shows his talent and creativity in this field

Fred passed away a while ago.....he was truly the one who got me into amps.... (the moonlight specifically).

R.I.P.

[Paul Marossy]

Yes, I believe it was cancer from what I have heard.