tube overdrive/booster

[ster217]

I'am wondering if anybody knows some easy to make DIY tube overdrive/booster. I never did one, only transistor-based. Best would be low voltage designs.
I would be gratefull for pcb, and/maybe a photo or easy scheme.

[StereoKills]

There's a thread full of Rick's submini tube designs, complete with links to each projects individual thread. Most run on 12v. Awesome stuff.

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=71381.0

[ster217]

thanks for help. Do you now maybe topic with layouts too?

[frequencycentral]

Valvecaster: http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=63479.0

Layouts, debug voltages, hundreds of successful builds too.

[ster217]

http://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FWM/C86G/FQCTO0SF/FWMC86GFQCTO0SF.pdf
i've found these layout on the internet. Author uses 12fq8 tube. Does somebody if i could replace it with more popular 12au7 or other?

[GibsonGM]

You could TRY, but the characteristics of that tube might be....different...than a 'AU7.  The FQ8 is a 'double plate' triode (kind of odd). The specs are similar, though. Tweaking the parts could get you into some nice territory, but for firsts, maybe one of the known layouts would be better?

Search "Tube Star" on here, that's a pretty simple, tasty AU7 circuit that runs on about 50V if you can do it (be careful!).  Also, the above-mentioned Valvecaster is good, as is the Marsha Valve (which has a JFET front end).  Those are lower voltage, better 1st builds....

[Renegadrian]

A valvy is a good appetizer, a nice entry to get your feet wet, as you say...Mine are soaked already...
Marsha, too much stuff and not that great, that would my personal "uhm" 

[amoana]

I bought a large lot of 12fq8 tubes on eBay.  I've had much success with them as stomp boxes & as a pre-amp fed into an lm386 amp.  They work well using the matsumin schematic with a couple of mods.