TubeReactor (Bancika's HotBox Mod) Layout Creation

Started by blindsjc, May 18, 2007, 02:32:46 PM

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blindsjc

Hi people,
I'm in process to create a PCB layout for Tube reactor
http://storm-software.co.yu/diy/index.php?project=tube_reactor

Anyone who wants to help please send your comments and corrections,
I'm new to tubes, so any help will be greatly appreciated.

The project is great, Bancika's sound samples are amazing,
so I think thats a good project to develop a layout. Thanks.

Next post I will put the low volt regulator layout, and we can
discuss every part of the project.

Sorry about poor english language. Thanks a lot.


blindsjc



blindsjc


blindsjc

Almost giving up...
But, lets try again:

http://server6.pictiger.com/img/125681/computers-and-electronic-gadgets/start_layout.gif

Initial layout, just want to use the tonestack for the clean channel too.
Any ideas?

timo

Quote from: blindsjc on May 18, 2007, 02:38:44 PM
So, thats an idea for low voltage regulator...

http://server7.pictiger.com/img/123303/computers-and-electronic-gadgets/tube-reactor-low-volt-reg.gif

Next, the high voltage regulator.
Any comments?

Thanks

Hi, I think you will need a 7806, preferably with a heat sink, instead of 78L06 which can only supply 100mA.  IIRC two 12AX7:s with 6v filaments will require about 600mA of current.

Also, remember that the 7806 is a TO-220 cased chip and much larger than the 78L06!

blindsjc

Hi Timo,
Thanks a lot for your reply.
So, the component is with wrong name, my error,
but I used a TO220 on the layout, thinking in a 7806.

Have you looked at the other layouts? Some idea?
I'm changing the core pcb to correct some resistors
which will need to bet 2watt (bigger ones).

I will direct the signal to pass by the tonestack too,
so the clean channel can be equalized too, and think
to put the dirty volume before tonestack, that way
the two volumes can be used independent way.

I will put a new layout for the pcb soon, then you can
see these ideas.

Thanks

bancika

I wouldn't recommend using same EQ for both channels at all. There's good chance that EQ settings that are good for crunch will be bad for clean and vice-versa. If you want to have EQ control for clean channel you can either

  • use one knob tone control, fender princeton or marshall 18w style. I like princeton 5f2 control
  • duplicate dirty EQ with another 3-knob eq for clean
by the way, layout looks good. Take filter cap size into consideration, they are large.
I used heat sink on 7806 and recommend you doing the same, it will get pretty hot under 600mA load.
btw, cathode is not filament.
Cheers
The new version of DIY Layout Creator is out, check it out here


blindsjc

Hi friends,
So, I'm working, this new layout have some corrections and ideas from your posts.
Added a second tonestack for clean channel (Bancikas idea) and Larger filter caps.
Thanks again Bancika, nice project.

http://server6.pictiger.com/img/137263/picture-hosting/new_layout.php

Any comments are welcome.

Thanks.

bancika

One more thing, cathode bypass caps on first stage are 22 and 47nF, not uF. You end up with too much bass with uF values.
The first thing you should experiment is second stage plate resistor (hotbox value 220K). I found it to fuzzy, so mine is reduced to 100K.
However, 220K on first stage is essential for great clean this thing has. Reducing it made sound lifeless.
Cheers
The new version of DIY Layout Creator is out, check it out here


blindsjc

Hi friend,
In the schematic I see .22 and .47 so I used it, I think the point is not so
visible in the image. But, .22 is not 220nF? I'm in doubt now, the original
hotbox schematics shows .22 too. Finally, its 22nF or 220nF (.22uF)?

And, I used the output from clean and dirty channels linked to a single connection,
but can use they alone too. With a 3PDT I can link the channel, led and output
or just leave they linked and use a DPDT. Do you think I will have some problem
in the output the way its designed now?

Thanks again



bancika

yeah, 220 and 470nF, sorry, I didn't see the point before 22 :)
where did master controls go? I'd move clean volume after tone stack, it seems more right to me. Also, maybe you should try to remove those resistors and caps around clean volume since you'll have whole EQ
The new version of DIY Layout Creator is out, check it out here


blindsjc

Ok about the caps, thanks.
So, about the components around clean, I think its a good idea to test it, these components
appears to be some tone enhance, then with the tonestack they can be removed, I will try.
I will made the changes about the volume controls.

The actual pcb design is intended to have these items:

Clean with: Volume / Bass / Mid / Treble.
Dirty with: Gain / Volume / Bass / Mid / Treble.

Man, I think this will end with gooood sound.
I will put the next layout today.

Thanks a lot friend.



blindsjc

See the post above too.

Ok, thats the 3rd layout.

* I used the empty space of clean tone components (Now it uses the tonestack at
  the end) to reduce a little the pcb, the leds connections are using this space now.

* The tonestack at the end now appears with the volume controls after.

* Position of 7806 is changed to accept a heat sink easily.

* Changes at the power supply too, this is where a have some doubts about the
   design. I will use a transformer with independent center taps, one for HV and
   other for LV.

Layout:
http://server6.pictiger.com/img/141358/picture-hosting/layout-3-.gif

So, take a look at the power supply please.
Thanks


bancika

well, I joined grounds from both HV and LV supplies together and then connected them to star ground point (you can see on my photos "star" like connection near speakon female connector. Don't worry about those components on clean volume, you can always mount them on the pot directly (that's how I did it). That way you get the shortest leads possible (and least noise).
Cheers
The new version of DIY Layout Creator is out, check it out here


blindsjc

Do you think it's possible to make a
prototype with this last layout?
I'm crazy to start the construction.

Thanks

bancika

The new version of DIY Layout Creator is out, check it out here


blindsjc

So, lets try it,
After burn the house I'll put the results here.
Thanks!!!

niopren

your work is great!!! please dont stop and continues...
please let me know abou this


blindsjc

Hi niopren,
I will put a pic from pcb soon, its almost finished,
just waiting to get the tubes (sooooo expensive in Brazil).

Just to advise, the low voltage regulator is with errors,
i will correct and post a new pcb layout, two diodes
are dead to tell me that...ha.

Bancikas project is great!!!!