So I bought a huge 100 Watt tube amp a month ago, complete with 4x12 cab (diamond nitrox head and cab) and am super happy with it. The only problem is that it is not portable for jamming or practicing at a friends place.
I decided that since I have a good understanding of circuits (BSEE, and MSEE degree 99% done, along with common sense and electricians in the family) I will start a tube amp project that is NOT a kit. Not to knock kits, in fact they are great, but I wanted something more challenging and a better learning experience.
This thread will be the journal, complete with pictures and updates, in case anyone wants to follow along and make sure I don't get zapped to death and/or offer insight.
The schematic is this one:
http://www.schematicheaven.com/newamps/badcat_minicat.pdf
I heard it in a shop once and loved it, and all I need to travel with is a simple 5Watt.
So far: I've ordered every single part, including the Celestion V30 speaker and the Mercury Magnetics transformers. I just need to hit up Home Depot and get the MDF to build the combo cab from scratch!
Keep in mind that I consider the cost of this amp to be my "tuition" for the course of amp building 101... if that makes sense. I also hope to learn to diagnose issues, but who knows, when I built circuits in the past I have had the uncanny lucky streak of never really making a mistake hooking things up (bad and good, because mistakes teach).
I'll take pictures as things arrive...
-Dave
I decided that since I have a good understanding of circuits (BSEE, and MSEE degree 99% done, along with common sense and electricians in the family) I will start a tube amp project that is NOT a kit. Not to knock kits, in fact they are great, but I wanted something more challenging and a better learning experience.
This thread will be the journal, complete with pictures and updates, in case anyone wants to follow along and make sure I don't get zapped to death and/or offer insight.
The schematic is this one:
http://www.schematicheaven.com/newamps/badcat_minicat.pdf
I heard it in a shop once and loved it, and all I need to travel with is a simple 5Watt.
So far: I've ordered every single part, including the Celestion V30 speaker and the Mercury Magnetics transformers. I just need to hit up Home Depot and get the MDF to build the combo cab from scratch!
Keep in mind that I consider the cost of this amp to be my "tuition" for the course of amp building 101... if that makes sense. I also hope to learn to diagnose issues, but who knows, when I built circuits in the past I have had the uncanny lucky streak of never really making a mistake hooking things up (bad and good, because mistakes teach).
I'll take pictures as things arrive...
-Dave
Wt..? Besides being drawn kinda weird,the circuitry around the EL84 doesn't look quite right,the grid is floating (no DC/ground reference) and the master pot can't be right?
Am I missing something?
Am I missing something?
The schematic is correct (take a closer look), but it's drawn in an unconventional way.
Nothing to worry about.
It's basically a champ clone, converted to EL84, no feedback loop, added master and tone controls.
Nothing to worry about.
It's basically a champ clone, converted to EL84, no feedback loop, added master and tone controls.
I agree that the ground connection is missing from the right side of the master control.
Otherwise there is no dc path from the grid to ground.
Otherwise there is no dc path from the grid to ground.
Dave,
Regarding cab material, have a look at the Celestion website. Look for Guitar Cab Design under Dr. Decibel secrets.
Use plywood for the cab and (maybe) MDF for the baffle and it will sound more lively. MDF is stronger but heavy and dead.
Cheers.
Regarding cab material, have a look at the Celestion website. Look for Guitar Cab Design under Dr. Decibel secrets.
Use plywood for the cab and (maybe) MDF for the baffle and it will sound more lively. MDF is stronger but heavy and dead.
Cheers.
Whoops, overlooked that one. Might be easier to modify that master control to a more "normal" circuit.
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