Ok Guys,
So i've collected, taken-apart, salvaged & stored anything + everything to do w/ vacuum tubes, transformers & magnet wire... oh-ya, lots-&-lots of magnet-wire 😉
Sad thing is... I did all this so I could BUILD. Yet I have not been able to build or design a SINGLE project w/ ANY of the parts i have... i think this is why.
1) I am not picking a particular project based on ONE (1) particular components -- i try to take multiple different components and mash them all together to make my "dream-unit" when some of the parts might not go together or they might not be maid for the correct frequency range, or are the wrong impedance.. i don't know, because i don't know the rules i NEED to know to be able to take random parts & make them into completed projects.
I would like to build projects based on recording vocals: Mic Preamps, Equalizers, Compressors.
I like gear like Shadow Hills which gives the user options for the signal path, Discrete, Tube, Iron, Nickel. I always thought having large complex units with multiple in's + out's were cool.
Ideally i'd rack up 3-input transformers, 3-output transformers, choice of signal path, discrete op-amp, tubes, tubes, tubes, push-pull output or single-ended. stuff like that. throw it all in one box w/ 3-dozen switches, 2-massive gauges.. eccentric un-praticle stuff like that.
i like working with my hands, don't know anything about circuitry so i do not have the knowledge to design, i can make box-diagrams and thats about it.
if anyone is interested in helping me build something i will post pics of the items i have available and the ideas i have (in box diagram).
i like building the entire enclosure, faceplate too, i have a 4-U now I'm working on so we can rack it up in that.
ill post pics as soon as i can.
thanks guys :")
-thee
So i've collected, taken-apart, salvaged & stored anything + everything to do w/ vacuum tubes, transformers & magnet wire... oh-ya, lots-&-lots of magnet-wire 😉
Sad thing is... I did all this so I could BUILD. Yet I have not been able to build or design a SINGLE project w/ ANY of the parts i have... i think this is why.
1) I am not picking a particular project based on ONE (1) particular components -- i try to take multiple different components and mash them all together to make my "dream-unit" when some of the parts might not go together or they might not be maid for the correct frequency range, or are the wrong impedance.. i don't know, because i don't know the rules i NEED to know to be able to take random parts & make them into completed projects.
I would like to build projects based on recording vocals: Mic Preamps, Equalizers, Compressors.
I like gear like Shadow Hills which gives the user options for the signal path, Discrete, Tube, Iron, Nickel. I always thought having large complex units with multiple in's + out's were cool.
Ideally i'd rack up 3-input transformers, 3-output transformers, choice of signal path, discrete op-amp, tubes, tubes, tubes, push-pull output or single-ended. stuff like that. throw it all in one box w/ 3-dozen switches, 2-massive gauges.. eccentric un-praticle stuff like that.
i like working with my hands, don't know anything about circuitry so i do not have the knowledge to design, i can make box-diagrams and thats about it.
if anyone is interested in helping me build something i will post pics of the items i have available and the ideas i have (in box diagram).
i like building the entire enclosure, faceplate too, i have a 4-U now I'm working on so we can rack it up in that.
ill post pics as soon as i can.
thanks guys :")
-thee
however, the value of knowing what to do is much greater than any of you doing the work for me. Give a man a fish he eats for a day -- teach him to hunt & he'll never go hungry😉
thnx guys:]
thnx guys:]
What's knowing what to do with your salvaged stuff
in the 1988 i had salvaged ( saved ) some chassis from philips
this is wat i made from these http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/tubes-valves/256723-3-5-watt-ecl82-amp.html
There are thing that can't ore is not wise to re use like capacitors from old machines
with used tubes there is always the risk of using a bad one so always test them before use in your setup
In my ecl82 amp. i only used recycled the opt's
in the 1988 i had salvaged ( saved ) some chassis from philips
this is wat i made from these http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/tubes-valves/256723-3-5-watt-ecl82-amp.html
There are thing that can't ore is not wise to re use like capacitors from old machines
with used tubes there is always the risk of using a bad one so always test them before use in your setup
In my ecl82 amp. i only used recycled the opt's
Well I know all that... I am 3-years into this. I just haven't designed my own piece or dream rig. I'll get some pix. I do good work.
Point is. I Want to know HOW to connect random piece. This I must need to know the rules + how/why certain pieces go w/ others.
What ever you design ore make i find LTSpice a very handy tool to simulate before you build anything
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
The last pic is of my own work (not the pcb w/ the big knobs.) Lol. But the module tube vco in the background (it has the military here turret board made of bakelite w/ heavy varnish.. see it, bottom right
Very nice collection! What are the rack mounted gear shown in the picture? Salvaged or DIY?
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
I kind of do what you are doing, but with a less-detailed focus.
I pick up a transformer here, a bag of random tubes there. I buy surplus scientific apparatus if it's tube-based and cheap and disassemble it. I like to pick up tube-based phonographs with power transformers and tube-based broken reel-to-reel tape recorders.
I have managed to put together a couple of simple amps by piecing together a bit here, a bit there, and I have several more on deck for 'winter projects'.
When I find a set of oddball tubes, I look around for some schematic somewhere that might shed some light on how it's used. I bought a couple of old receiving tube manuals and a couple of books on tubes.
I try to pay attention to matching output transformer impedance with output tube specs and I try to observe safety rules and always use an isolation transformer when I test circuits. So far, I've had some successes, a few failures. I am just now getting to the point where I'm pleased enough with a design to commit it to a chassis.
I like to repurpose old gear, and bring it back to life; perhaps in a format it was never intended for.
I aim for high fidelity, but so far, I'm nowhere close. That's OK, I like to experiment and try things. I'll get better, with some help from online friends and forums such as this.
I could buy a high-quality amp. I could grab a great schematic online, order the parts, and build it myself. But where's the fun in that?
That's why yesterday I got a new amp running. A 6J6A triode preamp into a 117P7GT pentode/rectifier output, single-ended stereo. Why? I dunno, why not? Probably no one has ever built this kind of topology in the history of the world; that has to count for something. No one would ever do it, it makes no sense. And yet it works and sounds pretty good. And it was all out of my parts box.
Have fun!
I pick up a transformer here, a bag of random tubes there. I buy surplus scientific apparatus if it's tube-based and cheap and disassemble it. I like to pick up tube-based phonographs with power transformers and tube-based broken reel-to-reel tape recorders.
I have managed to put together a couple of simple amps by piecing together a bit here, a bit there, and I have several more on deck for 'winter projects'.
When I find a set of oddball tubes, I look around for some schematic somewhere that might shed some light on how it's used. I bought a couple of old receiving tube manuals and a couple of books on tubes.
I try to pay attention to matching output transformer impedance with output tube specs and I try to observe safety rules and always use an isolation transformer when I test circuits. So far, I've had some successes, a few failures. I am just now getting to the point where I'm pleased enough with a design to commit it to a chassis.
I like to repurpose old gear, and bring it back to life; perhaps in a format it was never intended for.
I aim for high fidelity, but so far, I'm nowhere close. That's OK, I like to experiment and try things. I'll get better, with some help from online friends and forums such as this.
I could buy a high-quality amp. I could grab a great schematic online, order the parts, and build it myself. But where's the fun in that?
That's why yesterday I got a new amp running. A 6J6A triode preamp into a 117P7GT pentode/rectifier output, single-ended stereo. Why? I dunno, why not? Probably no one has ever built this kind of topology in the history of the world; that has to count for something. No one would ever do it, it makes no sense. And yet it works and sounds pretty good. And it was all out of my parts box.
Have fun!
I like to do the same thing with old gear. I recently re purposed an old Eico oscilloscope with a broken screen. I took the chassis and a couple of the knobs and other various parts I had laying around and built an 18 watt EL84 PP guitar amp. I decided to give the amp a western look and I used old weathered pallets for the barn wood look. I burned some brands into the wood for authenticity. The only thing in the amplifier that is new is the power transformer. All other components are reclaimed from other sources.
Don't laugh at the brand of speakers. I salvaged them out of an old office building and when you really wind them up the have a great tone and if pushed breakup is downright raunchy!
Don't laugh at the brand of speakers. I salvaged them out of an old office building and when you really wind them up the have a great tone and if pushed breakup is downright raunchy!
I think you are just being too ambitious. Lowering your expectations would help. How about something like posting a list of tubes you have and asking members to recommend existing designs for mic preamps, equalizers, or compressors that use the tubes you have or close enough for substitution?
Hey guys I just logged on and I'm using the 3rd party app "Tapatalk" to respond 🙂 I still have yet to read your guyses replies but I logged on to ask this quick question because I see no reason why it cannot be done yes it's not the most efficient or yes it's not the proper way to do it but what I'm saying is that it is possible... or is it?
Why can't I use or can I use transformers that are meant for other things like a transistor output to voice coil, as an input transformer for a microphone preamp? It's a step down transformer why can't I just flip it and use it as a step up as long as the resistance is for DC and both AC the impedance match or I make them match using other components in the system? What I'm trying to say is there should be no boundaries or rules once you understand how everything works and the laws that guide them such as Ohm's law. There should be no reason that I cannot take random parts can join them into one unit if the impedance of the transformer doesn't match I can make it match for certain application using other components I know this to be true it just will not work as efficient as the intended part ...correct? Here is an example:
I have a tons of high quality transformers that I have salvaged, I want to use them all and test them as microphone preamp input transformers. When I was first starting out 2 years ago I would test a transformer to see if audio would pass through it by connecting it to the output jack of my laptop if I do pass through it without being distorted or sounding as if the transformer was acting as a filter I decided to put it in a pile as good by then went through all the Transformers that work good that passed audio without distorting or filtering out some of the frequencies and I decided if they were better sounding as step up or step down transformers. All of these transformers came from computer motherboards and were used probably 4 something that I don't yet understand whether switch mode power supplies or whatnot the point is is that I know it is possible to take parts that are not intended to be used for certain applications and use them for that said application as long as you use other components to make them fit.. it has to be this way. Or no man or no woman would have ever been able to invent or rediscover anything new if you couldn't take random pieces that were intended to be used together and (not?) make them work.
* you must be wondering why I am so hell bent on using parts that are not built for certain applications but it is for one simple reason I am cheap I do not have any extra funds to buy parts and most importantly I really really really want to be able to make possible what my imagination is telling me I know is possible. The little voice in my head has always told me save this and use it for that and I've set it aside for that however I've never had the correct knowledge to make this work with that so I never took the chance and never tried. What I'm saying is I let fear control my decisions. And I'm not trying to get into a huge conversation about spirituality and space travel and all this other crazy s*** I'm just trying to say that I am a little bit out there and with the right help and the right knowledge I know I can make possible my dreams which are taking random parts that are high quality and making them all come together to build the ultimate piece of gear that was literally 100% scrapped and salvaged.
You need to teach me how to make this possible I would greatly listen with open ears . Now I'm going to take the time to read all of your guyses post since I'm very excited to see what you have to say I'm sure a lot of you are a little confused about what exactly I am asking but I think it is made clear now that I've rambled on and on. Astris again I am using a third party application to write this response in this forum I am also using voice to text on my cell phone so the accuracy of my grammar and the ability to let myself ramble on and on and repeat myself... What I'm trying to say is go easy on me it probably sounds like you're reading something that a crackhead would write or a dreamer or even someone that lives in a fantasy world which I'm sure I do. All I'm asking is if someone knows the answer show me the way... & I will forever be appreciative.
Thank you & Happy New Year,
-thee
Why can't I use or can I use transformers that are meant for other things like a transistor output to voice coil, as an input transformer for a microphone preamp? It's a step down transformer why can't I just flip it and use it as a step up as long as the resistance is for DC and both AC the impedance match or I make them match using other components in the system? What I'm trying to say is there should be no boundaries or rules once you understand how everything works and the laws that guide them such as Ohm's law. There should be no reason that I cannot take random parts can join them into one unit if the impedance of the transformer doesn't match I can make it match for certain application using other components I know this to be true it just will not work as efficient as the intended part ...correct? Here is an example:
I have a tons of high quality transformers that I have salvaged, I want to use them all and test them as microphone preamp input transformers. When I was first starting out 2 years ago I would test a transformer to see if audio would pass through it by connecting it to the output jack of my laptop if I do pass through it without being distorted or sounding as if the transformer was acting as a filter I decided to put it in a pile as good by then went through all the Transformers that work good that passed audio without distorting or filtering out some of the frequencies and I decided if they were better sounding as step up or step down transformers. All of these transformers came from computer motherboards and were used probably 4 something that I don't yet understand whether switch mode power supplies or whatnot the point is is that I know it is possible to take parts that are not intended to be used for certain applications and use them for that said application as long as you use other components to make them fit.. it has to be this way. Or no man or no woman would have ever been able to invent or rediscover anything new if you couldn't take random pieces that were intended to be used together and (not?) make them work.
* you must be wondering why I am so hell bent on using parts that are not built for certain applications but it is for one simple reason I am cheap I do not have any extra funds to buy parts and most importantly I really really really want to be able to make possible what my imagination is telling me I know is possible. The little voice in my head has always told me save this and use it for that and I've set it aside for that however I've never had the correct knowledge to make this work with that so I never took the chance and never tried. What I'm saying is I let fear control my decisions. And I'm not trying to get into a huge conversation about spirituality and space travel and all this other crazy s*** I'm just trying to say that I am a little bit out there and with the right help and the right knowledge I know I can make possible my dreams which are taking random parts that are high quality and making them all come together to build the ultimate piece of gear that was literally 100% scrapped and salvaged.
You need to teach me how to make this possible I would greatly listen with open ears . Now I'm going to take the time to read all of your guyses post since I'm very excited to see what you have to say I'm sure a lot of you are a little confused about what exactly I am asking but I think it is made clear now that I've rambled on and on. Astris again I am using a third party application to write this response in this forum I am also using voice to text on my cell phone so the accuracy of my grammar and the ability to let myself ramble on and on and repeat myself... What I'm trying to say is go easy on me it probably sounds like you're reading something that a crackhead would write or a dreamer or even someone that lives in a fantasy world which I'm sure I do. All I'm asking is if someone knows the answer show me the way... & I will forever be appreciative.
Thank you & Happy New Year,
-thee
* also take note that this massive build is a prototype so I can hear the differences between the different components I have so then I can build particular devices based on those results. But again I'm not asking you guys to build mine preamp for me or my equalizer or my compressor and asking you guys to teach me so I can feel my ***
... Embarrassing I'm using voice to text on my cell phone in my car handsfree and that last response wasn't supposed to say so I could feel my *** its supposed to say so I can build my own I'm hoping that gave you guys a couple chuckles because it sure made me laugh and hang my head when I read it back 🙁😛
There are more than a million (x) a million types of electronic components with specific characteristics/ratings. You can't realistically expect to scrounge up thousands of parts, without having the exact ratings for them, and then just start "puting them together" in an ad-hoc way with no basic circuit to build from. You might eventually, by swapping parts in and out of the smoke, to get something that makes noise that sounds like music, but you are going to waste a lot of time and solder.
20
I think it's more than possible using an LCR to find out the unknown variables of each components then compensating for the differences. Look I'm building a Tube Channel Strip (which I'll biuild in pieces if need to make it easier or a design). Pre w/ multiple input transformers, Compressor + Equalizer section. Output section with multiple output transformers. Simple.
Yes it would be cool to have the option to go groom single ended to push-pull with a flip of a switch this changing the entire signal path. I have a ell80. Its a bottle with 2 pentodes in it so you can perform Push-Pull with 1-tube *(plus the inverter) ...now if it was an ell800. It would also have the Inverter triode section in one bottle. But the point is clear. Yes its possible to use random parts to build something. 1) I just need to know my Parts inside + out & 2) know the rules of electricity inside + out.
...am I not 100% correct on that?
Yes it would be cool to have the option to go groom single ended to push-pull with a flip of a switch this changing the entire signal path. I have a ell80. Its a bottle with 2 pentodes in it so you can perform Push-Pull with 1-tube *(plus the inverter) ...now if it was an ell800. It would also have the Inverter triode section in one bottle. But the point is clear. Yes its possible to use random parts to build something. 1) I just need to know my Parts inside + out & 2) know the rules of electricity inside + out.
...am I not 100% correct on that?
Once you have those two goals met, you'll have a place to start from.
Otherwise, you can only build a device by using a known circuit after you have assessed your available parts. Who amongst us knows what specific parts you have available? Just saying it's a transformer from the input of a "scope", or an old radio or TV or the power tranny from a surplus Army mine detector or aircraft radar or microwave oven, isn't enough at this point. There is nothing to "teach". My brother also swears he could build a Cessna 150 out of Coke cans.
20
Sorry to burst your bubble, but using just random parts that you have on hand, is likely to result in less-than-optimal result, for fun and learning, that's probably ok, but to actually make it useful for real (home)studio work, probably not... That's why I asked earlier what you have on the left side on the photo, if you actually have a salvaged console/channel strips to start with, then your chance of success would be much higher.
Pretty much.
Depends on what random parts he has, what he wants to do with them. Le Renard started out as a total junk box project. The OPT and PTX were both NOS, NIB parts, as were the ripple choke and the finals.
The only compromises required here was a 30W OPT for a project that could do some 37W+, and a PTX that overvolted with a SS power supply. Other than the 30W limit, the 4K4 : 8R of the OPT was an excellent match for 6BQ6GA's, and substituting a 5U4GB hollow state diode for Si diodes took care of that overvolt problem, as it would seem the PTX was designed for the 5U4GB, and 350VDC operation.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.