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Questions before I get started

PostPosted: Thu May 22, 2014 12:31 pm
by 008452
I am beginning to buy parts for my GSG build and decided to go the easy route and buy a Front Panel Express top panel. On the layout provided by their website, what transformers/chokes are the holes designed for?

On average, I get 123 to 128 VAC from my power company. Is this going to stress amp parts? Should I step down the voltage?

This is the first "circuit board" kit I've built so I am sure there will be more questions to follow.

Thanks

Re: Questions before I get started

PostPosted: Thu May 22, 2014 8:04 pm
by TomMcNally
Hi and welcome to diytube ...

Which Front Panel Express plate did you get ?

I built one on the fist get*set*go amps ... here are a bunch of pictures of it, with the FPE top plate.
That one was designed form James 6112/6113 outputs and the Triode PA-774.

http://tmamps.com/gsg/

I've build dozens since with mostly Hammond chassis ... more at http://tmamps.com

Re: Questions before I get started

PostPosted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 3:03 pm
by 008452
Thanks Tom. Those are the transformers I'm using so I should be able to use the the FPE file. I assume that the other CAD files are the same?

Re: Questions before I get started

PostPosted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 5:56 am
by Shannon Parks
008452 wrote:Thanks Tom. Those are the transformers I'm using so I should be able to use the the FPE file. I assume that the other CAD files are the same?


FPE files and CAD files could be from multiple authors. I always do a scale print and double-check everything with a ruler and datasheets before I order or drill.

Shannon

Re: Questions before I get started

PostPosted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 10:01 am
by 008452
I had to reinstall one of the diodes and when removing it one side of the circuit board hole trace came off. I can still measure resistance through the circuit, but, I wondered if this a problem?

Re: Questions before I get started

PostPosted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 10:18 am
by Shannon Parks
008452 wrote:I had to reinstall one of the diodes and when removing it one side of the circuit board hole trace came off. I can still measure resistance through the circuit, but, I wondered if this a problem?


As long as you replace anything with a jumper wire, you'll be OK. The diode lead will ensure both sides of the trace are connected.

Shannon

Re: Questions before I get started

PostPosted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 8:37 am
by 008452
I am finishing up and have a few questions:

1. I am using shielded wire for the inputs and was thinking that the shielding needed to be grounded. Is the power chord earth the correct place to do it? Doing it at the circuit board end doesn't seem right, but not sure.

2. I did not tin the wire before attaching to the spade connectors. Should I have done that?

3. In order to get a picture posted. do I need to have it on some on-line photo site like Picassa or Photobucket?

Thank you

Re: Questions before I get started

PostPosted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 10:02 am
by Shannon Parks
008452 wrote:1. I am using shielded wire for the inputs and was thinking that the shielding needed to be grounded. Is the power chord earth the correct place to do it? Doing it at the circuit board end doesn't seem right, but not sure.


Ground it at the circuit board were the input ground connects. I admit I just usually use the shield as the input ground (i.e. a single conductor shielded wire per input RCA). Then you'll have one wire connect the analog ground to chassis ground where your IEC safety ground connects to the chassis (or close by).

008452 wrote:2. I did not tin the wire before attaching to the spade connectors. Should I have done that?


I've done it both ways, but usually try to tin these days as I'm always disconnecting and reconnecting. You're fine.

008452 wrote:3. In order to get a picture posted. do I need to have it on some on-line photo site like Picassa or Photobucket?


Just click the "Upload attachment" tab to the lower left and choose your jpeg file and upload. Repeat for multiple pix.

Shannon

Re: Questions before I get started

PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 9:03 am
by 008452
Thanks. I had already grounded to the board so its good to know I won't have t redo.

Re: Questions before I get started

PostPosted: Sun Sep 14, 2014 5:07 pm
by wes_in_va
How much did the FPE run you?
I'm planning my own GSG build and am in the info gathering/budgeting stage.

Re: Questions before I get started

PostPosted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 10:51 am
by Shannon Parks
wes_in_va wrote:How much did the FPE run you?
I'm planning my own GSG build and am in the info gathering/budgeting stage.


Wes, the FPE software will show you the actual cost if you load up one of the sample drawings from the main doc page. Shipping is usually pretty cheap - like $8 UPS, IIRC.

Shannon