build progress

a 3W single ended EL84 amp for home, work & school

build progress

Postby justinsweber » Sun Jul 21, 2013 3:21 pm

So Im building 3 of these bad boys pretty much to spec... As with most things, the 1st time is ugly. I used ceramic sockets which were too tall, requiring taller standoff.. then I hogged the tube socket holes out a bit to ensure proper fitment only to discover the Chinese tube sockets SUCK, bending tube pins and all. A bit of reverse course, got new correct sockets and used my buddies de-solder station. I still have one ugly solder joint where to resistor eyelets face solder connecting them. That said, mechanical install is nearly done, and I can see the overwhelming quality of the kit... the top plate is super cute. Edcor arrives tue and should allow me to have up and running by end of week. As a bonus, I have a buddy building gorgeous solid wood bases… I added ½” rubber feet, then the metal base fits into the wood base/shirt. It will be solid eastern walnut with a rubbed finish and miter cut. Should add some visual wow.
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Re: build progress

Postby justinsweber » Sun Jul 21, 2013 3:22 pm

~
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Re: build progress

Postby justinsweber » Sun Jul 21, 2013 3:23 pm

good times
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Re: build progress

Postby highflyin9 » Sun Jul 21, 2013 10:47 pm

Keep up the great work! Sorry to hear that the tube sockets proved ornery. I'm thinking I might build a Budgie myself, I should have enough stuff to salvage in my parts bin to knock out much of the build, try and keep the cost nice and minimal.
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Re: build progress

Postby justinsweber » Sun Jul 21, 2013 11:22 pm

So I picked up 2 boxes made by my good friend Ryan Moses romoses3@yahoo.com or 425-248-8136. Long story short built to skin around the metal chassis and top plate, with the addition of 1/2" tall rubber feet. I hope Im not violating a rule by promoting him... He now sell these for a very very reasonable price, and includes the feet for correct hight. It took Shannons kit to such in incredibly finish and refined look. Even my wife likes, and she never comments. (3/4" solid walnut sides miter cut and 1/2" maple on the bottom with a rubbed natural finish.)
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Re: build progress

Postby justinsweber » Sun Jul 21, 2013 11:23 pm

~
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Re: build progress

Postby justinsweber » Sun Jul 21, 2013 11:24 pm

I bought 3, 1 for each of the budgies Im building.
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Re: build progress

Postby justinsweber » Sun Jul 21, 2013 11:26 pm

I had him add 1/4" to width and length to allow for the screw head for the choke... I plan to add felt to my sides to snug it up and dampen any chassis to box touching.
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Re: build progress

Postby Geek » Sun Jul 21, 2013 11:59 pm

Ain't that purrrrty! (love)
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Re: build progress

Postby justinsweber » Mon Jul 22, 2013 12:07 am

The idea was to be additive not replace the metal chassis.I think it did just that. Ill add some glides to the bottom of it tomorrow and then ready her for wiring :-)
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Re: build progress

Postby justinsweber » Tue Jul 23, 2013 3:43 am

Spoke with Ryan and got permission to post from Shannon. The Solid wood plinths/ boxes are $120 each assembled and finished. They are just so nice in person.
Ryan is now planing to not use the chassis at all, but add interior panels and thread inserts... Having seen his work 1st hand, should be simply incredible.
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Re: build progress

Postby justinsweber » Tue Jul 23, 2013 3:44 am

more
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Re: build progress

Postby justinsweber » Tue Jul 23, 2013 3:44 am

even more
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Re: build progress

Postby Shannon Parks » Tue Jul 23, 2013 5:51 pm

Looks great, Justin! Keep the pictures coming.
BTW, note that the J1 connector is backwards - it needs rotated 180 degrees as I screwed up the silkscreen on this first production batch. You can just swap the wires in the MPC female header, too. But if you aren't using feedback (triode mode), you can leave it as-is.

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Re: build progress

Postby justinsweber » Fri Jul 26, 2013 5:14 am

multiplying
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