Heaters.

[57goldtop]

Hi Folks,

My Express clone is almost done, only a few more things left to do but I am unsure about the heater browns, I have tried to search for a definate answer but couldn't find anything so I apologize if this question has already been answered.

Just wondering if the 2 browns from the PT should connect to pin2 and the other to pin7 on the EL34 socket closest to the power board ?

There are so many ways to do it because the heaters feed of these two wires, it seems like the most logical place to start feeding the others from. The Ceriatone kit layout doesn't show where these go, I suppose Nik didn't want to clutter the layout with info that is obvious to experienced builders. The Francesca pics seem to indicate that but I would like to make sure.

Cheers

[novosibir]

Yes, to pin 2 & 7 on the power tubes and to pin 4/5 & 9 on the preamp tubes.

Larry

[57goldtop]

Yes, to pin 2 & 7 on the power tubes and to pin 4/5 & 9 on the preamp tubes.

Larry

Thanks for that, it's good to get the confirmation. The last thing I want to do is cut my browns too short and then have to patch them up because of a mistake.

[57goldtop]

Damn, just broke one of the pins on the EL34 socket so I'm waiting for a replacement until I can continue working on the amp

Here are some pictures. This is my first amp build, if there's anything you see that is wrong or if the lead dress can be improved then let me know, I'm using Fransesca as a reference. I had to cut the board with my band saw to get these large filter caps to fit.

I'm using Toneslut OT and 240v PT and I have a pair of matched JJ Tesla E34L Tubes and JJ ECC83 12AX7 gold tips on the way, since the TW is quite aggressive sounding I think I might try these, I don't have other tubes to swap but I have a tech friend who works for a lighting/sound company who may be able to help.

If I can get this amp to sound half as good as geetarpicker's I'll be stoked.

Cheers

[gearhead]

You're gonna need a few more wires to the filter caps there, eh? LOL.

I might suggest going to Paul Ruby's startup procedure:

http://paulrubyamps.com/info.html#FirstPowerUp

[57goldtop]

Thanks, I'll go through the guide once I'm finished.

Yeah still some wires are still missing, I decided to stop after breaking pin 4 on the tube socket.

[gearhead]

Read it -before- you go any further. It includes taking measurements with some of the PT/TO primary/secondaries NOT connected. As it is, there are some you'll have to unsolder.

[Lonely Raven]

Thanks, I'll go through the guide once I'm finished.

Yeah still some wires are still missing, I decided to stop after breaking pin 4 on the tube socket.

No way!

Is that a Ceriatone parts kit? Because Pin 4 fell off on mine as well!

[57goldtop]

You have to be careful when installing those large 5w resistors , the pins can break off easily.

I found the same type of socket on eBay and ordered a pair, just search for "8 pin Micalex Tube socket" for the same type.

[Structo]

Some power tube sockets have heat treated pins and they can be brittle and only take so much bending.

[57goldtop]

Received my replacement sockets and found that you can simply just replace the pins instead of replacing the entire socket.

Get your spare socket, untwist the pin with a pair of plyers so that it will fall through the gap, install it in your broken socket then twist it so that it holds in like the rest of them. Saves a little time...

[jjman]

That's why I save pins. Ever since I pushed one out by mistake once.

Never know when you might need one.