Dwarf Tube Rocket Amp

[M Fowler]

I know this site has been referenced before a while back but here it is again for subminiature sockets

http://pacifictv.ca/socket.htm#submin

[kec]

Oh and I hate mini dwarf amps but count me in rj. Mark

The PC way would be "mini little person amp"

[M Fowler]

I also noticed these.

http://www.sphere.bc.ca/test/sockets.html

[RJ Guitars]

Thanks Guys,

Here is the list as it stands now... if we get twelve great, if we get more, we'll make more.

I'll edit in the new names as the list develops.

Nov. 19, 2009

1) JimboM
2) KEC
3) MCK
4) dreric
5) Mark Jensen Fowler
6) MCLMK8D
7) Fishy
Dimi3
9) ________ your name here?

Details will be posted as they develop.

rj

[mclmk8d]

Thanks Guys,

Here is the list as it stands now... if we get twelve great, if we get more, we'll make more.

1) JumboM
2) KEC
3) MCK
4) dreric
5) Mark Jensen Fowler
6) MCLMK8D...your name here?

Details will be posted as they develop.

rj

[RJ Guitars]

RJ,

What are the issues with the DIP sockets? It worked well on the 'Lil Devil.

Lots of talk now on the sockets. I think this is good for us to look at. There are a bunch of options and the problem is not really so much with a socket but rather with how to mount the tubes to the mating plug. This is the primary issue I see with the DIP sockets. Additionally it would be nice to have the tubes mounted in a plug that has a key so operator error would be limited... but that isn't going to be anything we'll solve here quick and easy.

Having said all of that, when you consider the availability and cost of DIP sockets along with the proven history on the Lil Devil, I'm inclined to believe they offer the best option for now.

One thing that I think we need to do is mount the tubes with the leads below the chassis as you see in my prototype. That might help avoid voltage exposure to the unsuspecting probing fingers.

I did Google tube sockets like you other guys did and there are a few interesting choices... I called Sphere and they don't have any stock on them though.

thanks,

rj

[RJ Guitars]

Here is something that I've had several inquiries about. I knew it was important to get the clips out early because from the look of this board it would have been hard to predict such good results. As I made my way to the current iteration, I did make a few significant modifications that did nothing to enhance the beauty of the board.

As you can see, I used parts that I originally intended for a full sized Rocket amp. The filter caps are rated at 450V although I had never used them in a Rocket build. They seemed pretty small and cheap and I couldn't bring myself to use them. It was the physical size of them that made them ideal for this idea. I did have some smaller 400V orange drops that I put to use... I have always used 1 watt resistors in my amp builds so again these are a bit of overkill.

That is a used piece of original Vectorbord with a few odd holes in it here and there. If you have never had the pleasure of cutting and sanding this stuff you have missed a rare aromatic sensory assault that will stick with you a lifetime. This particular design will also set you back a small fortune in turrets - why do those things cost so much?

This thing is really ugly and a great tribute to the quick and dirty, although not something I necessarily want to be known for.... please be kind.

thanks,

rj

[fishy]

RJ,

Like I need another project....... I can't seem to finish the ones I' ve got.

Count me in on one of these.

[RJ Guitars]

RJ,

Like I need another project....... I can't seem to finish the ones I' ve got.

Count me in on one of these.

Fish you are one of my best friends... All of those old friends keep me in high regard for conning them into doing things they really weren't sure was a good idea!.

rj

[Structo]

Is the problem on those miniature tubes that the leads are pretty small gauge, so they are hard to insert into a socket?

Could a person buy some tube bases and solder the tubes into them, then they would plug into a regular socket?

How about something like this?
[img:114:144]http://www.tubesandmore.com/cemirror/inv/P-ST9-900.GIF[/img]

Called a socket saver.
Looks like it might come apart so you could solder the tube into it.

http://www.tubesandmore.com/scripts/fox ... =P-ST9-900

[tweedeluxe]

Cool tones and great playing RJ!

[dimi3]

RJ, count me in for one..I'll shoot you a PM for some details..

[RJ Guitars]

Thanks Dim3 and everybody else, It will be a lot of fun. I'm keeping the list I put up in the earlier post updated. I'll soon begin to send out a little more info as things come into focus a little better.

I've been getting about an hour a day with the little amp and it continues to be a pleasure to play.

I am watching with great interest the various ideas that are popping up on the tube sockets. There are some really good ideas out there on this effort... we'll see if they all get posted or not.

rj

[RJ Guitars]

Hello AGF,

We've got a great lineup of builders and all the major components for the V-2 Dwarf are on order or in transit from the various vendors.

I received the output transformers today. They look good and are substantially over rated (15 watts) for the output we get out of these tubes. Oversized iron was typical with a Trainwreck amp.

The power transformers are on order and are being custom wound for us by EDCOR. The good news for the European builders that want to build with us is that I asked for a series/parallel primary winding that will allow 120 or 240 V mains. It's M6 steel so I think we should have a good tranny for the whole world.

The heaters in the 5902 tubes are a bit of a power hog so I got a little extra current capacity on the windings.

Thanks for all the good words,

rj

[RJ Guitars]

Hey guys,

As things cook along on a group level project, I'll add more info on the Dwarf Rocket that I built.

I used three single Triodes for the first three stages, a 5744 sub-miniature tube. I bought them from a local 2nd hand electronics and salvage place here in town. With the big national lab here these guys have been buying up and hoarding leftover technical gear from the past 50 years.... including tubez.

After the success of Dwarf Rocket I went back up and bought another 20 of the 5744 tubes so if anybody has a jones to build an amp using that same circuit layout lemme know and I'll hook you up with some tubes and other essential info. You can also get these tubes off EBAY although I haven't seen too many of them there. I did score a set of used GE 6L6GC's from some old piece of equipment and today put them into my Rockster amp.... excellent sounding tubes!

I can pick up all manner of used and surplus Mil-Spec switches, Pots, Fuse Holders, funky knobs, carbon Comp resistors, and other old electronics. Let me know if you have something I can be on the lookout for.

Thanks

rj