madbeanpedals::forum

Projects => How Do I? Beginner's Paradise. => Topic started by: 2tonewarrior on September 13, 2012, 04:20:54 PM

Title: Working with tubes and recommended readings
Post by: 2tonewarrior on September 13, 2012, 04:20:54 PM
I started less than a year ago to make pedals. First some kits, then some brian´s boards, some veros,... I´ve made so far 10 or 11 pedals. I´m very proud because I started from 0 at electronics. I´ve learned a lot, mostly in this forum reading a lot of tech help topics, but there are some things that can´t learn if I don´t study properly in a class, like safety measures. I would like to start working with tubes and maybe build some power supply so I ask for help understanding the danger of working with "high" voltages and how to work properly with them.

Also, I would like some recommendations readings (books, webs) to consolidate my electronics basics and learn more! (even better if related with pedals-amps) English is ok, I understand it better than I write it.

Thanks!

EDIT: For now I only want to work with tubes in pedals (valvecaster,..), not amps
Title: Re: Working with tubes and recommended readings
Post by: alanp on September 13, 2012, 04:32:08 PM
One basic check is to test continuity or resistance between B+ and ground, or ground and anything that isn't supposed to be connected to ground. And to test connections with Mr Multimeter. And check that everything is where it should be, and not where it shouldn't.

Because if you think it's annoying when nine volt guitar pedals don't bloody work, you ain't seen nuthin'. It's very do-able, I'm just saying be methodical and check everything as you go.
Title: Re: Working with tubes and recommended readings
Post by: TNblueshawk on September 18, 2012, 02:03:32 PM
Here is a wealth of info to get rolling. It is mostly geared towards amps but...

http://www.buildyourownclone.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=34216

The guy that posted that is one of the local amp gurus we rely on at BYOC.
Title: Re: Working with tubes and recommended readings
Post by: alanp on September 18, 2012, 02:15:34 PM
MetroAmp do not sell kits anymore, but if you are building a Marshall-style amp the instructions are worth their weight in gold --

http://metroamp.com/wiki/index.php/Category:Amp_Kit_Instructions (http://metroamp.com/wiki/index.php/Category:Amp_Kit_Instructions)

Highly detailed, lots of pictures.
Title: Re: Working with tubes and recommended readings
Post by: 2tonewarrior on September 24, 2012, 04:42:59 PM
Thanks for the tips, didn´t noticed the replays. I´ll check those links.
Title: Re: Working with tubes and recommended readings
Post by: oldhousescott on September 25, 2012, 10:54:21 AM
The NEETS manuals (http://www.phy.davidson.edu/instrumentation/NEETS.htm) are good for learning about many aspects of electricity and electronics.