Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: TIMBO on April 22, 2014, 02:34:58 am

Title: What do you think of this idea
Post by: TIMBO on April 22, 2014, 02:34:58 am
Hi guys, After tapping my fingers RAW on the keyboard looking for answers on the "MYSTERY AMP" and I'm sure that you guys have had a similar quest. Even doing the restore on the Fi Sonic was a fun exercise that turned up very little.

This got me thinking about the AMPS I have built, I have since loaned some of these amps to the professionals that can put then to good use................

What if I was to come to an early DEMIZE or just grow old and forget to whom they ended up with................
As with the "MYSTERY AMP" there is absolutely NO clue to the person/s that took the time to build this amp and no clue to the intending design of the circuit.

A  "TIME CAPSULE" of sorts that contains a schematic, design detail/origins and other info.

I was thinking a piece of 1/2" conduit with a cap at either end that would contain a printed copy of the schem,etc. This could be fixed inside the cab/chassis.  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: Jack_Hester on April 22, 2014, 03:58:28 am
Be sure to laminate it, to protect it from moisture and mildew.  So far, I've only used acid-free sheet protectors.  Laminating will protect it for ages.

Jack
Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: kagliostro on April 22, 2014, 08:13:09 am
In some old amp you can find a printed copy of the schematic attached inside the cabinet
I think you had a good idea  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
K



Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: Willabe on April 22, 2014, 10:15:39 am
I think it's a great idea too.

Your amps are definitely 1 of a kind builds, so why not write down their story?


             Brad     :icon_biggrin: 
Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: sluckey on April 22, 2014, 11:18:57 am
I have a schematic and board layout stuffed in an envelope inside the cab for all my amps that have a cab. I like the pipe idea more. Maybe even screw a couple clamps to the cab to secure the conduit.
Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: tubenit on April 22, 2014, 12:06:35 pm
You can easily take a router and use a round router bit to route out a groove on the underside of the bottom of a cab and attach a pipe there with the info inside.  Totally out of the way and not exposed to heat or loose effects pedals carried inside the cab, etc ................

With respect, Tubenit
Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: Platefire on April 22, 2014, 12:14:56 pm
I have done an envelope taped to inside (like sluckey) of cab with info inside, also glued a schematic to chassis and used decals with info. The PVC with caps and mounting bracket I think is a good idea as long as the next owner has respect for the system and maintains it. That's the reason you get amps with back-plates and other stuff missing because some people have no concept of keeping all the original parts or info on a amp. So along with the time capsule you probably need to include a speech/warning of the importance of updating and putting the info back where it belongs after viewing it.
Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: HotBluePlates on April 22, 2014, 12:23:32 pm
A  "TIME CAPSULE" of sorts that contains a schematic, design detail/origins and other info.

I was thinking a piece of 1/2" conduit with a cap at either end that would contain a printed copy of the schem,etc. This could be fixed inside the cab/chassis.  :icon_biggrin:


Laminated manila envelope, one face affixed to cabinet wall. Schematics/documentation, etc in envelope (laminated if you like).
Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: PRR on May 21, 2014, 06:13:20 pm
> A  "TIME CAPSULE" of sorts that contains a schematic, design detail/origins and other info.
> I was thinking a piece of 1/2" conduit with a cap at either end that would contain a printed copy of...


If you have more than a slip of paper, and value your time more than a few bucks an hour, you might consider these:

(http://www.agrisupply.com/images/xl/67670.jpg)
Canister | Manual Holder | Manual Tube | Document Canister | Document Holder (http://mower-blades.agrisupply.com/search#w=manual%20canister&asug=manual)
With pictorial instructions! (Take out, read, put-back!)

Made to go on a tractor (harvester, combine, seeder, etc). Weather resistant. Tough. By the time you go to the store, cut PVC pipe, caps, brackets, you are well into the $4 cost of the 2" tube.

I just got a 1968 tractor plus a stack of manuals, so I'm looking at the 11'x14" job to keep all that stuff at-hand and *with* the machine when I am gone.

I know nothing about the company except they sent me a catalog (I get on some odd lists). The catalog is unpretentious hard-core farm hardware. Harrow disks, flail mower blades, subsoilers. Retail outlets in NC, SC, GA, VA... summa you might just go over there.

--- Edit-- the $10 flat-manual holder is $14 shipping to Maine, so buying one/two is not cheap.
Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: Jack_Hester on May 23, 2014, 03:57:10 am
When you print the schematic or other info, print on bonded paper, as most bonded paper is acid free. 

I have printed on "vellum", or an engineering drawing paper that seems to hold well.  (40 years on some).

Is vellum still available?  As we no longer have a drafting department on site, I haven't seen vellum used in quite a while.  I like it.  A friend of mine has a beautiful 'Kentucky' rifle drawn on vellum, and framed.  Nothing like it.

Jack
Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: John on May 23, 2014, 05:36:42 am
http://www.dickblick.com/products/clearprint-1000h-drafting-vellum/ (http://www.dickblick.com/products/clearprint-1000h-drafting-vellum/)


Still available. Are those decent prices?
Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: kagliostro on May 23, 2014, 05:30:06 pm
I like the item to which refers PRR, but if you have difficulties to get it

This thing put on me an idea, why don't add to the amp a socket with tube shield

(http://www.epartshub.com/upload/cmpy/00004280/img/00004280-tube_shield-2.gif)

put on the top (internal side) something as shutting (a proper size coin ?) and label the external in the same manner is labeled the item proposed by PRR

use this receptacle for your documents

K
Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: Jack_Hester on May 23, 2014, 07:52:27 pm
http://www.dickblick.com/products/clearprint-1000h-drafting-vellum/ (http://www.dickblick.com/products/clearprint-1000h-drafting-vellum/)


Still available. Are those decent prices?

I would say that for it's intended purpose (as suggested in this thread), the 100-sheet packs are what I would consider reasonable.  Thanks for the link. 

Jack
Title: Re: What do you think of this idea
Post by: John on May 23, 2014, 08:29:02 pm
You're welcome. I don't think I've ever had my hands on vellum, so I was curious. Not something I remember seeing at Staples.  :icon_biggrin: