Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: Oddvar on October 10, 2016, 02:24:14 pm

Title: Ceriatone tw expression
Post by: Oddvar on October 10, 2016, 02:24:14 pm

Hi.  Does anyone "22KL" on the Ceritone TW Expression layout stands for?

And what power and output transformer will fit this build?

Title: Re: Ceriatone tw expression
Post by: kagliostro on October 10, 2016, 02:31:28 pm

(http://www.ceriatone.com/ceriatone/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ExpressionCeriatone.jpg)

22K L = 22Kiloohm Linear

Franco

Title: Re: Ceriatone tw expression
Post by: Ed_Chambley on October 10, 2016, 03:54:39 pm

The Output Transformer is a Multi-tap secondaries 4,8,16 ohms and the primary is 6k6.  If you would like to see build guide to replicate a real train wreck go to this link.


https://www.scribd.com/document/52968254/express-build-guide-v20-nxpowerlite-187 (https://www.scribd.com/document/52968254/express-build-guide-v20-nxpowerlite-187)


I have built 4 of these for others and this is the real deal.  Check it out.

Title: Re: Ceriatone tw expression
Post by: Oddvar on October 11, 2016, 05:12:53 am

Thanks to both of you.  Checking the link.

Best.

Title: Re: Ceriatone tw expression
Post by: Oddvar on October 11, 2016, 12:18:36 pm

I have checked the build in the link.  What would you say is the big difference between that one and the ceriatone?

Title: Re: Ceriatone tw expression
Post by: Ed_Chambley on October 11, 2016, 02:42:10 pm

Quote from: Oddvar on October 11, 2016, 12:18:36 pm

I have checked the build in the link.  What would you say is the big difference between that one and the ceriatone?

Sorry, I could not really say since you posted a layout.  Just too hard to see differences using layouts.  Just see if you can get the schematic for the Ceratone and print both.   Then highlight all the parts that are the same in the same positions.  What is not marked on both schematics will be your difference.


One of the big differences is Ken Fisher built Trainwrecks one at at time and would tweak the amps.  the Ceratone is a proven stable version, but sometimes being on the edge of stability helps a high gain amp.


Also, I would use a 25K Linear pot or larger for the mid on an amp like this.  If you want to avoid the build and get the Ceritone I know others who have done so and are happy, but if you do this you will never know if it sounds like a true Trainwreck, but that doesn't matter is you dig it.

Title: Re: Ceriatone tw expression
Post by: Oddvar on October 12, 2016, 01:41:10 am

I just printed out the 85 pages on the TW link pdf, and it's full of details like sizes of holes for screws and other stuff.  Intruiging, but will the end result be of significant positive difference I wonder.  But deffinitely worth reading.

Title: Re: Ceriatone tw expression
Post by: Ed_Chambley on October 12, 2016, 12:36:40 pm

I think the difference would be Ceriatone HAS to have a layout version that is stable and since I do not know if there is much difference the 2, a real wreck and the Ceriatone version will not be exactly the same.  In the build of Francisca, the amp Glen reversed and documented has 2 caps that must be glued together in a specific way to stop oscillations.


I believe this is where you may find some differences as I do not think Ceriatone would risk the circuit being that unstable and probably simply used a larger cap.  These things I do not know.  What I do know if the build instructions I linked are proven and will make a Express that cleans up nicely with the volume and has gobs of overdrive.  Very usable and simple.  Also keep in mind a Express with EL34 volume wise is louder than a Marshall 1987 Circuit.


This amp is extremely responsive and actually sounds good using 6V6's in it, but EL34's last a long time.  Currently I run RCA Backplate 12AX7 and NOS Mullard EL34's XF2 and it is very great pure rock amp.

Title: Re: Ceriatone tw expression
Post by: silverfox on October 12, 2016, 01:59:23 pm

I would just use the build guide that was linked. Fortunately I downloaded my own version before the original, un-named site, went sour with hack attacks. The site where the document originated is quite well known for Dumble and Trainwreck clones and has-had a pile of great information particularly for the "Secrete Sauce Crowd". Too bad to see them in bad shape. If you can't find the guide without joining Scribe I may be able to email it to you- 1.7 MB. PDF.

silverfox.

Title: Re: Ceriatone tw expression
Post by: MFowler on October 27, 2016, 10:34:37 am

The Ampgarage.com site works fine just do not use Google Chrome.  I use Windows 10 without problems and more of us old time users are showing back up on that site.

Either the Ampgarage developed schematic and layout or Ceriatone layout are fine to build a nice Trainwreck Express.  Ceriatone doesn't make schematics of their builds.

Triodestore.com also has a layout you can use.

The biggest thing with any Trainwreck is proper transformers.  Old Stancor PT and OT are had to find and expensive.  Use Pacific, Edcor, Heyboer, Mercury or Magnetic Components transformers.  Hammond will also work.

If you have problems getting info let me know and I can provide it.  Also, my buddy Bob at rjguitars.net has kits or parts.  Shop Hoffman parts section too, high quality parts.

Mark