Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: TIMBO on October 07, 2020, 05:09:25 am

Title: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on October 07, 2020, 05:09:25 am

Hi guys, Looking for something to do :eyeroll
I have had a Vadis four input 60w PA on the shelf for sometime now so it's time to PIMP my amp.
I had not even opened it up to see it's guts, but now that I have it's originality is long gone.
Lots of holes in the front panel, three peramp sockets on the upper chassis and phase inverter power tubes on the lower.
Power transformer is not original and the A&R if the model number is correct(faded of sticker but the last three numbers 892) the only PT that I can find with those numbers is a 1892.
The rectified volts are about right for a pair of EL34 @60w but the mAs are a bit low.
I have not built a Dumble so this should be fun
(https://i.imgur.com/y1IdFBa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fGsLlwC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VlKTmDr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zM42XaW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YjddC9N.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vpRYj87.jpg)
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: tubenit on October 07, 2020, 06:41:31 am
I will be following this with great interest!  Should be a fun build to attempt.

My understanding is that layout is critically important for the Dumble tone. Having said that, I certainly think it's possible to
have a good layout without following the Dumble layout.  I don't know of anyone who built one with a split chassis, but I don't see why one couldn't do that successfully?

I have found orientation of the caps to be significant in reducing noise in my dumblish inspired amps, so I'd recommend taking the time to do that.

With respect, Tubenit
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on October 07, 2020, 02:49:59 pm
Thanks mate, I have not done the cap orientation thing before, but will do with this one.
The chassis are from a head cab, so wire runs will be short.
 
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on October 11, 2020, 02:08:09 am

Hi guys, After much thinking I've worked out how I'll do this...
(https://i.imgur.com/WPcviKr.jpg)
Chassis striped and cleaned
(https://i.imgur.com/nxENNgb.jpg)
Lots of holes to work with.
(https://i.imgur.com/GrXkreb.jpg)
Need to get some parts in.
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on October 20, 2020, 05:18:33 am
Hi guys, A little progress..
(https://i.imgur.com/G1WMMnP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UB8y8vh.jpg)
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: tubenit on October 20, 2020, 07:56:13 am
Looking good!   :thumbsup:

Thanks for sharing this build thread!  Looking forward to your review of the amp and maybe a sound clip or YouTube.

With respect, Tubenit
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on October 23, 2020, 03:48:16 pm

(https://i.imgur.com/eendcco.jpg)
Relays in
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on October 24, 2020, 05:24:28 am

Hi guys, I bought some reverb boards off Tristin Collins some time a go,so I'm keen to see how they perform
I don't fully understand how they are grafted into the circuit...
(https://i.imgur.com/s6ppEPN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/C7Wx1dP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zKdDQL7.jpg)
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on December 06, 2020, 04:44:28 am

Hi guys, I hate it when work slows the solder fumes.
(https://i.imgur.com/BQ0Xk3T.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0N2vgR4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/p4iZJdC.jpg)
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: tubenit on December 06, 2020, 01:06:28 pm
Timbo,

Do you have a schematic with this, please?  I am understanding that you have a split chassis thing going on with preamp in one and the power amp in another?  Is this correct?

with respect, Tubenit
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on December 11, 2020, 03:11:56 pm
Hi T, Exactly
(https://i.imgur.com/FJnyOWs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ADHWSVx.jpg)
Work is slow on this one.
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on October 11, 2024, 04:23:39 pm

So a mate is looking for a DUMBLE
(https://i.imgur.com/R4AOAfQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RcRT2CL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/u1zIwr6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PJCOsUV.jpg)
Wiring completed
The reverb was removed
Foot switchable PAB removed
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: tubenit on October 13, 2024, 05:35:16 am
Cool project!  Thanks for sharing.


With respect, Tubenit
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on December 27, 2024, 02:30:36 am

Hey guys,
A bit of time in the shed between the feasting and family stuff.
Got a few bugs sorted and sounding good.
(https://i.imgur.com/7e6DCiC.jpg?1)
The replacement PT is only putting out 330v at Node "A" which is probably around 30w output 
I'll tart up the head cab and possible build a 2x12 matching cab
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: tubenit on December 27, 2024, 05:37:11 am
I love this project!!   :icon_biggrin:    Thanks for sharing!  Somewhere down the line IF possible and convenient, I'd love to hear some sound clips of this amp even if just recorded with a cell phone.  :thumbsup:


This has been a really innovative project.



With respect, Tubenit
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on December 27, 2024, 02:53:56 pm
Thanks T.
The Dumble's really have a different sound.
The overdrive is so smooth with lots of sustain and bark when you dig in.
My stunt guitarist loves them so I don't think it will be too hard to convince him to do a clip.


So far there is no excessive noise or hum due to the split chassis

Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: shooter on December 27, 2024, 03:27:46 pm
Quote
stunt guitarist


meters n scopes are a techs tool box, but add in a stunt guitarist and you stand above the rest!
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on December 29, 2024, 05:52:46 pm
Hey guys,
I've got a problem
All was working well till the power tubes started to redplate.
Back on the bench and ...
Negative bias has a good range and is present at pin5 on the tubes socket
1ohm sence resistor connected to pins 1 and 8


Bias was set at -22 with approx. 70mAs at the 1ohm resistors and 330v at the plates, then within seconds the mAs rise to over 110mAs and the tubes start to redplate
Adjusting the bias has no effect on the rising mAs


This is a first for me  :dontknow:
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on December 29, 2024, 06:22:46 pm
Hey guys, I may have rumped the gun on this one.
Chucked another set of tubes in and all is stable
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: bmccowan on December 29, 2024, 06:31:05 pm
"rumped the gun" Timbo, is that one of those odd Aussie slangs?
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: shooter on December 29, 2024, 06:46:09 pm
it's all that SUN he's enjoying, twitches the qwerty fingers


Make sure it's stable on the bench a couple hours


a shorted tube will mess up the bias, but so will a sketchy connection so bump it a few times while it's on the bench
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on December 29, 2024, 07:36:01 pm
"rumped the gun" Timbo, is that one of those odd Aussie slangs?


Some more here
100 Most Common Australian Slang Words and Sayings (https://www.wix.com/wordsmatter/blog/2020/11/australian-slang/)
Title: Re: Vadis To Dumble #183
Post by: TIMBO on December 31, 2024, 11:17:44 pm

Hey guys
A few tolex repairs done to the head cab and put back together.
A faceplate will de designed
(https://i.imgur.com/rZTxw1q.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7KjC82H.jpg)
Speaker cab constructed and sanded ready for some tolex
(https://i.imgur.com/BlZs33u.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HQhCiZs.jpg)
I'll use these, made in the early seventies and has been said they sound similar to the greenback
The Etone brand speakers were used by many of the local builders at the time.
(https://i.imgur.com/pOubdGB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gfOVk0U.jpg)
Great condition for 50+ years