Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: dude on December 08, 2020, 11:42:46 am

Title: Heat issue...?
Post by: dude on December 08, 2020, 11:42:46 am
I'm thinking of putting one of my AO-43 Plexi 6v6 conversions in a combo cabinet. Locating the chassis just as the Marshall 1974 combo, 18 watt except the tubes will be horizontal. I plan to put a vent on the top a little wider than the 1974, with an open back. I didn't plan on using a fan for any cooling effect, the tubes would be inside an enclosed area but with say 2" wide vent all along the top.
Anyone foresee any issues with heat build up, or any suggestions? 
Title: Re: Heat issue...?
Post by: AmberB on December 08, 2020, 11:41:24 pm
As long as you have a decent size vent, it shouldn't be a problem.
Title: Re: Heat issue...?
Post by: Latole on December 09, 2020, 03:44:12 am
"....the tubes would be inside an enclosed area but with say 2" wide vent all along the top."
-dude

IMO, 1" is enough.

 2" don't need to be all along the top.
Title: Re: Heat issue...?
Post by: mresistor on December 09, 2020, 08:32:34 am
Is that the vent material (expanded metal) the chassis is on top of?    I say make the vent any size you want and looks good in the cabinet..  still have to have room for a carry handle and that might be a factor.
Venting never hurts.
Title: Re: Heat issue...?
Post by: dude on December 09, 2020, 09:28:51 am
I say make the vent any size you want and looks good in the cabinet..  still have to have room for a carry handle and that might be a factor. Venting never hurts.
I have a Marshall 1974, the vent is about 1" wide, runs all along the top, never though about the handle. Since the weight will be mostly toward the back, I probably want the handle in the middle, so a 1" vent would be best for looks and carrying. My main concern was the 6V6's heat rising right below the cap cans, surely they would be much hotter than upright in a head cab. Could this heat on the cap cans cause premature failure?
Title: Re: Heat issue...?
Post by: sluckey on December 09, 2020, 09:42:14 am
My main concern was the 6V6's heat rising right below the cap cans, surely they would be much hotter than upright in a head cab. Could this heat on the cap cans cause premature failure?
With the top vented I would not be concerned.
Title: Re: Heat issue...?
Post by: vampwizzard on December 09, 2020, 10:34:48 am
most cap cans are temp rated for 85C, or 185 degrees F. Youre probably going to be fine with minimal venting as long as the normal spacing requirements for the tube were followed.
Title: Re: Heat issue...?
Post by: dude on December 09, 2020, 11:36:22 am
Thanks, I appreciate the advice. Just didn't want to make the cabinet to fit that chassis and run into issues.
Since, I talking about a Plexi 6V6 combo amp, of these speakers which would you recommend:

Weber 30 watt alnico blue, doped.       
Celeston GH1230 (China)                   
Weber PR12, Signature Series               
Red Fang, 30 watt, doped, alnico
None of the above but this ?


* I know tone is subjective but was just wondering what the vast majority think sounds best in these amps.
   Right now I'm using the Celestion GH12 and the Blue Dog Weber, both 30 watts, but that's two 12's". The single,
   I guess I'm thinking the Blue Dog, the GH12 get a little muddy alone, I guess I build the cab and try each... Just fishing here  :icon_biggrin: .




 
Title: Re: Heat issue...?
Post by: vampwizzard on December 09, 2020, 07:56:10 pm
WGS ET65 is my favorite speaker at the moment. I put a GH1230 in my AB763 blues jr and it sounded pretty damn good too.
Title: Re: Heat issue...?
Post by: 2deaf on December 09, 2020, 11:58:21 pm
most cap cans are temp rated for 85C, or 185 degrees F. Youre probably going to be fine with minimal venting as long as the normal spacing requirements for the tube were followed.

Yes, but if you run them at 10C cooler, then their life expectancy doubles.  Drop it another 10C and the life expectancy doubles again.  Approximately.
Title: Re: Heat issue...?
Post by: dude on December 10, 2020, 10:27:45 am
I'll just build the cab with the 1" vent, this amp is for a friends son who will be gigging with it when this pandemic is over. So, I'll feel the cans if too warm, I'll just drop a small fan in. I usually have any fan blowing away from the heat not toward the hot spots, drawing cooler air over the hot area.