Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: Johnnydoright on April 20, 2022, 12:24:29 pm

Title: Channel switching
Post by: Johnnydoright on April 20, 2022, 12:24:29 pm
I am wanting to install channel switching on my 5E3 clone, but not sure where in the circuit to install this... I have the needed parts, but am not sure how to connect it. Any layouts or schematics for this would be appreciated. As usual, this project is probably a bit beyond my skill level, but with your folks help, I have got great results in the past, and am having so much fun while learning how all these things work. Thanks a lot!
Title: Re: Channel switching
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 20, 2022, 01:19:02 pm
You'll have to identify what and where you are trying to switch.
The 5E3 is a single channel amp.
Title: Re: Channel switching
Post by: Johnnydoright on April 20, 2022, 01:33:58 pm
I separated the channels and voiced the normal channel differently, I think. What I would like to do is switch from the Normal channel to the Bright channel, if that is possible? I used the Rob Robinette Deluxe layout. Both channels sound great, so I want to be able to use them😃
Title: Re: Channel switching
Post by: pdf64 on April 20, 2022, 01:41:22 pm
Why not just use an external AB box?


The 5E3 is a single channel amp.
https://guitarhunter.dk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/fullsizeoutput_432.jpg(https://guitarhunter.dk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/fullsizeoutput_432.jpg)
Title: Re: Channel switching
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 20, 2022, 04:14:22 pm
I separated the channels and voiced the normal channel differently, I think. What I would like to do is switch from the Normal channel to the Bright channel, if that is possible? I used the Rob Robinette Deluxe layout. Both channels sound great, so I want to be able to use them😃
Here's how that could look if you use one input
Title: Re: Channel switching
Post by: Johnnydoright on April 20, 2022, 06:32:14 pm
So it looks like I just run to my relay (got the kit from Doug's site) from my normal input, split it at the relay, and send it to pins 2 and 7 from the relay. Looks like that will work to me. Great! I always like getting feedback from you fellas, before I make such changes, as I seem to have less smoke and flames that way. One more question, only 1 input on the amp then? Nothing except the channel switch to the other channel?
Title: Re: Channel switching
Post by: tubeswell on April 20, 2022, 07:56:18 pm
... use an external AB box


+1 vote for ^this^ type of channel selection for a tweed amp, or an 'ABY' box. (You're still going to be lugging an extra cable and footswitch around for a footswitchable relay anyway). 'Stereo' pedals/boards are also great.


These pedals have buffered outputs with independent level controls and you can drive 2 amps (or 2 amp channels) from the outputs with only 1 guitar going into it. 'Swat I use https://www.morleyproducts.com/gold-series-aby-mix/
Title: Re: Channel switching
Post by: pdf64 on April 21, 2022, 04:35:18 am
Haha, my AB box is somewhat lower tech (and cheaper!), just a metal box with 3jacks and a DPDT footswitch.
But I get the impression that the OP has bought a relay board and is itching to use it  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: Channel switching
Post by: RadioComm on April 21, 2022, 07:01:02 pm
Another option would be to build a motorized knob adjuster.

Neil Young uses one (the whizzer) for his 5E3:
https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=28480.msg313651#msg313651

Below is a guitarist's project page for one. Built it for his Orange Dark Terror Head. He uses an Arduino and also provides on the page a link to his software on GitHub.

http://trigonometrie.bplaced.net/blog/terrorbot

The link to the software he provides on GitHub:

https://github.com/fichl/terrorBot

ttfn