Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: dickjonesify on February 25, 2026, 01:17:42 pm

Title: Buckaroo issue
Post by: dickjonesify on February 25, 2026, 01:17:42 pm
Please correct me if I’m wrong: This can not be done with a 2PDT center off switch like the diagram calls for…

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczO1Govb9Ct54rM7O13jzaQrDEHY_xK-olFkjQCjZ3SkkB0qjWYkpCl8eDvZG-qoHd4YJYrzxJ1QJ6MmfpeBiSBTDIe2Xoz6O-0aGdaxKpgEO6C19TfEt3KX1EVBK-4Ntz4ctM6mYM5TEjeoPwOCsFFkzQ=w1100-h847-s-no?authuser=0)


I found this other drawing which looks correct but again, this can’t be done with the switch called for, correct?

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPKSPiw6ayM6czA_9Oyb_fqnIbeihgW-iRUP-5C8zFhtXksCOxUaDaUjJ6szaCBg3debhgyDIegdhbWOJdHWoxw-ZJvqiA9F7hvDSKqNoqZrqhVctonLVZpGhBR8NpMbhfW_BAhu0gIbAAh7VaY01Pw6Q=w952-h877-s-no?authuser=0)

I just can’t picture how. I may just ditch the switch.
Title: Re: Buckaroo issue
Post by: sluckey on February 25, 2026, 01:38:22 pm
Quote from: dickjonesify on February 25, 2026, 01:17:42 pm
Please correct me if I’m wrong: This can not be done with a 2PDT center off switch like the diagram calls for…

I just can’t picture how. I may just ditch the switch.
You're wrong. It certainly can be done with a 2PDT center off switch.
Title: Re: Buckaroo issue
Post by: dickjonesify on February 25, 2026, 01:41:52 pm
Quote
You're wrong. It certainly can be done with a 2PDT center off switch.

From the man himself, I am glad to be wrong! But would you push me in right direction? Haha.

I can’t figure out how to make the center selection pass 120V from one to the other without having the incoming and outgoing hots shorted together, which makes the other two switch options not function correctly.
Title: Re: Buckaroo issue
Post by: sluckey on February 25, 2026, 02:19:30 pm
Just follow the schematic. That dashed line on my schematic is NOT a wire. It simply indicates a mechanical link between the two switch halves.

If you still don't understand the schematic I'll try to draw a layout for you.
Title: Re: Buckaroo issue
Post by: dickjonesify on February 25, 2026, 02:31:00 pm
Quote from: sluckey on February 25, 2026, 02:19:30 pm
Just follow the schematic. That dashed line on my schematic is NOT a wire. It simply indicates a mechanical link between the two switch halves.

Ok, thanks. The 2PDT center off switches I have all have zero internal mechanical connection in the center position. I guess I just need to find another switch.
Title: Re: Buckaroo issue
Post by: kagliostro on February 25, 2026, 02:59:16 pm
Seems that center OFF means exactly no connection at the center position

I don't understand which is the problem

Franco
Title: Re: Buckaroo issue
Post by: sluckey on February 25, 2026, 04:35:45 pm
There is no 120V option on the Buckaroo. If you want full line voltage just plug the amp straight into the wall.

If you want to have a 120v full line voltage option like you see in RG Keen's drawing, use this switch...

     https://www.amplifiedparts.com/products/switch-rotary-1-pole-3-position-0
Title: Re: Buckaroo issue
Post by: dickjonesify on February 25, 2026, 05:18:43 pm
Quote from: sluckey on February 25, 2026, 04:35:45 pm
There is no 120V option on the Buckaroo. If you want full line voltage just plug the amp straight into the wall.

Gotcha. Then I just misunderstood the drawing. Thanks again
Title: Re: Buckaroo issue
Post by: dickjonesify on February 25, 2026, 05:21:58 pm
Quote from: kagliostro on February 25, 2026, 02:59:16 pm
Seems that center OFF means exactly no connection at the center position

I don't understand which is the problem

Franco

Hey Franco. I just mean that I thought the drawing showed 120V passing when the switch is in the middle, which is not the case. My bad. I’ll either leave it or use a different type of switch.