Breadboard: The process of construction has begun.....

[Jack_Hester]

1rst - I decided to put this under Amp Tools, as that's what I will be using it for. 

2nd - Rather than hyjack Silvergun's topic ( http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=16551.msg164410#msg164410 ), I decided to start a new one for this project, as I'm sure that the build will be ongoing.

3rd - Thanks to everyone else who posted their breadboards.  I think that I looked at them all.  I'll be going back, again, as this one goes together. 

The reason I'm just now beginning this project is that when Silvergun posted his recent build (over the past weeks/months), something clicked.  The others more than captured my interest.  But, his made me realize that I had a goodly amount of the components and materials on hand, similar to what he used.  That in itself was enough to start me digging through my junk (treasures).  What really got me started was the almost immediate build of Tubenit's amp design, complete with sound clip. 

So today (Sat, 22Feb14), I began the initial construction of a couple boards.  I've attached the same drawing as I posted over on his thread.  I decided that today's build would be a board with 4 octals, and a board with 4 9-pin novals. 

I have quite a few ceramic cinch-style octals, that are held in place by wavey washers.  So, I picked out 4 of those.  I don't have a lot of 9-pin sockets solder-lug on hand, but found 4 with shield bases.  So, out they came. 

As it turns out, the board was too thick to use the wavey washers, so I attached the octals with silicon sealer.  I may be able to go back and wrap a small bare wire in the groove for additional securing.  I'm thinking that the rubber will be enough, once it's completely cured.  We'll see.  I installed 2 12-terminal Euro style strips on one side, but only one of the same on the other.  I drilled holes through the board, in front of each terminal.  I installed a 4-terminal Euro strip on each end.  These will be for filament wiring.  3 terminals for 12v-CT supply, and the 4th for an earth ground for the board.  No wiring on the board, at this time, as I want to look and ponder it a bit.

I mounted the 4 9-pin sockets.  I decided to use smaller 12-term Euro strips on this one, as the board is shorter than the octal board.  I plan to put 2 strips on each side, but these will need some #2 machine screws, and I don't have any on hand.  Fasenal has them, so I'll run by there on Monday after work, and get some.  I installed the same 4-term strips, as I did on the octal board.  Same application for them. 

I'll try to snap some pictures of these boards, tomorrow after Church.  Man, was this time consuming.  Of course, any boards after this will go together much quicker. 

Maybe next week, I'll have the long layout board done.  Mounting terminal strips and standoffs should be all that one needs. 

So thanks, again, to Silvergun and everyone else for making this easy.  I'll try not to take too long to finish.  Have a good one.

Jack 

[Jack_Hester]

I typically drop by any Radio Shack that I pass, to see what they have useful for such as this project.  One item that I pick up when I find them is their smaller size 12-terminal strip:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103986

However, most of the stores around here only have one or two in stock.  So, I check online and find that one is the usual quantity available.  If they have any at all.  

They are made by Kema-Keur, but I have been unable to find another source.  A quick measurement shows that they are approximately 3-13/16" x 21/32", or roughly 96mm x 17mm.  The nearest size that I found on Mouser is:

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=39100-0912virtualkey53810000virtualkey538-39100-0912

Close enough.  

Also, my friend Don De Jong clued me in on a good source (read that as super good prices) for stainless screws and nuts:

http://stores.ebay.com/Albany-County-Fasteners?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

He supplied me with much needed 4-40 screws/nuts and 2-56 of the same, all in stainless.  Way lots cheaper than the local Fasenal store.  Fasenal prices their stuff like gold, but sometimes are a necessary source, when you've just got to get it put together.  

So, I'm headed out to the shop to put some terminals on a couple boards (needed these screws), and maybe fab up another one, so that I can get some pictures made (that I promised last weekend).  More to come.  Have a good one.

Jack

[Jack_Hester]

Ok.  Here's a couple pictures of my progress:





The long board will be the layout board, though I may eventually remove the small terminal strips on the centerline.  I figured that some short span terminals would be appropriate, but time will prove that to be true.  I need to pickup two more terminal strips, as these are the larger of the Radio Shack Euro strips.  One more whole one, and cut off two 4-terminal sections to go on the end of each row.  That will add up to 40 terminals per side.  I made a layout drawing of one of my Ampegs, and it had 39 eyelets.  So, I decided to make this board accommodate some potential large build. 

The next board will have five 7-pin sockets, as I have a fondness for those tubes.  And then, a shorter board for the rectifier(s).  Rather than install turrets for a solid state rectifier, I'll use a tube socket to make a full-wave, and a bridge, using SS diodes.  I haven't decided whether to have just an octal and a 9-pin socket, or two of each like I've already built on the green univeral board.  I won't use another one of those for the breadboard.  Too many holes where I don't want them (under the terminal strips). 

Anyway, I'll get a bit more this week, and maybe some next Saturday.  Slow, but it's coming together.  Have a good one.

Jack

[SILVERGUN]

Excellent planning and excecution Jack.....looks great!
I've been putting a lot of miles on mine recently and I really don't regret anything.
I think you're going to be very happy with the end result and the ability to build any circuit, at any time.

I had to clear my big board the other night to start on a requested amp, and it was a lot like pulling off a Bandaid.
Once I got the old circuit off, I was able to have the new circuit up and running the very next night......priceless

You're doing an excellent job of documenting each step, and I'm excited for you to get it up and running...

Keep up the good work!

[eleventeen]

Looks really good! I would INSIST upon the term strip down the middle of the long layout (as you call it) board. That's a great idea. This will let you use used parts much easier, and of course there are those several structures on Fender parts boards that would take up loads of room (and produce goofy signal paths) without those "midway" terminals.

[Jack_Hester]

Thanks, guys..   I have to go back to what made it all 'click'.  Tubenit's most recent design inspired my take on it (tube CF and Cathodyne/Concertina PI).  From that came an octal version (schematic/layout, only).  By then, Silvergun had made Tubenit's design a reality, ever-so-quick on his breadboard.  That's what inspired this.  There's no telling how many little project amps, and variations of them, that I've built.  Then as my wife says, 'once we conquer something, we throw it in the pile with our other toys, and look for something else to conquer'.  A breadboard can keep it all in one place, and no chassis' to mod or build from scratch.  I've got loads of sketches and schematics that may have a chance, now. 

Of course, as Silvergun has implied, tweaking on a good build may hinder moving on to the next.  Somehow, it can be better if I just take it another step. 

Now to something I'm anticipating.  I may need to build two more.  I have another panel, and will be on the lookout for a third.  My friend Steve from work has expressed a desired to get his hands on my 'firstborn'.  And Don, from Church, has shown great interest (I took all of what I have to Church today), and may need one of his own.  Steve is electric, only, where Don is 90% amplified acoustic, with occasional electric. 

This first breadboard will have plenty of tweaks, of it's own, as it's mostly a tool for me.  The second will be some better refined.  If indeed a third does happen (that one will be all mine), then I can't imagine at this point, what it will be capable of.  Then again, it may be simpler than any before.  I've got a very busy Spring at the plant, beginning week after next, so maybe by Summer I will have satisfied all involved.  And I will be down to putting ideas to the test.

I have a very big orphan Ampeg dolly that's needing a really good speaker cabinet to fit on top.  That will happen maybe this Summer, and then I will have something proper to tie to the breadboard.  I just don't know why I haven't done something like this before.  I'm not a woodworker, so this (breadboard) is right up my alley. 

Anyway, thanks for the support, and maybe this will encourage someone else to do the same.  I'm finding that I can only be so accurate with my drawings.  Especially with the terminal strips, as I'm using such a variety.  But, I'm documenting the ones that work the best.  I may post components such as these, individually.  But, a proper BOM will be with the finished drawing.  Thanks, again.  Have a good one.

Jack

[Jack_Hester]

Another thought on the build.  I have to jot these down, because I forget as quick as I think of something.  Distractions do that.  A reason why I carry a pocket notebook. 

Anyway I have a small auto-transformer, 3 amp capacity, that I plan to mount on my breadboard panel.  The panel has sidewalls that are 4" or so, that will come in handy for mounting such things as the transformers, power-related terminal strips, and the auto-transformer.  Leaving all of the main panel surface for the breadboards.  Everything that I do may be over-kill, but it's nice to have things handy, just in case an idea pops in my head.  I can implement it, before it drifts away with all those other sudden thoughts. 

More to come.  Have a good one.

Jack

[Jack_Hester]

Haven't had time to do any more on the breadboard.  Got a sick wife that I'm keeping a close eye on.  So, while she rests, I draw.

I've had time to give the actual panel layout a bit of thought.  Attached is a drawing of my first concept on how the boards will be placed.  As no transformers will be mounted topside, the boards have more room.  I've drawn a cloud around the next ones to be fabricated.  A capacitor board and a rectifier board.  Nothing has been mounted.  Just picturing how they will go.  

The little auto-transformer that I plan to use is a Staco Type 291.  It is rated for 3 amps.  I have another of the same type as this one, as well as a Type 501, I believe.  A little better amperage rating.  I'm thinking the 291 will work for a start.  

Anyway, I'll be back on it soon, I hope.  Have a good one.  

Jack

Note: 15Mar14 - See below, for updated drawing.

[kagliostro]

Very nice job and documentation 

K

[Jack_Hester]

Very nice job and documentation 

K

Thanks, Franco -

Could not get out to the shop, today.  Otherwise, I have components to build the capacitor board and maybe the rectifier board.  I also have my 7-pin sockets for a board.  But, I'll take what I can get accomplished. 

Received some Euro Barrier 12-term strips from Mouser (PN 538-39100-0912).  They are Molex brand (PN 39100-0912)  These will be my replacement terminal strips, for the hard to find Radio Shack ones (PN 274-680) that I like.  Those show up one or two at a time.  The replacements are maybe 1 mm shorter.  Good enough.  And, I can buy the quantities that I need. 

Also, I got some 120 ohm Ametherm thermistors from Mouser (PN 995-SL22-12103-B).  I have a few NOS 100 ohm, as used in the vintage Ampegs.  I'd rather use the Ametherm thermistors in new construction.  I plan to have separate filament transformers, fused, switched and connected directly to line voltage, with a thermistor in line with them.  So, these will ramp up slowly to full output, and remain there. 

My PT will be on the same power switch, but be fused separately.  And, will have the auto-transformer in between the fuse and it.  So, my PT will always be ramped up from some minimum to full output (or somewhere in between, as needed), by me.  Thermistor not used here. 

I'll repeat myself, from time to time.  But, all these numbers, brands, etc., will show up in a master BOM, when I'm done.  Some of the parts are just scrounged, from various sources.  When I can, you'll see them documented, if I know a source.  But, you'll see it all by pictures.  I still have a long ways to go. 

Thanks again, for the kind words.  Have a good one.

Jack

[HotBluePlates]

I don't want to be a downer, so check me if I've got this wrong...

Aren't you missing holes in one of the boards for wires to pass through? Meaning, for the tube socket pins to have connection to the terminal strips, a wire has to pass from the bottom-side to the top-side of the board. It looks like you have holes that might be used for this on 2 of the 3 boards.

I ask because I keep looking at this thread and thinking I might just build the boards you have now as my breadboard (and maybe not do the full-up fixed station yet).

[Jack_Hester]

I don't want to be a downer, so check me if I've got this wrong...

Aren't you missing holes in one of the boards for wires to pass through? Meaning, for the tube socket pins to have connection to the terminal strips, a wire has to pass from the bottom-side to the top-side of the board. It looks like you have holes that might be used for this on 2 of the 3 boards.

I ask because I keep looking at this thread and thinking I might just build the boards you have now as my breadboard (and maybe not do the full-up fixed station yet).

Not a downer, at all.  Please scrutinize, carefully.  The errors you catch will save me and anyone else headaches.

Yes, I'm missing holes.  Got a little carried away, and wanted to post pictures before I finished.  Plus, I've got new terminal strips to add to the layout board. 

Boards with missing holes will have them in front of each terminal.  Plus, that universal board has to go.  Those pre-drilled holes are just not working.  So, I'll re-fab that one.  I've still got the template printed out.  So, what you see now is changing a  bit.  Not much, though.  Changes will be documented. 

By the way.  I have a board drill template (metal), that has the holes on 3/8" centers.  It's 3-1/8" x 10-1/4".  That's why my layout drawings will be drawn to 3-1/8" width scale.  I can plot the actual sized layout, to have next to the actual build (whenever that happens).  I know that I will have occasion where I will need to scale a layout size down to something not as wide, or long.  But, the drill template will still work on those. 

Doug's boards are this width, so all I have to do is specify my lengths to him. 

Anyway, keep looking, and thanks for making the finds.  Have a good one.

Jack

[Jack_Hester]

By the way.  I'm starting a major generating unit outage, next weekend.  Lasting all the way through the end of May.  Another week or two in June, for startup and debugging. 

My point: Lots of new equipment will be installed, and lots of old coming out.  I have no idea what will be available for scrap sales, but I'm hoping more of these panels (like I'm using for my breadbooard) will be some of the good stuff.  90% of this stuff is enclosed, and like new.  Just dusty (coal-fired power plant makes dust).  I'm a scrounger, so I'll try to get the guys to save the best for me.  I'll be posting those find, as they happen. 

Jack

[Jack_Hester]

because I keep looking at this thread and thinking I might just build the boards you have now as my breadboard (and maybe not do the full-up fixed station yet).

This statement got me to thinking.  Would it be better if I just show the individual board builds, to begin with?  I can append each additional board to this sheet, until I have them all built and displayed.  Then, I can start adding pictures of my panel construction, until it's all on this sheet.  

My build is a one-off, just as the ones are that other members have built.  But, the boards may be easier, to duplicate if they are seen in this manner.  And, they can easily be used on a benchtop, without being mounted to a panel.

If this a preferred manner of presentation, I can delete the original(s), once the boards are finished.  Thanks HBP for the presentation idea.

Comments please.

Jack

Note: 15Mar14 - See below, for updated drawing.

[kagliostro]

Ciao Jack

just a curiosity how do you think to use the double raw of wire connectors ?

Do you want to duplicate the pin on each raw to have connection for the same tube

on each side of the boards ?

Franco

[Jack_Hester]

Ciao Jack

just a curiosity how do you think to use the double raw of wire connectors ?

Do you want to duplicate the pin on each raw to have connection for the same tube

on each side of the boards ?

Fanco -

I haven't made wire connections, as of yet.  I'm thinking that there may be occasion to do a point-to-point, right on the tube board.  And, not have to use the layout board at all.  Depending on the experiment.  So, there will probably be only one set of socket connections, and the rest for the p-p potential usage.

Still thinking about this, until I get them all built.

Jack

[kagliostro]

Ah, OK, now I understand

Franco

[Jack_Hester]

Got a day off from the outage, and I'm getting in a bit of shop time in.  I've finished up the layout board, and drilled the wiring holes in the 4 x 9-pin board.  I hope to get one more board made.  I'll have some pictures coming this afternoon.  They will be in the format (on that same sheet) as I posted previously.

Jack

[Jack_Hester]

Ok.  Here's what I've finished.  

The first board, with the 4 octals, will get additional terminal strips added to the short one.  I've decided that I like the idea of possibly building an amp on one board, and no separate layout board.  Small, simple amps should do well, here.  

Second board is, of course, the layout board.  I don't have it drawn with the center terminals.  I'll go back and add that to the drawing, on the suggestion of Eleventeen.

Third board is the capacitor board.  My oversize terminal strips crowded it a bit.  Trying to use them up, but should have used smaller.  Could only drill 16 of the 24 holes.  Still a plenty.

Forth board has 2 shielded and 2 non-shielded 9-pin sockets.  Same applies for the number of terminals, as the first board.

Fifth board is the 2 x 8-pin / 2 x 9-pin, on the universal turret board.  I came real close to taking this one apart and putting it on an un-drilled board.  Then, I decided not to waste it, as I can route the wiring through holes to the sides of the sockets.  I just won't do this again.  

That's as far as I can go, today.  Next time, a rectifier board and maybe a 5 x 7-pin.  At some point after that, I'll fab the rails for the pots and jacks (thanks, Silvergun, for the source).  

Look it over and please comment.  Have a good one.

Jack

[Jack_Hester]

Made two more boards today.  A short rectifier board, which has two octals.  And, a board with 7-pin x 5 sockets on it.  Plus, I included the entire layout drawing for my panel, with these boards.  

My next step is to prep the panel for mounting the auto-transformer, PT, OT (haven't bought one, yet), filament transformers, and whatever else that needs to mount to the bottom side.  I haven't decided how I will mount my rails for pots and jacks.  But, I've allowed 1-1/2" on the bottom, just below the layout board.  And, 1-1/2" on the right of the panel.  

Anyway, my file with drawings and pictures is 810K, and 800K is the maximum allowed.  If you are interested in those final drawings/pictures, please send a PM with your email, and I will get the PDF file right out.  

Hopefully, I'll get some panel work done this week, if the fastly growing grass allows that time.  More to come.  Have a good one.

Jack

Note: Jump down to Reply #26 for this work.

[Willabe]

Nice!

Hopefully, I'll get some panel work done this week, if the fastly growing grass allows that time.

Growing grass? Half my back yard is still covered with snow.



            Brad         

[Jack_Hester]

Yep!  Onions are the tallest.  But, some thick patches of grass are starting to show.

Jack

[Jack_Hester]

Here's the rectifier board:



Decided that I didn't need the terminals on the end, as this board would be for the power supply needs, only.

And, here's the 7-pin x 5 socket board:



I don't expect to use this one as much as the others.  But, I have some circuits drawn that I would like to try, using these fine little tubes.

Both drawings and pictures are in the latest PDF with all the rest.

Jack

[Willabe]

Very nice work Jack.


             Brad     

[Jack_Hester]

Thanks, Brad.  I'm hoping that Doug knows of a way that I can attach my drawing, now that it's grown larger.

Jack

[Willabe]

Put it on Picasa or 1 of the other host sites. They let you upload something and then you post a link to it here.


            Brad    

[Jack_Hester]

Ok.  I broke the drawing down into two.  Attached is the second portion, with my work from Saturday, with a panel overview included.  Same as the pictures that I posted last, but with drawings for dimensions.  

Please go back up to Reply #18, to get the first drawing with pictures, for the previous work.  

I have one more board in mind, to fill the small space on my panel.  But, I haven't worked out the details, yet.

Jack

[Willabe]

Hey, that'll work.


            Brad   

[Jack_Hester]

Not really a progress report. 

I check in with the different projects (electrical/controls/etc.) going on during our outage, to see what they are scrapping.  I may be getting another panel, just like the one I'm planning my breadboard around.  Possibly two.  I don't know about the second, but the first, I'm fairly sure about.  I told the guys to save them for me, if there was the slightest chance of them being scrapped. 

So, fuse blocks, scrap shielded wire, and panel(s) are my first prizes.  Hopefully, more to come.

Jack

[Jack_Hester]

Got the day off, so I was able to get a little work in (after cutting grass). 

The PT was already mounted to the center-underside of the panel.  Today, I mounted the 12.6v (CT), the 6.3v (CT), and the 5v (CT) filament transformers to one of the side panels. 

Next time that I'm able to get in some shop time, I'll mount the OT to the other side panel, along with the auto-transformer.  Hopefully, I'll have time then to mount some solder terminals, on which to mount the thermistors.  And hopefully, the fuse blocks. 

Future components installed will be binding posts, topside, for all transformer secondaries, and OT primary/secondary.  Then, the strips for the pots and I/O jacks.  After all that, I'll fit up the actual breadboards. 

Slow progress, but it's still coming together.

No pictures, today.  I'll wait until all is fitted up, and then strip it all down to clean the panel and spray a coat of zinc chromate primer.  More to come.  Have a good one.

Jack

[Jack_Hester]

I'm finding that as I plan (on the fly) this build, it's not going together entirely like I had envisioned.  Not necessarily in a bad way.  Just different.  I can see now why the next will be far better, as in organizing the layout.  I have another panel that is some longer, and narrower, than the present one.  But.  As I am actively pursuing 'scrap' purchases during this outage, I have acquired more panels of the same size as the present build.  So, when this one is complete, I can begin a better layout of the next. 

I'm thinking that tools come easier for me to fabricate.  And hopefully, this tool will improve my amp skills, along with economics.  Rumor has it that we have the whole weekend off, so I hope to get in some serious shop time on Saturday. 

Also, I got a smaller panel that may work well for my little 7-pin tube experiments.  It would be just a breadboard, only.  One that I can use with my bench supply, and a small OT. 

Anyway, I'll try to have some pictures of the panel and installed components, by Saturday evening.  Probably no breadboards mounted.  We'll see.  Have a good one.

Jack

[SILVERGUN]

I'm finding that as I plan (on the fly) this build, it's not going together entirely like I had envisioned.  Not necessarily in a bad way.   

I had the same experience...
I found that it was just taking me way too long to plan it all out, so I just started drilling and installing.I spent a lot of time just standing there staring at it.
Good luck Jack,,keep up the good work, and keep chipping away at it.

[John]

I spent a lot of time just standing there staring at it.

Well I hope you were drinking a beer too. I can't think without a beer in my hand.

[SILVERGUN]

I spent a lot of time just standing there staring at it.

Well I hope you were drinking a beer too. I can't think without a beer in my hand.

So that's what I was missing  ....

hear that Jack?...must have beer 

[Jack_Hester]

Had the day off, and spent the longest time in the shop, that I've had in months. 

Mounted the OT and some terminal strips.  Decided that I would use barrier screw terminals, rather than solder strips.  Began the process of wiring.  Installed the thermisters first.  I decided that I wouldn't get too fancy with the transformer wiring, as I would need to be creative to make them all reach common points.  Notice the individual fuse blocks.  These were castoffs that I acquired for scrap, along with the other panels, recently.  They cleaned right up and work well for what I need. 

I landed the filament feeds, from the PT, on empty terminals.  I don't plan to use them.

Here are a couple pictures of what I accomplished, today.  They are both the same, just a bit different light:





No binding posts.  This was enough for one long day.  I considered using some of the existing holes, but decided against them, for now.  I'll wait and think about the topside, when I have another day off.  I did power it up and test the auto-transformer and take voltage readings on all the secondaries.  Everything works, and the auto-transformer has a very fine resolution.  The PT gave an unloaded output of 485 volts. 

A quick check of the drop across the thermisters showed that to be about 0.5 volts.  I did watch the PT output, auto-transformer at full, and observed a nice smooth ramp of the voltage. 

I would have been more creative with the pictures, but my camera crapped out.  So, these are with the wife's little pocket job. 

Hopefully, I'll make some more progress next Saturday.  We'll see.  Have a good one.

Jack

[kagliostro]

So you spent a nice day 
we are waiting for the further "day off" 
Ciao
Franco

[Jack_Hester]

Franco -
 
I may be working both days next weekend.  But if I get Saturday off, I plan to mount a couple rails for pots and jacks.  Then, I'll see how the boards sit on the remaining space, and plan my installation of binding posts for the various supplies, and the OT primary/secondary. 
 
If I can get this done, I will consider it another good day in the shop.  That will leave mounting the breadboards.  Hopefully, I'll get the time off.  Until then, have a good one.
 
Jack

[Jack_Hester]

Got a late start this morning.  But, I managed to get a little bit done. 

Got two rails mounted:





The standoffs are limit switch mounts, the go on a rotary valve.  The new valve was installed (at the plant), and the existing valve position indicator (top-hat with switches) was re-used.  So, one of the guys put the unused one on my workbench, as it was going in the scrap.  I scavenged all that I could use out of it, and gave the rest back to him. 

I had no idea what I would use them for, but they were cool.  I had not considered them for my rails, until I started thinking about what I would need.  As they are the only ones that I have, I'll have to think of something else, for the next breadboard. 

I have an old Ohmite pointer knob on the way, for the auto-transformer.

I mounted the rails so that I could put pots or jacks on either surface.  This thing is really heavy, so I'm already thinking of a tilt-back to lay it on.  That way I can see the whole panel top easier.  I won't be moving this thing much.

I put reinforcing rails on the bottom, and a spacer in between the center rail and the PT.  I didn't want the panel to flex or sag, and this seems to do the trick.  I'll remove them and cut them to proper length, when I dig out my cutoff tool.  The rails are stainless, and I don't want to wear out a bunch of hacksaw blades trying to cut them.  When I went to Fastenal to see what they had on hand, a 6 ft piece of stainless is all that was available.  They cut them supposedly in equal lengths.  Turns out, one came up short.  I got a nice discount, without asking.  So, I'll use the cutoff disk to shorten them and dress things up.



Next Saturday, I'll start laying out the boards and see where the binding posts will go.  I'll plan to drill and mount the binding posts, and maybe get a board or two mounted.  Particularly, the layout board and maybe the rectifier board.  We'll see. 

Anyway, that's enough for today.  Have a good one.

Jack

[kagliostro]

Hi Jack

I follow you with keen interest

Franco

[Jack_Hester]

Been quite a while since my last post.  Work has be very intense, but I'm seeing a day off, Saturday.  Will try to cut the cross braces to length, and get transformer connection to the outside.  My original plans were to use binding posts.  I haven't ruled that out.  But, I've been thinking more about large barrier termnal strips, as a choice.  Mounted to the side panels, so that I have more real estate on top.  We'll see how that goes, when I'm able to stare at it a bit. 

Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting back to the build.  More to come.  Have a good one.

Jack

[Jack_Hester]

I've had a very productive day, on the breadboard:



Got the boards mounted, though they are not positioned as in my original layout drawing.  Didn't figure they would be, after the build began, and more ideas came to mind as it went together.

Decided to go with barrier terminal strips, to bring the PT outputs, the Filament outputs, and the Primary and Secondary windings of the OT, to the topside.  The OT terminal strip is up there next to the capacitor board.  I also decided to put a terminal strip down near the layout board.  Maybe to land the B+ before it goes to the layout board.  Or, whatever purpose it suits for a build.



Mounted a terminal strip to the side, to bring the individual Filament supplies and the PT secondary out, before any are carried to the topside.  Notice the nice old Ohmite pointer knob on the auto-transformer.

The bottom stabilizing braces have been cut to length, pretty much finishing up the panel work.

Next day off, I've got to bring some wiring out to the barrier strips.  After that, I guess I need to plan my first build on the board: 

http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=16893.new#new

And, collect the components for it.  I should have everything on hand.  I don't expect to start this right away.  Plus, I will have to wire each tube socket and capacitors, as I need them. 

We are winding down our outage at the plant, and systems are in testing and startup, though the Unit 2 startup won't be for another couple of weeks or so.  Many more long hours to go, yet.  My breadboard build has progressed at just about the speed that I expected.  And, my first build will probably begin sometime after startup, in June.

But for now, I can take a break and a nap.  More to come, soon, I hope.  Have a good one.

Jack

[Jack_Hester]

This is actually not a difficult build.  If I dedicated full time to it, and had all components on hand, it would take one long day.  Two days would be better, as I'm not a young sprout, anymore. 

When this one is complete, and functional, I'm going to make a drawing and have one of my woodworking friends make a tilt-back to lay it on.  I can then set it up on the bench, and have full view of the top, with all boards in easy reach. 

HBP mentioned building only the boards.   I have a smaller panel that I may use for the next build.  I have an idea to extend a rail out over the front edge, above a layout board.  It would be the full width of the panel, and be used for all inputs/outputs/volume pots/tone pots/etc..  The only iron will be an OT mounted to the underside, and taps brought out to an end panel like I'm doing on the topside of this build.  A barrier terminal strip on the end, and grommet-ed holes to tie the taps to the strip. 

A tube board will go across the top backside of the panel.  This build would depend on an external bench power supply.  I've got a couple nice ones that will serve that purpose. 

Anyway, this type of build may better suit HPB's needs, if space is a limiting factor.

I'm looking forward to completion, so that I can gather my components and try it out.  A couple friends who stop in at the plant, are also waiting to see how it turns out.  Both are musicians.  More to come.  Have a good one.

Jack

[Willabe]

I've had a very productive day, on the breadboard

Yeah, I'll say! WOW, very nice work.


               Brad     

[Jack_Hester]

Thanks, Brad.

Any builds after this one will be in reverse order.  And, no wiring will take place, until both topside and bottom components have been fitted. 

Topside would be the first order of business.  Having everything on the bottom mounted and wired, dictated that I work around those components when mounting the top components.  Next time, boards and rails along with the barrier strips and grommeted holes will be completed.  With components on the underside mounted, I couldn't brace the panel for drilling.  So, the drill walked a bit at times, due to the panel flexing. 

The panel will be laying on a firm surface, for drilling.  A couple '2 by' whatever boards, across the sawhorses.  Then, do the same with the panel flipped over.  When I've completed all that, strip it down, clean it, and give it a good coat of zinc chromate primer. 

This being said, I'm satisfied with how it turned out.  All errors in building came out of frustration of not having enough time whenever I worked on it, to complete my goals for it.  That's the biggest lesson.  I just wanted to make a showing, for each short time that I spent on it. 

With all that behind me now, the next one will have a much nicer appearance.  And, there will be a next one.  I like building tools.  As any of you guys know, who have built their own version of a breadboard, it can be as pricey as building a nice amplifier.  With this one, my original plan was to have several small boards that could be moved around.  And, I still can, to some extent.  But, I really don't see the need at this point.  So, I may plan the next large one (like this one) with fewer, but longer boards.  I'm already thinking of making another capacitor board to swap out with the one presently mounted.  That board will be built like a small layout board, so that I can use individual electrolytic caps.  That way, I have my choice of either. 

I'm fortunate in that I'm enough of a packrat that I have lots to choose from.  And, work for a company with a great variety of scraps, when I go dumpster diving.  I have a nice little Sola brand PT sitting on my workbench, at the plant.  I found it sitting there, when one of the guys saved it for me, during one of the many demolitions that has taken place in the past couple months.  It's 120v / 240v primary, and ~30v-0-30v secondary.  Came out of a 24vDC power supply.  No plans for it, but it'll fit nicely with the other stuff waiting for inspiration. 

Anyway, next weekend seems a long way off.  The grass in the yard is deep.  And, I refuse to waste my day off cutting such.  So, I've got my work cut out for me this week, so that I can get more shop time in.  I can also start rounding up components for the first project.  More to come.  Have a good one. 

Jack

[kagliostro]

Very Nice

I like your job, I must finish the support for my winding machine and then devote some time to my bench HV PS and think to the Bread Board project

Franco

[Jack_Hester]

Thanks, Franco -

Please post pictures of you projects.  I have a mixed variety of bench supplies, but I'm curious as to yours.  Sounds like a custom build.

Here's a quick recap of some of the materials that I used.

Radio Shack barrier terminal strips: 

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103986

Or, the ones supplied by Mouser, that are almost identical in size: 

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=39100-0912virtualkey53810000virtualkey538-39100-0912

Here's an excellent source for stainless hardware (screws, nuts, etc.) at a very, very reasonable price: 

http://stores.ebay.com/Albany-County-Fasteners?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

Radio Shack standoffs: 

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102848 

Doug has a larger variety of standoffs, that I prefer to use on heavier applications.  I'm always picking up the Radio Shack standoffs and barrier strips, whenever I'm near one of their stores.  They only stock one or two packs at a time.  Until this project, I had a bunch on hand.  Fortunately, the little screws supplied were long enough to reach through my panel. 

Boards are all 3-1/8" width, of various lengths.  Doug sells this standard width in your choice of lengths.  When I'm able to give some thought to my smaller panel, I will probably need boards that will be some size more narrow than what I used here.  I can rip them on my little table saw, as I have a tile blade installed for that purpose.  But, as this stuff can be pricey, I will have to be creative if I go this route, so that I have a use for the leftover(s).  I purchased a couple 24" square sheets from McMaster-Carr, a few years ago, and I'm still cutting small project boards off of these.  But, I prefer to have the board sizes ready to use. 

Punched angle, for pots and jacks: 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crown-Bolt-1-1-4-in-x-48-in-Zinc-Plated-Punched-Angle-41790/202183466?keyword=470619

This source came from Silvergun.  Cuts nicely with a hacksaw, held in vise soft jaws. 
 
In-rush current limiters (thermistors):
 
http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=SL22_12103-Bvirtualkey58240000virtualkey995-SL22-12103-B

Jack

[kagliostro]

Ciao Jack

as in all my things I've the tendency to be a bit complicated 

Here is the base project, but I'm not sure it will be the definitive one

I've the Variacs, the transformers, the chassis, some digital voltmeters

as chassis I'm using those of an old Jerrold instrument



Franco

[SILVERGUN]

That looks GREAT Jack!!

You've really done an excellent job of documenting your work, and the pictures really do it justice...

Thanks for sharing!
 

[Willabe]

That looks GREAT Jack!!

You've really done an excellent job of documenting your work, and the pictures really do it justice...

Yes and Yes!!!!

I would say off the top of my head that Jack, Sluckey, Doug, Tubenit and Dummy Load (not in any specific order) do the best documentation I've seen, sorry if I left anybody out.


                Brad     

[Jack_Hester]

On a good day, I can't remember everything.  So, I will continue to add materials as they come to me.  I added the rails, with part number, to Reply #45, above.  I'll try to keep them all in the same place. 

Jack