Author Topic: Orange inspired project (Read 33998 times)

jojokeo · « **Reply #50 on:** November 07, 2015, 09:30:53 pm »

Turn your power tranny so the laminations are not pointing at your power tubes (turn it 90�). Laying down the OT does help with coupling but being on the other side of the chassis (which I always advocate) you should be fine either way. Solder or clip up a "listening device" to be sure. Separately wire nut or tape up your secondary windings of PT and apply power in it's position. Then attach headphones or ear plugs to the OT secondary. Listen to noise from PT as you move around the OT in various positions.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #51 on:** December 06, 2015, 12:16:41 am »

Made a little progress in between other projects...

TubeGeek · « **Reply #52 on:** December 06, 2015, 12:19:12 am »

One more...

Willabe · « **Reply #53 on:** December 06, 2015, 12:31:21 am »

Wow! That'll get someones attention!

jojokeo · « **Reply #54 on:** December 06, 2015, 10:37:06 am »

Looks great tubegeek but photos are a bit too small to even read what the controls are and any other details. Did you try "listening" to the trannies regarding placements? Results?

TubeGeek · « **Reply #55 on:** December 06, 2015, 03:05:20 pm »

Quote from: jojokeo on December 06, 2015, 10:37:06 am

Looks great tubegeek but photos are a bit too small to even read what the controls are and any other details. Did you try "listening" to the trannies regarding placements? Results?

The faceplate is not final yet. I didn't realize when I had the plate made that the text was a little too close to the pots. I plan to make another faceplate where the text is raised and maybe a little larger and will also decide on the control names at that point. I want to rename "drive" to "FAC". I may not have a mid or presence control either. These details will be worked out after I get it working and experiment. This plate helped me mark the chassis for drilling. Orange isn't a popular colour of material so I had to purchase a 2x2' sheet of material, thus I am willing to go through a few versions before settling on a final design.

As for the transformer placement�I will cross that bridge if I have an issue with hum when powered up.

I was just excited to share pics of the painting.

jojokeo · « **Reply #56 on:** December 06, 2015, 06:04:40 pm »

Gotcha, I do the same many times where a control becomes different. Nice to have a faceplate "template" too.

nateflanigan · « **Reply #57 on:** December 07, 2015, 08:28:35 pm »

Cool project!

I have an Orange OD 120, it's an awesome amp, WAY more versatile than most people give them credit for. I've always thought these would make a great DIY project. The master volume on the stock schematic sounds really bad, you can take a little off but anymore and the tone goes out the window. I converted it to a Lar/Mar which works great.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #58 on:** December 09, 2015, 12:03:06 am »

Quote from: nateflanigan on December 07, 2015, 08:28:35 pm

Cool project!

I have an Orange OD 120, it's an awesome amp, WAY more versatile than most people give them credit for. I've always thought these would make a great DIY project. The master volume on the stock schematic sounds really bad, you can take a little off but anymore and the tone goes out the window. I converted it to a Lar/Mar which works great.

Awesome, thanks for commenting and sharing your experience with master volumes. I may have a question or two for you before I am done if that's ok!?

navdave · « **Reply #59 on:** December 09, 2015, 03:02:18 am »

I've built two of these one a clone of an Orange GRO the other my own take on the same Circuit tweeked to my liking both non master volume amps. These are not bedroom level amps and if you want distortion ....!!! If you use a fuzz or distortion pedal you're in business
Here is the link to the one I built the GRO clone with and without pedals.
http://youtu.be/0vI_HRBwK9w

nateflanigan · « **Reply #60 on:** December 09, 2015, 06:54:38 pm »

TubeGeek, of course, happy to help in anyway I can.

With the Lar/mar I can play at "reasonable" levels and still have the input gain set really high. I don't know that I'd call it bedroom levels, but, I don't know, I'm still married

TubeGeek · « **Reply #61 on:** December 13, 2015, 10:45:54 pm »

Quote from: navdave on December 09, 2015, 03:02:18 am

I've built two of these one a clone of an Orange GRO the other my own take on the same Circuit tweeked to my liking both non master volume amps. These are not bedroom level amps and if you want distortion ....!!! If you use a fuzz or distortion pedal you're in business
Here is the link to the one I built the GRO clone with and without pedals.
http://youtu.be/0vI_HRBwK9w

Cool, thanks for sharing that. That's exactly what I am going for. I was expecting to get that super thick distortion from the amp itself but that may not be realistic. I don't play these kind of amps at bedroom volume levels often, I like to push some air out of the speakers.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #62 on:** December 13, 2015, 10:48:35 pm »

Quote from: nateflanigan on December 09, 2015, 06:54:38 pm

TubeGeek, of course, happy to help in anyway I can.

With the Lar/mar I can play at "reasonable" levels and still have the input gain set really high. I don't know that I'd call it bedroom levels, but, I don't know, I'm still married

I will try a few different master volume circuits and find the right one. I can hardly wait to clear up my projects on the go to dedicate time to finishing this. It's looking like that could be in March next year. ugh.

nateflanigan · « **Reply #63 on:** December 14, 2015, 06:15:47 am »

You'll love it, really cool amp. Sounds great on bass too.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #64 on:** February 05, 2016, 11:34:21 pm »

I am at the point of building the circuitry now....Here is a pic of my progress.

I have a few questions about the FAC control. I see three options for where to place it. The input, after first gain stage and after the tonestack, before the phase inverter.

What do you guys prefer? Any opinions or experience with this?

My gut instinct says at the input is where I will like it. I will experiment and see what I actually like but I was hoping for some input as to where I should begin with.

Also capacitor values seem to be different between the schematics and layouts I am referencing. Any opinions on what cap values make the most sense?

TIMBO · « **Reply #65 on:** February 06, 2016, 03:26:48 am »

Man, That is some awesome amp.

nateflanigan · « **Reply #66 on:** February 06, 2016, 08:39:10 am »

Looking good!

Here's the schematic for my amp.
http://www.orangefieldguide.com/OFG_SCHEM/ODschem_A.gif
It's the only Orange I've ever played, so I can't really comment on the location of the FAC control, other than that it sounds great and is very useful before the PI. However as far as cap values go I pretty much only use the first three positions on the switch, it gets pretty thin sounding beyond that.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #67 on:** February 06, 2016, 02:33:15 pm »

Quote from: navdave on December 09, 2015, 03:02:18 am

I've built two of these one a clone of an Orange GRO the other my own take on the same Circuit tweeked to my liking both non master volume amps. These are not bedroom level amps and if you want distortion ....!!! If you use a fuzz or distortion pedal you're in business
Here is the link to the one I built the GRO clone with and without pedals.
http://youtu.be/0vI_HRBwK9w

Is the freq control on this right after the input?

TubeGeek · « **Reply #68 on:** February 06, 2016, 02:39:55 pm »

Quote from: nateflanigan on February 06, 2016, 08:39:10 am

Looking good!

Here's the schematic for my amp.
http://www.orangefieldguide.com/OFG_SCHEM/ODschem_A.gif
It's the only Orange I've ever played, so I can't really comment on the location of the FAC control, other than that it sounds great and is very useful before the PI. However as far as cap values go I pretty much only use the first three positions on the switch, it gets pretty thin sounding beyond that.

Thanks.

So in switch position one (33pF) you have the most low end and then as you switch up to the 4700pF, you have less low end frequencies?

sluckey · « **Reply #69 on:** February 06, 2016, 02:56:09 pm »

Quote

So in switch position one (33pF) you have the most low end and then as you switch up to the 4700pF, you have less low end frequencies?

It's just the opposite. In position 1 the signal must travel through that entire string of series caps. The total capacitance is equal to the reciprocal of the sum of reciprocals, IOW, the total capacitance value will be less than the value of the smallest cap in that chain, ie, less than 33pF. That's a tiny coupling cap and will only pass high freq. (That 33pf seems like a ridiculously small value. I wonder if it should be 330pF?) As the switch is mover to lower positions the total capacitance increases and allows more low freqs to pass.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #70 on:** February 06, 2016, 05:46:42 pm »

Quote from: sluckey on February 06, 2016, 02:56:09 pm

Quote
So in switch position one (33pF) you have the most low end and then as you switch up to the 4700pF, you have less low end frequencies?
It's just the opposite. In position 1 the signal must travel through that entire string of series caps. The total capacitance is equal to the reciprocal of the sum of reciprocals, IOW, the total capacitance value will be less than the value of the smallest cap in that chain, ie, less than 33pF. That's a tiny coupling cap and will only pass high freq. (That 33pf seems like a ridiculously small value. I wonder if it should be 330pF?) As the switch is mover to lower positions the total capacitance increases and allows more low freqs to pass.

I think you're right about the 33pF cap, it is 360pF on the schematics I am referencing. Weber is using all 0.0047uF caps on the switch whereas the matamp and orange schematics are each using their own dissimilar values. I'll need to experiment with what I think sounds best.

Steve, do you have an opinion on where you'd insert this cap switch either at the input or before the PI?

I just need to build the damn thing and experiment

sluckey · « **Reply #71 on:** February 06, 2016, 06:38:11 pm »

I think I'd leave the switch right where it is. I like the idea of using all .0047s on the switch. Makes the math easy and I think it would still give an effective tone change.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #72 on:** February 13, 2016, 12:31:41 pm »

Just wired up the frequency analysis control (FAC), Drive, Contour....using all 0.0047uF orange drop caps

In switch position:

1: 1.2nF
2: 1.4nF
3: 1.8nF
4: 2.4nF
5: 4.4nF
6: Won't register on my DMM, i figure the math needs to be worked out to know this exact value or my best guess would be around 10nF

Assuming I have wired this control correctly, could have it backwards, won't know until I listen to it in use.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #73 on:** February 15, 2016, 02:24:13 am »

The amp was born at 10:38pm last night.

Sounds really good to me and exactly what I was going for.

Now comes the fun part...getting to know the tone and tweaking until I am really happy.

I still have to tolex the 2x12 cabinet and apply the white cane grill cloth and have a final faceplate made. Once all the details are finished, I will create a slideshow of the build along with audio of the amp recorded. Stay tuned for that in the coming weeks.

I have been doing a happy dance since she was born!

Fresh_Start · « **Reply #74 on:** February 15, 2016, 08:22:08 am »

lego4040 · « **Reply #75 on:** February 16, 2016, 01:01:46 pm »

holy smokes. Maybe using smaller boss style knobs would work

HommeMarrBuckley · « **Reply #76 on:** February 22, 2016, 10:06:11 pm »

Quote from: TubeGeek on February 15, 2016, 02:24:13 am

The amp was born at 10:38pm last night.

NICE!

Can't wait to see/hear how it comes out.
Total tip top and love what you did so far.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #77 on:** February 22, 2016, 11:37:53 pm »

Update:

I had a new faceplate made with the text raised up above the chicken heads. I also renamed a few things and added my logo to it above the pilot lights.

Working on finishing the cabinet. Tolexing was finished yesterday. I did the speaker baffle tonight. I have the back panel to do and then it's complete.

I am surprised at the tone I can get out of this. I figured I was building a one trick pony but I now know it'll do a couple nice tones.

Next will be a little video of the entire build process with the audio being this amp recorded....

Willabe · « **Reply #78 on:** February 22, 2016, 11:40:33 pm »

Man that thing is gorgeous!

Quote from: TubeGeek on February 22, 2016, 11:37:53 pm

Next will be a little video of the entire build process with the audio being this amp recorded....

Oooooo, nice!

DummyLoad · « **Reply #79 on:** February 23, 2016, 12:07:02 am »

nice!

--pete

TubeGeek · « **Reply #80 on:** March 06, 2016, 12:06:59 am »

I have been playing the amp as much as possible, learning how to dial it in.

I find it requires a different approach to setting up the tone you want. How the treble, high frequency drive and presence all work, the amp can be uniquely tuned. What I am enjoying the most is the low end grind it has. It is a fun amp to play if you enjoy that style of music.

I took it to the local music store for a demo and got some opinions and feedback from local musicians. Here are links to a few short iPhone videos of the amp being played on my youtube channel:

https://youtu.be/wveEGviy-fQ

https://youtu.be/ohaBmMLxoGQ

A more thorough slideshow and recording is still a work in progress.

TIMBO · « **Reply #81 on:** March 07, 2016, 03:13:27 am »

Well done ,sounds awesome.

Glennjeff · « **Reply #82 on:** May 07, 2016, 11:58:25 am »

Everything about that amp project is fabulous.
Sound is quite unique and I really like it, even if it make me want to self harm a little.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #83 on:** May 08, 2016, 11:23:42 pm »

Thanks for the compliments. One of these days I'll post a slideshow of the build...just been too busy to get around to creating it.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #84 on:** May 26, 2016, 12:19:44 am »

Final post. I made a slideshow of this project:

https://youtu.be/K460r9ogeYE

SILVERGUN · « **Reply #85 on:** May 26, 2016, 11:44:24 am »

Great work!
Nice thread, documentation, and final product.
Keep up the good work and don't ever think we don't wanna see this stuff.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #86 on:** May 26, 2016, 01:40:20 pm »

Quote from: SILVERGUN on May 26, 2016, 11:44:24 am

Great work!
Nice thread, documentation, and final product.
Keep up the good work and don't ever think we don't wanna see this stuff.

Thank you!

HommeMarrBuckley · « **Reply #87 on:** May 27, 2016, 11:17:02 pm »

TG,
While watching your slideshow, you really conveyed the most important part: you thoroughly enjoyed your build!! I must say I was smiling the whole time too. Like others have done on this forum, as well, it epitomizes what planning and a thought out goal can become. A super cool looking melody machine. Well done and many thanks for documenting! Very inspiring!

Glennjeff · « **Reply #88 on:** June 16, 2016, 12:09:34 am »

Did you do the music with this amp, had as blast hammering out various modes of harmonic minor to it.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #89 on:** June 16, 2016, 09:31:47 am »

Quote from: Glennjeff on June 16, 2016, 12:09:34 am

Did you do the music with this amp, had as blast hammering out various modes of harmonic minor to it.

At the beginning of the slideshow I credit the music to a band called "Spaceslug". The sound of my amp is similar to what you're hearing. I haven't found the time to make a full band recording of the amp quite yet.

It is fun to jam too eh!?

TubeGeek · « **Reply #90 on:** June 16, 2016, 09:34:08 am »

Quote from: HommeMarrBuckley on May 27, 2016, 11:17:02 pm

TG,
While watching your slideshow, you really conveyed the most important part: you thoroughly enjoyed your build!! I must say I was smiling the whole time too. Like others have done on this forum, as well, it epitomizes what planning and a thought out goal can become. A super cool looking melody machine. Well done and many thanks for documenting! Very inspiring!

Thanks for the comment. I sure did enjoy this project.

TubeGeek · « **Reply #91 on:** November 30, 2016, 11:33:55 am »

Update:

I decided to change out the Celestion Creamback speakers for a Weber Black Shuck and Weber Gray Wolf.

The low end has opened up and the amp sounds even bigger and meaner

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Author Topic: Orange inspired project (Read 33998 times)