Help with eyelet board layout

[mikepukmel]

Hi All,
      I would like to build a modified version of a Fender Vibrolux AB763 style amp.    First, I got the schematic, and removed the tremolo, since I don't have any use for it.   The board would be smaller by a few inches without the tremolo section parts.

     What I would like to try is to move the section of the board containing the phase inverter and eyelets that have connections that go up to the cap board,  over the spot where the tremolo would have been.  Then, make the board a little longer, and mount the filter caps right on the end of the board nearest the power transformer.   I think there's plenty of room since the newer filter caps are so much smaller than the original ones were. 

     it would be a lot easier to find the existing DXF file and modify the layout, than trying to do the layout from scratch. 
So,
1) Does anyone know whereI can get a DXF file that has the centers for the eyelets for a Fender Deluxe AB763 Amp (no reverb)?
and
2) What kind of software can I use to edit a DXF file so that I can remove the tremolo part centers, move the phase inverter section, then put a few eyelets on for the filter caps and connections?

Thanks!!
Mike

[EL34]

Moving this to the main board


I doubt you are going to find exactly what you want in a dxf file
It's just easier to make your own using an existing Fender layout as a guide

[kagliostro]

I don't know if someone has an AB763 Visio Layout (Sluckey seems to have something for a 763 w reverb if I remember correctly)

but I highly doubt that someone has a dxf version of the AB763 Layout

One possibol thing to do is to install the last version of FidocadJ (a free program), the last version allow to load an image file and to draw it in CAD version following the lines

So you could load the image of the standard AB763 Layout on the program, follow only the parts you need to have, move it on the position you like more and obtain you layout

--

The simpler solution to your problem will be to print the standard Layout on paper, then cut out with scissors the parts you want, dispose it on a new paper sheet and glue it on the right position (a lot of things were done this way in the past)

Franco

[drew]

^ Yeah, unless you're planning on mass-producing these things, that's the way to go.  You could have the whole board marked, drilled, eyeletted, and populated in the time you spend screwing around on the computer.

[purpletele]

Hi All,
      I would like to build a modified version of a Fender Vibrolux AB763 style amp.    First, I got the schematic, and removed the tremolo, since I don't have any use for it.   The board would be smaller by a few inches without the tremolo section parts.

     What I would like to try is to move the section of the board containing the phase inverter and eyelets that have connections that go up to the cap board,  over the spot where the tremolo would have been.  Then, make the board a little longer, and mount the filter caps right on the end of the board nearest the power transformer.   I think there's plenty of room since the newer filter caps are so much smaller than the original ones were. 

     it would be a lot easier to find the existing DXF file and modify the layout, than trying to do the layout from scratch. 
So,
1) Does anyone know whereI can get a DXF file that has the centers for the eyelets for a Fender Deluxe AB763 Amp (no reverb)?
and
2) What kind of software can I use to edit a DXF file so that I can remove the tremolo part centers, move the phase inverter section, then put a few eyelets on for the filter caps and connections?

Thanks!!
Mike

Mike,

I am going to comment because your thoughts are similar to previous ideas that I had, and I have seen some seasoned builders here do the same thing with conflicted success.

1. I thought I would build a Deluxe without the Tremolo.  Then I came to my senses. 
       a.  The classic tone has a touch of Tremolo.
       b.  Everyone likes a cool Black Face Deluxe, you could always sell it for cost (If it has the Tremolo)

2. I have committed myself to working with Visio to design and manipulate drawings.  Hoffman uses Visio for his designs, and the guys that participate on this forum are mostly utilizing Visio for new drawings and a Free Software available here called J-Schem I believe.  That program gives you the keys to a plethora of schematics and layouts.  I haven't used the program to modify drawings, but I understand it is user friendly.  That would be the easiest way for you to manipulate an AB763 circuit.

3. Visio is about $180.  There were problems with interface with Windows 10 but it has been resolved.  There are a lot of drawings available in Visio.

4. My personal resolution was to not work so hard on designs that have been refined for 50 years.  I am going with the Deluxe Single Channel which includes both the tremolo as well as reverb.  I have purchased some nice transformers and I am designing the layout as we speak.  The board is in my possession and I am done with that stage.  Now it is just about achieving efficacy with the layout.

What would a Vibrolux be without the Vibro?

I don't know all of the nuances between AB763 variations, but to the best of my knowledge it is predicated on the transformers with minor nuances in component values.

In summary, my 2 cents says consider the Hoffman Board, he has all of the variations of the AB763, and make minor modifications to that. 

You are in a much safer environment to receive help if you are using an AB763 design that this group developed and perfected in Visio.

BV

[labb]

Take a look at Sluckey's AB763 lite. That is what you are doing(with 6L6 instead of 6V6)..If you use the Fender layout without tremolo and move the TMB components off board to a terminal strip under their pots you will have plenty of room to put the caps at the end of the board. If you are going to build this amp I would highly recommend adding a master volume control. It is going to be really loud with the 6L6's.

[DummyLoad]

you can save visio files as DXF or DWG formats - both are supported.

file >> save as >> chose from drop down list. save as PDF is also supported.

be SURE layer names don't have anything other than alphanumeric characters and no spaces.

text will NOT be saved - text needs to be vector graphic format: stated more specifically, true type fonts will not export.

--pete

[mikepukmel]

Thanks everyone!   I didn't know that most people  used visio files to start with.    I think I have a little older copy of Visio, will check. 

Thanks for the tip on Sluckey's AB763.

Yes, vibro without vibro!  Yes, just a simplified 6L6 version of the Deluxe.   I have a Deluxe in progress, part way done, using Doug's boards (main board, cap board and rectifier board).   Would like to have a 6L6 amp, and also a marshall style (build after this one)

Nope, not planning on mass producing.  Would be nice to have a way to get a design file, though, then I could send it to Doug and have him drill and put the eyelets in, since I don't have a drill press.  Have been looking on craigslist for a desktop one, came close but it sold.

Will try the image overlay technique. 

Would like to use an existing Fender layout.   Are those available in Visio format someplace?

Best,
Mike

[mikepukmel]

Moving this to the main board


I doubt you are going to find exactly what you want in a dxf file
It's just easier to make your own using an existing Fender layout as a guide

Thanks, can you point me to where I can get a design file, in any format? 

[mikepukmel]

I don't know if someone has an AB763 Visio Layout (Sluckey seems to have something for a 763 w reverb if I remember correctly)

but I highly doubt that someone has a dxf version of the AB763 Layout

One possibol thing to do is to install the last version of FidocadJ (a free program), the last version allow to load an image file and to draw it in CAD version following the lines

So you could load the image of the standard AB763 Layout on the program, follow only the parts you need to have, move it on the position you like more and obtain you layout

--

The simpler solution to your problem will be to print the standard Layout on paper, then cut out with scissors the parts you want, dispose it on a new paper sheet and glue it on the right position (a lot of things were done this way in the past)

Franco

Thanks, Franco, downloading Fidocadj now.  ...

[mikepukmel]

Hi All,
      I would like to build a modified version of a Fender Vibrolux AB763 style amp.    First, I got the schematic, and removed the tremolo, since I don't have any use for it.   The board would be smaller by a few inches without the tremolo section parts.

     What I would like to try is to move the section of the board containing the phase inverter and eyelets that have connections that go up to the cap board,  over the spot where the tremolo would have been.  Then, make the board a little longer, and mount the filter caps right on the end of the board nearest the power transformer.   I think there's plenty of room since the newer filter caps are so much smaller than the original ones were. 

     it would be a lot easier to find the existing DXF file and modify the layout, than trying to do the layout from scratch. 
So,
1) Does anyone know whereI can get a DXF file that has the centers for the eyelets for a Fender Deluxe AB763 Amp (no reverb)?
and
2) What kind of software can I use to edit a DXF file so that I can remove the tremolo part centers, move the phase inverter section, then put a few eyelets on for the filter caps and connections?

Thanks!!
Mike

Mike,

I am going to comment because your thoughts are similar to previous ideas that I had, and I have seen some seasoned builders here do the same thing with conflicted success.

1. I thought I would build a Deluxe without the Tremolo.  Then I came to my senses. 
       a.  The classic tone has a touch of Tremolo.
       b.  Everyone likes a cool Black Face Deluxe, you could always sell it for cost (If it has the Tremolo)

2. I have committed myself to working with Visio to design and manipulate drawings.  Hoffman uses Visio for his designs, and the guys that participate on this forum are mostly utilizing Visio for new drawings and a Free Software available here called J-Schem I believe.  That program gives you the keys to a plethora of schematics and layouts.  I haven't used the program to modify drawings, but I understand it is user friendly.  That would be the easiest way for you to manipulate an AB763 circuit.

3. Visio is about $180.  There were problems with interface with Windows 10 but it has been resolved.  There are a lot of drawings available in Visio.

4. My personal resolution was to not work so hard on designs that have been refined for 50 years.  I am going with the Deluxe Single Channel which includes both the tremolo as well as reverb.  I have purchased some nice transformers and I am designing the layout as we speak.  The board is in my possession and I am done with that stage.  Now it is just about achieving efficacy with the layout.

What would a Vibrolux be without the Vibro?

I don't know all of the nuances between AB763 variations, but to the best of my knowledge it is predicated on the transformers with minor nuances in component values.

In summary, my 2 cents says consider the Hoffman Board, he has all of the variations of the AB763, and make minor modifications to that. 

You are in a much safer environment to receive help if you are using an AB763 design that this group developed and perfected in Visio.

BV

Thanks for all of the suggestions, and tip in J-schem, I will look for it after this post.  I have old copies of Visio, will see if  its new enough to load files.   

Actually I have a Deluxe underway, that has the tremolo removed,  and uses Hoffman boards.    I thought Id be able to find the layout in some file format for this board someplace, since its basically the same board as the Vibrolux. 

[EL34]

Thanks, can you point me to where I can get a design file, in any format?

Did you look at this post with a dxf file and a visio file template you can download?

http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=22070.0

[drgonzonm]

A few years ago, one of the forum members suggested draftsight as a free CAD program.  It is very similar to AutoCAD LT in function.  This program will import DXF files. (If my memory serves me well, there were text DXF and binary DXF, the binaries are tougher to import). 

You can create layers for each amp section, as well as create blocks such as eyelets. 

I have imported many raster drawings and rescaled them in draftsight, its really easy once you know the rescale technique
 1. measure the length of a component to 4 decimal places, , say the board,
 2.  then rescale to what length you need, ignoring the decimal point. 
  example imported board width is 5.3792 inches, and you need 12 inches, command is: rescale 120000/53792. 

[EKDENTON]

I'm too cheap to buy Viseo, i use diylc,  it is free and works great for designing these little tube amps.

[drew]

Nope, not planning on mass producing.  Would be nice to have a way to get a design file, though, then I could send it to Doug and have him drill and put the eyelets in, since I don't have a drill press.  Have been looking on craigslist for a desktop one, came close but it sold.

A drill press is nice to have, but not a necessity for either drilling holes (center punch and ordinary electric hand drill work fine) or swaging eyelets/turrets (I use the tool Doug sells, with one piece in a vise and the other receiving a very light blow from a hammer).  OTOH, nice to at least have the option of sending a computer file in and getting a ready to use board in a couple days, I guess.

[mikepukmel]

Thanks, can you point me to where I can get a design file, in any format?

Did you look at this post with a dxf file and a visio file template you can download?

http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=22070.0

Thanks Yes!    But Im trying to find a file (whatever format you support that you can use to make boards with),  that already has the center points  for the holes for a Fender Deluxe AB763 (no reverb) layout.   Ive been scanning your blogs, lots of great info, haven't found one yet.  Im sure its here, I just don't know where to look. 
Regards,
Mike

[sluckey]

I have a layout for a Deluxe Lite AB763. It's a single channel, no reverb, no tremolo. Would you be interested in that?

[Sonny ReVerb]

If you work for a company that uses Microsoft software, you might be eligible for the Home Use Program.
  You can get the latest version of Office for $9.95, but more importantly in this case, you can get Visio for $9.95! Plug your work email address in to see if your company participates. 

[bnwitt]

I am still using the 2003 version of Visio as I prefer it's non ribbon style interface.  It is fully compatible with all of the amplifier shape files available.  This version can be found on eBay for around $50.  You can also use Doug's online custom board designer to design your board when you have your layout sussed out.  He can then computer drill it for eyelets or turrets and even install them for you if you want.