My first schematic

[Esquirefreak]

I cut my finger when cooking the other day, so no guitar for some time.

I found an inexpensive software for drawing schematics and sat down yesterday trying to figure it out.

I just want to hear your opinions. Bear in mind that this is my first time drawing and I've only done it for one day. So go easy on me.

About the amp:
I wanted something that can do big cleans but also some growling brownface distortion. It works really well. Very low noise floor even with the gain turned up. I can choose how hard the PI is being pushed. The variable slope resistance is useful when driving the amp more/less and when switching between humbuckers and singlecoils.

So, I know that the amp came out great, but I'm a beginner at drawing schematics. What could/should I change or do differently?

Feedback is much appreciated!

/Max

[sluckey]

Looks good. Logical flow and easy to read. My only suggestion is to consistently use dots for connections.

[Esquirefreak]

Yeah, the software (for some reason) chose to use dots sporadically when connecting the lines. That's why it's not perfectly consistent.

I sent it to a friend who's an engineer and his complaints were:

Diagonal lines, missing voltage notations and suggested I should use arrows instead of the boxes showing connection points.

I will be doing a later revision, changing those minor things soon.

Thank you, Sluckey 👍

/Max

[tubenit]

I think you did a fine job for 1st attempt. 


Just a personal preference thing but I like using boxes just like you did in the schematic much more than using arrows. I find boxes easier to follow.


With respect, Tubenit

[green drake]

I’m new to amps but was an electrical designer for many years (mostly power distribution)
That’s a solid first attempt (heck, a solid tenth attempt :-))very good flow and organization. Boxes, arrows, doesn’t matter as long as there is consistency and symbols can’t be confused.
You could align symbols horizontally and keep diagonal lines short and with consistent angles, but really, I think your schematic is well done. It’s clear and easy to follow which is most important.

[Esquirefreak]

Wow, thanks, that means alot!

/Max

[Esquirefreak]

I'll get back with some gut shots when I take it out of the cabinet next time.

The faceplate is made with dry transfer lettering. So it's not perfect, but it's hand made.

I tried to build with whatever parts I had on hand at the time.

EDIT: I'll change the pot labels in the schematic so that they match the faceplate.

/Max

[acheld]

+What everyone is sayin'.  Looks nice.

Which program did you use?   Just curious -- I have a longstanding obsession regarding inexpensive computer programs for schematics . . .

[Esquirefreak]

I used "ElectricDesignPro". Since my only computer is a Macbook, the list of alternatives is slightly narrower than the PC offerings.

The price I paid would probably translate to ~$30.

/Max

[pdf64]

Looks good, well done!
The OT secondary switch looks a bit off, like there's an unused switch position.

[Esquirefreak]

Well spotted! It's originally a 4 position switch. I might create my own switch symbol, copying another design.

/Max

[tubeswell]

I used "ElectricDesignPro". Since my only computer is a Macbook, the list of alternatives is slightly narrower than the PC offerings.

The price I paid would probably translate to ~$30.

/Max

JSchem is free (and there is a Mac version)


http://jschem.bplaced.net/

[Esquirefreak]

Ah, darn it, I already bought the other software 

/Max

[acheld]

I already bought the other software

I'd consider trying JSCHEM.   It's a lot simpler than ElectricDesignPro.  I like the fact that it has been stable for years now, and does exactly what I tell it to do.   But -- it does not produce nearly as pretty schematics as does Visio or some of the high end schematics editors.   If you're happy and proficient with EDP, stick with it.   

The real investment is the time spent mastering any software program. 

[Esquirefreak]

At this point I feel like I'll try to master (or learn, to be honest) drawing and reading schematics before doing software comparisons. It's enough of a challenge right now 😄

But thanks for the recommendation and I'll check out the software anyway 👍

/Max

[Esquirefreak]

So, revision B and some gut shots.

Wall voltage at home is 5-10 volts lower than on my work bench, so it's biased with the higher voltages in mind.

Any further improvements I should do on the schematic? For the first time in quite a while, I feel like I'm learning new stuff. It's really fun.

/Max

[sluckey]

Nice improvement. Missing a connection dot on V2 pin 1. The resistor symbols look huge to me. Do you have control over the size?

Good looking build. I've always wanted to try a variable slope or shape control but never did. Do you find your shape control to be useful?

[Esquirefreak]

Aaah. I knew I missed something! The resistor symbol size was preset so I just went with that one. I will probably crimp it and save as a custom shape. If I mark all the resistors and crimp them simultaneously, it won't be too much work. I think the diode symbol size is way too big as well.

I find the variable slope VERY useful. High slope, scoop mids, EQ at noon and low preamp volume makes for a nice fender-ish clean.

Low slope, flat mids, roll down the bass, sharp bright cap and volume at 2 o clock and it really grinds. I think it sounds like its own thing. Kinda like a mix between a brown Bassman, a 2203 and a tweed amp. And how hard you drive the PI is another variable. I might make a Youtube video of it.

I'll get the little details corrected later today. Thanks!

/Max

[Esquirefreak]

I'm gonna call it done by now.

/Max

[tdvt]

The final drawing looks great & interesting extras as well.

I am intrigued by the variable slope, I will have to try that.
 

[Esquirefreak]

Thanks!

I first tried it on my 5F6A-ish build but with a fixed 56k resistor in series with a 50k log pot and really liked it. I think that the 100k linear pot and 22k resistor makes for a broader, yet useful sweep.

/Max

[mresistor]

That's a very good looking amp!

[Esquirefreak]

Last pic, I promise!

/Max

[mresistor]

LOL where's the knobs for the little head to the left?

[Esquirefreak]

Had to borrow for something else... 

[wsscott]

Really nice build too!  Great looking amp inards!  Did you also create a Layout of your schematic?  I've done that one time, based on an existing schematic that had been modded, and that was a tough chore.  I've thought of doing another amp and trying my skill at doing a Layout, but haven't pursued it--yet!

[shooter]

Did you also create a Layout of your schematic?

take a good finished gut-shot, use colored pencils, lots less brain, lots more fun

[wsscott]

Shooter-Could you be a little more "detailed" in your methodology?  (HAHA).