It is now about two years ago when I decided it would be nice to build my own valve amplifier. I went through a few ideas until I settled on this design.

The name: DCB18V is in remembrance of a dear friend and brother of mine that was called home by our Father in Heaven, about a year ago.

The desighn I have decided on. This particular circuit uses a solid state rectifier. I will use rectification valve (EZ81).


The turretboard desighn


The chassis that was desighned and build by Bottletone. Thanks Benj, it is of a very high quality. I can just hope my build is of the same standard.


The chassis with most of the goodies ?


Mains input and heater wiring


First milestone. The mains indicator and standby indicator works well. :dance:


As with all of us, we need to work for a living and as such work on a budget, the target date for completion is by the middle of March. I still need a few components that I missed ? and the valves of course. Then I will also purchase the wood for the cases soon.

I will post regular feedback as and when I can.

Wow! That looks incredible so far!

Cant wait to see the rest!

I wish I had more time to build. Well, here is a quick update.

I went to a friend of mine to ask him to drill a hole into a bolt for me so that I can make a tool to install the turrets. He had a better idea. He gave me a pop rivet socket in which the turret fits nicely and a centre punch to close the turret onto the board. Then we spend the rest of the afternoon having a great chat. ?


The turret board with all the turrets at the right places.


Ready to populate the components!

This one was a long time coming. So here is a update on my amplifier project.

It is now very close to completion, all I need is to install 3 resistors ?. Yea, I originally thought that I will have to wait for the valves, but no, 3 resistors >.

Anyway, apart from the resistors, all I have to do is to connect all the wires in the “spider web” to where they all need to go. I have designed the layout in such a way that if any maintenance needs to be done, then it is relatively easy to get to all the components and wires.

I want to go for a minimalistic look. That means that the front and back will have only enough markings on them to make sure that I do not forget what is what. But I need some assistance. I am looking for 2 pages, at most of decal paper. The type that you print on and the soak in water to get the decal onto the metal. I can buy it in packs of 50, but I do not think I will use more than one, two, in case I do something stupid :'(. Can anyone direct me to where I can order such a small amount?

The spiders web :roflmao:


The input section


The output section


My next update I will tell you if it works or if I had fireworks ?.

Looking good ?

RobbieZ wrote:
I want to go for a minimalistic look. That means that the front and back will have only enough markings on them to make sure that I do not forget what is what. But I need some assistance. I am looking for 2 pages, at most of decal paper. The type that you print on and the soak in water to get the decal onto the metal. I can buy it in packs of 50, but I do not think I will use more than one, two, in case I do something stupid :'(. Can anyone direct me to where I can order such a small amount?

Maybe give Rikus a shout:

Rikus wrote:

Small update... managed to get the logo sorted. Very pleased with the results. I had a slight miss communication when buying the waterslide transfer paper though. I phoned JG Electronics and asked them how much they charge and they quoted me a price per sheet. When I arrived I found that despite the price per sheet they sell them in packs... of 20... in A3. Suffice it to say that I now have a lifetime supply. If anyone is in need of a sheet of waterslide transfer paper let me know... I am more than happy to provide single pages. :?

Here is an update on the project. The amp works and it sounds great. Now, I need to experiment to see what I can get at which setting.
Three more jobs that need to be done:
1. Put the text on the face and back.
2. Build the box in which it will live
3. Build a CAB

Awesome work there!!! One day I will try something like this...
So far I have rewired my guitar... initially with one active and one passive pickup... and later with two actives.

I like you footer: "Learn from other peoples mistakes....You can't live long enough to make them all yourself...". As soon as the project is complete, I am planning on posting a "lessons learned".

RobbieZ wrote: I like you footer: "Learn from other peoples mistakes....You can't live long enough to make them all yourself...". As soon as the project is complete, I am planning on posting a "lessons learned".

I see you are a fellow vaalie...
Ja nee... some mistakes you have to make yourself and others you can avoid by listening, but us humans we like to make those mistakes anyways...

Congrats bro. Really happy for you!
It was great to share your excitement in the build.

Looking awesome ?

I thought it is time for a quick update.
I am currently busy with the head and CAB boxes. There is still a lot of work to do, but I actualy forget how much fun it is to work with wood. ?

The first pick is to "show-off" the contrast between the chassis and the pine. I still need to add the decals. All in good time ?



Basic structure


Front of the CAB (As I said still a lot of work still needs to be done)


Back


ALthough this is a fun project, I am looking forward to having it complete.

The second last update (I hope).
The only thing that is still outstanding is the decals. The printers that said thay could help me, evenualy gacve up. How difficult can it be .

Front


Side


Back


The family ?


For the last bit. Does anyone have any idea where I can get decals printed?

Have a blessed day.

What did this project set you back?

Gwydion wrote: What did this project set you back?

In total about 6k. I was fortunate to recieve the two transformers as a gift.

Hi RobbieZ

Very nice build....I love the way you did the joints on the amp enclosure. Very simplistic, yet effective. I have built an amp before which only requires the enclosure build. I have seen some really complicated and difficult jointing systems used in other builds which put me off from building a wooden enclosure in the past, such as dovetail joints etc. Now I feel really motivated by your project into finishing mine......

Cheers...

Lee

Hi Lee,

I am glad that my project motivated you again. I played around with dove tail joints and decided that I really do not want to go that route. Although I needed the strength of that type of joint. That is why I went the route I did. If you like to discuss further what I have done, PM me and we can have a chat.

Robbiez

Hey Robbie.

Damn fine build! Really neat work.

Unfortunately I'm somewhat backwards with electronic items. ? Would love to mod one of my Marshalls, (JCM900 4100) if I knew what the hell was going on. ?

Brilliant! I start watering at the mouth when I see builds like this. Very cool.

Slayer.

Robbie

I know the thread is a bit old but if you are still looking for waterslide decal paper try http://www.jgelectronics.com/ in Randburg

Also Zane Jacobs admin@zane.co.za he does all the water slide transfers