Firefly 1.5W Tube Amp Build

[Katastrophe]

Strange... I posted a reply, and now my post is missing.

[oldguy]

That little sucker sounds great, Voodoo. You may have just built the least expensive boutique mini stack in existence!

[Robert****]

That is awesome, vood! What a fun project that must be for you! :
Cool happening tones, dude! I didn't know Jimmy Page came over to play it for you?

[duhvoodooman***]

Strange... I posted a reply, and now my post is missing.

What did you say??

[Katastrophe]

Repost:

Couldn't think of anything better to ram through it than some vintage Zep. Now, I'll never be confused for Jimmy Page, but playing aside, this sounded pretty good to me.

You're right... Page plays sloppier.: The tone you're getting from the amph sounds very warm, even through my little computer speakers. Great stuff, DVM!

Added:

I wish I had your talent with electronics. Put a soldering iron in my hand, and somebody better have a paramedic on standby, with a bed waiting at the nearest burn center.

[Tone2TheBone]

SWEET!

I have GOT to build me one of these!

Hell yeah buddy that's what I told him. This is my next amp! Great job Voo! It's inspirational stuff mang!

[duhvoodooman***]

Anybody interested in tackling this DIY amp project, refer to the resource links back in posts #1 and #10 in this thread. John Calhoun's PCB and detailed instructions (with full BOM/source/part # info) really make it quite straightforward! If you have basic electrical knowledge, decent soldering skills and can follow directions, this really isn't that hard to do.... :

[warren0728]

can follow directions

man....i was so close... :

ww

[Robert****]

Me too, I get lost all the time when driving.

[tot_Ou_tard]

Anybody interested in tackling this DIY amp project, refer to the resource links back in posts #1 and #10 in this thread. John Calhoun's PCB and detailed instructions (with full BOM/source/part # info) really make it quite straightforward! If you have basic electrical knowledge, decent soldering skills and can follow directions, this really isn't that hard to do.... :

Jeez...I gotta look at previous posts & *then* what?!?

Hoo boy! I've got enough trouble trying to replace a speaker .

[SuperSwede]

Me too, I get lost all the time when driving.

Me too! I really need (ok want) a GPS.

[luvmyshiner]

DVM, I've been giving some serious thought to trying my hand at this little project. I've downloaded the guide and reviewed it. My biggest concern as far as tackling the project is with cutting out the chassis. I think I can get the round holes ok, but I have concerns about the hole for the IEC outlet. Could you explain how you tackled that one?

Also, did you make the chassis yourself or use something commercially available? Thanks for the input.

[duhvoodooman***]

I used a Hammond 1444-16 aluminum chassis that I ordered from Mouser.com. John Calhoun includes a template for this chassis (10"x6"x2") in his instructions.

Re: the holes, I handled eveything on the chassis with a regular drill set, except for the tube holes (got some panel punches from our shop here at work for those; worked great) and the IEC connector, which one of our shop techs cut out for me with a jigsaw.

[Tone2TheBone]

Hey Voo how are you going to handle putting the chassis in a brain head ermm I mean amp head? Some plywood and finish? Some plywood covered in tolex? I can't wait to see that baby when it's finished.

[tunghaichuan***]

Re: the holes, I handled eveything on the chassis with a regular drill set, except for the tube holes (got some panel punches from our shop here at work for those; worked great) and the IEC connector, which one of our shop techs cut out for me with a jigsaw.

I have a set of Irwin Unibit stepped drill bits. Home Depot and Lowe's sell a set that includes a #1, two #3s and a #4. The #1 goes up to 1/2", the #3s go up to 3/4" and the #4 goes up to 7/8". This will cover most of your drilling needs. I like the Unibit brand as they drill nice round holes. Some of the cheaper knock-offs don't do such a good job. The Vermont American bit I have, for example, drills triangular holes when using a hand drill.

I was thinking of having a machinist make me a template out of 1/2" aluminum plate for cutting IEC connector holes. The Greenlee punch is about $250 Yikes! I've had good luck with using a template with a laminate trimmer and a flush cutting bit with a roller bearing. Cuts through aluminum like butter. The downside: you have to clamp the open end of the chassis down as the bit throws little aluminum chips all over the place. Also, you can't cut ferrous materials with the bit/template.

I've used this method to cut 1 & 3/8" holes in aluminum chassis. I bored a 1 & 3/8" hole in a 1/2" thick piece of MDF and use that as a guide with my laminate trimmer and flush cutting bit. I'm too cheap to pony up the cash for yet another Greenlee punch (I already own 5).

tung

[luvmyshiner]

Thanks DVM and Tung. That gives me a plan of attack.

[duhvoodooman***]

Hey Voo how are you going to handle putting the chassis in a brain head ermm I mean amp head? Some plywood and finish? Some plywood covered in tolex? I can't wait to see that baby when it's finished.

Really haven't decided yet. Either plywood with a tolex/vinyal finish, or maybe just a nice wood enclosure, stained & urethaned. I'm really in no hurry, because (1) I'm enjoying playing the little sucker too much, and (2) I don't lug my stuff around, so there's really no functional need for an enclosure at this point. I'll get around to it eventually, and you know I'll post it here, when I do....

[Dreadman]

Cool, very cool.

I'm ordering parts tonight!

[Dreadman]

On second thought..........

I made a spreadsheet for the parts and realized it's going to be $170 just for the electronics. Add a chassis, case, speaker & misc. and we're talking $250-$300 for a 1.5 watt amp - unassembled. Too much for me.

If anyone wants the spreadsheet email me (I can't attach an .xlr file here, can I?). Copying and pasting makes ordering parts easier.