The UniWreck is getting closer...

[sliberty]

I have been working an hour here and an hour there on my Express build, which I have taken to calling the UniWreck. It started life as a Univox PA head, which I gutted to provide a donor chassis and head cab (and a few other parts). I am almost done with the chassis wiring, and have started assembling the preamp board. I'll add the board pictures when its done. You can find some pictures on my website (http://music.sliberty.com/uniwreck). Since this server runs at home, it can sometimes be down - if so, just try later.

Thanks to all who have been answering my questions (and those who have merely put up with them).

Steve

[Allynmey]

Hi steve, Looks good so far. Be mindful of the proper layout with this one. I was not a big believer of specific layout mojo but, with this build it seems to be the deal breaker. Very high gain and edge of stability design make layout very important. A few people have built exact clones down to the exact wire with proper parts and had it fire up first time and with proper tubes sound incredible. Some people used the right layout but used whateve parts and had issues. others have used the right parts and went to their own layout design and had issues also. many have built them and although they sound cool, don't sound like a 'wreck.

Allyn

[sliberty]

Allyn,

As I am getting closer to firing her up (see latest pictures at http://music.sliberty.com/uniwreck), Your comments about layout have me thinking. Since I am using a salvaged chassis, I had some minor (at least I thought they were minor) layout issues, but nothing that I felt would be an issue. For example, my OT is not located on the side of the chassis, but more towards the middle. Other minor differences that I am aware of involve the back panel (I went with existing holes).

In any case, if there is anything in particular that strikes you about my layout as a concern, please feel free to let me know (I am hear to learn).

As you will see in the pictures, there is still some work to do. My split plate load arrangement is not complete yet (waiting on some turrets that I ordered - I decided not to use the flea clip afterall), my input jacks are not wired up, and the boards and filters are not wired together yet (among other small things). I hope to get the remaining parts that I am waiting for this week, and then I will be ready to finish the job.

In the mean time I think I'll build a current limiter like the one Gerald Weber describes in his book. In the past, I have always just taken the plunge with a new amp, and turned it on (with fingers crossed). But this time I think I will go through the limiter on first power up. Of course that will be AFTER I do one last visual inspection to make sure that everything is correct

Thanks,
Steve

[Normster]

Steve, check the split-load thread. I drew up another diagram that allows you to use a split load without adding a turret.

[sliberty]

Steve, check the split-load thread. I drew up another diagram that allows you to use a split load without adding a turret.

Yes, I did see that one - thanks. But then, I decided that having it on the board was nice and clean, so I ordered some turrets. I am waiting for a few more parts as well, so I had nothing to lose.