Transformer leads / ground point

[eazilyled]

I have started building my Ceriatone Expression kit with Heyboer transformers.

I'm not happy with my soldering of the power transformer centre tap leads to the ground lugs near the power socket - I ended up putting a little too much solder on the joint and it isn't as shiny as I'd like, although I wouldn't call it dull and it seems strong mechanically.

Ideally I'd like to redo it by cutting back and stripping some more of the leads, but the problem is that I have already cut the leads to just the right length.

So as I see it my choices are:
1) Leave it as is.
2) Cut the transformer leads back and splice together with wires of the same gauge.
3) Relocate the ground point so it moves slightly towards the centre of the chassis so that the wires will reach (unspliced) - perhaps a few mm or so.

Any ideas what should I do?

It's frustrating as this was the first solder joint in the amp and I wanted to keep everything squeaky clean.

Cheers,
Rick

[Merlinb]

Do you have enough length available to connect the CT directly to the negative end of the reservoir capacitor(s) instead? That would be even better than connecting it to chassis.

[eazilyled]

Do you have enough length available to connect the CT directly to the negative end of the reservoir capacitor(s) instead? That would be even better than connecting it to chassis.

Thanks Merlin. Do you mean connect the leads directly to the negative end of the reservoir caps (C15 / C16?), or to the star ground that the caps connect to? I will check this out tonight.

Also, just to be clear, I'm talking about both centre taps - one for the heaters and one for the HT. I dunno if this makes any difference.

Cheers,
Rick

[Merlinb]

Do you mean connect the leads directly to the negative end of the reservoir caps (C15 / C16?), or to the star ground that the caps connect to? I will check this out tonight.

The HV centre-tap should ideally go directly to the caps, if possible (first rule of grounding!). The heater centre-tap is less important, and could be grounded just about anywhere that you find convenient.

[eazilyled]

Directly to the caps if possible (first rule of grounding!)

In that case, I should have enough wire length. I have your book Merlin, I really should read the chapter on grounding again. Thanks a lot!