Express Layout Questions

[JKRamsey1991]

Good Morning,

I am in the planning stages of an Express build. I have built an Express based amp before but I used a more traditional AB763 power amp (mainly because I already had that built in a chassis). I am now wanting to build an electronically correct Trainwreck Express. I have seen some amp builds on here and elsewhere where guys have built them using a single turret board. Does anyone have the layout diagram for that circuit board? I would rather not waste time drawing it out if it already exists somewhere. Would be really interested in any that have the power supply caps located at their respective nodes on the main board but that may not be normal.

Also, is there any reason NOT to use can caps for the build? Seems like it would be a little cleaner inside the chassis than the stacked axial caps.

[pompeiisneaks]

In the express thread: https://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5691

in the trainwreck files section there's a layout posted with the original layout as Ken built them. You can print it off, and cut out the board and use it as a template for the drill holes. Is that what you're referring to? You may want to increase the print size to get it the way you want, if you think the printout is too small, but I've not tried it for the express myself. Doing so for the dumble I built worked a treat.

~Phil

[JKRamsey1991]

Yeah I have the original design as built by Ken was trying to see if anyone had modified the design to use a single board instead of the 2 boards one for the preamp and phase inverter and the other for the rectifier and power supply stuff. I am a little OCD and prefer one single board.

[norburybrook]

didn't Martin Manning do a single board , through hole express?

I did a single board Rocket.

Rocket Marcus Cliffe.pdf

M

[M Fowler]

You can build traditional with cap stack or use two can caps a 50+50uf 500V for B+1 and 40+20+20+20 500v for B+2,3,4,5

[norburybrook]

You can build traditional with cap stack or use two can caps a 50+50uf 500V for B+1 and 40+20+20+20 500v for B+2,3,4,5

I love the cap stack it's a little piece of sculpture inside the amp. Just make sure to silicone them down well


I'm sure Ken had a reason for it, after all he could tell the difference between different coloured wire




M

[JKRamsey1991]

You can build traditional with cap stack or use two can caps a 50+50uf 500V for B+1 and 40+20+20+20 500v for B+2,3,4,5

That's probably going to be the route I take. I may sit down and draw up the layout with all on one board as well not sure yet.

[M Fowler]

Yeah some of us have built with can caps.

My photo is a Rocket with can caps.

Both www.rjguitars.net and Martin Manning designed Express with either PCB or eyelet board see my builds.

Mark

rj experimental Rocket 005.JPG

Fowler PCB Express gut 1.jpg

PCB Express gut 2.jpg

[JKRamsey1991]

Currently I started building an Express with a more traditional Fender style power section. Only doing this because I had the power section built already in a chassis. Once this is done and working I still plan on building the accurate circuit version.

[drew]

https://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7261