Dlator - a couple of questions on my build

[rogb]

Hi there,
I'm just starting my Dlator build thanks to the great info on here and especially Funks point to point tutorial. This is my first from scratch build. So far I have prepared the 1U rack case and cut the boards.

Question 1: I just put my order in to Mouser in the USA for the majority of my parts, some I obtained in the UK, but you can't beat Mouser for service.

But I forgot to order the 100K plate Vishay Dale RN65. They are not so easy to locate in the UK. I had ordered a regular metal film 5% 100K by mistake, is this going to screw my build over one resistor? Ordering 1 RN65 is $21 shipping

Question 2 - the shielded cable, I got some from an electronics store, he said it's "like RG174", it looks like crap to me, compared to the stuff I used in Ctone OTS HRM build.

What would be the best shielded I could buy for the job? I could get a few metres as it is handy to keep around as I build up my parts supply?

I would really appreciate your help here.
Thanks
Rog

[dogears]

No worries, most real Dlators do not use those RN65s for the plates. You will be fine.

[Structo]

If your DVM measures capacitance you can measure 1 foot of the shielded cable to see what it's capacitance is.
Over 50pf most likely rob some high frequencies.
But you can compensate for it.

You can compensate for that by reducing the 220K/250pf resistance.
First build it as the schematic shows, then see how it sounds.

I also recommend that you install the bypass switch by the jacks so you can flip back and forth to see how the tone and volume compare.

On my D'lator I had to reduce the 220K to 47K if I recall correctly.
But try 100K first, then the 47K.

Did you get a transformer yet? If so what voltage is it?

Hope this helps.

[rogb]

Thanks Scott, I can relax now! Been trying to source RN65s all day in the UK.

Why is it when you put an order in, you go over everything carefully, but next day when you recheck it, you forget something.

Is this just part of getting old

[guitardude57]

I think as long as you can find some coax that is close to 100% shield wrap you will be OK there too.

I built my d-lator in my amp with some pretty generic cable and had no probs.

You are dealing with some longer runs though. Just look at the specs for shield and get the best you can find.
Mike

[ChrisM]

Thanks Scott, I can relax now! Been trying to source RN65s all day in the UK.

Why is it when you put an order in, you go over everything carefully, but next day when you recheck it, you forget something.

Is this just part of getting old

No man, I'm 18 and do that all the time. Went to put together all the parts for a build last night, only to realize I was missing a transformer .

Apex Jr. sells some nice shielded cable. They have a $20 min order so you can stock up on cable there if you want. RG-174 is pretty common, I would think finding it in the UK wouldn't be too bad.

[rogb]

If your DVM measures capacitance you can measure 1 foot of the shielded cable to see what it's capacitance is.
Over 50pf most likely rob some high frequencies.
But you can compensate for it.

You can compensate for that by reducing the 220K/250pf resistance.
First build it as the schematic shows, then see how it sounds.

I also recommend that you install the bypass switch by the jacks so you can flip back and forth to see how the tone and volume compare.

On my D'lator I had to reduce the 220K to 47K if I recall correctly.
But try 100K first, then the 47K.

Did you get a transformer yet? If so what voltage is it?

Hope this helps.

Cheers Tom, I will investigate the bypass switch, thanks for the tip, I was more worried by the sheer crappiness of the cable, it is very thin, looks like it has just 10 very thin silver core wires and silver shield. It measures 43pF per foot.

I got a 135v 6.3v - 230 V tranny from Nik when I got my OTS kit

[rogb]

Thanks Scott, I can relax now! Been trying to source RN65s all day in the UK.

Why is it when you put an order in, you go over everything carefully, but next day when you recheck it, you forget something.

Is this just part of getting old

No man, I'm 18 and do that all the time. Went to put together all the parts for a build last night, only to realize I was missing a transformer .

Apex Jr. sells some nice shielded cable. They have a $20 min order so you can stock up on cable there if you want. RG-174 is pretty common, I would think finding it in the UK wouldn't be too bad.

Great, thanks Chris!

I have found some at a place called Maplins, it's like a Radio Shack but they have a pretty crappy parts selection these days.

Actually while you are here Chris, you are the reason I started getting in to this whole thing! Yup, that's right. I was trawling the net and I came across your builds. I was astonished at your age and the quality of your work, but here I am, some months later, getting in to the same stuff myself and loving it.

I was also encouraged to build my own cabs too, so thanks to you mate, it just goes to show, if you put your mind to something, you can do it.
Trouble is, I don't really understand all the inter actions between the components yet, but I'm getting there.

Here's my OTS in its cab

[Structo]

43pf is not too bad.
It's hard to find suitable coax below 30pf.

[dimitris]

Hi Rog,I have a few spare RN65 100k resistors.If you want PM me your address and i will mail you one.

[rogb]

Hi Rog,I have a few spare RN65 100k resistors.If you want PM me your address and i will mail you one.

Thanks for such a kind offer Dimitris, Guitarman 18 here in the UK has offered me one. He is also a very helpful guy

Without this forum I would not even attempted to do what I have done so far, so thanks again to all.

Just wish I knew enough to contribute some myself

I'll get some real RG174 and hopefully RN65 and I should be good to go.

Oh just one more thing (sounding like Columbo lol) I ordered some Switchcraft 1/4" sockets, I realise I should have got 11A and 12A, but I ordered 12A and 13A (did I mention I am pretty confused when it comes to the Mouser ordering system). Will I be OK with these? Or can adapt the 13A in some way to be the correct shorting type?

Sorry again about all these questions folks.

The amp, by the way, is sounding superb. I have an HRM lift switch on the back panel and I am getting some excellent bloom when I play with a soft attack, thanks to Henry for that excellent tip too

[Structo]

You need three 502-12A type and one 502-11.

Yeah you can use the 13A, just don't use the second ring contact.

[rogb]

You need three 502-12A type and one 502-11.

Yeah you can use the 13A, just don't use the second ring contact.

Thanks Tom, all the Mouser stuff arrived this morning, now that is quick!

I can see the extra contact "finger" on the 13. Which input or output does the 11 go on|? I'm only asking as these Switchcrafts have got me all confused now

Just to thank Guitarman 18 for his RN65 and Maplin for 5m of RG174

[Structo]

Funny, the Vox or Cliff type jacks confuse me!

This should help.
Although this shows all the jacks to be the switching type
the Output jack is the regular two lug type.

[rogb]

Tom, thanks for that, I have already copped the info off your excellent layout.
I just started to wire them up, checked the contacts with the DMM and the lightbulb moment happened!

The bypass switch remains, sadly, unwired. It's all running well, and the sheilded wires are all in place. I would love the option of switching the Dlator in and out but it sounds so good that I can't imagine switching it off