Filter caps on a Rocket -- re-configure (no stack)?

[Paultergeist]

Greetings!

I am about to begin a build of a Rocket clone based on the Ceriatone "Rock It" kit. I am probably being a bit over-obsessive, but I had a question about the filter caps on this amp:

I notice on the Ceriatone "Rock It" -- as well as the other Rocket-based clones of which I have seen pictures -- that the filter capacitors are glued/siliconed to the chassis bottom, with a second (top) row of filter caps then glued on top of the first (bottom) row. As I look at this arrangement, I really do not like it. I am not a big fan of gluing components to the chassis, and I feel that the arrangement I am seeing on these Rocket clones is going to make cap replacement more difficult, as well as make it hard to check voltages along the power rail -- plus it just does not look that good to me.

All this being the case, I am inclined to try to relocate those caps into a single-layer configuration -- this will mean spreading the filter caps out a bit more. I have noticed that sometimes a relocation brings with it other problems, and I am trying to think ahead. My question, then, is has anyone else felt compelled to try and reposition the filter caps on a Rocket? If so, how was the outcome? Any major hurdles or problems?

Any suggestions are much appreciated.

Paul

[bcmatt]

I know that replacing them with a couple cap cans mounted through the chassis is a popular alteration that is tidy and successful.

[ampmike]

Jim hear just did one and got a deeper chassis and put them on top of a board,That I know isnt quite what your looking for but at least they are not glued to a chassis.They are still stacked but may be held together with a few large zip tyes.I think he got a 2.5 deep chassis,Mike

[Gibsonman63]

+1 on the can caps.

[Big Jim]

Here is the thread showing the way I did the Cap Stack. I kind of combined a board mount with the stacking process. They are very solid and I feel they look better than the original way. I used the 2 1/2" deep chassis from watts. Still not as neat as the can cap style though. The next build I do will probably have can caps.
Jim
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=18367

[M Fowler]

Not sure if you just saw my thread or not.

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=

I have used can caps as well as boards in Rocket builds over the years.



Mark

[fishy]

Just incase this is what you are looking for...

RJ has a layout for the Rocket using a seperate power supply board where the caps are all laid out such that the individual caps are accessible. With numerous amps built based on this layout, it might be just what you are looking for. The grounding scheme is also proven at this point also.

I don't have the link to the el84 beast but it is the same as that used on this amp. Maybe some one else has it if your interested in going that way.

http://www.rjguitars.net/rj_Rockster_Layout_rev_4.1.jpg

Capcans have been used successfully in all the TW designs. Dana (UR12) being oneof the first to use it.

[Paultergeist]

Thanks to all for the helpful replies!

Jim, Mark, that you for pointing out those build threads! You both have very nice-looking builds, and I am sure that they sound as good as they look! I am already picking up some ideas and insights from the photos you both have posted.

Fishy, yes, that is what I had in mind. Thanks for the layout. I think I have some extra G10 plastic lying around -- and I know I have some extra turrets -- so I think that I will build a couple of turret strips to spread out the filter caps in a single layer arrangement. I may have to pass a few of the wires from the PT underneath some of the filter caps, but I don't think (?) doing so should create any noise problems, as I will be keeping away from the pre-amp side of the chassis.....

Thanks again for the help! I very much appreciate it!

Paul

[xtian]

One more take: I still used a stack glued to the chassis (so that's not what you're after) but I rotated the stack 90 degrees, and this may help answer your question about whether different layouts raise trouble. In this case, no, it worked out great.

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=17584

[Paultergeist]

Thank you!

I am probably being overly-cautious -- after all, I should be able to change locations around a little bit -- especially while I am staying away from the more-sensitive pre-amp side of the fence. Having said that, I have been surprised a couple of times, when moving something I did not think should matter ended up.....mattering. (Grounding, in particular, is half-science and half voodoo to me).

If I ma going to build the thing, I am going to build it the way I like it; I deal with unexpected consequences if they arise. No stacked filter caps for me.

...but thanks for your reply, and yes, I understand the rational of rotating the stack to feed the B+ side (closer) into the circuit board...

[Super_Reverb]

Am in the midst of a Rocket build now. I placed the reservoir and screen filter caps on a board beneath the PT. PT machine screws thread into standoffs and then filter cap board screws thread into same standoffs.

My pre/PI board layout has three filter caps on it. If you make the main ckt bd about 1/2-1" longer than "standard", everything fits. In my experience, you end up with quieter PS taps if you filter the preamp PS locally (on the circuit board). Can't argue with the sucess of the traditional layout - it seems to work for most builders. I opted for a more typical flat PS layout.

rob

[Paultergeist]

Thanks Rob!

Having one of the filter cap boards *share* the mounting screws with the PT is an excellent idea!

Any chance you can post a "gut shot" of this amp?

[M Fowler]

This is an octal Rocket but I did my cap boards different on this amp.

Same basic TW PT/OT orientation and stock tone board location in TW chassis.

[Paultergeist]

Thanks, Mark, I appreciate the photo. That is exactly what I had in mind.

Nice-looking wiring job and layout.

Along similar lines, I could not help but notice the beautiful wood cabinet in your avatar.....is that your handiwork as well?

Paul

[M Fowler]

Thanks the cabinet was built by a member here by the name of Distortion and he does fantastic work.

Mark