Working on a Dumbleator

[Vertigo]

I'm using Martins tweaked Dumblelator schematic along with a modified layout in the Files section to make a Dumbleator. I'll be slow going with my family being back in school, but all this is very new territory for me and it's keeping me sane during these weird times. Thanks to everyone who has shared information and especially to Martin for providing so much advise during my ODS build.

My little way of attempting to give back (once I know that it works) will be to make my DIY layout available as well as the PDF trace masks for those who don't want to do an eyelet board.

I tried to use components I had on hand but the 600V caps I had proved to be bigger than ideal, so I ordered 400V caps and tweaked the layout with the measurements I took off the leads. It occurred to me that this could be condensed quite a bit, but with the 1u rack enclosure I bought for this, I didn't bother trying to optimize for space too much.

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I wanted to try to etch boards since I've never done it before and because it seemed easier to get my kids involved than doing eyelet boards like I did when I started the SSS.

[Vertigo]

My 8 y/o daughter loves these kind of projects so of course I involved her.

We found some youtube videos about DIY boards and even found one that uses a mix of peroxide, citric acid and salt as the etchant rather than ferric chloride which seems like a much easier to use solution for an 8 y/o to handle.

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It took A LOT of tries to successfully get the toner to transfer to the copper. In the end, the difference was made by the proper percentages of alcohol and acetone coupled with rubbing the backside of the paper before I clamped it in my mill vise.

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[Vertigo]

I did all the drilling, set a few eyelets and give E a few lessons on how to solder. This kid is REALLY good with fine motor skills. I'll have her welding titanium soon and maybe she can take that over for me as my eyesight deteriorates

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We shared soldering duties and I tinned all the traces when we were done.

That's it for now; I've got to make the time to work on the chassis.

[martin manning]

That's pretty darn cute!

[norburybrook]

that's great I love this I have 2 daughters myself.





M

[alkuz1961]

I also once built a dumbleator and I have a cute front panel design for it.

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I can upload a file for laser engraving here. What program will be convenient for you to work with files? I draw in CorelDRAW, but I can convert this image to any format.

[Vertigo]

I also once built a dumbleator and I have a cute front panel design for it.
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I can upload a file for laser engraving here. What program will be convenient for you to work with files? I draw in CorelDRAW, but I can convert this image to any format.

That looks great! Any vector format that works with Illustrator would be fantastic. I have a vinyl plotter that I occasionally use for work and the plan was to cut some masks and spray it. Thank you!

[Vertigo]

Has anyone put another set of jacks and a switch on one of these so it can be used on two amps by toggling back and forth without having to disconnect cables?

[alkuz1961]

Here are the files I promised - cdr and ai. I hope this will be helpful
By the way, if you have a plotter for vinyl, the next time you can cut the PCB images from self-adhesive film and transfer them to the copper using the transfer film. It's is probably easier than transferring printer toner

[Vertigo]

Here are the files I promised - cdr and ai. I hope this will be helpful
By the way, if you have a plotter for vinyl, the next time you can cut the PCB images from self-adhesive film and transfer them to the copper using the transfer film. It's is probably easier than transferring printer toner

Thanks! That's a great looking file, and thanks for the suggestion. I thought about doing it that way but opted not to because it's such a small cut area and my plotter is rather large for the space I have. It's a pain to pull out, and currently my desk is littered with amp building supplies and tools. I'll need to cleanup before I can pull it out.

[M Fowler]

Can you give me information on that power transformer your using please.

Mark

[Vertigo]

I'm using the schematic provided by Martin with the Hammond 262A12 transformer that he suggested in the schematic here: https://tubeamparchive.com/download/fil ... &mode=view

[alkuz1961]

Can you give me information on that power transformer your using please.

Mark

This transformer is locally manufactured, wound to custom specifications. Very convenient size for 1U devices

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I had experience ordering R-core transformers in China. I liked the quality and efficiency of this product. The price is quite acceptable. The only drawback is the delivery time from China.

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[Vertigo]

Here are the files I promised - cdr and ai. I hope this will be helpful
By the way, if you have a plotter for vinyl, the next time you can cut the PCB images from self-adhesive film and transfer them to the copper using the transfer film. It's is probably easier than transferring printer toner

what schematic are you working from? I was taking a closer look at it and noticed the series/mix and bypass switches on yours. Is the series/mix a series/parallel?

[alkuz1961]

what schematic are you working from? I was taking a closer look at it and noticed the series/mix and bypass switches on yours. Is the series/mix a series/parallel?

Yes, this is a series/parallel switch.
This schematic was once published on this forum.

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