Some questions about the Express

[57goldtop]

Hi all,

I'm quite new here and I am currently building an Express using
most parts from the Ceriatone kit ( the pre assembled boards + chassis ). The transformers are from Toneslut, the filter caps are Mallory's from Alliedelec and the audio caps are straight from Allynmey.

This is the first time I have ever built a valve amp and I got the inspiration to build one after checking out one of geetarpicker's threads on the LPF recently.

What is done with the wires that are not used for the PT ?

For example.. yellow/green 260v is not used and the greys aren't used. Are the unused wires simply cut right at the base of the transformer ?

Also, can someone confirm if the 6600 blue and 6600 brown are used on the OT to pin 3/ power tube sockets in Fransesca ?

[gearhead]

I highly recommend using the search function, although this board's is a bit tricky. For multiple words, you need to put the word "and" (no quotes tho) between them.

Try:
6600
unused wires

[paulster]

This is the first time I have ever built a valve amp and I got the inspiration to build one after checking out one of geetarpicker's threads on the LPF recently.

Talk about jumping in at the deep end. It's a bit of a beast because it's so sensitive to just about everything you can imagine, but there's nothing like a baptism of fire sometimes! If you haven't already, make sure you get the full suite of photos of Francesca downloaded so you can look very closely at the lead dress, particularly around the tone stack and the V2 grid wire.

What is done with the wires that are not used for the PT ?

For example.. yellow/green 260v is not used and the greys aren't used. Are the unused wires simply cut right at the base of the transformer ?

I heatshrink the ends and then cable tie them into a loop under the power supply board. Other people cut them off. Others remove the transformer endbells, heatshrink the ends and then hide them within the endbells. The choice is yours, but make sure the ends are insulated so there's no chance of a short against anything.

Also, can someone confirm if the 6600 blue and 6600 brown are used on the OT to pin 3/ power tube sockets in Fransesca ?

If you're basing your build on Glen's clips as your benchmark then use the 6600ohm taps on the transformer (blue and brown with no stripes). Glen's Express, being an earlier one, has the 6600ohm output transformer whereas later, more aggressive amps, have the 5200ohm output transformer.

Oh, and enjoy!

[57goldtop]

Hi Paulster,

I've closely followed the wiring layout from the photos of Fransesca and I'm aware that the lead dress is very critical to obtaining a good sounding amplifier and so I'm making the leads as short as possible as well.

One problem I am having with the Ceriatone chassis is that PT leads are difficult to pull through the holes, I could simply cut the ones that aren't used but I would rather not. I think the idea of packing them inside the end bells is great, I never thought of that.

As for the 6600/5200 ohm taps I'm going to connect them to a toggle switch somewhere on the chassis so I can have both and experiment.