Building a Rocket - Layout Check for group build

[hairyandy]

There is definitely a Cut control like in an AC30.

Andy

[RJ Guitars]

Just a nit - shouldn't that be V T B C for the Rocket?

Hello All - Nickt picked this up correctly, it should be "C" for cut... That's easy enough to fix... part of what we are need are extra sets of eyes to catch the various flaws on these prototype pieces. This front panel is unique to the ROCKET. Good catch Nickt!

The front panel specs for the hole locations are exactly as they are on the build documents put together by Matt Taylor in 2004. I re-posted that below. I'm not sure we know that these are absolute, but they match up closely to the Rocket images we have available to us.

As far as the rest of the chassis layout, it is extremely close to the Matt Taylor specs, but not exactly. I have added the IEC power socket (Heresy in some circles) which in turn has pushed the other rear controls to the right. Looking from the back panel, I have also moved the Rectifier socket 1/4" to the right. Before this it was kinda tight up against one of our transformer options. Everything else should be bang on with the Taylor layout.

It occurs to me that that this design may not be for everybody... Because the 1/32" thick 8x2x17 Hammond Chassis is no longer available, I'll honor Kens work without worrying about an absolute copy... also because I don't have an actual Rocket to copy. This may not be everyones philosophy so I'm cool with that.

I will say this, after researching and studying the Rocket for a while, I'm finding some trends to indicate that the build info we are working from has some authenticity to it... my inclination but it has some statistical basis to it.

I think pictures or links to some other Rockets would be greatly useful... I'll post a couple here as well. Note that Malou has no labels or indicators... One thing about Ken's amps, he reserved the right to make them individual.

rj

[Fischerman]

FWIW, I'm all for an IEC connector. I'm gonna use one either way but I'd rather not have to take a Dremel and/or handfile to the chassis to install it. FWIW, I use the IEC connector with the built-in fuse (and spare fuse holder) and then use the typical fuse holder for a B+ (aka 'HT') fuse.

Like this, this one didn't come out perfect (looks fine when the rear faceplate is installed) but I've done better with more recent hack jobs:
[img:800:600]http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n4/m ... isrear.jpg[/img]

[Ron Worley]

Did you notice that the pics of Malou on Dave Funk's site shows a gut shot- but it's a Liverpool preamp board...

Wonder if that was intentional....

Ron

[hairyandy]

Did you notice that the pics of Malou on Dave Funk's site shows a gut shot- but it's a Liverpool preamp board...

Wonder if that was intentional....

Ron

Yeah, Dana pointed that out a while ago. Kinda lame that he doesn't tell you that the gut shot isn't of 'Malou'. Intentional? Hmmmm....

Andy

[nickt]

FWIW, I'm all for an IEC connector. I'm gonna use one either way but I'd rather not have to take a Dremel and/or handfile to the chassis to install it. FWIW, I use the IEC connector with the built-in fuse (and spare fuse holder) and then use the typical fuse holder for a B+ (aka 'HT') fuse.

Yes totally agree on the IEC. Attached cords are a PITA unless the amps a Combo IMO. There's actually an IEC with fuse AND switch that really cleans up all the mains wiring if used. You just solder the trannie primary straight to the connector - but prby not for all situations.


RJ - this is a great thread - thanks for making the running on the Rocket - super cool work!!

[gregarious]

RJ - this is a great thread - thanks for making the running on the Rocket - super cool work!!

+1

Was wondering what the difference between the Rocket chassis you (RJ) are prototyping and the Liverpool Rocket Allyn has on offer; layout, dimensions?

[RJ Guitars]

I appreciate all the good words - this has been an enjoyable experience so far. I have really been digging into the ROCKET history and have learned a ton about the amp and Ken Fisher. The cumulative information I've learned from other builders, reading historical archives, and discussions with the various vendors provides confidence we are on the right track for a Rocket replica.

One other thing I am excited about is how many times I have heard or read that "the ROCKET is the best sounding amp ever".

Was wondering what the difference between the Rocket chassis you (RJ) are prototyping and the Liverpool Rocket Allyn has on offer; layout, dimensions?

I couldn't honestly tell you... maybe after we get through this Group build we will have to put together "ROCKET FEST" and look at all the various builds...

My intent for a ROCKET chassis is to have them made with quality materials and construction but keep that Ken Fisher "I made this out of a Hammond chassis box in my workshop" vibe to it.

"ROCKET FEST" in the fall of 2008 - who wants to head that up?

rj

[nickt]

My intent for a ROCKET chassis is to have them made with quality materials and construction but keep that Ken Fisher "I made this out of a Hammond chassis box in my workshop" vibe to it.

Ok this sounds cool - just change the Hammond "alfoil" to sturdy 2mm or better

BTW already have a Lightning in a Hammond chassis - can't imagine how it would cope with the ToneSlut trannies.

[RJ Guitars]

Ok this sounds cool - just change the Hammond "alfoil" to sturdy 2mm or better

I'll post a picture of a leftover chassis from one of my previous streaks of madness... an ODS style chassis.

The ROCKET chassis are being made a the same shop and will look just about the same as this one except all the holes will be pre-machined on a CNC mill. I am especially thankful for that, those IEC socket holes are a royal pain. The metal is .090 (2.3 mm) Aluminum, and it's been welded at the corners.

It's got the Hammond "Look" to it, but actually a much better chassis. You can hang whatever tranny you want on these things.

rj

[RJ Guitars]

Hello Rocket Builders - Things are moving forward nicely.

The circuit boards are machined and ready for the turrets to be installed.

The chassis went into the production queue today, I don't have a delivery time yet but they expected a CNC machine open for later this week so I think it won't be long...

Transformers - I need a sincerity check from everybody because it's time for me to commit or not commit to a *transformer purchase. The First option list shows 11 guys who are in for the ROCKET Group build.

The chassis are pre-machined to fit the Heyboer Transformers 5199 PT and 5200 OPT.

To purchase transformers we have a couple options:
1) Heyboer 5199 PT & 5200 OPT. Moose offers these on his website for $165.00 a set (no choke) delivered. This is actually a great price. If this isn't agreeable to Moose then we can go direct to Heyboer for $150.00 per set (no choke) if we order a minimum of 10 sets. This doesn't include shipping so there really isn't a price advantage over working with Moose. In order to go directly the order will have to come from one individual (probably me unless someone else wants it...) although we can have the units drop shipped directly to you.

For a bit of a different flavor, Allyn has an optional set, but I do not have a price or specs from him... I believe they are Heyboer, but that is about all I know. I'll ask him if he will send me a note about them or maybe he will post for us. He is very knowledgeable on the Rocket amp.

I'd like to firm up the transformer option ASAP so we can get them ordered... send me your input especially if you are on that First option list. If you want to go through Moose or Allyn or another vendor directly that's cool, let me know.

I checked with Heyboer today and they don't have any back stock on these. Expect it to take a couple weeks.

*what transformers are right for the ROCKET - Legend, Rumor, and history all come together to indicate that Heyboer can supply an excellent choice for a set of transformers.

Phil at Heyboer told me that the model 5199 Power Transformer and the 5200 OPT was something very similar to Trannies that were ordered by Mr Ken Fisher himself... they are working from the same original spec sheet.

There is another option for the OPT - the Dynaco 470 or a clone of it such as the Dynaclone 470. This has been reported to be "The" transformer for a Rocket build...

I believe all the above transformer choices are very good and have an element of authenticity to them.

I'm working over the artwork for Lonely Raven tonight and his faceplate was a perfect fit to my roughed out Liverpool chassis... He has indicated that he'll supply these for us in cherry wood.

More to come later,

rj

[Lonely Raven]

Looks good. Get me that artwork and I'll start churning out the plates!

One suggestion though. I'd like to spell out the words Volume, Treble, Bass, Cut as well as Standby and Power, rather then just V T B C.

If the masses agree with that change that is. If not, I'll just do it on my own and not worry about it.

Just FYI, later Trainwrecks had the words spelled out. Calamity Jane is a good example of a Trainwreck with all the words spelled out.

[Fischerman]

What would the B+ be if we use the lower voltage (260-0-260 IIRC?) secondaries on the PT? Mark Abbott's Rocket schemo says 305-315vdc B+ plate voltage on the EL84s with a GZ34.

[Lonely Raven]

I received the drawings. I'll update the template with the new drawings and I'll have the new faceplates in production by Wed.

You Rockit builders are going to love these faceplates!

[RJ Guitars]

What would the B+ be if we use the lower voltage (260-0-260 IIRC?) secondaries on the PT? Mark Abbott's Rocket schemo says 305-315vdc B+ plate voltage on the EL84s with a GZ34.

Ah yes, we are shooting for something right on top of those numbers you mention... There are a ton of old posts on Heyboer transformers and earlier discussions specifically on the Rocket. The two transformers that generally are discussed are a Heyboer 260-0-260 and a 250-0-250 Pacific transformer that KF used occasionally.

If you dig through the old Mark Abbott you'll find more on this, as well as a couple statements eluding to the fact that he had actually been inside a Rocket before he made his drawings and build.

rj