Anybody built a two stroke?

[FunkyE9th]

My 1st build was two-stroke inspired.

I also played Victoria's version of the two-stroke. Very nice amp.

Go here to hear some Dave Hunter recordings with the two-stroke... http://www.myspace.com/twostrokeampkits

[Zippy]

Here are a couple of shots of the one that I built almost a year ago. The schematic is pretty much up to date, except that I have since upped the first filter cap to 36uf from the 20uf shown on my schematic. I might have changed one or two other small things but I can't remember off hand.

Nice lookin' build.

What is the significance of the schematic bits in Green?

What iron?

Thanks.

[AJD]

Thanks for the kind words everyone. I don't want to hijack this thread so I'll keep it brief. I began with the Fender Princeton 5F2 as the basis, as did Hunter. The green parts on my schematic indicate where either Hunter or I made a change from the 5F2. The most notable change is the substitution of the tone stack from the 5F2-A. The transformers I used are the PT (Hammond 290CX) and the OT (Hammond ESE125).

p.s. myfoot, it looks like you have everything there. If you do it, you won't regret it.

p.p.s. Later tonight I'll change the green graphics to black and re-post it for mcrracer and anyone else those who might have a difficult time reading the schematic as it is now.

[M Fowler]

AJD,

I had commented on your nice amp a long time ago I think it is the same amp anyways. But you have to admit that a person would be further ahead using the Fender 5F2 layout and schematic rather than the poor example that Dave Hunter had drawn up for the book. I am surprized newbies could even get an amp built with that layout. I know from other forums they have lots of question because of this.

Mark

[Zippy]

Thank you, AJD.

Now, what's up with the bird?

[AJD]

mfowler:
Yep Mark, It's the same amp. I've had so much fun with this one I haven't felt the need to build anything else (yet). I definitely agree w/you about just using the 5F2 schematic. I was surprised that given all of the effort that it takes to publish a book that Hunter never drew up his own schematic or showed the entire Fender schematic. In a way it was good for me because, being completely green in electronics, it forced me to really dig in and learn what each component was supposed to be doing and why, so that I could draw up my own schematic. Hunter's layout is ok if you just want to slap the thing together and get playing without having to read schematics or really know what is going on. On the flip side, I think that Hunter's verbal explanation of how the signal travels through the circuit is excellent.

Zippy:
The bird (it is supposed to be a chicken) has a few reason's for being. First since this is a tweed-type circuit and I used "chicken head" knobs, both of which are indicative of a "retro" aesthetic, I called the amp Chickn' Head. As far as the graphic itself I drew the chicken as a sort of characture of my brother if he were a chicken, and if he were a cartoon. He kind of is a cartoon actually. He plays guitar too and is generally a menace. Very Rock and Roll. Anyhow since a lot of amps tout a macho rock and roll or metal vibe (Bugera anyone?) I went for the humor angle I suppose. It fits more with my character and outlook. I'm surprised that all of this wasn't obvious. Ha! Kidding.......

[M Fowler]

jcr1234

So what have you decided to do about building a Two Stroke amp? Get a A 5F2 kit, B order the Two Stroke, or C source your own and build it cheaply which is a lot more fun.

I vote for C that way you can use any type of chassis, head or combo and make your own cabinet or cabinets depending on head or combo.

Mark

[M Fowler]

myfoot

Does that old amp work?

The previous organ amp I got I was forced to scrap the iron neither one were any good. Good thing I had some Deluxe iron for the 18w build.

Picked up another Hammond organ with 28 tubes in it mostly 12AU7, some 12AT7, two 6V6 now in my Express, 5u4 and some other ones I can't remember but of value. The power supply is good on this one. It has a whole host of small relays on it.

Mark

[myfoot]

To be honest I haven't tried to fire it up yet. I got a lot of tubes and 2 testers and a box and have been going thru the other stuff first. I'll have to give it a try tomorrow . The tubes that were in it were all good but I guess you have to wonder why it's at the bottom of a repairmans box

I'm kind of hoping the iron is good , be a nice winter project along with the JTM50 it looks like I've finally gotten all the parts for. I'll let you guys know tomorrow.

[Structo]

In that picture of your amp, do you have it powered up?
I thought I detected some heater glow on the top of a couple tubes?

[myfoot]

Flash from the camera Noticed that too. Could be a good omen.

[M Fowler]

Myfoot,

Just take it slow and easy when firing that thing up.

Mark

[myfoot]

Power transformer works . I disconnected the capcan and I'm getting 360 volts off the rectifier and the rec heater's at 5.7 . My wall voltage is usually over 125 here though.

I'll test the OT later but am hoping everything goes okay

[mcrracer]

You may want to use a light bulb limiter the first time you fire that amp up

[myfoot]

That's a good idea. Thanks for reminding me about those.