new build 36lite with vvr

[chaliapin]

Hi all, just ordered parts from steve at valvepower to build a 36lite with vvr, does anyone have agood layout/ build pictures/ general information. I'm a beginner not knowing much about electronics and having so far just built the ampmaker pp-18 which went without major problems. Any help/ advice/ links appreciated,

cheers all.

[chaliapin]

I'm doing some serious self education here but would still really like to see a 36w lite layout if anyone has such a thing anywhere?

[chaliapin]

ok, looks like I'm not gonna find one, gonna have to draw one. Gonna leave out the vvr for the time being. If anyone even has any pics of board and wiring that would really help me out, I've got a 36w lite schem and the ritchie hall layout but there's a lot i don't need on there. Valve rectified by the way,

thanks for any help,
Mike

[chaliapin]

So the tenth anniversary of buying the parts for this is coming up so I thought I'd try to build it...

Would still love to see a layout if anyone has one.

I want spring reverb, probably in a pedal. Out in front or do I need to figure an effects loop or should I add that when I've got the beast up and running?

Also Steve never sent my the vvr, any suggestions on a supplier and best way/ place to fit?

Thanks all.

Sent from my SM-J600FN using Tapatalk

[JMPGuitars]

So the tenth anniversary of buying the parts for this is coming up so I thought I'd try to build it...

Would still love to see a layout if anyone has one.

I want spring reverb, probably in a pedal. Out in front or do I need to figure an effects loop or should I add that when I've got the beast up and running?

Also Steve never sent my the vvr, any suggestions on a supplier and best way/ place to fit?

Thanks all.

Sent from my SM-J600FN using Tapatalk

Hi Mike,

I'd suggest starting by looking at our 36W section in the downloads: viewtopic.php?t=24432

We don't have anything specific to what you thought you were purchasing, but chances are, what we have listed is better.

If you want a 2 knob "lite" variation, I would suggest looking at the preamp from the 18W Lite 2b(ish), and the power amp section from any of the 36W variations that match your power tube choice.

If you're looking for a TMB lite, there is one in the 36W link above.

Thanks,
Josh

[chaliapin]

Thanks Josh, I need to print them out so I can study them properly. I built the ampmaker 18w for my sister around ten years ago. Two knobs, fantastic. Basically looking for the same with more headroom and a place to stick reverb. I love the breakup but I love the cleans too! I want to play at decent volume at the edge of breakup with humbuckers as well as single coil.

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[Bieworm]

Sounds like a pretty straight forward project. Just build the preamp of the lite2b and go from the wiper of the volume pot to the PI of the 36W, after the .01uf coupling cap. And the reverb implementing can be borrowed from the 18W Tremolo TMB reverb.

In a few months I'm doing a SE version of the Tremolo TMB Reverb, but I'm going to try it with a 12DW7 tube to push the tank a little more... an experiment obviously

FWIW I won't build a 36W ever again without mastervolume type2.. it's just too loud from the start on the volume pot..

[chaliapin]

Im not allowed to access the 36w tmb reverb download. Do I have to ask nicely?

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[Bieworm]

Im not allowed to access the 36w tmb reverb download. Do I have to ask nicely?

Sent from my SM-J600FN using Tapatalk

Honestly.. I tried the VVR route once.. won't do it again. IMHO the type 2 LarMar master volume works great!

[chaliapin]

Really? I thought vvr was the dog's dinglies? The 18w I built had a 3 way switch for 18-9-2 watts. 9 was great, 2 good but a bit fizzy.

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[Bieworm]

Really? I thought vvr was the dog's dinglies? The 18w I built had a 3 way switch for 18-9-2 watts. 9 was great, 2 good but a bit fizzy.

Sent from my SM-J600FN using Tapatalk

Some like the VVR, I don't. But it's pretty easy to implement if you build from scratch. I like the type 2 mv better, but it only gives overdrive from the preamp and PI.
And I know what you mean with the 2W setting on that Primary Windings transformer, that will be the same result with a VVR.. just saying .. give the type 2 a try, regardless of what the purists on power tube overdrive say.
You will thank me for bringing it up. All you need is a dual gang 500k audio pot, 2 4.7M resistors and some shielded wire

[chaliapin]

Ok, I worked out I couldn't access downloads from tapatalk but I can from the browser...

There's quite a lot of variations been developed!

What I liked about the 18 lite was the musical and responsive simplicity of it. I didn't so much mind whether it was getting great over drive at noon ear splitting levels. Once you get past raunch into rock I lose interest. I want to build the 36 for a little extra headroom and a little extra challenge.

Im thinking for a beginner I should build the lite with mv as suggested being as I have nearly all the parts, then consider mods for reverb/ effects loop etc. Or will I be cursing trying to retro fit instead of doing it right first time?

Sent from my SM-J600FN using Tapatalk

[Bieworm]

Ok, I worked out I couldn't access downloads from tapatalk but I can from the browser...

There's quite a lot of variations been developed!

What I liked about the 18 lite was the musical and responsive simplicity of it. I didn't so much mind whether it was getting great over drive at noon ear splitting levels. Once you get past raunch into rock I lose interest. I want to build the 36 for a little extra headroom and a little extra challenge.

Im thinking for a beginner I should build the lite with mv as suggested being as I have nearly all the parts, then consider mods for reverb/ effects loop etc. Or will I be cursing trying to retro fit instead of doing it right first time?

Sent from my SM-J600FN using Tapatalk

Fx loop is perfectly doable afterwards, but reverb should be implemented immediately when you think you will want it some day. It's a really sensitive part of the circuit and you don't want a mess with that part... believe me.
Or you can do like me, build a stand alone Unit and run it through the fx loop

20220929_193546.jpg

[chaliapin]

Ok, still very much at the head scratching stage looking through schematics and layouts.

My faceplate was marked for the vvr with a click to turn the power on so that won't suit the MV so well. Not critical but still be nice to use it. On the other hand i don't actually have the vvr...

Anyway, definitely want the FX loop for outboard reverb in the future so going to try to figure that in on the schematic and layout from the get go.

I'll post my layout draft for perusal before I start hammering turrets...

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[chaliapin]

So im reading rob's website, mostly 'how amps work ' and trying to work through my schematic but not finding it that easy. Does anyone have an annotated 18 or 36w schematic labeling components like 'grid stopper' 'coupling cap' etc?

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[JMPGuitars]

So im reading rob's website, mostly 'how amps work ' and trying to work through my schematic but not finding it that easy. Does anyone have an annotated 18 or 36w schematic labeling components like 'grid stopper' 'coupling cap' etc?

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I don't think so? But ask a couple questions and find the answers.

Where is a grid-stopper resistor connected?

What does a coupling cap do?

You might find some helpful info on http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/

For example: http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/gridstopper.html

Thanks,
Josh

[Bieworm]

That's a good answer! I learned a lot from Josh, but what I value the most is that he mostly does not answer, and pushes you in the right direction to teach yourself by studying the matter.
A few years ago I knew nothing... but now I'm able to do the stuff I need to do.

[JMPGuitars]

That's a good answer! I learned a lot from Josh, but what I value the most is that he mostly does not answer, and pushes you in the right direction to teach yourself by studying the matter.
A few years ago I knew nothing... but now I'm able to do the stuff I need to do.

...and you're able to help others along the way.

[chaliapin]

Ive been reading which bit does what like mad. I just can't always look back at the schematic and find what I've just been reading about.

Barry at amp maker has kindly shared his not in production pp36 v1 layout. Don't want to post it here as I don't think it's public but I assume I can use it as is?

Lastly I need new tip(s) for soldering iron. The turret video has a wedge shaped one. Do I also need a smaller one for Jack sockets etc?

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[JMPGuitars]

Ive been reading which bit does what like mad. I just can't always look back at the schematic and find what I've just been reading about.

Barry at amp maker has kindly shared his not in production pp36 v1 layout. Don't want to post it here as I don't think it's public but I assume I can use it as is?

Lastly I need new tip(s) for soldering iron. The turret video has a wedge shaped one. Do I also need a smaller one for Jack sockets etc?

Sent from my SM-J600FN using Tapatalk

We can't account for a schematic or layout made by anybody else, especially if we haven't seen it. You can use it, but if you can't post it, then we can't help troubleshoot as easily. You would need to contact them for help, or ask permission to post it here.

I use a 2.4mm chisel tip for almost everything. If your iron is decent quality, with temperature control, you should be fine with that.

This list includes a lot of the equipment / supplies I use: viewtopic.php?t=25173

Thanks,
Josh