6SL7/6BL7 driven Electra-Print 300B

[StepheK]

The advantages for me are a compact and clean build that is modular. It's also an advantage because I'm extremely proficient with Eagle and can kick out a new design in no time, upload it to a PCB house, and have a FedEx at my door in days...

I was speaking about an audible advantage, which is what I think of when I see someone say "no skimping".

You asked for last minute advice, now you seem to be saying you view the advice given as unwanted criticism. If you didn't want anyone to comment on your construction techniques, why mention them? Would you also view us commenting on your choice of components as unwanted criticism? Or that running a 300B tube this hard in my experience doesn't sound that good?

 

[maynard999]

I was speaking about an audible advantage, which is what I think of when I see someone say "no skimping".

You asked for last minute advice, now you seem to be saying you view the advice given as unwanted criticism. If you didn't want anyone to comment on your construction techniques, why mention them? Would you also view us commenting on your choice of components as unwanted criticism? Or that running a 300B tube this hard in my experience doesn't sound that good?

It's maybe unrealistic to think I'd scrap the PCBs and start over with point-to-point. I didn't understand the intent or the expected outcome of the comments. I think it's clear that I'm comfortable with the limitations of PCBs and extremely comfortable with my PCB design skills. And yes, I am very interested in comments about driving 300B tubes too hard or similar. Please share those thoughts.

 

[trainbuffton]

Its alot like building or restoring a car a car.
You put a bunch of hours in with a vision in mind. Eventually all of the individual components are in place and the bext step is to go for a drive.
Got 4 wheels.
Steering works.
Got brake pressure.
Transmission full
Engine oiled and full of coolant.
Fuel in the tank.
Air in the tires.
All suspension bolts are tight.
Driveline is in it.

Its time to go for a drive!

Naturally there are going to be problems that pop up but at this point they'll never be found if you dont at least attempt to operate the device as designed.
Whatever that device may be....
Give it a lookover and then plug it in!

 

[TriodeLuvr]

@maynard999 , where do you get the PCBs done? I need to have a bunch of little PCBs cut and drilled like the one in the photos below. Probably 100 or 200 pieces, depending on cost. I originally fabricated a batch by hand, but it's tedious work and I would like to farm it out. All the PCBs I've designed from home use software from ExpressPCB. It doesn't produce gerbers, and ExpressPCB isn't cost effective for something like this. The last time I discussed this with someone, they pointed me to freeware that unfortunately won't run on my older PCs. This is an area where I could really use some help. Sorry to sidetrack the thread.

Jack

 

[maynard999]

@maynard999 , where do you get the PCBs done? I need to have a bunch of little PCBs cut and drilled like the one in the photos below. Probably 100 or 200 pieces, depending on cost. I originally fabricated a batch by hand, but it's tedious work and I would like to farm it out. All the PCBs I've designed from home use software from ExpressPCB. It doesn't produce gerbers, and ExpressPCB isn't cost effective for something like this. The last time I discussed this with someone, they pointed me to freeware that unfortunately won't run on my older PCs. This is an area where I could really use some help. Sorry to sidetrack the thread.

Jack

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I use Jlbpcb like a lot of people. Tariffs are affecting them right now so keep that in mind. Fiverr is your best bet to find someone to do some design work for you. I use Eagle and it used to be the popular diy software. It’s going obsolete though. A lot have switched to the open sourced KiCAD. I’ll eventually do the same.

 

[TriodeLuvr]

I use Jlbpcb like a lot of people. Tariffs are affecting them right now so keep that in mind. Fiverr is your best bet to find someone to do some design work for you. I use Eagle and it used to be the popular diy software. It’s going obsolete though. A lot have switched to the open sourced KiCAD. I’ll eventually do the same.

Thank you. KiCAD looks great, but regrettably it won't run on either of my machines. Maybe I can find someone local who can do this for me without charging too much. Feel free to ask one of the mods to delete these OT posts - #44, 45, 46. They're always helpful and responsive. Thanks again, good luck with your project!

Jack

 

[maynard999]

Thank you. KiCAD looks great, but regrettably it won't run on either of my machines. Maybe I can find someone local who can do this for me without charging too much. Feel free to ask one of the mods to delete these OT posts - #44, 45, 46. They're always helpful and responsive. Thanks again, good luck with your project!

Jack

Try Fiverr. Lots of people on there in India that take on projects for next to nothing.