Drip Opto LA-2A V3 completed!!!

Original UTC A24, HA100X, UA T4B (long), drip PCB, Purusha case - HOLY SMOKES!!! It sounds *stunningly* good; makes the UAD plugin sound like a thin piece of crap - I want my $149 back!! Amazing job Mr. Lomayesva!! Thank you for such a terrific project!! I will post some pics later since I dont have my camera, but I just need to rave a little right now.

I ran into one (minor) problem; the "OUTPUT +4/G. REDUCTION" switch only works in gain reduction mode, but not in output mode. I haven't investigated it yet, but has anyone else ran into this? Any pointers?

Thanks!!!

M.

madriaanse said:

Original UTC A24, HA100X, UA T4B (long), drip PCB, Purusha case - HOLY SMOKES!!! It sounds *stunningly* good; makes the UAD plugin sound like a thin piece of crap - I want my $149 back!! Amazing job Mr. Lomayesva!! Thank you for such a terrific project!! I will post some pics later since I dont have my camera, but I just need to rave a little right now.

I ran into one (minor) problem; the "OUTPUT +4/G. REDUCTION" switch only works in gain reduction mode, but not in output mode. I haven't investigated it yet, but has anyone else ran into this? Any pointers?

Thanks!!!

M.

Click to expand...

Congrats!  ;D

I too am working on one. Did you follow the latest 2009 BOM list or did you change components here and there? If so what were they?

Did you have a problem with the XLR connections and IEC Power Lead socket fitting properly with no gaps on the Purusha Case? If not, can you please tell me what part number you used? I have read that there are certain parts that will fit the case snugly. Since you have completed yours, I would like to know first hand before ordering one.

Sifam meters for the Purusha case, did you buy it from http://www.multimeter.com? Their shopping cart system isn't working and so I was not able to order one. Did you order yours by phone or online, if so, which online store?

Hello canidoit,

I followed Greg's BOM and instructions EXACTLY with the exception of the original iron. Looking at the schematic I think that's where my metering problem comes from (on my unit, pin 1 and 6 of A24 are not going to VU meter). It looks like I may have to solder some jumpers from the transformer output for it to work.

I did not have problems with the XLR connectors (neutrik NC3). The IEC hole is too big on the case, but who cares. Just cover it with a little plate if it bothers you. I ordered AL29WF, 6V by phone from multimeter - fits perfectly in Purusha's case.

Best,

M.

Pix pix! Congrats!  Can't wait to see it.

@madriaanse: Oh lucky one! Can't wait to do mine...  

Do you have a link to the 2009 BOM please? The search function always shows not really what i'm looking for..


Edit: err... I think you talked about the one in his manual? I'm just looking for a "ready to import to mouser" one  :

I had that exact problem with the vu. Turns out even though I tested to see which pins I had wired up the switch with, I still somehow got it wrong.
Now to figure out this hum... hmmmmmm..

Wow. Exellent work Martin!

I'm doing a dual silent arts version...one of these fine days.  :

TOO MANY PROJECTS!!!

;D

I was looking into doing a couple of these, but is he really charging $100 for a PCB? Is there an alternative PCB that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

Matt

Oops, I'm a slacker!! just remembered I have to take some pics - will do.

Here's a copy of my order from Mouser; I followed the BOM from the manual and ordered some extras/spares as I always do. If I remember correctly it's a good thing I ordered extras because I ended up needing them to finish the build. I can't remember which ones.:

---------
Mouser #: 691-110-73
Mfr. #: 110-73
Desc.: Toggle Switches SPST ON-OFF
3 $3.53 $10.59 3 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 534-7330
Mfr. #: 7330
Desc.: Terminals SOLDER TIN PLATE #8
10 $0.16 $1.60 10 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 534-7311
Mfr. #: 7311
Desc.: Terminals LUG LOCKING TINNED#4
10 $0.15 $1.50 10 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 568-NC3MPP
Mfr. #: NC3MPP
Desc.: XLR Panel Mount Connectors 3C MALE SOLDER
CUP
1 $1.42 $1.42 1 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 568-NC3FP-1-B
Mfr. #: NC3FP-B-1
Desc.: XLR Panel Mount Connectors 3C FEMALE BLACK
1 $4.75 $4.75 1 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 594-64W105
Mfr. #: M64W105KB40
Desc.: Multi-Turn Trimmers/Potentiometers 3/8 SQ
1Mohms Multi Turn Cermet
4 $1.69 $6.76 4 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 594-5083NW220K0J
Mfr. #: PR02000202203JR500
Desc.: Metal Film Resistors 2watts 220Kohms 5%
2 $0.32 $0.64 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 282-1.0K-RC
Mfr. #: 282-1.0K-RC
Desc.: 2W 5% Small Metal Oxide Resistors 1.0Kohms
5% Tol
2 $0.19 $0.38 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 282-22K-RC
Mfr. #: 282-22K-RC
Desc.: 2W 5% Small Metal Oxide Resistors 22Kohms
5% Tol
2 $0.19 $0.38 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 282-4.7K-RC
Mfr. #: 282-4.7K-RC
Desc.: 2W 5% Small Metal Oxide Resistors 4.7Kohms
5% Tol
2 $0.19 $0.38 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-470K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-470K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 470Kohms 1%
50PPM
5 $0.14 $0.70 5 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-330K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-330K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 330Kohms 1%
50PPM
2 $0.14 $0.28 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-220K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-220K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 220Kohms 1%
50PPM
5 $0.14 $0.70 5 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-100K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-100K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 100Kohms 1%
50PPM
2 $0.14 $0.28 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-68K-RC 5 $0.14 $0.70 5 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778

Mouser #: 273-68K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-68K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 68Kohms 1%
50PPM
5 $0.14 $0.70 5 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-47K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-47K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 47Kohms 1%
50PPM
2 $0.14 $0.28 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-33K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-33K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 33Kohms 1%
50PPM
3 $0.14 $0.42 3 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-22K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-22K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 22Kohms 1%
50PPM
2 $0.14 $0.28 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-10K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-10K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 10Kohms 1%
50PPM
3 $0.14 $0.42 3 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-6.8K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-6.8K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 6.8Kohms 1%
50PPM
2 $0.14 $0.28 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-3.9K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-3.9K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 3.9Kohms 1%
50PPM
4 $0.14 $0.56 4 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-2.7K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-2.7K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 2.7Kohms 1%
50PPM
2 $0.14 $0.28 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-1.5K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-1.5K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 1.5Kohms 1%
50PPM
2 $0.14 $0.28 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 273-1K-RC
Mfr. #: 273-1K-RC
Desc.: 1/2W 1% Metal Film Resistors 1Kohms 1%
50PPM
10 $0.10 $1.00 10 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 36NE002
Mfr. #: 36NE002
Desc.: Neon Lamps
4 $0.23 $0.92 4 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 161-R30148-E
Mfr. #: 161-R30148-E
Desc.: AC Connectors IEC C14 SCREW/SOLDER
1 $1.83 $1.83 1 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 576-01220083H
Mfr. #: 01220083H
Desc.: Fuseholders, Blocks, and Clips 3AG PC Clip
3 $0.44 $1.32 3 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 576-0313.400HXP
Mfr. #: 0313.400HXP
Desc.: Fuses - Axial Lead, Radial Lead, and Cartridge
250V .4A Slo-Blo 3AG
3 $0.79 $2.37 3 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 598-CD4ED680JO3F
Mfr. #: CD4ED680JO3F
Desc.: Mica Radial Lead Capacitors 68pF 500V +/-5%
2 $6.91 $13.82 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 75-516D476M025-E3
Mfr. #: 516D476M025LL6AE3
Desc.: Axial Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors - 85
Degree 47uF 25volts 20%
2 $0.34 $0.68 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 5982-15-500V150
Mfr. #: CD15FD151JO3
Desc.: Mica Radial Lead Capacitors MICA 150PF500VJ
3 $0.54 $1.62 3 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 140-XRL450V22-RC
Mfr. #: 140-XRL450V22-RC
Desc.: Radial Electrolytic Capacitors 450V 22uF 20%
2 $0.94 $1.88 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 75-TVA1908-E3
Mfr. #: TVA1908-E3
Desc.: TVA Axial Electrolytic Capacitors 40uF 500volts
5 $9.99 $49.95 5 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 598-CD15FD501JO3F
Mfr. #: CD15FD501JO3F
Desc.: Mica Radial Lead Capacitors 500pF 500V +/-5%
3 $1.84 $5.52 3 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 75-715P600V0.001
Mfr. #: 715P10256JD3
Desc.: Polypropylene Orange Drop Capacitors
600volts .001uF 5% ORANGE DROP
2 $0.79 $1.58 2 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 75-562R5GAS20 5 $1.06 $5.30 5 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 75-562R5GAS20
Mfr. #: 562R5GAS20
Desc.: Low Voltage Ceramic Disc Capacitors 1Kvolts
0.02uF 20% .375LS Z5U
5 $1.06 $5.30 5 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 75-715P600V0.022
Mfr. #: 715P22356KD3
Desc.: Polypropylene Orange Drop Capacitors
600volts .022uF 5% ORANGE DROP
5 $1.03 $5.15 5 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 75-715P600V0.01
Mfr. #: 715P10356KD3
Desc.: Polypropylene Orange Drop Capacitors
600volts .01uF 5% ORANGE DROP
4 $0.97 $3.88 4 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778
Mouser #: 75-715P400V0.1
Mfr. #: 715P10454LD3
Desc.: Polypropylene Orange Drop Capacitors
400volts .1uF 5% ORANGE DROP
3 $1.63 $4.89 3 Shipped 2/27/2009 22077778


-------

HTH,

M.

fucanay said:

I was looking into doing a couple of these, but is he really charging $100 for a PCB? Is there an alternative PCB that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

Click to expand...

Ya know what; they're worth every cent!! 3oz copper, HUGE, .093" PCB, great layout, fat traces, all the homework done for you, awesome sound!! Trust me on this one.

M.

Thank YOU!

madriaanse said:

fucanay said:

I was looking into doing a couple of these, but is he really charging $100 for a PCB? Is there an alternative PCB that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

Click to expand...

Ya know what; they're worth every cent!! 3oz copper, HUGE, .093" PCB, great layout, fat traces, all the homework done for you, awesome sound!! Trust me on this one.

M.

Click to expand...

+1. You're not only paying for the pcb, but the time gregory takes to create these monster 100 page manuals as well as clone the original designs in the first place.

madriaanse said:

fucanay said:

I was looking into doing a couple of these, but is he really charging $100 for a PCB? Is there an alternative PCB that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

Click to expand...

Ya know what; they're worth every cent!! 3oz copper, HUGE, .093" PCB, great layout, fat traces, all the homework done for you, awesome sound!! Trust me on this one.

M.

Click to expand...

$100 isn't an arm and a leg, this is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Teletronix-Urei-LA-2A-LA2A-with-Great-History_W0QQitemZ160336080665QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2554c66f19&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1234%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

and considering Gregory is a genius and recreated this thing brilliantly, considering if you build it well and wise you'll have an LA2A for $800, this is a steal!

fucanay said:

I was looking into doing a couple of these, but is he really charging $100 for a PCB? Is there an alternative PCB that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

Matt

Click to expand...

Matt, what do want?! lol

Your welcome to shell out 3-4k for a used one?  ???  

(Reminds me of the folks complaining about the TG boards...)

Cheers.

How did you do the snubber section on page 55? Its inconsistent with the manual, old BOM and latest 2009 BOM. It sais to use a 0.1uF DC Film Capacitor in series with a 100R resistor and on his pics, he just has a cap and its not even 0.1uF.

Also his latest BOM is for a 0.01uF DC Film capacitor. I think he needs to update his manual.

Can you please tell me what is working for you? Do you just solder the 0.01uF cap as in the latest BOM and that's all or do you have to put a resistor in series?

Also, did you use a trimmer for the Stereo Adjust, Limiter Response and Zero Adjust or a potentiometer? I wish Drips did not remove that part number from the latest 2009 BOM because I did not end up ordering it because I followed his latest 2009 BOM list. It will cost me $40 US in shipping just to ship out 3 potentiometers that cost like an arm and a leg.


Thanks.

desol said:

fucanay said:

I was looking into doing a couple of these, but is he really charging $100 for a PCB? Is there an alternative PCB that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

Matt

Click to expand...

Matt, what do want?! lol

Your welcome to shell out 3-4k for a used one?  ???  

(Reminds me of the folks complaining about the TG boards...)

Cheers.

Click to expand...

Someone's selling TG-1 boards?!!? Where? Sign me up!

As promised, here are some pics:





Canidoit, I used the blue integrated snubber from the manual, and used onboard trimmers - I followed the manual VERY, VERY precisely, referenced the schematic if I wasn't sure, and it worked beautifully on the first try with the exception of the output metering which was due to me using original iron and an easy fix.

The Purusha case worked really well; is he still banned? I think I want to order another one.

Best,

M.

That looks excellent! You used a potentiometer on the front panel instead of a trimmer. You are using the old BOM list not the latest 2009 BOM list.

Did you find issues with the Purusha case? Purusha supplied me links to the switches to get and I found out when I received the items that the holes on his La2a case were too big for the power on and gain/limit switch. So my switches are lose in there and also his +4/Reduction switch hole was too small for the switch. I was surprized that it didn't fit properly since he was the one who informed me to get what switch. How did you overcome this? Did you buy your parts for the case from Banzai?

Zeus said:

canidoit said:

TDid you find issues with the Purusha case? Purusha supplied me links to the switches to get and I found out when I received the items that the holes on his La2a case were too big for the power on and gain/limit switch. So my switches are lose in there and also his +4/Reduction switch hole was too small for the switch. I was surprized that it didn't fit properly since he was the one who informed me to get what switch. How did you overcome this? Did you buy your parts for the case from Banzai?

Click to expand...

I noticed that Banzai changed their big toggle offers. The switches which were these cases designed for, are not there any more, we need to look somewhere else
for them or do some McGyver tricks. I am sure you can drill up the hole which is smaller. Regarding the other two switches there are also some tricks how to make it work.
Think as McGyver

Click to expand...

I became one with McGyver and solved those switch issues using larger washers .... ;D

But still, I hate having an imperfect build. I much like my build to look more like a production model than a DIY with the scars of modifying it to suit. Like the IEC socket, its so loose and comes off because it is not a tight fit and Purusha did not supply the correct part to suit his case or made his case according to a particular available part from what I can tell. I bought a pre-made case, so I expect everything to be spot on. Right now the bigger hole on the front panel has the bare metal instead of the paint because I had to drill the switch hole bigger.

I have to live with it, but these are things I wish I was made aware of. Like I do not like buying a PCB board with the incorrect component markings on them. If I was building a guitar pedal, yeah sweet, its only worth a couple hundred dollars but for an 1176 or La2a, I don't see a point making something that's going to be comparable to a second hand production model with DIY scars and cost almost the same as buying a second hand production model unit in excellent condition.

I looked at some peoples builds here and they are comparable to builds boutique pro-audio production sell and their DIY looks fanatastic, that's why I jumped the DIY band wagon. I thought, hey kool, no one will be able to tell that this is home made when I build it.  8)

canidoit said:

that's why I jumped the DIY band wagon. I thought, hey kool, no one will be able to tell that this is home made when I build it.  8)

Click to expand...

Kool, you'll have a Urei 1176 that you can pass off as an original to some unsuspecting chump.

All hail Pursha!

That's what DIY is ALL about.  :

Mark