Tube DI build... help choosing board layout

[MatthewMachinist]

Hi,

I have a noob question... I am going to build a Reddi clone and I am almost ready to start building. However I am really uncertain regarding the best way to solder all the components together. I have done some research and found an excellent article by R G Keen http://www.geofex.com/article_folders/pt-to-pt/pt-to-pt.htm

But I am still unsure what would be the best method for a DI box, I am thinking of using stripboard for mounting the rectification circuit and smoothing capacitors.

If I solder the B9A tube socket to a PCB board will that work... do I need to order a special type to make it work Universal prototyping PCB for tube amplifiers Type I

Any help would be appreciated, I have a background making DIY effects pedals but I have always used a supplied pcb with a kit, this is my first time going full DIY.
Thanks,
Matt

 

[MidnightArrakis]

Hi,

I have a noob question... I am going to build a Reddi clone and I am almost ready to start building. However I am really uncertain regarding the best way to solder all the components together. I have done some research and found an excellent article by R G Keen http://www.geofex.com/article_folders/pt-to-pt/pt-to-pt.htm

But I am still unsure what would be the best method for a DI box, I am thinking of using stripboard for mounting the rectification circuit and smoothing capacitors.

If I solder the B9A tube socket to a PCB board will that work... do I need to order a special type to make it work Universal prototyping PCB for tube amplifiers Type I

Any help would be appreciated, I have a background making DIY effects pedals but I have always used a supplied pcb with a kit, this is my first time going full DIY.
Thanks,
Matt

Since you state that you are ready to start a build, I am assuming that you already have a schematic of the "Reddi" circuit. If you would post either an image file or a PDF file of this schematic, along with a description of what type of enclosure you are planning to use, then I - may - be able to offer you some general guidance on how to pull this project together for yourself.

I read through the R.G. Keen article and there are certainly different ways in which to relieve the mechanical stresses on the PCB. The tube heat, however, is a separate issue, but that can also be dealt with. It just takes knowing what you have available in order to work out the various problems. In any case, seeing the schematic would help in determining what the total game is.

Are you planning on using an "off-the-shelf" enclosure for this project? Or, would you like to have a "custom-designed" enclosure? While an "off-the-shelf" enclosure would get yourself going more quickly and be probably cheaper, a "custom-designed" enclosure could have all of the benefits and features that are needed for a "Tube-DI" project. That is your call.

Give me an idea of what you already have in-hand and what are the end goals of your project? And, is this a "one-off" project? Or, do you plan on making a few of these things for some of your friends? These things need to be known in order to determine a project design approach. Keep me posted, OK???

/

 

[MatthewMachinist]

Thanks for your reply, I am planning on building one only and I am using a standard cheap enclosure...

7.4US $ |Aluminum Enclosure Box PCB Instrument Box DIY Electronic Project Case 145mm*54mm*80/95/100/150/200/250/300mm|Connectors| - AliExpress

Here is a link to the schematic (see post number 195)...
https://groupdiy.com/threads/reddi-di.50529/page-10
Like I said in my first post I am planning on using vero stripboard for the rectification and heater power supply circuits.

The main questions I have for the project are...
Is point to point viable for the rest of the circuit.
What gauge and type of wire should I be using

I am planning on using this type of tube socket...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/312018214721?hash=item48a5bc1f41:g:8jsAAOSw4BtdeoH9I am planning on screwing it to a piece of angle iron inside the case

Lastly I am going to use this audio output transformer...
http://www.audiomaintenance.com/acatalog/CA-18-VTB2290_extended_info.html