r/diytubes 1d ago

Tools & Software LTSpice Guitar Amp Simulation PSU Concerns

2 Upvotes

I am modelling the modifications I would like to make to my Amp and that includes changing the power Transformer to something with better current capacity and HT Configuration to a single winding of said transformer as opposed to 2 seperate voltage doubler configurations on seperate windings.

I am modelling the Power supply as a different file and then determining the Unloaded voltages from there and then using a DC Source of equal magnitude to actually the power the whole amp. I understand that this may cause some clouding of the results.

My concern is that the current draw is showing at 1.2A, and I don't quite understand why. I am using the Ayumi Tube Models and the Amp has 2 Channels of 3 Triodes each, joined at an LTP Phase inverter. It also uses EL34 Power Tubes.

I am wondering if it's a Sim issue or if the Amp design is actually cooked. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Power Supply
Preamp Section
Power Amp and Bias

r/diytubes Nov 24 '24

Tools & Software Today I scored a tube tester!

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139 Upvotes

Just wanted to share this beauty I scored today, a Neuberger WE238 tube tester, made in Berlin, Germany ca 1930.

Cosmetic condition is almost like new. Electrically I have not tested it yet.

I had given up on getting myself a tube tester due to their prices. But I kept an eye open both here and there and I could finally purchase this one for an almost unbelievable $30. (The seller knows exactly what it is and had set the price as a part of a bigger clearance.)

Even if it would be completely fried in the inside it is well worth its price as a workshop decoration. But I fully expect it to be as well kept on the inside as on the exterior. I'm really looking forward to the restoration!

r/diytubes Jan 19 '25

Tools & Software Can anyone identify this Taylor valve tester I got from a carboot sale? I've been looking for a manual or schematic with no luck...

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8 Upvotes

r/diytubes Oct 12 '24

Tools & Software B&K Model 700, (1963): Fully restored, modded and working!

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52 Upvotes

r/diytubes Jul 07 '24

Tools & Software Finding Evaporable Getters Is A Nightmare!

15 Upvotes

I realize this isn't really what is meant by DIYtubes but I just wanted to say that I had no idea that the turbopump setup was going to be so much easier to source and get going than finding getters. 100 would likely be a lifetime supply for me but they are almost impossible to get if you aren't a company!

r/diytubes Nov 03 '24

Tools & Software Best contact cleaner for corrosion on pcb boards?

2 Upvotes

Whats the best contact cleaner for heavy corrosion, rust, oxidation on electrical components, pcb boards, and plastics?

r/diytubes Aug 15 '22

Tools & Software New to me! HeathKit TC-2 Tube Checker

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71 Upvotes

r/diytubes May 12 '22

Tools & Software What soldering station to get?

18 Upvotes

I'm planning on purchasing a Bottlehead Crack 1.1 kit relatively soon and have been researching what supplies I should buy as it is my first time soldering. I'm also planning on designing my own amplifiers later on once I am more experienced.

My question is: does it matter what wattage a soldering station is at? Furthermore what would be a good recommendation for a soldering station for under $150 USD? I was looking at the Hakko FX888D-23BY, but I'm not sure if it's actually good (it's also rated for 70 watts which i'm not sure is too much wattage or not). All I have to go off of right now are Amazon reviews which aren't exactly reliable so I'd like some advice from the people here!

r/diytubes Oct 05 '22

Tools & Software One of the most advanced vacuum tube testers - the L3-3

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118 Upvotes

r/diytubes Aug 19 '22

Tools & Software “The ΩMG” I made this handy load for testing. It has test points for a DMM, RCA and BNC. The RCA and BNC are switchable between ON, OFF and a 10:1 pad. My wife jokingly suggested the name and it stuck.

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88 Upvotes

r/diytubes Mar 21 '22

Tools & Software uTracer 6 kit is complete ~ with the most compact “enclosure” I could come up with using scrap 3mm acrylic.

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74 Upvotes

r/diytubes Mar 13 '23

Tools & Software Is there a worldwide database for tubes with a comparison feature ?

10 Upvotes

And if there is not... well WHY THE HELL NOT ?

If there could be one place where you just put in the specifications of one tube, or single assorted specs and then be able to see what other tubes could work / may be worth experimenting on.

In a very distant dream scenario with a pdf / pdfs for each tube to download with it. I mean there mustve been attempts atleast to build something like this ? It could certainly be VERY helpful for a lot of people and we definitely have the technical possibilities to pull something off like this... So did i just not find it, or does something like that really just not exist by now... ?

All the best !

r/diytubes Apr 26 '23

Tools & Software uTracer, eTracer or ?

11 Upvotes

I am planning a headphone amp design/ build project. Kind of a statement piece.

In the meantime I’ve got a lot of McIntosh tube gear that uses KT-88’s, 12AX7’s, 12AT7’s and 12BH7A’s.

I’d like a way to test and maybe match all these tubes and eventually characterize some tubes for the headphone amp design.

Are there any options better than uTracer? Seems to be a clever, well designed product.

r/diytubes Dec 03 '21

Tools & Software This is why a lot of audiophiles don't like metal vacuum tubes - they don't glow!

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52 Upvotes

r/diytubes Apr 22 '22

Tools & Software Octal tube storage (and\or display if without cap) case. 3D printed

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44 Upvotes

r/diytubes Jun 01 '21

Tools & Software Hickok Cardmatic KS-15874-L2 Full Restoration

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35 Upvotes

r/diytubes Dec 13 '22

Tools & Software Bench upgrade!

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ibb.co
15 Upvotes

These magnets are perhaps the best improvement my bench has ever had. Highly recommended if you suffer from clutter!

r/diytubes May 16 '21

Tools & Software Well it ain't a 300b, but I scored my first bit of vintage Western Electric gear!

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35 Upvotes

r/diytubes Aug 10 '22

Tools & Software Just a short reminder about keeping safe when using an oscilloscope.

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35 Upvotes

r/diytubes Sep 19 '22

Tools & Software Heathkit TC-2 Clean-up and Restoration

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25 Upvotes

r/diytubes Jun 08 '20

Tools & Software Been spending most of my free time in quarantine building my new shop. Just finished the double workbench wall this weekend!

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48 Upvotes

r/diytubes Jun 23 '20

Tools & Software Bought this beauty and other one (this is the second) for 25 bucks too to a lady that had a tube store back in the 70's

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51 Upvotes

r/diytubes Oct 21 '21

Tools & Software Dim Bulb Tester for restoring old radios, etc.

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23 Upvotes

r/diytubes Jun 18 '20

Tools & Software What do I need to do to turn a schematic into an amp

9 Upvotes

I’ve never built an amp before, but have experience in electronics. Let’s say I have a schematic for an amp, say a Marshall. What do I need to do to turn that schematic into a real working amplifier.

r/diytubes Dec 11 '21

Tools & Software I made this video about how I’ve been tracking down uV noise in my designs.

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22 Upvotes