First build

[hotshot9911]

Hey guys! This is my first ever build! and have never been this excited before I will be posting pics every once and a while because of slow I will be taking this.But I am looking forward to gaining alot knowledge from you guys about building amps and in the end will have an awesome amp considering im only 17 lol and without a job a real plexi is not an option right now.I shouldn't have that much problems with everything except for when I am wiring the pt and ot which I am using classic tones,I fully understand the different coding but I still would like to make sure with you guys first about every single wire with those 2 so I dont mess those two up.Thanks again guys I cant wait to really start wiring her up and would like to get some tips off you guys also before I go full throttle into it.

P.s.This bug is addicting I thought replicating guitars was addicting but this is just crazy lol

[hotshot9911]

Hey guys one more thing I wanted to know is what solder you guys like to use the best? and what tip would be best?I am using a weller wcl100

[neikeel]

Hey guys one more thing I wanted to know is what solder you guys like to use the best? and what tip would be best?I am using a weller wcl100

I just use the fine Weller chisel tips.
It is also convenient for me to use the Weller El60/40-100 Electronic Solder Resin Core (Sn 60, Pb 38, Cu 2) Demonufo swears by Kester of similar proportions, depends what you can get easily, but the lead type flows nicely asn as you have a thermostat control should not be an issue.
Set yourself high standards, do not be prepared to rush or bodge it and make sure you use neat wire runs (plenty of excellent examples around here). Sometimes if you are new to this use the double ended croc lead as a heat sink between the body and lead of a cap or diode to avoid overheating them.

[hotshot9911]

Thanks neikeel! I will be buying that solder soon and would it be best to buy it online?I cant think of anyplaces that would carry it like sears,lowes or any places like that if there is somewhere you go I would love to know lol what about flux??thanks again man and please respond back-jake

[demonufo]

Set yourself high standards, do not be prepared to rush or bodge it and make sure you use neat wire runs (plenty of excellent examples around here). Sometimes if you are new to this use the double ended croc lead as a heat sink between the body and lead of a cap or diode to avoid overheating them.

This to the letter.
You shouldn't need to worry about coupling caps too much, but Silver Mica's can be damaged quite easily. Also worth mentioning, there are a lot of unbranded black silver mica's out there that aren't the best. Stick with a decent brand such as Vishay or Cornell Dubilier and you'll be fine. Or use ceramics...

Don't push yourself to get done, don't be in a rush to hear it... Make certain you are really happy with every stage. Download the metroamp kit instructions from the wiki here, and follow them as closely as you can as to whichever parts are relevant to your build.
Take particular care over your heaters, keep everything tidy, and leave space where possible. Keep any parallel AC runs twisted wherever possible.

And yeah, I guess I might bleat on a bit about Kester 63/37 #50/245. It's just so damned clean compared to most solders, and I spend far less time cleaning the flux residue off.

Can't advise for the iron tips much - I'm an Antex guy through and through.

[hotshot9911]

Thank you both for the info I have herd alot! about the kester so I am probably going to go with that,I am going to go through it all as slow as I possible can and will update with pics so you guys can help me and possible notice any mistakes,their is one thing I was wanted to know about just to make sure with you guys is the pt wiring.I have a picture of how the colors are on the classic tones which are basically the same but it is just something I don't want to mess up badly and want to see it through with you guys first.

I am posting a picture of the classic tone pt diagram right now I am only concerned about the one side right now but I put bridge rectifier and tube socket text stuff next to it to make sure those are the right wires that go to were they need to go,those should be right and just want to make sure with you guys first but another thing I was wondering about are the 2 5v yellow wires coming from the transformer what are those used for?

[neikeel]

amazon and ebay in the US both sell the Kester mentioned above. I will give it a whirl if I can get less than a 100m reel!

[demonufo]

amazon and ebay in the US both sell the Kester mentioned above. I will give it a whirl if I can get less than a 100m reel!

I post you a length ya tight bugger.

OP, the 5V tap is for amps requiring a tube rectifier (5V heater) such as the GZ34. Just insulate safely, and tie up the ends neatly. Me personally I would cut it right back, but it all depends on whether or not you're ever likely to use it for something else.

[hotshot9911]

Thanks demon I wont be using them ever lol but thanks again and I guess while I wait for the solder to get to my house I will just cut the wires to length and strip them thanks for the help guys!

[hotshot9911]

Alright guys I have just one more question,When I am wiring up the rectifier it doesn't matter which one of the red wires I solder to one of the 2 prongs on the rectifier right? just that they go to the two terminals on the rectifier I have to solder to?
and the two yellow 5v wires should I just cut them back a little shrink wrap the ends??

[demonufo]

Alright guys I have just one more question,When I am wiring up the rectifier it doesn't matter which one of the red wires I solder to one of the 2 prongs on the rectifier right? just that they go to the two terminals on the rectifier I have to solder to?

Correct. They are just either end of an AC supply. There is no difference between either. Just simply wire to the standby whichever way is neatest.

and the two yellow 5v wires should I just cut them back a little shrink wrap the ends??

Yep. That'll do nicely. Possibly a cable tie for extra security... Whichever way looks safest to you, and least likely to cause a potential hazard.

[hotshot9911]

Thanks demon! I was wondering though were do you guys buy your solder from?? besides online? I know lowes and places like that but I want to only get either kester or Weller which will be Weller if I buy from a store around my town but I cant think of any stores to buy from? I got the Weller wcl100 from sears but cant think if they had any wire in stock and if its 60/40.Thanks guys and please respond back.

[danman]

I have used the 63/37 solder that Radio Shack carries on several projects with good success. If you want the Kester you will probably have to purchase it online. As was mentioned earlier you can purchase it through Amazon or other online retailers. I have been wanting to try the Kester "no clean" myself lately and found it at a good price on Amazon.

[demonufo]

I must admit I bought it online, as it's not the easiest to find here in the UK. There aren't really any retailers you can walk into that sell stuff like this anymore over here.

[hotshot9911]

Hey guys I wanted to install the 6v indicator on my 50w instead of the 120v that George uses with the kit.I was wondering if the 6v indicators is installed differently than the 120v? and if it is does anyone have a layout or anything to show me how it is installed correctly.