45 SE

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Cressy Snr
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#76 Re: 45 SE

Post by Cressy Snr »

So now the output transformers have been sorted out, the attention has been focused on the valve socketry.
Bear in mind that this 45 version of the amp, was built out of bits I grubbed up from the bottoms of my parts boxes.
The electronic components, such as resistors and capacitors are new of course and were bought, loaned and installed recently to replace the rubbish I’d used before.

The UX4 valve sockets in particular were ancient bits of crap at least 15 years old, with weak springs and worn contact surfaces, due to being used and abused in at least half a dozen amplifiers over the years. I replaced those yesterday: nothing fancy, just nickel plated Chinese ceramics for a few quid each, but the important thing is that they are new, clean and unlike the knackered old ones, they hold the 45 valve pins in a vice-like grip. Nuff said.

I’ve also replaced the 6CL3 damper diodes with 6D22S. The reason behind this, is that the 9 pin Magnoval sockets are just that: Magnovals, not Novars, which have narrower pin receptacles. I’d insisted on using the 6CL3 dampers even though the pins were too narrow for the Magnoval sockets and had fudged around with the sockets, by squeezing the pin receptacles together with a jewellers screwdriver, in order to give some grip to the valve pins. Asking for trouble probably, so I decided to use some rectifier valves that had the proper sized pins for the sockets and so what if they have top-caps? Engineering trumps looks.

I’ve also had a new nameplate made for the front of the amp, just to finish things off. I mean it’s no longer a Rocky: super or otherwise. :(
6ED53A43-8AAE-4D1E-8F17-8B1844C603FD.jpeg
6ED53A43-8AAE-4D1E-8F17-8B1844C603FD.jpeg (102.99 KiB) Viewed 2982 times
I think that’s it. :D
Last edited by Cressy Snr on Thu May 20, 2021 2:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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pre65
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#77 Re: 45 SE

Post by pre65 »

Cressy Snr wrote: Thu May 20, 2021 2:03 pm
I think that’s it. :D
I always smile when you make comments like that. :lol:
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steve s
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#78 Re: 45 SE

Post by steve s »

It looks great steve
The tube manual is quite like a telephone book. The number of it perfect. It is useful to make it possible to speak with a girl. But we can't see her beautiful face from the telephone number
Cressy Snr
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#79 Re: 45 SE

Post by Cressy Snr »

pre65 wrote: Thu May 20, 2021 2:10 pm
I always smile when you make comments like that. :lol:
Of course I’m not saying there won’t be another amp built ever again, but in the 45 DHT, I’ve found something that presses all the correct buttons and works beautifully with all the music I like. There may be be other amps, there may not, but if there are, they’ll all be 45 amplifiers. 45s are a permanent fixture. I don’t need or want anything else frankly.
Last edited by Cressy Snr on Thu May 20, 2021 3:48 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Cressy Snr
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#80 Re: 45 SE

Post by Cressy Snr »

steve s wrote: Thu May 20, 2021 2:15 pm It looks great steve
Thanks Steve. I’ll have to get it to your place for a sesh, at some point.
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Ray P
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#81 Re: 45 SE

Post by Ray P »

Looks great Steve and the new badge is a really nice finishing touch.
Sorry, I couldn't resist!
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izzy wizzy
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#82 Re: 45 SE

Post by izzy wizzy »

Chuffed for you how this has turned out. Nice work.
Ant
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#83 Re: 45 SE

Post by Ant »

He will be buggering about with it already
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pre65
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#84 Re: 45 SE

Post by pre65 »

Ant wrote: Thu May 20, 2021 8:18 pm He will be buggering about with it already
Can't help himself. :lol:
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

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steve s
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#85 Re: 45 SE

Post by steve s »

Cressy Snr wrote: Thu May 20, 2021 2:44 pm
steve s wrote: Thu May 20, 2021 2:15 pm It looks great steve
Thanks Steve. I’ll have to get it to your place for a sesh, at some point.
Sounds a good idea Steve, we can have a group of 6 now...
The tube manual is quite like a telephone book. The number of it perfect. It is useful to make it possible to speak with a girl. But we can't see her beautiful face from the telephone number
Cressy Snr
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#86 Re: 45 SE

Post by Cressy Snr »

steve s wrote: Thu May 20, 2021 8:37 pm
Cressy Snr wrote: Thu May 20, 2021 2:44 pm
steve s wrote: Thu May 20, 2021 2:15 pm It looks great steve
Thanks Steve. I’ll have to get it to your place for a sesh, at some point.
Sounds a good idea Steve, we can have a group of 6 now...
I’m having 2nd jab on Tuesday, so in a few weeks time at least me you and Ed ought to be as bulletproof as we’re ever going to get, so we might be able to get a meet in. Hope they haven’t locked us all down again by then.
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Paul Barker
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#87 Re: 45 SE

Post by Paul Barker »

ive only had one Astra, but if work shifts allow can I come?
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steve s
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#88 Re: 45 SE

Post by steve s »

Sounds good Steve and Paul.. we are allowed 6 indoors, I'm OK with that..

I had my 2nd jab a few weeks ago too.
We are busy every weekend now, so have to be a weekdays, Thursday and Fridays are good for me.
The tube manual is quite like a telephone book. The number of it perfect. It is useful to make it possible to speak with a girl. But we can't see her beautiful face from the telephone number
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Paul Barker
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#89 Re: 45 SE

Post by Paul Barker »

Friday 11 th June is my next available Th or Fri day time.
"Two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I am not yet completely sure about the universe." – Albert Einstein
Cressy Snr
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#90 Re: 45 SE

Post by Cressy Snr »

Sounds OK to me. :)
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