How A Valve Guitar Amp Works.

[Dan]

Great informative post Doc, especially as I'm about to embark on building a tube amp for the first time ever. I'm using a kit from Valve Heaven - the Lamington Junior that uses a 12V plugpack to minimise the risk of higher voltages that a rookie like me could encounter. Should be interesting...

I've been thinking about doing similar and have looked at those amps. I don't understand how the 12V plugpack option really makes it any safer. Sure you don't directly need to connect anything to the mains, but the first thing in the circuit is a transformer to convert the 12VAC to 240VAC to bring the voltage back up to generate the +270VDC high tension supply...

[Chuck]

I've been thinking about doing similar and have looked at those amps. I don't understand how the 12V plugpack option really makes it any safer. Sure you don't directly need to connect anything to the mains, but the first thing in the circuit is a transformer to convert the 12VAC to 240VAC to bring the voltage back up to generate the +270VDC high tension supply...

Good point Dan, not that I have any real understanding of these things! Have you seen the weekend courses that Grant at Valve Heaven runs? Two days, $500, kit supplied and supervision! He's based in Adelaide too these days. I used him years ago when he was in Sydney to service an SWR Baby Blue amp I have and he's a really good guy.

[Dan]

Good point Dan, not that I have any real understanding of these things! Have you seen the weekend courses that Grant at Valve Heaven runs? Two days, $500, kit supplied and supervision! He's based in Adelaide too these days. I used him years ago when he was in Sydney to service an SWR Baby Blue amp I have and he's a really good guy.

I have seen that and been tempted... but I think I need to build a cab first before I get onto amps.