So what does one do when needing to keep twelve signal paths clearly separated and easily identified in a chassis? Actually the answer is remarkably simple.
Continue readingWiring in Technicolor
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Source Selector Unit Chassis Taking Shape
I’ve been waiting for some wire I needed for twisted pairs and a Fender style fuse holder. I really like these fuse holders. I find them sturdy, good looking, and reliable. I have some cheaper ones but I reserve those for brassboards, quick projects, test equipment, and the like. While I’ve been waiting for my deliveries, I’ve been populating the chassis.
Continue readingNew Preamp is Moving Forward
I’ve finally completed the finishing of the bubinga chassis. It has four coats of hand rubbed oil finish. It really makes the wood grain stand out.
Continue readingAbout that Volume Control – Part II
This topic is just the gift that keeps on giving. I first introduced the 4S preamp with the volume control on the output almost 12 years ago. And yet there still seems to be a tremendous number of misconceptions about the concept and performance ramifications of volume controls on the output instead of the input. This time the misunderstandings surround an output buffer cathode follower.
Continue readingFirst Oil on the Chassis
Today I got the shop cleaned up and applied the first coat of oil to the bubinga chassis for the Source Selector Unit. (Still looking for naming suggestions, by the way.) The oil really brings out the grain. I think it will look even better than I thought it would.
Continue readingWhat’s in a Name?
William Shakespeare famously wrote in the play Romeo and Juliet,
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.
So this is my quandary today. What should I “officially” name my latest project?
Continue readingMetal Work and Policing Ground Loops
I took some time this afternoon to get the metal work completed (mostly) for the Source Selector Unit/Preamp. All the drilling is complete and everything is properly fit to the chassis. The only metal work left to do is four holes in the mounting brackets which need to be drilled and tapped. These four screws will hold the top plate in place and make swapping tubes easier.
Continue readingBack to that Metal Work
Well, eleven days since my last post and the cedar fence is done, the garden is in, a toilet has been replaced, and a new batch of black cherry cider is in the fermenter. So I decided it was time to get back to the metal for the source selector unit.
Continue readingChassis Metal
I’ve been working on a whole bunch of different projects this last week. But I managed to carve out a little time to get all the chassis metal for the source selector unit cut to size, fit to the chassis, and marked for drilling.
Continue readingAbout That Metal Work
I often get questions about how I design and construct my projects. One of the things I realized this morning, after receiving such a question, was that I really haven’t addressed my basic metal work and how I size all the aluminum parts I use for my chassis. So I thought I’d give a little insight into how I make these cuts and how I got to where I am today.
Continue readingTime for Metal Work
I’ve been catching up on all my spring chores and managed to steal a couple of hours in the shop this morning. The Source Selector Unit chassis is now all sanded. I also took the time to cut and fit the aluminum for the top and bottom plates. Now my attention will turn to getting all the holes laid out and drilled on the aluminum.
Continue readingOther Projects and Updates
Since my last post on the Source Selector Unit chassis I’ve been busy. Spring has finally started here with a vengeance so I’ve been tackling a few different projects. But rest assured, the chassis work will be back to the forefront soon.
Continue readingChassis Decision Made
I actually spent a fair amount of time thinking about how to dress the chassis edges for the Source Selector Unit. But after much deliberation, a couple of scrap tests, and some evolution in thought as it progressed, I believe I’ve found a solution I really like.
Continue readingHow to Proceed
A good friend of mine, who’s opinion I value, has made a suggestion concerning the Source Selection Unit chassis. And I’m looking for some input.
Continue readingPatience Pays Off
The chassis for the Source Selector Unit / Preamp is out of the clamps. I removed the clamps, cleaned up the little bit of glue squeeze out at the joints, and gave it a light sanding. It looks fantastic.
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