Build Your Own Clone Message Board

In the bill of materials I specified parts that can be found at major parts distributors (Digi-Key, Mouser, etc.). However, I specified a WIMA cap (item 5 on the BOM) and those are usually found at Mouser. If you absolutely have to use Mouser exclusively (I don't know why), Digi-Key part numbers can be searched for in Mouser. These are the part numbers on Digi-key's website that end in "-ND". Also, if you are looking for a particular part number, FindChips.com is very handy as it searches multiple distributors, including Digi-Key and Mouser.

I also included as much relevant pricing information as possible. For those of you who ordered more than one board, you can input the quantity in cell B7 and the prices should adjust accordingly. Obviously price breaks are not calculated, but at least this will give you a general idea of cost. I also left a few columns in that I use when finding parts for a job. For example, the "Stock?" column allows me to mark whether I've got the part in stock already or if I have to order it.

I tried to make the layout somewhat modular in that you don't have to directly solder the wires to the board if you don't want to. In the "Optional Parts" section I have included connectors and latching headers for the tubes, input/output connectors, FET switch and the XLR cable connection. Also, Chris highly recommends the use of a heat sink for U1.

Also, the layout facilitates board-mounting the pots but obviously this isn't required.

I must point out one goof on the layout though. The caps in the charge pump section, C1-C7, are 10uF 63V electrolytics. The footprint I used for these caps is way too big so the board will end up looking funny when it's done. Sorry about that. This is a better goof than the footprint being way too small though. If you would like your board to look nice, go with a 10uF 450V cap and it'll be the right size. It will affect the circuit in no way.

Good luck and happy building!

Gino

Top Drive Preamp Rev. B (Group Order)



Circuit Design: Chris Moir (PDF Electronics)
Layout: Gino Maisano (Pitch Black Electronics)
Project Manager: Curt Middleton (eFX-Tronics)

I will be updating this as I am able to collect more and more information. For the meantime posted below is the component layout. In the next few days I hope to have a BOM posted, full schematic, build notes, and wiring diagram.

Thanks Curt
(PS for everyone who ordered a board, I should be placing the order either tonight or tom)

I have a sack.

I'm having alot of trouble trying to get the BOM, schematic, etc! ie. "cant open xls file extention", "you must first create an account" (MediaFire- also lots of pop ups there!!), etc. etc. Could someone please just send me this info in a "I'm at a total preschool level on the computer, Windows" format so I can study it, order parts, and start my build? I have a second board comming and really need this info.
Thanks to anyone for the patience and help.
Lawrence

I love how the Behringer has no gut shot! "It is a Behringer." Classic.

I love how the Behringer has no gut shot! "It is a Behringer." Classic.

Just looked through the BOM. I'm guessing that, due to the linear layout for the tube pin connections (V1 and V2), and the fact that tubes won't likely fit inside the enclosure... that we need chassis mount tube sockets? IF so - SCORE cause I already have a pair of preamp tube chassis mount sockets I'm not using

dayyyyum, almost 200 bucks to build one... shit. For some reason I thought it would be a lot less.

I love how the Behringer has no gut shot! "It is a Behringer." Classic.

That's only if you need to buy every single part on there. I printed the BOM, and started putting check marks in the rows where I already have the parts. Plus some of these parts you can definitely get for less if you shop a bit (primary example - the 500v mica caps).

I love how the Behringer has no gut shot! "It is a Behringer." Classic.

26 of it are the two enclosures- hammonds. Tubes are listed as well. I don't know about you but I got plenty o 12ax7s kicking around.

12AX7s won't work

As far an actual step by step build, that is going to have to come from Chris or Gino, because sadly I sold all of my boards by accident. However the build is pretty straightforward and shouldn't really require a wiring diagram. !

BYOC: So easy even a drunk can do it!

However the build is pretty straightforward and shouldn't really require a wiring diagram.

I haven't started building this yet, but I am a little confused by the wiring in the power section. Specifically t1-2, and where/how the mains hook up. Everything else seems pretty straight forward.

I haven't started building this yet, but I am a little confused by the wiring in the power section. Specifically t1-2, and where/how the mains hook up. Everything else seems pretty straight forward.