Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => Eros Phono => Topic started by: ALL212 on September 11, 2016, 07:22:36 AM

Title: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 11, 2016, 07:22:36 AM
Just a starter question...

The 47k resistors that are paired on the shunt regulator board are very large.  I've purchased some alternate 2w versions and both are much smaller.  Is 2w appropriate or should they be a larger value? 

Would a single 94 ohm 5w or larger wattage work instead?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: Doc B. on September 11, 2016, 08:48:46 AM
Why are you changing them?
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 11, 2016, 09:05:45 AM
There are two more that were mentioned as possible replacement options - I figured I'd do these also.  Was just surprised at the size difference.

If it's better to go with the stock resistors I'm more than happy to do so to avoid blowing my new baby up.
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: Doc B. on September 11, 2016, 09:52:47 AM
Who is suggesting replacing them, and what is their reason?
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: Paul Birkeland on September 11, 2016, 10:00:02 AM
The 47k resistors that are paired on the shunt regulator board are very large.  I've purchased some alternate 2w versions and both are much smaller.  Is 2w appropriate or should they be a larger value? 
These aren't in the signal path.  If someone suggested changing them, that someone isn't knowledgeable enough to make appropriate suggestions.  (PS - we provide really nice parts for the signal path already)


Would a single 94 ohm 5w or larger wattage work instead?
Doing this will very likely damage your power transformer, and at minimum blow the fuse almost instantly.  94 Ohms is a lot different than 94,000 Ohms.
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 11, 2016, 10:02:27 AM
These aren't in the signal path.  If someone suggested changing them, that someone isn't knowledgeable enough to make appropriate suggestions.  (PS - we provide really nice parts for the signal path already)

I realize that but since there were more of them I just assumed...I understand where that gets me on most days. :)

Doing this will very likely damage your power transformer, and at minimum blow the fuse almost instantly.  94 Ohms is a lot different than 94,000 Ohms.

And that would be exactly as I would expect but my vision...and typing sometimes don't go exactly as my brain does.  I did mean 94k ohms.
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: Paul Birkeland on September 11, 2016, 10:05:56 AM
A single 94K/5W part will work, but will be an extremely tight fit into the board. A 94K Vishay PR-03 will fit and work fine.
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 11, 2016, 10:10:46 AM
Who is suggesting replacing them, and what is there reason?

From this write up.  It is NOT suggested that these particular resistors be replaced.  I understand that.  But as long as I was purchasing a couple of them I threw in more.  I have no intention of blowing this up so I can easily install the original resistors to this board.

The coupling caps in the stock kit are 1.0uF Solens (though we may have shipped you 1.5uF's in their place).  This would be the most significant upgrade, and you could easily go much lower than 1.0uF, .47uF is a decent choice.

There's also a 0.1uf cap in the shunt regulator circuit that's potentially worth upgrading.  A 400V cap is OK here.

The 75K 1/2W and and 47K 2W resistors are also very much in the signal path, those could be upgraded, but be sure to use 1% parts or buy enough to match.

The 10.5k resistor, 0.030uF, and 0.010uF caps make up the RIAA network, you can find decent upgrades for those at Parts Connexion, but again, keep the resistors as 1% parts, caps at no more than 3% unless you can find a pair that measures closely.  For the 0.030uf cap, paralleling two 0.015uf caps tends to be easier to implement than finding a 0.030uf.

-PB
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: Paul Birkeland on September 11, 2016, 10:13:20 AM
Yes, there is a pair of 47K resistors mounted by the center 9 pin socket that are in the signal path.  The four 47K/2W resistors back on the board above the 12BH7 are highly isolated from signal current.
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 11, 2016, 10:15:50 AM
Gentlemen - I thank you!

I'll put the originals on the board.  The 47k's I purchased are 1% and I can further match them for the center 9 pin.
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 21, 2016, 02:46:42 PM
Here we go!

The parts.
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5018_zpsoepv0els.jpg&hash=f20adc9f5f461c2941ce3ad917dbf02bbe0d320f) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5018_zpsoepv0els.jpg.html)

Top Plate painted and populated.
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5059_zps2hc7vxux.jpg&hash=311857a6efecc3ff1e70121ca327c0fabf400e1c) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5059_zps2hc7vxux.jpg.html)

Power Supply passed test.  I've removed a couple of components that I'm upgrading so that I can easily build the socket areas.

Heater wires completed
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5061_zps3icwrqhg.jpg&hash=a167d19fcadd829f85b0b035e62b5c9446d1e70e) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5061_zps3icwrqhg.jpg.html)

I found that if you put the caps in first with the fine wire they have it's easier to get the heater wires for A and C in after you have the caps in.
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5067_zpsc44w3u2r.jpg&hash=c672dd7ed5345c6f50c13820e1a8d9f1bde04c7c) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5067_zpsc44w3u2r.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: BNAL on September 21, 2016, 05:16:33 PM
Aaron,

Thanks for the advice about installing the resistors first. I just started my build and have only gotten to the power supply and shunt regulator boards.

What is on the ends of the heater wires?

Any other advice is greatly appreciated.

Brad
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 22, 2016, 12:55:58 AM
Just heat shrink - it dresses up the ends and....maybe....keeps something from shorting to something someday. Vague at best, certainly not required.

For the middle socket - I put in the wires from socked D first following directions.  I had problems keeping the A and C heater wire in place while attempting to put in those tiny caps.  I backed out the A and C wire and placed the caps in leaving the leads long.  Then put the A and C heater wires back in again.  It was just easier as I could push the cap wires down with the heater wire as I went.  It worked for me.

I also found the length of the heater wire going to A and C was about an inch too long.  That could be just the way I put them in at B.  If you're careful it's easy enough to shorten them after you have B soldered down.

I'll take notes in here as I go.  I don't work on this every day.  It's when I'm motivated to do so.  I've found that trying to push through the higher difficulty kits is a very bad idea!
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: BNAL on September 22, 2016, 05:49:15 AM
Aaron,

looks like you are replacing the last electrolytic cap in the power supply with a film cap and the 270 5w resistor with a choke. Also, what caps in the signal path did you replace? Did you replace any of the resistors?

Brad
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 22, 2016, 11:26:43 AM
I guess first the disclaimer...

Anything I change is my problem and certainly not under the recommendation of BH.  I don't expect others to like it, don't expect me to be able to explain why I did it.  It's just the way I did it.  If you decide to do it please investigate options and accept the responsibility of changing an already good kit and parts.

I've tipped each electrolytic cap with a small film cap.  Those might look familiar.  If you do this you'll have to figure out how to raise the power supply board about a 1/2" and still get the plate to sit on the base without hitting the surface under it.  I used slightly longer screws, an extra nut and some plastic washers so nothing shorts to the board.  It's not very elegant but it works.

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FIMG_1770_zpsby61ngjl.jpg&hash=cd401a5cfba83a826138640a3a62fbec302cc2b0) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/IMG_1770_zpsby61ngjl.jpg.html)

I think everything on this board is stock except for the outside caps.  I have a fondness for Sonicaps.
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FIMG_1768_zpswsd8hjp1.jpg&hash=c4083a4012634a9bf950b089dd50fe194f304277) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/IMG_1768_zpswsd8hjp1.jpg.html)

These boards are stock - except the caps but there really isn't any reason to replace them.  I was on Mouser...added to my cart.  When I purchase these I buy more than needed and then match them.
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FIMG_1767_zpsnri7mb6x.jpg&hash=9758984760b8b2e1919be542fc75fb2df6490aae) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/IMG_1767_zpsnri7mb6x.jpg.html)

RCA in/out's are Vampire CM1F/CB and fit the holes exactly as needed.

Ground post is a Cardas.  It just looks nicer.  I could not find this exact one but had it in stock.

The .01 film caps are replaced with Sonicap (hand matched)

The .03 film caps are replaced with two .015 Sonicap's (hand matched) each.

The 1.5 film caps are replaced with ClarityCap MR series .47uf.  I have some 1uf ClarityCap MR's on standby to try.

Last power supply cap is going full film with a Jantzen 100uf.  I had this one from a prior attempt at something...  ::)   Memory doesn't serve.

Resistor is out and the choke is in.  I'm putting that on some standoffs so I don't plug up the vent work.

Resistors - other.  Yes, I have purchased some replacements for those in the signal path.  The jury is still out on whether I'll use them or not.

Wire - I have my own favorite wire.  Stranded copper tined with silver.  Sometimes hard to work with as it's slippery stuff in the smaller gauges.

Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 22, 2016, 03:29:18 PM
Tonights work and warnings:

Page 47 maybe 48....49?  I cannot find where it says to solder the center pin of the D socket.  I almost missed it and when I was putting in the shunt regulator board I noticed I had not done so.  And did so right then and there.

Page 53 - Shunt Regulator grid stoppers.  Do not cut these short or you won't be able to mount the board.  If nothing else cut them a bit long but you'll have to be careful and insure nothing gets shorted out.  I had both cut the same length and I could not get the board mounted with the back one soldered in.  I removed it and cut another one just a bit longer.  The front one at the size I cut it just barely fit - another 1/32 and it would not have gone in.

I've passed the test on page 58!   8)

ONWARD!!!
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5068_zpsp6rjveoi.jpg&hash=1a6304bf90b1439e6b52288047400360596802ce) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5068_zpsp6rjveoi.jpg.html)

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5069_zpss6ewkgm2.jpg&hash=02b8f9053a90134d5bd7646ffe27a8511d30ef70) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5069_zpss6ewkgm2.jpg.html)

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5070_zpsfk1sugum.jpg&hash=6cb7388d613517afa2b2fac3f49c5aa049560d1d) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5070_zpsfk1sugum.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: amritdesai on September 23, 2016, 09:38:44 AM
Had same issue with pg 47 but it looked like the connection was soldered in the pictures so I went for it.

Looks awesome man. Sweet build!
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: BNAL on September 23, 2016, 01:01:22 PM
Aaron,

You have pulled out all the stops on the power supply. Can't wait to hear what you think.

The only change I'm making on the build is to change the EF86 to 6BR7s. I'm sure that I'm going to make other changes to the signal path after awhile.

The one thing that I'm doing different as compared to the manual is to solder components on the PCBs as I mount them on the boards. For me it is a pain having all the leads in the way. I solder them and clip them as I go.

Brad
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 23, 2016, 03:07:29 PM
I looked over that change to go to 6BR7's but I've got three pair of EF86's so I'm sticking with them.

I also just add a couple components at a time to the board and solder as I go.  Trying to get through the porcupine is no fun!

Gotta admit I think this manual could be better written.  Too many times there is an entire paragraph and one check box to do 2 and sometimes 4 steps.   Could remove the T from each terminal notation and make it somewhat easier also.

Tonights work - no major issues I can think of.  Oh!  One easy change.  When going from C9 to 23L to the ground lug.  Just use one piece of wire all the way through and heat shrink it on the 23L to ground lug.  Much easy!
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5072_zpsbnmyfzg8.jpg&hash=3e9157ef0803cae5892053316f8df1c1614c5a4b) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5072_zpsbnmyfzg8.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: Doc B. on September 23, 2016, 03:49:37 PM
Gotta admit I think this manual could be better written. 
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5072_zpsbnmyfzg8.jpg&hash=3e9157ef0803cae5892053316f8df1c1614c5a4b) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5072_zpsbnmyfzg8.jpg.html)

I'd love to look over one of your manuals to get some pointers. If you wouldn't mind sending a PDF of whichever one you think would be the most helpful, I'd appreciate it. We are always looking for better ways to do things.
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 23, 2016, 04:57:16 PM
Doc,

Sure hope you're not taking this wrong.  Love these kits and this is my 9th or 10th one.  This one has me going over some of the directions two or three times until I've got it clear that I don't remember doing on the other kits.  Now...I am getting older and that could be it as well!  But I've found going over the posts of the other guys and checking my work against them works great. 

I'm not a manual writer but if you're serious I can mark this one up - you take a look and see what you think.  If the markup sucks heck, just say so!
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: Paul Birkeland on September 23, 2016, 06:05:25 PM
The 2700uF caps supplied with the kits are one of only a few capacitors in existence which met the parameters required for that particular position in the circuit.

You're more than welcome to change them, of course, but I feel that it's my duty to point out that you're compromising the performance of the circuit by doing so.
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 24, 2016, 01:32:18 AM
The 2700uF caps supplied with the kits are one of only a few capacitors in existence which met the parameters required for that particular position in the circuit.

You're more than welcome to change them, of course, but I feel that it's my duty to point out that you're compromising the performance of the circuit by doing so.

Thanks PB!  I've pulled my caps and put the kit caps back in.  What is it that makes these special?  There's about 10,000 types of caps out there and digging through the specs is a daunting task.

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5073_zpspiozjzpy.jpg&hash=3ddaddea3b8fb7fcb5d074873289293cf1b4ed2a) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5073_zpspiozjzpy.jpg.html)

The iron was hot so another couple of pages done.

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5074_zpsnk2mwabg.jpg&hash=919b98a904ac57302893653358c602b51c3f0880) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5074_zpsnk2mwabg.jpg.html)

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5076_zpseknhaeax.jpg&hash=455eb95e447abcb343e34986d1db3b5883a7439a) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5076_zpseknhaeax.jpg.html)

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5075_zpsr6vrydfp.jpg&hash=92dc9f881e4639f9b5d4a70ad00dfd487db9bfab) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5075_zpsr6vrydfp.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: Paul Birkeland on September 24, 2016, 06:26:50 AM
PJ would likely remember all of the specifics regarding the choice of that particular cap, but I do recall painfully few selections out there.  One factor is likely ESR, which is quite low on that cap; the available Panasonic electrolytics having at least twice the ESR compared to this particular cap.
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: denti alligator on September 24, 2016, 07:18:20 AM
Envious following this thread. Really want an Eros!
Nice build so far.
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: JamieMcC on September 24, 2016, 08:09:03 AM
I’m itching to make a start populating my Eros. I clear coated the top plate at work during the week so its has had the weekend to cure now and should be ready to stat fitting out this week.

Watching with interest here but definitly going to build mine stock first.  However I have a couple of straight forward mods in mind for later on. I always find it interesting to try and see if I can discern the effects of changing out a stock component.

Keep the pics coming.
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 24, 2016, 02:42:23 PM
My issue (and it is more an issue with me...personally!) building stock and then upgrading is that I have a hard enough time getting through the initial build without jacking something up.  Then to take a perfectly functioning piece of equipment and potentially blow it up...inconceivable!   My vision isn't so hot and my hands shake a bit some days - those are my excuses and I'm sticking to them!

This will be it for today.  I've used my favorite wire - Mogami.

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5120_zpsfpkykw9w.jpg&hash=0e0590a6e37fa46f88b5b049ab49582a123b8e18) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5120_zpsfpkykw9w.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 25, 2016, 07:44:27 AM
Time for a break.  Hopefully more later:

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5126_zpscyzycbbg.jpg&hash=1978cfdda9fcbdeb2e3d737399ef70386c13ecc0) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5126_zpscyzycbbg.jpg.html)

Getting busy in here...
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5129_zpswqzknpvr.jpg&hash=9232a64d9d93e2e2b25e439691f220505c69574c) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5129_zpswqzknpvr.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 25, 2016, 02:30:48 PM
Wiring is done.  On to the resistance checks.  Wish me luck...

Just before the boards went in.
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5131_zpsarr6n5no.jpg&hash=dcc12d02ad5a8f08b083e287fd150745d744b0f6) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5131_zpsarr6n5no.jpg.html)

Boards in - wiring completed. (no extra parts to be found!  8) )
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5144_zpsebagbten.jpg&hash=abbac94f1f3b437433e934ddc0bfefeadf32799e) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5144_zpsebagbten.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 25, 2016, 03:27:24 PM
Last Picture...

My only concern is that C4 did not read infinity.  It reads about 600 ohms.  All other resistance checks were within tolerance.  I decided to check to see if heaters all worked - they did.  Ran voltage checks and they are all 100%

A pair of haha's....
I had a red 3" wire prepped and swept my hand across it.  It went flying.  That was two days ago - still no sign of it!
All cutoffs I kept close track of (the mainline...oops) on this build.  Only one went flying - right into the D socket.  I couldn't have put it there if I had to.

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FDSC_5150_zpsue1lcgql.jpg&hash=ca30427e7bd1a7b3d77b820a99c664e64b6f9699) (http://s905.photobucket.com/user/all212212/media/DSC_5150_zpsue1lcgql.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Eros is here... the build begins...
Post by: ALL212 on September 26, 2016, 01:14:16 AM
The last "gotcha".  On page 61 - middle step.  Regardless of measurement make sure this wire sticks through as far as the picture shows.  I'd say the tip of it should touch the other bank of terminals.  You can always cut off the excess.