Bottlehead Forum
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Doc B. on September 12, 2012, 12:32:50 PM
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We have been talking about classes this week. I'd like to get started with one and see how it goes. From there I would like to schedule several per year.
Here are a couple of initial choices for your consideration -
A one day, eight-hour-with-break class in which the students build a Crack kit. The emphasis would be on construction skills like hand wiring, soldering and testing. It would not cover schematics or circuit design, as that is far too much to cover in a single day. The class would be limited to around 6 students and the price for the class would be $379, including the Crack kit. All tools would be provided.
A similar idea, but a half day class in which the Quickie is built. Price would be $150 including the Quickie kit, and
A basic tube electronics class in which schematic reading, how basic tube circuits work, impedance matching and other introductory subjects are covered. I'm thinking maybe three hours for this one, with a limit of 12 students and a price of $35. I suppose we could do this the first half of a Saturday from 9-12 and maybe the Quickie build class the second half from 1-4 so one could do both classes if they wished to spend the day here.
I would like to do the first class in October. How about we shoot for one of these two ideas on Saturday, October 27th?
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I'm definitely down for the electronics class. I'll bring slightly less beer than to a standard meetup...
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What a fantastic idea. I hope you guys get a great turnout.
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I'd be up for either class, but the Burning Amp Festival in the San Francisco Bay Area (where I live) is on October 28th, and I'd hate to have to rush up and then come right back. Much rather hang out and enjoy Seattle for another day. Is another date possible?
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Sure, but understand that when one organizes something like this, you find out that every date is a bad one for somebody. So we would need to shake out a date that everyone could agree upon pretty quickly. Forget the 12-14th. That is RMAF and ten people will complain - even if they weren't planning on taking the class ;^)
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A basic tube electronics class I would do in a heartbeat. Online perhaps? Skype (my kids do violin classes on skype)?
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i would be very interested in the electronics/tube basic class but am not sure if it would be worth for me to come up all the way for 3 hours. i like the skype idea quite a bit if that would be a possibility.
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I'd like to take a class in tube electronics or amplifier design, but I live on the opposite coast from Bottlehead.
It would be quite a schlep to get out there, I too like the skype idea
Deb
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Burning Amp matters to many diy builders in CA.
It is possible that there isn't much overlap with the audience for your class. If that's the case, the class may well fill up anyway.
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I'm hoping you do more of these in the future as I would love to attend one or both. Personally, I don't have the time or money to make the trip out this year.
Might I make a suggestion? Announce classes 3-5 months out so that those of us that would have to fly can get cheaper flights?
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I'd jump on the skype bandwagon as well. While perhaps an even bigger commitment than you were originally thinking, I would love to have multi-week class that might even have homework. I have designed my own amp and pre-amp, but I still am not confident beyond the most simple of circuits.
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I would commit if doing some type of online class like Skype. Sounds like fun.
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OK, I will keep the Skype idea in mind for the basic electronics class. What I was really wanting to focus on is building skills, as that is our forte. The only way to do that effectively is hands-on. I do plan to announce classes with a longer lead time in the future. We have been in this space for two years now and I feel we really haven't taken full advantage of it. So I would like to get started on using it more effectively ASAP. The idea is that we have the space and we can do these classes monthly or every other month or quarterly or however often people might want to do one.
Now that we have discussed the other things you guys want, is anyone interested in learning how to do proper construction techniques? This is after all the core of the whole DIY thing. A day in a class here would give you skills that could last a lifetime. The first class we gave back in 1997 was team taught by myself, John Tucker and John "Buddha" Camille. Even I learned a ton in that one. That and the other classes I have done in the past were really fun. Hopefully some Bottlehead class alums will chime in.
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proper construction technique as in circuit design, building amps etc. ? what knowledge level would be recommended for such a class? would a novice be lost or is there something to take away for everyone?
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Proper construction technique as in how to properly dress wiring for low noise, how to securely attach wiring connections, and the number one issue we always see, how to achieve a reliable and structurally sound solder joint. Naturally in a class like this there are a lot of other little tricks and techniques to learn about wire stripping, proper torque for mounting parts, reworking and installing upgrades and mods, application of finishes, etc. Crack or Quickie would be ideal platforms to demonstrate those techniques.
These are things that one can teach and learn in a set time period to anyone, novice or advanced builder (yeah, I think I can even teach you old dogs some new tricks). As for a comprehensive "Learning to design amps" class that people so often ask for - I've been taking that class for about 21 years. I'll let you know when I think I have passed the course. We could probably cover some more focused aspects of such a design.
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Someday, maybe an intro to tubes online?
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Building my S.E.X. amp showed me just how rusty my soldering skills were after 20-something years of non-use. I would definitely be interested in spending a day building a crack/quickie/other in-house with you to improve skills.
I would also be interested in some sort of online circuit design or tube theory class(es).
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Dan,
Well said.
G.
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My brother in law and I would be in for the basic course. We live close enough to attend in person, which would be my (selfish, I know) preference.
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Proper construction technique as in how to properly dress wiring for low noise, how to securely attach wiring connections, and the number one issue we always see, how to achieve a reliable and structurally sound solder joint. Naturally in a class like this there are a lot of other little tricks and techniques to learn about wire stripping, proper torque for mounting parts, reworking and installing upgrades and mods, application of finishes, etc. Crack or Quickie would be ideal platforms to demonstrate those techniques.
These are things that one can teach and learn in a set time period to anyone, novice or advanced builder (yeah, I think I can even teach you old dogs some new tricks). As for a comprehensive "Learning to design amps" class that people so often ask for - I've been taking that class for about 21 years. I'll let you know when I think I have passed the course. We could probably cover some more focused aspects of such a design.
If I were local, I would love to take this class but Washington DC to Washington State is a long trek. I've been trying to convince the family to take a trip from Washington to Alaska but haven't had any luck.
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. . . yeah, I think I can even teach you old dogs some new tricks. . . .
I am on the house wiring crew for Habitat. I really appreciate it when one of the crew gives me a new and efficient way to do any of the wiring. I'm not an old hand at this, but I am becoming proficient.
I would appreciate it just as much, probably more, to learn new tricks in kit building and modifying. Still the distance and cost of a plane ticket prohibits me from being in on this. I'm just saying that old dogs appreciate a good trick.
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Hi - complete newbie here. First time poster and brand new to tubes and DIY audio. If you do a class on that date I'm in. Flying in from Chicago. If I'm going to learn how to do this, I want to do it right.
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I live many states away, but would fly in for a class, as long as it was scheduled way in advance (e.g., a few months) so I could make the arrangements.
My personal preference would be to either (a) understand tubes and basic electronics, or perhaps (b) build the Stereomour. Or something you folks come up with. Thanks for doing this. I've always envied those people who attended the VSAC class (I believe it was).
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Hi- Im interested in both classes, I built a Quickie and could use more skills before I build the next kit.
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I'd be interested in the 2 - 1/2 day classes - basic tube electronics and then a Quickie in the afternoon. Better not tell my wife though lol.
Aural Robert
... takin' care of business ...
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This is a bump to remind you that the deadline for signing up for the upcoming tube electronics basics class (including reading schematics) on Saturday, October 26th is this Friday, October 19th. The class is here at Bottleheadquarters and the fee is $35. Call Eileen at 206-451-4275 to sign up.
Oops, I just remembered that we will be off celebrating our 22nd anniversary on the 19th. Let's make the deadline Monday, October 22nd.
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Give Eileen a call at 206-451-4275 or email her at queen at bottlehead dot com. The class will be from 1-4 p.m., this Saturday, October 27th. We will cover the basics of vacuum tube operation, how they work in various circuits and how to read schematics.
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Hi Doc,
Is there even the slightest chance that a video of the class might be made for sale? I realize it's not like being there, but I'd absolutely buy a video like that. Even if it were $100, it would still be an amazing bargain from my perspective.
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Ditto on the video or skype!
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We are being deluged with phone calls to make this a webinar, video, etc. So we will, in the future! Let us get this first whack at this kind of in-house class down, and we will look to doing it again in a video format.
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I shot off an email requesting to be signed up per the instructions this morning; hope to meet you this weekend!
-Brandon
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We now have six students attending this Saturday's class. We plan to hold the class in the lab where we can easily access gear and we're putting up a white board for doing some schematic work. Today we are rearranging stuff so we can fit everyone in comfortably. We might be able to fit in another person or two if anyone else wishes to attend. I plan to refer to Norman Crowhurst's Basic Audio series, mostly Volume Two. You can download a PDF copy of this and also Vols. 1 and 3 from Pete Millet's Tubebooks.org site, and you are most welcome but not required to bring a laptop, Ipad, etc. with a copy to refer to if you wish.
http://www.tubebooks.org/technical_books_online.htm (http://www.tubebooks.org/technical_books_online.htm)
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Our students will be well treated. I spent the day cleaning and waxing the floor in the classroom.
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I wanted to post a follow-up after the basics class for the benefit of those who might be considering attending future classes.
First, a hearty thank-you to Doc and everyone at Bottlehead for accommodating us. They did a tremendous job, both in content and presentation, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to learn from some real experts (and fantastic people).
The shop itself was immaculate; these folks really take pride in all aspects of what they do. My background in construction management nudges me to look for the little things about the work environment, and at Bottlehead, their professionalism and dedication to quality was clearly evident in all respects (down to Doc's waxed floors - I have no idea if they were or not, but I'd have no problem applying the 5 second rule in the lab).
With respect to the content, it was everything a newb like me could have hoped for. Even the handouts were right on target and, I expect, will prove to be useful throughout the duration of my experience in tube electronics. The presentation of the materials was focused but far from rigid, and the guys really went to great lengths to [patiently] humor our questions and comments. To be sure, there were plenty of laughs - this isn't a closed-book finals by any means. My fellow classmates were similarly just the very best of people and I enjoyed our time immensely.
Bottom line, I came in with but the most basic understanding of the subject and left with not only the ability to 'read' (and draw) a basic constructed circuit but a new confidence for diving into reading more complex schematics (and the basis for the respective design elements).
Listening to the shop system upstairs was... brilliant. It was, both visually and aurally, an experience I'll never forget. (The growler of K
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Due the enthusiastic response to our first class at Bottleheadquarters, we have decided to offer a Quickie tube preamp building class on Saturday, December 8th. The class will be noon to 5 p.m. Each student will receive a Quickie kit to build and we will go through it step by step, discussing the most efficient and reliable techniques for solid construction, with a bit of discussion as we go on how the basic circuit components work. PB has promised to show up with a few fancy parts to throw in to the builds.
Price is $199 which includes a Quickie kit. Enrollment is limited to six students so that everyone gets hands on help from your most humble instructors, and tools will be provided. Students may also bring their own favorite solder station, DMM and hand tools. Contact Eileen to enroll - 206-451-4275 or queen at bottlehead dot com. Deadline for enrollment is Monday November 26th.
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Would love to fly across to attend one of these... maybe when a three day course or the likes are run it would be more worth the flight time.
Stephen
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PB has promised to show up with a few fancy parts to throw in to the builds.
I have another idea cooking that will be even better, but I won't ruin the surprise :P
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I have another idea cooking that will be even better, but I won't ruin the surprise :P
Coeds?
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xK91d1Hg2nk%2FUBKln7ozicI%2FAAAAAAAAaFI%2FEveznaK5U_I%2Fs1600%2Fohmy.jpg&hash=ed071a72299d91f4c45be254404eed99b1778bea)
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OOoooooo.... Car show Girls! Nice idea.
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Coeds?
Hey, I think the brunette is my Mom...
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OK who said bombs? er bombshell class?
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Was hoping I could make the Quicky class but the damned Ninth Circuit got in the way. Next time, hopefully soon.
-Brandon
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Now maybe there could be an online class. Not as good as being there, but would still have value.
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The consensus after our first class was that the hands-on aspect was extremely important, and would be a lost cause if the class was online.
It might be possible to do a circuit design class online, but that would be about the only possibility that comes to mind.
-PB
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Time for a new class! This one will be on Saturday, January 19th, from 12-4. The class will deal with using test gear - the multimeter, oscilloscope, signal generator, etc. We will go through the basics on each piece of gear and then show how things like frequency response and distortion measurements can be done. Price is $50 and as usual the class size limit is 6 students. Call Eileen at 206-451-4275 to reserve a spot, this should be a really interesting class.
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As of today we have just one space left in next Saturday's class about using test gear. Call Eileen today to snag that last spot! 206-451-4275
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any plans for more classes? I would love to take a basic electronics class. Not so interested in the build classes.