An idiot attempts to build a 2204

[Whizzinby]

Since there is no DIY section, I figured I’d document a mouth breather trying to build an amp with zero electronic experience and minimal understanding of amps. What could go wrong? (Other then death)

Anyway, I’ve got a Headfirst/EvolveDIY ST1 2204 PCB board on its way. I suspect that will take another week or more to make its way across the ocean, which gives me time to prep.

With the PCB comes a wiring diagram and partial parts lists.

Im going to start simple and think tools and chassis first. Can get all that lined up before the PCB gets here and might give me some time dissect the build process (amps 101) before firing on the rest of parts lists.

So tools. Minimally I’m assuming I need a soldering iron, multimeter, wire snips, wire strippers, needle nose pliers etc.

Soldering iron. Everyone seems to rec Weller stuff, so I’m assuming the Weller digital soldering station should be sufficient? WE1010NA

Multimeter. Fluke seems to be the big brand recommended. Is the Fluke 107 sufficient. After that it gets pricey, the 107 goes to 600V, I’m wondering if I should aim at a higher voltage rating.

What other tools do you guy rec for a build?

Also for chassis, was looking at this one from Mojotone. I’m assuming that’s sufficient or do any of you like something else?

British 800 2204 1987 Chassis

Mojotone reproduction chassis. Same size and style as the Marshall® JCM800Please note: Impedance selector switch holes size accommodates the Mojotone Impedance Selector Switch.

www.mojotone.com

 

[jellodog]

Robinette is always good for amp building information.

There's some good advice on the following page under the "Component Placement and Soldering" section:

Build an Amp

How To Build a Tube Amplifier

robrobinette.com

 

[Mongillo19]

I get anxiety just reading this but I wish you nothing but the best! I'm sure the attachment and feeling of accomplishment will be awesome when it's done!

 

[DrewJD82]

I started moving stuff around my apartment so I can have a workbench area specifically or DIY pedals, I’ll be closely following this build and if it seems like something I can pull off fairly well, I’ll be next in line!!

Really stoked to see this play out!!!!

 

[JiveTurkey]

Don't be this guy!

 

[Mongillo19]

Don't be this guy!

Don't worry, he sold his QC

 

[Jambi]

Before you start: Learn how to solder PCBs. Learn how to desolder PCBs. Avoid having to learn how to fix a trace.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Looking forward to this.

Skip Simmons Vintage Amp podcast is a good listen.

Uncle Doug’s youtube channel has a bunch of stuff that might be useful.

Rob Robinette and Aitken Audio are like bibles too.

Go slow, take your time, and be safe. Sure it’ll be a satisfying build and process and you’ll end up with something rad.

Looking forward to how you end up (inevitably) modding it to your own taste.

 

[Jambi]

I use the Weller WE1010NA and the Fluke 117, but the 107 would be just fine.

 

[holoholo]

 

[Achilles]

Be sure to use a small fan as an exhaust while soldering. You don't want to be breathing those fumes!
A little cup of rubbing alcohol and a small artist paint brush will make cleaning your solder joints really easy.

 

[JiveTurkey]

@greatmutah ; you've built some stuff over the years, no?

 

[PLX]

 

[Whizzinby]

Robinette is always good for amp building information.

There's some good advice on the following page under the "Component Placement and Soldering" section:

Build an Amp

How To Build a Tube Amplifier

robrobinette.com

Bookmarked.

Don't be this guy!

Get Rich 2204 Or Die Trying

Before you start: Learn how to solder PCBs. Learn how to desolder PCBs. Avoid having to learn how to fix a trace.

Yeah I figure I need to practice soldering for a while before I make an attempt on the main board. Good thing is it will take me a while to wrap my head around the parts and build, during which I can build my soldering skills up.

Looking forward to this.

Skip Simmons Vintage Amp podcast is a good listen.

Uncle Doug’s youtube channel has a bunch of stuff that might be useful.

Rob Robinette and Aitken Audio are like bibles too.

Go slow, take your time, and be safe. Sure it’ll be a satisfying build and process and you’ll end up with something rad.

Looking forward to how you end up (inevitably) modding it to your own taste.

Yeah I’m not going to rush it. I think it will take me a month or so to piece together all the materials which will allow me some time to bring up my overall amp IQ. That’s actually part of my plan, as I’m buying stuff, deep dive what it is and what it does that way by the time I’ve pieced everything together I’ve got a pretty good handle on the overall project.

I’m looking forward to tinkering with it. (Or having everything sit in my closet unfinished )

View attachment 17664

That’s actually a big motivation. The AxeFX has so thoroughly killed my interest in other gear it has me looking for other things to mess with. lol Also seems like a cool educational thing, figuring out how it all works. And the possibility of death, exciting!

 

[Achilles]

The flip side of the coin.

 

[gearJunkie]

Don't forget to include some liquid flux and desoldering braid as part of your soldering tool kit. Also be sure to practice using both on an old donor PCB from an old or broken device.

Good luck with the build. I'm looking forward to hearing about your success!

 

[Jambi]

Just for some ideas; shop around:

I prefer a solder sucker to the braids. Those can be a pain:

Lesnow Solder Sucker https://a.co/d/0sPICoI


The sponge is good, but it works best in tandem with brass wool to avoid too much rapid cooling of your tip:

Weller Soldering Brass Sponge Tip Cleaner with Silicone Holder https://a.co/d/jdUKBiT


Here’s some other tools have have helped greatly:

10X Magnifying Glass with Light https://a.co/d/9udiBzs

Magnetic Heat Insulation Anti Static Silicone Large (15.9''×11.9'') - Gray https://a.co/d/5wYdvgQ

(You can use any old lint roller to clear the schmuck off of the mat)

XYK Helping Hands Soldering Station https://a.co/d/91zFTD1

QWORK Dual Solder https://a.co/d/1Lvmdva

Knipex 78 06 125 VDE 125 mm Electronic Super Knips https://a.co/d/gcgiru7

 

[Achilles]

I prefer a solder sucker to the braids. Those can be a pain:

ABSOLUTELY! Couldn't agree more.

 

[nicolasrivera]

Since there is no DIY section, I figured I’d document a mouth breather trying to build an amp with zero electronic experience and minimal understanding of amps. What could go wrong? (Other then death)

Anyway, I’ve got a Headfirst/EvolveDIY ST1 2204 PCB board on its way. I suspect that will take another week or more to make its way across the ocean, which gives me time to prep.

With the PCB comes a wiring diagram and partial parts lists.

Im going to start simple and think tools and chassis first. Can get all that lined up before the PCB gets here and might give me some time dissect the build process (amps 101) before firing on the rest of parts lists.

So tools. Minimally I’m assuming I need a soldering iron, multimeter, wire snips, wire strippers, needle nose pliers etc.

Soldering iron. Everyone seems to rec Weller stuff, so I’m assuming the Weller digital soldering station should be sufficient? WE1010NA

Multimeter. Fluke seems to be the big brand recommended. Is the Fluke 107 sufficient. After that it gets pricey, the 107 goes to 600V, I’m wondering if I should aim at a higher voltage rating.

What other tools do you guy rec for a build?

Also for chassis, was looking at this one from Mojotone. I’m assuming that’s sufficient or do any of you like something else?

British 800 2204 1987 Chassis

Mojotone reproduction chassis. Same size and style as the Marshall® JCM800Please note: Impedance selector switch holes size accommodates the Mojotone Impedance Selector Switch.

www.mojotone.com

Man, no matter what, this is NOT how you handle that tool.

 

[Achilles]

this is NOT how you handle that tool.

Oh, but you can! If only for a nano-second. And although it's been accomplished numerous times over the years, the feat's never been repeated by any single individual.
Ever.

Happened in grade school but not like in the picture. The kid using the iron put it down in the wrong place and I grabbed thinking it was something else. FUDGE!!!! thought I knew what hot was from being around fires and stuff - but an iron is a whole new level of white hot insanity. I think my brain turned inside out for a tick.
Still got the shades of a scar!