Table of Contents Table of Contents ..............................3 Thank You! ................................5 Introduction ................................7 Acknowledgements ............................... 7 WARNING................................8 Version Control ..............................9 Fender and Marshall Tone controls ..............................13 VOX Tone controls ....................................17 Distortion ........................................19 General Amplifier Operation ................................21 Some DO NOTS .....................................
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How to Read Capacitor Codes ..........................89 FAQ 91 Cliff Jacks Explained ............................94 18 Watt Bill of Material (BOM) ..........................95 Trinity Amps Schematics and Layouts ....................... 101 Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 4...
Thank You! Thank you for purchasing your kit from Trinity Amps. We truly hope that you enjoy building it. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always looking for feedback form our Customers on our products. We have checked the build instructions over thoroughly and are confident in our product.
Introduction This guide has been prepared for builders of Trinity Amps Kits. It is always being improved and we would appreciate your feedback and comments to: stephen@trinityamps.com Accordingly, content and specifications are subject to change without notice. We do try to make it as accurate as possible, but it is sometimes hard to keep up with the changes.
While efforts are made to ensure accuracy of these circuits, no guarantee is provided, of any kind! USE AT YOUR OWN RISK: TRINITY AMPS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THIS INFORMATION! ALL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED 'AS-IS' AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.
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Quite simply, if players prefer the sound of tubes, they will continue to buy and use them. Below are some fundamentals. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 11...
Input Impedance Typically 1M, 500K minimum (humbucking pickup guitars have volume pots up to 500K, single coil pickup guitars typically of 250K). Tone Controls Magnetic guitar pickups are inductive, and require compensation, although this opportunity is also used for tone enhancement, not just correction. Without compensation, they have a strong low middle emphasis and little high frequency response - overall a very muddy and muffled sound.
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On the other hand, Fender's tone controls allow high-mids to pass with the treble response, and add little bass boost for the sparkling and tight sounds they're famous for. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 14...
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3. Anyone's who has used a Fender will know this, and this control could easily be replaced by a control with a stronger logarithmic taper to smooth this out without changing the range of available tones. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 15...
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The smaller adjustment range and higher level are both caused by the use of the 33K resistor in place of Fender's 100K. The also gives the tone stack a lower input impedance, requiring it to be fed from a lower output impedance (cathode follower) preamp tube stage. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 16...
Gibson diagrams happen to have an error on the Bass pot, grounding one end that should be left floating. Glen Lambert - 2002. For more information see: http://www.geocities.com/vintage325/topboost.html Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 17...
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Bass pot. You can leave it floating or join this terminal to the wiper to make it a variable resistor. Trinity 15/TC-15 Bass Control Frequency Response. Note the interactive effect on Treble control. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 18...
Anyway, the rest is history. These tubes exhibit a softer overdrive transition, and maintain clarity even at high overdrive levels. They also have a limited middle response, giving rise to the famous Marshall crunch sound. The lower powered EL84 tubes have similar characteristics. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 19...
Overdrive the stuffing out of it. Tubes are very forgiving of massive overdrives, unlike solid state stuff. As long as they tubes don't overheat or stay overdriven for long periods, it's not fatal. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 21...
Introduction to Vacuum Tubes and Common Terms Reprinted with permission from Aron from diystompboxes.com Here are a few terms that you may see online when referencing tube schematics. Like distortion pedals, tube circuits seemingly have their own language! I present this knowledge in the hopes that it may help you decipher the interesting life of tubes! Below, is a picture and a very simplistic view of a tube stage.
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Values can be 1.5K->100K. Larger values roll off more highs and reduce gain between stages. The Grid Stopper Resistor works best when mounted directly or as close as possible to the grid pin. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 24...
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The plate receives the voltage from the power supply through a plate resistor, the grid receives the AC signal as input and the cathode is grounded through a cathode resistor. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 25...
Run one wire to the star ground point from each collection. (3) Run exactly one wire from the star ground point to chassis. (4) Insulate the input and output jacks from the chassis. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 27...
Note that there is a gap between pins 1 and 9. The pins on an 8-pin tube socket are numbered 1 to 8 in a clockwise direction when viewed from the bottom. Note that there is a gap between pins 1 and 8. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 29...
To make things more complicated, many tubes have letters after the name, such as 6L6WGB, 6L6GC. Sometimes these letters mean functionally nothing (design revisions) and sometimes they refer to different voltage capabilities of a given type. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 30...
12AU7 ECC82 Grounding Scheme To keep noise to a minimum, the Trinity Amps 18 watt layout uses a two point grounding scheme where the power side of the amp is connected to a single common ground point (Power Ground), and the pre-amp is connected to another point on the chassis that is located immediately beside the input jacks (Pre-Amp Ground).
4 for power transformer (optionally remove Heyboer PT nuts as supplied); 2 for Output transformer; and 1 for mains ground bolt. 10-32 X 1- ” Mount chassis to cabinet. Use cage nuts in square holes pressed into chassis. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 34...
Terminal strips are mounted using a nut over the socket mounting screw to hold the terminal strip in place or by using a #4 bolt & KEPS nut as for the Screen resistor or TMB grid resistor terminal strips. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 36...
Nuts are not required. Fuse Holder - Orient the Fuse holder socket so that the center lug points away from the IEC socket. Fasten in place with the nut and washer provided. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 37...
4 of both EL84 and red on pins 5. Do one tube socket at a time. Complete the 12AX7s using the same process. Red on pins 4 & 5 tied together Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 38...
Note: On the outside of the Chassis, tie off the unused 5K Blue-White & Brown-White primary that is not required for the 18 watt build. Tie it off by cutting off any pre-stripped, exposed wire and then put heat-shrink over the end and tuck it away as it is not used.
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North America Green [USA-plug round prong] Black [Small White [Large flat flat prong] prong] European 240V Green/White or Green/Yellow It makes no difference how the other two wires are matched. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 40...
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The other side of the IEC connector or ‘Neutral (N)’ gets routed to a tag on the terminal strip and then to the ‘Common’ point of the power transformer. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 41...
‘Common’ terminal on the 5-Lug terminal strip. Twist all wires together and then solder the wires in place on the power switch lugs, indicator and terminal strip tags. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 42...
120V neon indicator light. Ensure you twist all wires together and then solder the wires in place on the power switch lugs, indicator and terminal strip tags. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 43...
Connect a lead from the other side of the Can Capacitor, and the 1K5 power resistor, to the turret board following the layout. From the negative Can Capacitor terminal, run a green wire to the #6 Power Ground point. Solder all the Can Capacitor terminals. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 44...
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The layout drawing shows dotted green and dotted red wires from PT as well as the ground wire from the capacitor bank on the board being grounded together. This is this same as the star ground on the PT nut. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 45...
6.3 VAC across pins 4 – 5 of the EL84 sockets (V4, V5) 6.3 VAC across pins 4,5 – 9 of the 12AX7 sockets (V1, V2, V3) These should all correspond approximately to the label on the Transformer. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 46...
5. Assemble the Turret Board If you do not have a pre-built Trinity amps turret board, now is the time to build it. Identify if it is labeled as an ROHS board or not. First, install jumper wires on the underside of the board. Follow the pictures below.
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Then, using a pair of needle nose pliers, pull the buss tight and align it over top and in-line with the turrets. Then solder the second last turret and finish of Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 48...
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Continuously check the location, the part, orientation and value of each component as you install it. When completed, check against the layout, and then check continuity between parts and jumpers. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 49...
#6 lock nuts. Install the turret board on the spacers and tighten in place with #6 KEPS nuts. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 52...
After installing the turret board on it mounting stand-offs, strip about 1/2” / 10 mm off one end and push it into the top of the turret so it touches the component lead. Then solder it well in place at the turret end only. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 53...
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Squeeze the hook with a pair of needle nose pliers so that it is mechanically tight to the turret. Solder it well in place. Trim off any excess wire. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 54...
Connect the shield to the ground at the Gain pot. Connect the center core to the wiper of the Gain control and the tag of the terminal strip and 470K Grid stopper resistor. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 55...
Solder pin 2 but do not solder yet. Repeat for the other power tube. When you make the connections from the turret board to pin 8, you will solder the other side of the 2 8K2 resistors in place. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 56...
Solder pin 2 but do not solder yet. Repeat for the other power tube. When you make the connections from the turret board to pin 8, you will solder the other side of the 2 8K2 resistors in place. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 57...
Solder all parts in place. Install the switch in the chassis Connect it to the correct tube sockets and turret board. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 58...
Solder them in place following the layout provided once any lead to the turret board is also connected. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 61...
Solder the Brown output lead to V4 and the Blue to V5. Refer to the Output Transformer schematic below and wire up the output impedance selector paying particular attention to the leads for the correct impedance. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 62...
Referring to the Output Transformer schematic, wire up the Impedance Selector to the transformers and output jacks paying particular attention to the leads for the correct impedance. Refer to the diagram below for the connections. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 63...
The Tip connection is at the very end of the plug and is normally ‘positive’ polarity. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘Hot’ side. The other part of the plug is typically ground or ‘common’. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 64...
Set the spacing of two input jacks to be approximately equal to the spacing on the chassis and orient the two jacks so that the terminals face towards you. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 65...
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Securely tighten the chrome nuts so the jacks will not come loose. Do not connect the shields at both ends of the cable or you will induce hum. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 66...
2. At one end, pull back the shield and cut it off at the 5/8" mark. Put some heat shrink around the end covering the area where it was cut off so no shield ‘whiskers’ can short out the input signal. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 67...
All readings should be less than 1 ohm, typically 0.5 ohms. Grounding is very important and often one connection is missed. Check thoroughly. Make sure the #8 Mains Ground at the chassis and #6 Power Ground are very tight. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 68...
For vacuum tube electronics we can usually ignore the high current mode. Put your test leads into the COM and V(ohm)mA jacks and leave them there. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 69...
2. If all is OK, then shut off, install the rectifier and apply power without the preamp or power tubes installed. Wait 10 seconds and turn on the Stand-By switch. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 70...
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Hopefully, there are no problems but if you think there are e.g. hum, squeal etc., then move on to the troubleshooting section of this manual. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 71...
While efforts are made to ensure accuracy of these circuits, no guarantee is provided, of any kind! USE AT YOUR OWN RISK: TRINITY AMPS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THIS INFORMATION! ALL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED 'AS-IS' AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.
=1uF/450V, triangle ∆=20uF 450V, etc. and then clip the old terminal with the symbol off the old can. Remove the old can, mount the new Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 74...
It is hazardous to do, but you can open the amp up and use a wooden chopstick (NOT A PENCIL) to move the wires around inside to see if the hum changes. This is hard Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 75...
Squealing usually occurs when there is coupling between the input and output stages. The positive feedback causes the amp to become an oscillator. Vary the volume and tone controls to see if it affects the oscillation. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 76...
Other useful measures to take in extreme circumstances: 1. Use a filtered IEC connector for your mains power connection. 2. Put a 100pf across the V1 Plate and cathode pins 1&3 Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 77...
• Is there a gap between panels/chassis & cabinet? Tighten it up, use rubber gasket where the faceplate meets cabinet. Rubber gasket (neoprene 3/8’ X 1/8’ window/door sealer) between panel and cabinet Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 78...
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Make sure all the components are away from the board and not touching, and put neoprene 3/8’ X 1/8’ window sealer with one adhesive side, between chassis and wherever it touches the cabinet. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 79...
18 Watt Tone Tweaking Below are some modifications you might choose to implement in order to change the tone and response of your Trinity 18 Watt amp. There are several 18 Watt interest groups on the Internet who can provide some direction.
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R-C filter around the Treble control potentiometer. 33K /250pf– more gain and treble; 47K/330pf - middle of the road; 56K/500pf – bassier slope, less gain Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 82...
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Low Frequencies. Instead of a continuous cutoff there is a step in the gain response, lower gain below the crossover point, and higher above. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 83...
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1 uf as well. Put both in parallel with R9 on the turret board. This is from V2 , pin3 to ground. Just solder it across the Trinity Amps turret board because there is an extra turret there to use if you want to.
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3. Change R11 to 33K Change VR5 to 500K-A or 250K-A to give the bass control more useful range The Normal channel configuration is the original 18 Watt Tremolo Channel without the tremolo. For less distortion in Normal Channel The normal channel uses two capacitors in series (.0047 uF) off V1b 12AX7 plate with the...
Use a shielded cable from your input jack to the first gain stage. This can reduce RF, buzz and • general reduce noise. Replace all plate resistors with metal film types. This can help reduce hiss.. • Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 86...
6BQ5/EL84 (miniature pentode with pin out 9CV) 6267 7189 EF86 6BQ5 7189A EL84 6BQ5WA 7320 N709 6P15 E84L Z729 * means appropriate for parallel filament circuits # means may not work in all circuits Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 87...
They have a different temperature coefficient in order to provide the 1% tolerance. At 1%, most error is in the temperature coefficient - i.e. 20ppm. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 88...
Most kit builders don't need to go further but there is sometimes a tolerance code given by a single letter. So a 102K is a 1,000 pF with +/-10% tolerance Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 89...
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.002 2200 .0022 4700 .0047 5000 .005 10000 12000 .012 20000 22000 .022 100000 680000 Table 2 Letter tolerance code Letter symbol Tolerance of capacitor 0.10% 0.25% 0.5% 0.5% Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 90...
Q: Where can I find more help and support? A: Sign up at the Trinity Amps Forum and check the “Resources” section or post a question in the Lightning Strikes, 18 Watt forums. Q: What does B+ stand for A: B+ stands for Battery Plus == B+ and came from the old days of tubes. B+ is measured at the intersection of the rectifier DC output and the first filter cap.
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TIP: More, larger format, colour pictures and the schematic & layout that are helpful in the build are posted on the Trinity Forum & 18 Watt forum. Right click on them to download if you want print in large, colour format.
You should get continuity between the tip and chassis with nothing plugged in because of the shorting jack and the cross over wire. From 18W Forum – loverocker & ebe Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 94...
32UF X 32UF 450V JJ ELECTROLYTIC CAN CAPACITOR 1-3/8" ELECTROLYTIC CAN CAP CLAMP 25K-LINEAR POT MID 250K-LINEAR POT TREBLE 500K-AUDIO POT VOL, TONE, SIII MASTER VOL, BASS 1M-AUDIO POT MASTER VOL MARSHALL KNOBS Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 95...
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*Note - Some #8 hardware may be used to ship transformers in place. SOZO caps are now optional. Some of the parts contained in this kit are subject to availability. Trinity Amps reserves the right to change or substitute any and all of the parts contained in this amplifier kit without notification.
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Head or Combo may have 2 or 1 respectively, Switchcraft type jacks for output. Plastic Caps for chassis 2 head, 1 combo Note: SOZO Caps are now optional. Mallory 150M are supplied as standard. Trinity Amps 18 Watt Builder’s Guide. Version 3.0 Page - 97...
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