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Trinity Amps TriFly Pcb Builder's Manual

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The Trinity Amps
TriFly
TriFly
TriFly
TriFly
PCB Builder's Guide
For the sole personal use of Trinity Amps Customers.
February 2017, Version 1.1
Parts © Trinity Amps 2005 - 2016
www.trinityamps.com
TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx
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  • Page 1 The Trinity Amps TriFly TriFly TriFly TriFly PCB Builder's Guide For the sole personal use of Trinity Amps Customers. February 2017, Version 1.1 Parts © Trinity Amps 2005 - 2016 www.trinityamps.com TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 1 -...
  • Page 2 TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx Page - 2 -...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    7. Install LED in V1 tube socket ..........................31 8. Output Transformer Connection and Power Transformer Connection ............31 9. Wire up the Heaters; Check Wiring ........................32 10. Start-Up .................................. 34 Trinity TRIFLY Voltage Chart ..........................36 TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx Page - 3 -...
  • Page 4 How to read the Color Code ..........................46 Appendix 3 - How to read Capacitor Codes ......................47 Appendix 4 - TriFly PCB Bill of Materials ......................50 Appendix 5 - FAQ ..............................51 TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx...
  • Page 5 Thank You Thank you for purchasing your TriFly kit from Trinity Amps. We truly hope that you enjoy building it and that it will be enjoyed for many years. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us and. Please be sure to check the package contents in case there are any missing items.

  • Page 6: Introduction

    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.

  • Page 7: Warning

    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 DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY FOR INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THIS INFORMATION! ALL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED 'AS-IS' AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND REMEMBER: NEVER OPERATE YOUR AMP WITHOUT A LOAD.

  • Page 8: Version Control

    Version Control Version Date Change 28Dec16 First release 1Feb17 Clarified input jack wiring TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx Page - 8 -...
  • Page 9 TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx Page - 9 -...
  • Page 10 TriFly Description The design of the TriFly began with an inspiring customer call - "Please make me a small, higher gain amp that I can play but that my ears can tolerate".. His ears were suffering from an illness and he could not withstand any loud sounds. Yet he still wanted to play his guitar like his old JCM 800 .

  • Page 11: Product Overview And Specs

    A Conjunctive filter is incorporated into the output stage to tame some fizz and smooth out the response. The eyelet board / PCB for the TriFly is a new approach. Wanting to keep this design compact, we went for a layout that located the tubes in the middle of the chassis with holes through to feed the components directly to the tube pins and we used regular tube sockets.

  • Page 12: Guitar Amplifier Basics

    - the middle control simply boosts the pickup's normal ‘middley’ sound. The treble and bass controls do the opposite - they boost higher and lower frequency levels, leaving TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx Page - 12 -...

  • Page 13: Distortion

    Some poor designs do not have this capability in their preamp stages, let alone the power amp to handle this. Pre-amplifier stages need generous power rails, TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx Page - 13 -...
  • Page 14 TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx Page - 14 -...

  • Page 15: General Amplifier Operation

    Overdrive the stuffing out of it. Tubes are very forgiving of massive overdrives, unlike solid state gear. As long as they tubes don't overheat for long periods, it's not fatal. TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx Page - 15 -...

  • Page 16: Introduction To Vacuum Tubes And Common Terms

    It is usually a small value (i.e. .001uF) and it rolls off highs in the stage. Sometimes you see a high frequency roll off cap going from the plate pin to the cathode pin - 350pf->500pf in value. TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 16 -...
  • Page 17 The Grid Stopper Resistor works best when mounted directly or as close as possible to the grid pin. "Complete" typical tube preamp stage: TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 17...
  • Page 18 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. TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 18...

  • Page 19: Introduction

    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. TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 19...

  • Page 20: Insulated Jacks

    The traditional method of constructing amps involved mounting the components on tag board or fiberboard. This is the technique that is used for Trinity Amplifiers and is the recommended approach for service and reliability. TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 20...

  • Page 21: Assembling The Amp

    5. Make a good mechanical connection first, and then make a good solder joint. 6. Heat the leads to be soldered by touching it with the tip of the iron. TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 21...

  • Page 22: Making A Voltage Measurement

    Most modern meters are "fuse and diode protected" this is to prevent fireworks, but will not usually save the meter from an overload of this magnitude. TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 22...

  • Page 23: Wiring

    12AX7/12BH7 Potentiometer Pin Numbering The pins on potentiometers are (virtually) numbered 1 to 3 from left to right when the shaft is facing towards you and the pins are at the top. TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 23...

  • Page 24: Assembly Steps Summary

    Black/White, White) facing outwards and the secondarys (Red, Red/Yellow, Green, Green/Yellow) facing inwards. . See “TriFly Heater and Power Supply Wiring” diagram later on in the manual. Mount with 2 #6 screws and nuts with a chassis lug under both mounting nuts.

  • Page 25: Install Iec, Power Switch, Tube Sockets And Output Jacks

    NON-FUSED or NEUTRAL is on the side. The TriFly has a simple power switch and no Standby switch. Make sure the switch is in the desired on position when it is on. It can be on in either the up or down position. Align according to the front panel then install the power switch.

  • Page 26: Wire Up And Test The Power Transformer And Power Switch

    3. Wire up and test the Power Transformer and Power Switch Grounding Scheme The TriFly uses a two point grounding scheme where the power side of the amp is connected to a single common ground point, and the preamp part is connected to another point on the chassis which is located immediately beside the input jacks.
  • Page 27 Secondary Wiring – All countries Cut the GREEN-YELLOW and RED-YELLOW ground leads, center tap, long enough to reach the POWER GROUND lug and solder them to one of the holes on the lug. TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 27...

  • Page 28: Build Sub-Assemblies Volume Control And Input Jack

    Plug in the cable and measure the resistance between the tip of the cable and the lead from the 33K resistor. It should be approximately 33K TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 28...

  • Page 29: Build Sub-Assembly Printer Circuit Board (Pcb)

    (usually has an alligator clip) and that identifies the outer foil. Mark the capacitor with a sharpie and install the cap as per the provided TRIFLY board layout. Tip: For multiple component leads that must fit into one pad, insert them first and solder once when they are all in place.

  • Page 30: Install Sub-Assembly Pcb

    Put 4 - #4 screws from the outside through the enclosure, closest to where the sockets are located and hold them in place on the outside with a piece or two of masking tape. TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 30...

  • Page 31: Install Led In V1 Tube Socket

    Flip the TriFly enclosure upside down and align the front panel towards you. Put 4 - 3/8” inch nylon spacers over the four protruding screws. Align the PCB so that Trinity Amps Inc. TriFly Trinity Amps Inc. TriFly Trinity Amps Inc. TriFly can be read from the front and lower Trinity Amps Inc.

  • Page 32: Wire Up The Heaters; Check Wiring

    Tip: Make nice neat bends in the wires so that it is above the board and components but still below the top of the enclosure with the lid on When that is complete, test to make sure that the LED illuminates when the power switch is on. TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 32...
  • Page 33 TriFly Heater and Power Supply Wiring Interior Picture of Completed TriFly TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 33...

  • Page 34: Start-Up

    “Power Supply Wiring” section and the main layout as well. Power up the amp and watch the following things as quickly as possible and roughly in this order: • LED pilot lamp comes on brightly; TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 34...
  • Page 35 If all is good, then screw on the bottom plate of the enclosure and enjoy! 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. TriFly PCB Builders Guide Version 1.0 Page 35...

  • Page 36: Trinity Trifly Voltage Chart

    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 DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY FOR INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THIS INFORMATION! ALL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED 'AS-IS' AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

  • Page 37: Troubleshooting

    Conversely, if the volume control does not affect the hum, the cause is somewhere after the volume control. Faulty tube Tubes sometimes develop internal hum. Do some tube swapping to locate the problem. Use the volume control test. TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 37 -...

  • Page 38: Severely Unmatched Output Tubes In A Push Pull Amplifier

    ∆=20uF 500V, etc. and then clip the old terminal with the symbol off the old can. Remove the old can, mount the new one, and use the symbol chart and lugs still on the leads to make sure you connect the right sections up in the new capacitor. TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 38 -...

  • Page 39: Faulty Bias Supply In Fixed Bias Amplifiers

    Sometimes using shielded cable for signal runs inside the cabinet can help. It is hazardous to do, but you can open the amp up and TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 39 -...

  • Page 40: Poor Ac Chassis Ground At Power Transformer

    Hiss Some noise or hiss is normal if you have used carbon composition resistors. TRIFLY kits are supplied with Carbon Film and Metal film resistors similar to the original. This style of resistor has inherent noise.

  • Page 41: Squealing/Feedback

    Start with the easy things and work your way through the tests. First, is it a metallic buzz? Is it a tube (ringing) buzz? Is it a softer buzz (wooden/plastic sound?) TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 41 -...
  • Page 42 & chassis. Flush mounting (i.e. no washers) could cause rattle. Use rubber gasket between transformer or use washers • Is the Circuit board mounted tightly against chassis? Tighten mounting screws - check standoffs. TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 42 -...
  • Page 43 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. TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 43 -...

  • Page 44: Appendix 1 - Tone Tweaking

    PUT A CAPACITOR ACROSS THE OUTPUT TUBE CATHODE RESISTOR. The TriFly design is not a conventional Push-Pull design. To get more clean output from your TriFly, try a lower gain tube in V1. For example a 12AY7 or 5751. See the gain chart for some other possibilities.

  • Page 45: More Tips For Fine Tuning Your Amp

    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 (and resistors of 100k or above) with metal film types. This can • help reduce hiss.. TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 45 -...

  • Page 46: Appendix 2 - How To Read Resistor Color Codes

    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. TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 46 -...

  • Page 47: Appendix 3 - How To Read Capacitor Codes

    1 pico = 1/1,000,000,000,000 or 0.000 000 000 001 times the unit (10 Table 1 Digit multipliers Third digit Multiplier (this times the first two digits gives you the value in Pico-Farads) 1,000 10,000 100,000 6 not used 7 not used TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 47 -...
  • Page 48 Typical Capacitor Markings Code 0.051 .0000510 0.18 .00018 .0005 1000 .001 1200 .0012 1500 .0015 2000 .002 2200 .0022 4700 .0047 5000 .005 10000 12000 .012 20000 22000 .022 47000 .047 100000 680000 TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 48 -...
  • Page 49 Table 2 Letter tolerance code Letter symbol Tolerance of capacitor 0.10% 0.25% 0.5% 0.5% 0.05% P +100% Z +80% TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 49 -...

  • Page 50: Appendix 4 - Trifly Pcb Bill Of Materials

    Appendix 4 - TriFly PCB Bill of Materials ITEM ITEM 1W C FILM RES 150 OHMS (ECC99) RED 3 MM LED 1W C FILM RES 470 OHMS (COLD BIAS BH7 /AU7) DIODE FAST 1000V 1A DO-41 1W M FILM RES 440 OHMS (HOT BIAS BH7)

  • Page 51: Appendix 5 - Faq

    DC output and the first filter cap. On a TRIFLY, it is measured at the positive end of the first 40uF filter capacitor. It should be about 275 VDC with tubes, with 120 VAC mains.
  • Page 52 Then, when done, remove the completed jacks, mount them correctly inside the chassis and tighten up the mounting screws and solder up the other end of the shielded wires to the tag strips at V1. TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 52 -...
  • Page 53 Solid wire stays in place better once it's positioned and a bit easier to feed through holes. If they aren't well twisted make sure they are tight against the chassis. Use 20-22 ga solid for heaters. It is rated for more than 5A/600Volts. TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 53 -...
  • Page 54 Trinity Amps Schematics and Layouts TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 54 -...
  • Page 55 TRIFLY PCB BILL OF MATERIALS - ITEM 1W C FILM RES 150 OHMS (ECC99) 1W C FILM RES 470 OHMS (COLD BIAS BH7 /AU7) 1W M FILM RES 440 OHMS (HOT BIAS BH7) CARBON FILM RESISTORS-820 OHMS 5% CARBON FILM RESISTORS-1.8KOHMS 5%...
  • Page 56 TRIFLY PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) TRIFLY BUILDERS GUIDE TRIFLY RED SPARKLE ENCLOSURE TRIFLY POWER TRANSFORMER HTS-11936 REV1 TRIFLY OUTPUT TRANSFORMER HTS-11654 TrinityAmps TriFly PCB Builders Guide v1.docx - 56 -...

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