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Trinity Amps THOR Builder's Manual

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The Trinity Amps
THOR
Amp Builder's Guide
DRAFT VERSION
October 2021, Version 21.3
For the sole personal use of Trinity Amps Customers.
Parts © Trinity Amps 2005 - 2021
www.trinityamps.com

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  • Page 1 The Trinity Amps THOR Amp Builder's Guide DRAFT VERSION October 2021, Version 21.3 For the sole personal use of Trinity Amps Customers. Parts © Trinity Amps 2005 - 2021 www.trinityamps.com...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Table of Contents..........................3 Thank You! ............................5 Introduction ............................7 Acknowledgements ..........................7 WARNING ............................8 Version Control ............................. 9 Builders Guide General Theory ......................9 Building an Amp ..........................10 Introduction ..................................13 Switches and wire ................................13 Physical layout ..................................
  • Page 4 Trinity Thor Voltage Chart ......................... 55 Read this Information Carefully ........................... 56 Builders Guide General Troubleshooting ................... 56 Tweaking the Thor Overdrive Intensity and Tone ....................57 How to read Resistor Color Codes...................... 59 First the code ................................59 How to read the Color Code ..........................59 How to Read Capacitor Codes ......................

  • Page 5: Thank You

    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.

  • Page 7: 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 8: 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 DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THIS INFORMATION! ALL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED 'AS-IS' AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

  • Page 9: Version Control

    Version Control Version Date Change 21.1 19Sep21 Draft Version 21.2 10Oct21 Reversed OT wires connection to tube sockets Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 9...

  • Page 10: Builders Guide General Theory

    Asymmetric clipping generates mostly sweet-sounding 2nd harmonic distortion. The positive, saturation side of the guitar signal lobe isn't distorted and carries the original musical content. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 10...
  • Page 11 V4A Tone Stack Buffer Cathode Follower acts as a buffer between the low impedance tone stack and the high impedance signal from the preamp. Without the cathode follower the tone controls Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 11...
  • Page 12 The power supply's solid-state rectifier and the use of a choke between the power tube plate and screen power nodes offers up minimal dynamic voltage sag to keep the overdrive tone tight and reduce the chance of power supply induced oscillation. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 12...

  • Page 13: Building An Amp

    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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 13...

  • Page 14: Insulated Jacks

    1. 25 watt pencil tip soldering iron. (Minimum for ROHS) 2. 60/40 rosin core solder .030” dia (lead-free 97/3 tin/copper for ROHS turrets) 3. wire stripper 4. wire cutter 5. needle nose pliers 6. small screwdrivers (Phillips, Standard) Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 14...

  • Page 15: Soldering

    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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 15...

  • Page 16: Tube Designations

    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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 16...

  • Page 17: Grounding Scheme

    12AU7 ECC82 Grounding Scheme To keep noise to a minimum, the Trinity Amps THOR 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).

  • Page 19: Assembly Steps Summary

    Connect turret board leads installing off-board parts as you proceed. Wire up Impedance Switch and Output Jacks Wire input jacks and shielded cable. Check Wiring. Follow Start-Up procedure. Follow Pictorial on Forum – Resource Section – Topic: “THOR Plexi Pictorial Build”...

  • Page 20: Install The Hardware

    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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 20...
  • Page 21 Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 21...

  • Page 22: Tube Sockets

    TMB channel. It is not required on the sIII or Plexi design. Terminal strips are mounted using a nut over the socket mounting screw. NOTE: DO NOT SOLDER COMPOMEMTS TO THE GROUND CONNECTED LUGS UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO!! Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 22...

  • Page 23: Ground Lugs

    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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 23...

  • Page 24: Install Transformers

    Note: On the outside of the Chassis, tie off the unused 5K Blue-White & Brown-White primary that is not required for the THOR 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.
  • Page 25 2 of both 6V6 and red on pins 7. Do one tube socket at a time. Complete the 12AX7s using the same process. Red on pins 4 & 5 tied together and black on pins 9. Don’t switch the heater wire polarity. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 25...

  • Page 26: Wire The Power Supply

    North American in Series mains voltages and for 240 mains. 110, 220, 230 mains voltages are also supported. See Appendix for connection diagrams. Trinity Amps Power Transformer 120 VAC Connection Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 26...
  • Page 27 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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 27...
  • Page 28 ‘Neutral (N)’ connects to the ‘Neutral point of the power transformer wires (Black and White), plus another wire goes to the indicator lamp twisted together with the Line Black wire. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 28...

  • Page 29: 120V Mains

    ‘Common’ Neutral wire from the IEC socket Twist all wires together and then solder the wires in place on the power switch lugs, indicator and terminal strip tags. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 29...

  • Page 30: 240V Mains

    The other side of the indicator light goes to the ‘Common’ Neutral wire from the IEC socket. Twist all wires together and then solder the wires in place on the power switch lugs, indicator and terminal strip tags. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 30...

  • Page 31: Rectifier Wiring (Ss/5Ar4)

    Run a lead from the second lug to the turret board following the layout. From the negative 50/50 uF Can Capacitor terminal, run a green wire to the #6 Power Ground point. Solder all the Can Capacitor terminals. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 31...
  • Page 32 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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 32...

  • Page 33: Test The Power Supply

    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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 33...

  • Page 34: Assemble The Turret Board

    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.
  • Page 35 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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 35...
  • Page 36 +22uF 450V 220K .022uF 9K 2W 100K 220K .022uF .1uF 470R .022uF .022uF .022uF 500pF 100K 47pF 100K +22uF 450V +22uF 450V 100K .022uF 470K 470K 002uF 330pf .68uF Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 36...

  • Page 37: Install The Turret Board

    #6 lock nuts. Install the turret board on the spacers and tighten in place with #6 KEPS nuts. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 37...

  • Page 38: Connecting The Turret Board

    Run a wire from the bias pot to the Power Ground lugs and run another wire to both 6V6 pins 1. Run a wire from Pin 8 of the rectifier socket to a stand-by switch lug Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 38...

  • Page 39: Pay Attention To The Orientation Of The Diode And Bas Filter Capacitors

    Pay attention to the orientation of the diode and bas filter capacitors. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 39...

  • Page 40: Tube Sockets

    Cut the wire about ½” / 10 mm longer and strip the end. Then make a hook at the end and put it through the socket pin. Squeeze the hook with a pair of needle nose Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 40...

  • Page 41: Socket Mounted Parts

    The PI requires the cathodes to be connected together. When connecting from the turret, strip an extra ¾” 15mm bare wire and push through both socket pins and then solder in place. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 41...

  • Page 42: 6V6 Power Tube Wiring - Bias Resistor, Screen Resistor

    Complete the control inter-connections next. Where such connection is also connected to the turret board, go ahead and make the connection using the following technique. Review the diagram below showing a connection from a control terminal to the turret board. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 42...
  • Page 43 Finish off the remaining connections from the turret board to the controls using the same technique. Once a solder joint is cool, press the wire so that it lies flat on the board and chassis with any excess tucked neatly underneath the board. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 43...

  • Page 44: Output - Transformer, Impedance Switch, Jacks

    Solder the Blue output lead to V4 and the Brown 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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 44...
  • Page 45 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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 45...

  • Page 46: Output Jacks

    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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 46...

  • Page 47: Input - Jacks And Input Grid Resistors

    Take a length of Green wire , long enough to reach the Pre-Amp ground or Ground buss on the turret board and strip one end, hook it into the point where the 1M and Input Ground buss connect on the HI input jack. Solder this joint well. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 47...
  • Page 48 Use the other pre-prepared piece of co-axial wire and hook then solder the center core wire to the LO jack, Tip terminal. Solder the outer shield to the Input Ground buss at a convenient location. Ensure all joints on the input jacks are well soldered and shiny. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 48...

  • Page 49: Preparing Co-Axial Wire

    6. Apply some heat and solder to the core wires & braid just to stop them from fraying. 7. Put some 1/8” diameter shrink tubing over the jacket and core. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 49...

  • Page 50: Final Checkout

    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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 50...

  • Page 51: Power Up

    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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 51...

  • Page 52: Making A Voltage Measurement

    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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 52...
  • Page 53 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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 53...

  • Page 54: Trinity Thor Voltage Chart

    Trinity Thor Voltages Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 54...

  • Page 55: Trinity Thor Voltage Chart

    B+ All tubes installed 12AX7/ECC83 TUBE Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 7 Pin 8 Pin 9 (12AX7/ECC83) (12AX7/ECC83) V3 (PI) (12AX7/ECC83) (6V6) (6V6) Rectifier Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 55...

  • Page 56: Read This Information Carefully

    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.

  • Page 57: Tweaking The Thor Overdrive Intensity And Tone

    If you just need to reduce a little ice pick then an Ice Pick cap around the NFB resistor can do that without too much side effect on the overdrive tone. Its value can range from 47pF (stock in Thor) to 470pF, a higher value will dip lower into the mid-highs for more high frequency reduction.
  • Page 58 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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 58...

  • Page 59: 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. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 59...

  • Page 60: How To Read Capacitor Codes

    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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 60...
  • Page 61 2000 .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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 61...

  • Page 62: Faq

    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, THOR 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.
  • Page 63 V1. Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 63...
  • Page 64 TIP: More, larger format, colour pictures and the schematic & layout that are helpful in the build are posted on the Trinity Forum & THOR forum. Right click on them to download if you want print in large, colour format.

  • Page 65: Cliff Jacks Explained

    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 THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 65...

  • Page 66: Thor Bill Of Material (Bom)

    THOR Bill of Material (BOM) Description Qty Per Check THOR KIT WITH TRANSFORMER SET, CHASSIS, PANEL 18W 6V6 THOR RESISTORS METAL FILM RESISTORS - THROUGH HOLE 1WATT 1 OHMS 1% CARBON FILM RESISTORS- THROUGH HOLE 470 OHMS 5% CARBON FILM RESISTORS- THROUGH HOLE 820 OHMS 5% RESISTORS - 5 WATT, WIREWOUND, POWER, 5% TOLERANCE, RESISTANCE: 1 KOHM CARBON FILM RESISTORS- THROUGH HOLE 2.7K OHMS 5%...
  • Page 67 CONDUIT FITTINGS & ACCESSORIES DP 875 BLK DOME PLUG THOR FASTENERS MACHINE SCREW PHILLIPS PAN HEAD 4-40X5/16 L HEX NUT EXT TOOTH LOCKWASHER 4-40 TERMINALS TERMINALS LUG LOCKING MATTE TINNED#4 MACHINE SCREW PHILLIPS PAN HEAD 6-32X3/4 L Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 67...
  • Page 68 CHASSIS 20 IN ALUM HEAD PANEL GOLD THOR (FRONT) CORD - POWER, 18 AWG, 3 CONDUCTOR, DETACHABLE, BLACK, IEC, LENGTH: 8 FEET CHOKE 4H 90 mA TRANSFORMER POWER 290-PT TRANSFORMER OUTPUT 8K/5K Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 68...

  • Page 69: Thor Transformer Hook Up Schematics

    THOR Transformer Hook Up Schematics Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 69...
  • Page 70 Trinity Amps THOR Builder’s Guide. Version 21.2 Page - 70...
  • Page 71 Trinity Amps Schematics and Layouts...

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