How hard would it be for a first timer to build this?

[screamingdaisy]

I figure I might try my hand at building an Orange OR80;

http://users.telenet.be/orangefg/OFG_SCHEM/OR120schem_post74.jpg

http://users.telenet.be/orangefg/GJA_OR80/eyeletboard_final.bmp

http://users.telenet.be/orangefg/orange_diy.htm


I have a basic understanding of electronics and I can operate a soldering iron without burning myself too often, but I've just done simple repairs, never anything this complex. Thoughts?

[rooster]

That's a LOT of power for your first build. Having built many amps from scratch, I can tell you that you don't want to start out with a quad power tube amp. I'd recommend a single-ended first, then a small push-pull with either EL84's or 6V6's, and then work up to the big boys.

rooster.

[wilder]

That looks fairly complex and underdocumented for a first build. Try a kit first and then get into scratching one up. I did it the opposite way and regret it. I spent ungodly hours on the scratch build that wouldn't have been neccesary if I'd built the kit first.

[shooto]

wow, first build?...looking at that is like trying to read Klingon to me-

[jspax7]

wow, first build?...looking at that is like trying to read Klingon to me-

Speaking of Klingon, be careful with high voltage. If you don't know what you're doing it can be dangerous. Keep one hand in your pocket, remove all jewelry, and use a chopstick as a probe. Otherwise you might "Klingon" to the chassis. (not fun)

Start with something simple, and read up on safety precautions before attempting any amp project.

[Blue Strat]

I figure I might try my hand at building an Orange OR80;

http://users.telenet.be/orangefg/OFG_SCHEM/OR120schem_post74.jpg

http://users.telenet.be/orangefg/GJA_OR80/eyeletboard_final.bmp

http://users.telenet.be/orangefg/orange_diy.htm


I have a basic understanding of electronics and I can operate a soldering iron without burning myself too often, but I've just done simple repairs, never anything this complex. Thoughts?

First build? No way. Start with this http://www.ax84.com/ When you've got it working, then think about the Orange amp.

[lowendgenerator]

I'm the son of a master electrician, and I am a noob around electronics. It's pitiful. What can I do to increase my knowledge of the subject of electricity? I'm a full time factory worker with a wife and kids, so going to school is verboten. Can anyone suggest a good book or website that reads in laymans terms? I'd really like to try my hand a building an amp, but I don't want to go into it completely ignorant of the risks involved. Thanks.

[Old Tele man]

when learning to carve or whittle, the usual sequence is:

...FIRST, you begin "small" with a STICK of pinewood;

...LATER, your tackle something "big" like Mount Rushmore!

[donnyjaguar]

Just looking at the schematic I bet this Orange amp sounds quite sterile. The absence of a Stdby/Run switch makes me nervous. I gotta admit I don't like how the wiper of the bias pot goes directly to the tubes. The bypass capacitor values seem a little il-chosen for a guitar amp too. This has a 1970's "who gives a crap how long it lasts" flavour to the design. That's gotta be a gaffe on the bridge rectifier too.

[Old Tele man]

re: "...gaffe on the bridge rectifier..."

...actually, it's a "bridge" voltage-doubler circuit

...which is merely a regular "fullwave" split-voltage (ie: ± Vdc), bridge-rectifier circuit with its "ground" connection "moved" from 'between' the positive-voltage capacitor(s) and the negative-side voltage capacitor(s) over to the negative-side (ie: -Vdc); and, its PT-centertap connection "moved" from "ground" to the point between the +/- capacitors.

[BBQLS1]

I'd look at something a bit more common.

Try AX84.com or 18watt.com

[screamingdaisy]

Hmmm. It didn't look that complicated, but I suppose you guys are right. I'll save up for an 18w kit to get started, then move onto the Orange. At least it'll give me lots of time to come up with a better diagram.

[trdlasvegas]

Oh come on, live a little. Life is a adventure. If you don't need or want a 18 Watter, don't waste your money or time. Build the big boy.

If you can read a schematic and can solder, (and I do mean solder, not melt wires) then you shouldn't have any problem. There's no fancy FET or relay switching involved. It's just 2 preamp tubes and 4 output tubes. If you really break it down into small sections you'll see it's really simple.

The only problem I see is obtaining the Iron (transformers and choke) and what are you going to do about a chasiss. Seems a shame to build an Orange amp into anything except something that looks like an Orange amp.

Just understand unless your building this as a kit like Metro Amp, (I not aware of anyone offering Orange kits), or you have a Orange amp to copy, you will be struggling and wishing you never started this foolish project with such limited experience. :nono

-Tony

[BBQLS1]

I think the big problem with building an amp like that (for the novice and even non beginners) is making a layout that doesn't pickup alot of noise and squeeling.

I built an 18 watt (my first amp) and did my own layout. I have to redo it to kill some hum.

[Old Tele man]

+1 on BBQLS1's posting!

...it's all about signal-to-noise (SNR*) ratio, ie: quiet, clean reproduction, not noisey, squeely noise!


...(*) no, not "Saturday Night Radio"!

[donnyjaguar]

re: "...gaffe on the bridge rectifier..."

...actually, it's a "bridge" voltage-doubler circuit.

Take a closer look. Hint, this will blow the fuse as soon as you turn it on.:)

[Old Tele man]

yep! the upper-left and lower-right diodes of the bridge are backwards.

[screamingdaisy]

Just understand unless your building this as a kit like Metro Amp, (I not aware of anyone offering Orange kits), or you have a Orange amp to copy, you will be struggling and wishing you never started this foolish project with such limited experience. :nono


I won't have any problem with the chassis....that's probably the easiest part from my point of view.

Some words to think about though. I'm really not into the Marshall sound, which is why I haven't been all that interested in building a kit. I'd be willing to try a Bassman type circuit if anyone can recommend one.

Other than that I like your idea of copying directly from another circuit.

[screamingdaisy]

Now this looks a little more my style.....too bad the picture wasn't better/bigger.

http://users.telenet.be/orangefg/OFG_AD50_CUSTOM_001/AD50CustomInside.jpg

http://users.telenet.be/orangefg/OFG_AD50_CUSTOM_001/AD50CustomChassis.jpg

http://users.telenet.be/orangefg/OFG_AD50_CUSTOM_001/AD50CustomFront.jpg

http://users.telenet.be/orangefg/OFG_AD50_CUSTOM_001/AD50CustomBack.jpg

[Old Tele man]

...**IF** you can find a physical parts "layout" diagram to go along with the schematic, plus a close-up photograph (like above), you probably could D.I.Y, but what about having to "troubleshoot" such a 'non-simple' circuit, when/if it doesn't "work" upon first turn-on?

...the more parts there are = the more things than can/do "go wrong."

[screamingdaisy]

...**IF** you can find a physical parts "layout" diagram to go along with the schematic, plus a close-up photograph (like above), you probably could D.I.Y, but what about having to "troubleshoot" such a 'non-simple' circuit, when/if it doesn't "work" upon first turn-on?

...the more parts there are = the more things than can/do "go wrong."


The way TGP'ers can spot a cold soldier joint in a blurry picture.....:rotflmao


On a more serious note, I'm in the army (communications) and I have radio & electronics techs working for me. If I couldn't fault find it myself they'd totally geek out over something like this.

[Old Tele man]

...ah, **now** I fully understand, you've got "technical roadies" at your disposal! (ha,ha)

[donnyjaguar]

That tidy wiring is surely the product of a sick mind. ;)

[TheAmpNerd]

Do one of these first:

http://www.guytronix.com/

Get it going and enjoy.

Rich Guy is first class.
Plus you get all the parts
as a kit and have support too.

It might not be too challenging
and then again you've got something
useful under your belt that won't
piss off the wife and kids too much.

Plus It should be a keeper noodling
around amp, and will be a success.

THEN

Step up to the AXE or 18 Watters.

OR

Check out some of Ted Webers kits.

https://weberspeakerscom.secure.powweb.com/store/startpage.html