Ceriatone Forum

Hey, it's my first post here  :)

I have been thinking about getting the 2203 Package 1 w/assembly but I have never built an amp before so I'm not going to attempt to bite off more than I can chew.  It should not be too hard to mount and wire the transformers and choke should it? I do know how to solder.

Thanks!

did you even read what i wrote?  im not "building an amp,"  im wiring 2 transformers and a choke.  the rest of the amp would already be built.  and i know how to solder...

So you're saying that Nik is going to completely build the amp and make sure it's working, then send it to you without the transformers and choke? If this is the case and you know how to solder properly, can make enough sense of the layouts to know where the connections go, and have some knowledge of using a muilti-meter, then you should be able to do it.

Do have any electronics background?

yes, i emailed him a while ago asking about that and he said he could do it.  i dont have any electronics training other than a highschool electronics course and wiring guitars.  im going to practice my soldering before i attempt anything to make sure i can do it.

Hi there
I would definately suggest doing a small effects pedal kit or something along those lines first. It will prepare you for the soldering although its PCB rather than wire hookup its still soldering, plus if you have issues or have to learn something the hard way it will cost less than $100 rather than over $500. YES even if you are just soldering in the OT PT and Choke. If not I would suggest having Nik ship you the partial amp then bring it and the Iron to an amp tech.
I didnt know Nik would do a partially complete amp either, that means he has a set of test trannies to setup the amp and tweak it before undoing everything just to ship it to you. It would seem easier just to give you the trannies.
This is all just MHO, but I would hate to pay $$$ and then smoke the amp
Todd

As I was sitting here going over this thread, one thing did occur to me. More important than anything is the fact that you'll be dealing with very high voltages that will kill you. If you haven't dealt with this before (and it's much different then wiring a guitar) it is something to seriously consider. I'm still not saying you can't do it, just that this is probably the most important part of this thread that hasn't been completely addressed.

Even though Nik was able to set the amp up with the trannies he had, the trannies you will have and your mains voltage could be different enough that you'll have to do some tweaking beyond the wiring.

So remember, never stick both hands in the chassis at the same time while powered. And even after the amp is off there are some caps that can hold a dangerous charge well after it is turned off.

And most importantly, if you have even one question about something come here and ask or ask someone else who is capable.

ok. i still want to build an amp though.  maybe the 5e3 or the 18 watters? could the voltages still kill me? ive heard a lot of people start on those amps.

Yes they all have lethal voltages.
If you build one though there are no lethal voltages until you power up for the first time. So if you build it correctly triple check all connections and then power up you will not have to deal with putting yourself at risk by poking around on the inside. But if you have any kind of problem you should then bring to an amp tech.
I read Dave Hunters the tube amp book and that helped with alot of the terminology you will come across.
Honestly the OTS is more complicated than alot of the other amps, but you will get more support from the forum on that than any other amp because so many have already built it.
None of the members here are telling you you cant build a good amp if its your first try, just trying to let you know what you are getting into.
My first amp build was the OTS and it went great, but I have been working in the electronics filed for the last 15 years so I wasnt exactly GREEN.
The 2 most important things will be your solder connections are good and your lead dress ( How the wires are ran, cut and separated from eachother ) is good.

If after all youve heard you still want to try a build by all means do it!
Disclaimer.... ( Building amps is addictive )
Todd