Building Your Amplifier: 

  Now that you have finished your PC board you will use it to build a complete amplifier.

  These pages are intended to assist you in building a complete amplifier using one of our PC boards, and are written from that perspective. They may be of assistance in building an amplifier with a PC board from another source, or even  perf - board construction. Many of the techniques are also useful for conventional point to point construction.

  There are two possible mounting methods for the PC board in a PC board based vacuum tube amplifier. The board must be assembled with the desired mounting method in mind. Some of our boards can be populated with the components on either side, they may be used in either mounting configuration. The mounting choice must be made before assembling the PC board, and the components placed on the proper side during board assembly. Some of our more complex PC boards can only be assembled one way, the Tubelab SE is an example of this. These PC boards can only be mounted as prescribed in the manual provided with the PC board. Consult the manual for your particular PC board before beginning assembly.

  The amplifier designs shown here feature the Tubelab SE board or the Simple SE board. The construction methods apply to each of these boards, and to other PC boards as well. Both boards are the same size. The Simple SE board has 5 mounting holes while the Tubelab SE board has 4. The wiring for each board is different. These details are covered in the individual construction manuals. For these, and other PC boards consult the boards manual for mounting and wiring details.

Above the Chassis Amplifiers:

  Most PC boards can be mounted ABOVE THE CHASSIS. This method is usually the easiest to implement. The PC board is mounted above a (typically flat) chassis using small spacers. The transformers and other components are mounted above the chassis also. Spacers may be required for transformers and other components with leads protruding from the bottom. The resulting amplifier will have exposed circuitry on the top which MUST be protected in a way that prevents contact by a user.

   The links below will take you to the individual construction pages.

  Fisher Cabinet Amplifier click to go to the construction page.

   Clear Lexan Amplifier click to go to the construction page.

Below the Chassis Amplifiers:

  Some PC boards can be mounted BELOW THE CHASSIS. This method is often harder to implement since large holes must be punched or drilled for the tubes. The PC board is mounted below a (typically flat) chassis using spacers. The transformers and other components are mounted above the chassis with the leads passing through holes in the chassis to the PC board underneath. The resulting amplifier will usually not have exposed circuitry on the top since the wiring and components are beneath the chassis. A bottom cover must be used to keep fingers away from the electricity.

   The links below will take you to the individual construction pages.

Industrial Strength Amplifier  click to go to the construction page.