A complete newbie builds KEL84 (hopefully)

Incase anyone else is in my position, i thought id start this thread.
I am a complete newbie to electronics, but have enough common sense to pull it off (i hope).

Initial opening of the kit got me all excited, so take a step back and read the instructions.
Seems reasonably straight forward.
The only part im concerned about at the moment is testing procedures, but ill get to that later.

Skill level check list.

1 solder to a good standard. Yep, no probs there.
2 have some knowledge of valve circuitry. Debatable, but im not stupid.
3 possess a rudementary understanding of electicity and electronics. Well, sort of, i know the dangers.
4 have a multimeter and be able to use it. Oops, looks like ill need to go shopping
5 have access to a dummy load or an old pair of speakers. Yeah, surely everyones got a disposable pair of speakers somewhere?
6 Know the precautions to avoid electric shocks. Yep
7 Identify components, particularly resistors, using either the markings or a multi meter. I did know, but have forgotten. Im sure the info is on line, and there all handily bagged up anyway.


Well, wish me luck! I wont guess anything, if i dont completely understand any steps, ill be pestering you guys again. Sorry

[david counter]

good luck Graeme, take it slowly and enjoy it,

I will, just about to start fixing the harware.
One note, the chassis is badly scratched in the middle on the top, so it wont be covered with anything

Im going to build it anyway cos im inpatient and dont want to wait for a new chassis.

Balls, confusion number one, ALREADY!
When fixing the volume pot, should i need to modify the chassis?
The volume pot has a small protrusion, i guess to locate in a hole. It the threaded section doesnt fit through the cahssis.
I guess i judt need to drill and file it?
No big deal, just didnt expext to have to modify anything.
The volume pot fits the other side, butthe face plate has that side marked up for input selection.

[petercom]

The volume pot is a tight fit in the chassis. You might need to file off some of the paint round the inside of the hole, that's all. Fix the nut and washer to the control before fitting the front plate.

[david counter]

most people remove this lug, just snip it off with side cutters, the instructions used to tell you to do this

cool, no probs. Similar issues with the selector too.
Its an easy fix, just checking im not being stupid!

[Martin213]

Originally Posted by graeme

Incase anyone else is in my position, i thought id start this thread.
I am a complete newbie to electronics, but have enough common sense to pull it off (i hope).

Initial opening of the kit got me all excited, so take a step back and read the instructions.
Seems reasonably straight forward.
The only part im concerned about at the moment is testing procedures, but ill get to that later.

Skill level check list.

1 solder to a good standard. Yep, no probs there.
2 have some knowledge of valve circuitry. Debatable, but im not stupid.
3 possess a rudementary understanding of electicity and electronics. Well, sort of, i know the dangers.
4 have a multimeter and be able to use it. Oops, looks like ill need to go shopping
5 have access to a dummy load or an old pair of speakers. Yeah, surely everyones got a disposable pair of speakers somewhere?
6 Know the precautions to avoid electric shocks. Yep
7 Identify components, particularly resistors, using either the markings or a multi meter. I did know, but have forgotten. Im sure the info is on line, and there all handily bagged up anyway.


Well, wish me luck! I wont guess anything, if i dont completely understand any steps, ill be pestering you guys again. Sorry

Yes,good luck Graeme
You have made a very wise choice,the KEL84 amplifier kicks well above it's weight in the sonics stakes,IMHO.