Question about Real McTube

[smashinator]

I'd like to build a Real McTube sometime in the near future.  I have ZERO experience working with high voltages, and would really prefer NOT to be the guy who pisses on the electric fence (metaphorically speaking).

Also, from what I've read, I can't really learn how to safely work with high voltage from just reading about it.  

I envision a future full of tube-y goodness, involving big amps, in the future, so I'd like to get some practice and knowledge in.

So!  Should I just whip one together and take it to the local amp tech and ask "will this kill me"?  What do you all recommend?

***EDIT*** by the way, I'm talking about the Real McTube II, not that it makes much of a difference....

[Paul Marossy]

Well, the Real McTube II doesn't exactly use "high" voltage. At 140V or so, it's just a little above the 120VAC available at your wall recptacle. That's not to say that it's not potentially dangerous...  :wink:

I have built three tube amps now with B+ as high as 350V, without anyone showing me how to do it. I learned how to go about this off of the web and I follow general safety precautions. Amp forums can be a good place to read about other people's mistakes, which to me, is a good way to learn what not to do. And, believe me, I have a healthy respect for electricity and what it can do to me!

If you know your real abilities, and if you think you can do it, you probably can. If it's just too scary, then don't try it. Just my thoughts.

[lightningfingers]

If its too scary then why not try the Chandler Tube Driver (its at GGG). At 12VAC, it doesnt pose as much of a threat as the McTube II.

HiH

[Paul Marossy]

Or for that matter, the Shaka Tube. I built one and I think it kicks a$$.  :wink:

It only requires a 12V AC wall wart. That's what I used to power mine. I like that because it gets the power transformer out of the enclosure.

[smashinator]

Thanks for the tips.  I'll research the other tube effects and see which one looks best.  I've heard very mixed reviews of the chandler tube driver, but haven't heard very much about the shaka tube.  I'll do a search and see what people have said about it.

[Paul Marossy]

Here's one post that includes a short sound clip:

http://diystompboxes.com/sboxforum/viewtopic.php?t=19358&highlight=lives+again

Mine will get a lot heavier sounding than that sound clip.

Here's a clip that I recorded:

http://www.diyguitarist.com/Sounds/Shaka-Tube.mp3

[smashinator]

Sweet!  I'll check those out when I get home!