|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 3, 2020 16:27:44 GMT -5
Got a new set of tubes for my blues jr and while at it, I took note of one of the caps on the board of which barfed and made a mess. It's in circuit 34 as you can see but, as of now, I don't know what c34 entails. As for the amp, there is no issue with it working. As a matter of fact, changing the tubes to a set of Mesa Boogies made an exceptional difference. But, I need to change out this cap. Before I start looking, does anybody know what this cap controls or if continued use of the amp this way could cause some kind of cascade effect? Since this cap will need replacing at some point, I may as well change out the bias resistors to the 'billm' bias potentiometer type thing. However, I think old billm took the escalator to the stars a while back so, I guess some research into the bias control will be needed. By the way, this cap was blown before I changed the tube if that is a question and no telling when it happened.
===========
I fixed it. -The Left One
|
|
|
|
Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jul 3, 2020 17:41:26 GMT -5
C34 (220uf/25v/20% radial) in the Blooze Joonyer is a filter cap on the -15V power rail for the reverb circuit.
Your pic no worky.
|
|
|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 3, 2020 17:58:46 GMT -5
Thank you, Mr. Peegoo. The specs, I couldn't read on this cap. I don't know why you can no see my Pic. It is larger than life on my screen.  I don't know what I can do about that. It's a beautiful pic.  |
|
|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 3, 2020 21:16:54 GMT -5
Pic doesn’t show up on my iPhone but it works fine on my desktop. I don’t understand?
|
|
|
|
Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jul 4, 2020 1:53:42 GMT -5
Cheers, Brother Ludwig. I looked at schematics for several versions of the BJR and they all show identical values and function for C34. BillM (RIP) did go to the Great Amp Museum in the Sky a while back; his son maintained Bill's Website for a while but it's been down since early March and there's no sign it's coming back. The original URL (www.http://billmaudio.com) no longer worky, but you can see the content via The Wayback Machine, here: web.archive.org/web/20191203040723/http://billmaudio.com/wp/Here's how your original post looks to me on the screen. Am I the only one that can't see it? Is my Windoze 7 laptop trying to tell me something? Does my Old Fart status actually prevent me from seeing it? Do I need to stand farther back? Nurse! Get me my sweater!  |
|
|
|
Post by Riff Twang on Jul 4, 2020 3:19:42 GMT -5
Pic doesn't show for me either.
|
|
|
|
Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jul 4, 2020 7:56:00 GMT -5
Geezer!
Thanks for confirming, Riff Twang.
|
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Jul 4, 2020 8:13:43 GMT -5
It doesn’t show for me either.
|
|
|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 4, 2020 9:25:34 GMT -5
Well, maybe it's my choice of a host. I don't really care for the limitations on editing a post here either. Maybe that's one of those things that need addressing. Anyway, I'm going see about using a different hosting site for my pics 'cause it's 'mportant.  Conventional methods don't seem to work so, I'll try this here link!  |
|
|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 4, 2020 9:50:35 GMT -5
Well, OKIE DOKIE, try that one ^^^ folks!
|
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Jul 4, 2020 10:40:22 GMT -5
Well, maybe it's my choice of a host. I don't really care for the limitations on editing a post here either. Maybe that's one of those things that need addressing. Anyway, I'm going see about using a different hosting site for my pics 'cause it's 'mportant. Conventional methods don't seem to work so, I'll try this here link! Someone who is no longer here did something that made us rethink the editing of posts. ☹️ |
|
|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 4, 2020 11:11:12 GMT -5
Well, maybe it's my choice of a host. I don't really care for the limitations on editing a post here either. Maybe that's one of those things that need addressing. Anyway, I'm going see about using a different hosting site for my pics 'cause it's 'mportant. Conventional methods don't seem to work so, I'll try this here link! Someone who is no longer here did something that made us rethink the editing of posts. ☹️ Well then, so, we all have been spooged by the actions of one person. Seems to be the order of the day. Now, can somebody direct me to a good place to buy these electronically electronic things so that I can try my hand at fixing my amp? I have all the implements of destruction to accomplish this task. I'd like to replace that cap and get the same kind of small, bias potentiometer I've seen billm use in my search. Thank you so much. |
|
|
|
Post by blackandblue on Jul 5, 2020 10:24:11 GMT -5
Mouser is a useful source. 20uf, 25v radial capacitors can be found here: And, for the bias adjust, 50kOhm multiturn trimpots are here: |
|
|
|
Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jul 5, 2020 11:44:27 GMT -5
220uf, not 20uf...that's a typo because blackandblue's link goes to 220uf radials. You can also go on Amazon (if you're a Prime member) and order, because places like Mouser, Digi-Key, Mojotone, and Antique Electronics can soak you on shipping. Always compare prices, and always buy a name brand like Nichicon, Sprague, Panasonic, etc. Look: www.amazon.com/pcs-Panasonic-FM-Capacitors-220uf/dp/B073YQ4NR6/ref=sr_1_4 |
|
|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 5, 2020 12:44:22 GMT -5
AAAHHHH! Thank you, gents.  I did some research myself after I asked the question. I wanted to find out what you all were using for this kind of stuff really. I've also looked into the mods from Fromel. I might go this route as well but, it might also be a bit of overkill the way I use this amp most of the time. At the same time, I could really get behind doing these mods myself regardless. As far as the bias control goes, I think for my purposes, it would probably be better to just get the resistor to 'cool down' the tubes as I doubt I'll ever need to replace the tubes again.  Were any of you able to see the pic I put in the link? Still a mystery to me that I can see the original and nobody else seems to.  |
|
|
|
Post by Riff Twang on Jul 5, 2020 13:58:00 GMT -5
Were any of you able to see the pic I put in the link? Still a mystery to me that I can see the original and nobody else seems to. Yeah I can see the flickr link, so I guess everyone can. |
|
sirWheat
Wholenote
For a better future, play Stevie Wonder for your children.
Posts: 319
|
Post by sirWheat on Jul 5, 2020 14:15:37 GMT -5
The Fromel mods look to be mostly the same as the BillM stuff. I agree that the adjustable bias isn't necessary though I evidently didn't think so when I did mine years ago. One new resistor and you don't have to worry about bias anymore. Count me among those who thought the mods were worth it, made a big difference.
Link works for me...
|
|
|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 5, 2020 14:51:28 GMT -5
It's at close to BillM. My interest in it has more to do with what it can do with the tone stack. I have to say though that just changing the tubes out was a huge improvement. It's good people can see the pic I put up now although be it a bit of an anticlimax thing. This Fromel kit can be had from their site for just under 70 bucks vs on Amazon for just under 75. Haven't checked to see if a shipping charge is had from Fromel but, I suspect the extra charge on Amazon covers this charge even if they say 'free shipping'. They don't really give you anything for free. It's all in how they fudge it. I'll probably go with Amazon any way if I do this 'cause I'm a prime member.  |
|
|
|
Post by stratcowboy on Jul 5, 2020 16:57:01 GMT -5
Yeah...the flickr thing works, but not the original post.
|
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Jul 5, 2020 17:36:19 GMT -5
I fixed the OP.
|
|
|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 5, 2020 18:18:44 GMT -5
Thank you, Leftee. I decided to do the 'Fromel mod' plus, replace all those black caps seen in the photo with Nichicons. I have ordered from Amazon. However, it will be some time before I can do any of it because of delivery time. Earliest is the end of this month. In the meantime, the amp still works so, I won't be without its use during this time and...I've got seven or 8 other amps I can use as well. |
|
|
|
Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jul 6, 2020 9:13:23 GMT -5
Th first ink, no, but the 2nd linked pic worked for me.
I don't have a BJR but I've done mods to several for other pleyers. The BillM mods are all pretty good, and the kits he sold were reasonably priced. His online instructions are invaluable.
R.I.P. Mr. Machrone.
|
|
|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 6, 2020 11:28:50 GMT -5
I'm guessing that the Fromel mods aren't too different than billm's. Be that as it may, I'm fairly certain that I've over ordered on some of these parts and will consider opening up a store to sell the overstock.  I've only found one place, Reverb, that has or had a billm mod kit but, it appears to be basic and second hand. It would appear that Bill had different mod kits available for the blues jr. Funny how my wanting to replace tubes in this amp evolved into a somewhat, complete overhaul after I noticed the bad cap. Secretly though, I was hoping for this very thing.  |
|
|
|
Post by LTB on Jul 8, 2020 3:44:19 GMT -5
Panasonic caps are very good! |
|
|
|
Post by LTB on Jul 8, 2020 3:56:44 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 8, 2020 10:50:00 GMT -5
Interesting bit of reading. Someone did not have success doing these mods. He changed the pots? They're directly soldered to the board?...K...Must have had some reason to do that. I will be not doing that. This will be delicate work though and I take heed of that. 'Don't try this at home' if you don't have confidence. As for myself, I gotz skills. |
|
|
|
Post by LTB on Jul 8, 2020 22:48:35 GMT -5
Interesting bit of reading. Someone did not have success doing these mods. He changed the pots? They're directly soldered to the board?...K...Must have had some reason to do that. I will be not doing that. This will be delicate work though and I take heed of that. 'Don't try this at home' if you don't have confidence. As for myself, I gotz skills. He may have needed to change one or two and decided to do all. Unless they are dropping sound as you turn them or scratch, no need to change them. Typically when the are slightly scratch from setting a long period of time I wipe the contacts by rotating the shaft left and right a few times. If doesn't help you can use a good safe cleaner like Deoxit5 to spray into the slot the terminals protrude out of and then rotate the pot several times to dry it out. |
|
|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 11, 2020 12:15:14 GMT -5
Today, I decided to do the tear down of the blues jr and start work replacing caps and stuff on the board as I have the Fromel kit and some of the other caps I ordered for replacement outside of the kit. This will be a project that will take a while as the last caps are not due in for about 2 weeks. Before doing any changes to the board, I went over the instructions Fromel sent with the kit and found that the locations they have do not match what's on my board. Some of the parts are obvious as to their location but, the other small caps and resistors and their proper locations are not so apparent. So, I will put a halt to the project until I can get proper instructions from Fromel. I have emailed them with this issue and hope to hear from them sometime Monday. Pandora's box lid creaks.... |
|
|
|
Post by LVF on Jul 12, 2020 16:45:25 GMT -5
Well, I got a quick reply from John Fromel of...Fromel and received a new set of instructions. It appear that my Made in USA amp was and I quote from Fromel, "a transition amp" as my particular blues jr is the last of its breed made here. Technically, this amp was 'Assemble in the USA with global parts' but, it doesn't say that on my amp. Anyway, my circuit board is a 'Made in Mexico' board and so, I got the 'Made in Mexico' instructions emailed to me yesterday. With that solved, I was able to complete the 'Fromel mod' and now, I just wait for the other caps to arrive for completion. I also had one of the 'pads' come off on the circuit board while desoldering...the last pad. Went through changing all the resistors and caps in this kit and on the last cap replacement, one of the pads comes off. It's mentioned in the instructions with a pic of this phenomena. It's as if I took it to be part of the many steps for this project to have a pad come off but, it's really not part of the upgrade... Not to worry though, easy fix as it was on a short trace that was easily bridged. I'm now at a stand still until the rest of the caps come in but, I have been checking my work with my multimeter and everything seems to check out so far. I expect this project to come out successful in the end. We'll see. |
|
|
|
Post by stratcowboy on Jul 12, 2020 18:28:34 GMT -5
Cool!
|
|
I don't know what I can do about that. It's a beautiful pic. 
I did some research myself after I asked the question. I wanted to find out what you all were using for this kind of stuff really. I've also looked into the mods from Fromel. I might go this route as well but, it might also be a bit of overkill the way I use this amp most of the time. At the same time, I could really get behind doing these mods myself regardless. As far as the bias control goes, I think for my purposes, it would probably be better to just get the resistor to 'cool down' the tubes as I doubt I'll ever need to replace the tubes again. 
