Baja B K Butler Tube Driver

DrNomis · Post by **DrNomis** » 08 Jan 2012, 11:04

Here's how to wire up a +12V, 0V, -12V DC plugpack to Lutor's perfboard layout:

Dave78 · Post by **Dave78** » 08 Jan 2012, 12:01

No worries Pete, your explanation is great. It makes sense to me. Thank you for taking the time to do it as it helps me understand a lot more of what is going on. I don't actually have a copy of the Rev 2 schematic - is it listed on the forum? I asked the question about the zener as I have partly built a Butler Tube Driver PCB up (based on Bajaman's schematics) and I wanted to fit the Bias adjustment while I was going. I am waiting for some capacitors to turn up before I can do some more on it, but as I am only a hack when it comes to electronics and, the zener had me stumped. I was trying to work what exactly to order. Thanks again, much appreciated!

DrNomis · Post by **DrNomis** » 08 Jan 2012, 13:15

You can get a copy of the schematic via this link:

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1171

OnTheTundra · Post by **OnTheTundra** » 08 Jan 2012, 17:30

Thanks Dr. I'll let you know if its working.

PokeyPete · Post by **PokeyPete** » 08 Jan 2012, 18:50

Dave78 wrote:No worries Pete, your explanation is great. It makes sense to me. Thank you for taking the time to do it as it helps me understand a lot more of what is going on. I don't actually have a copy of the Rev 2 schematic - is it listed on the forum? I asked the question about the zener as I have partly built a Butler Tube Driver PCB up (based on Bajaman's schematics) and I wanted to fit the Bias adjustment while I was going. I am waiting for some capacitors to turn up before I can do some more on it, but as I am only a hack when it comes to electronics and, the zener had me stumped. I was trying to work what exactly to order. Thanks again, much appreciated!

Bajaman gives a link to the schematic on the first page of this thread about halfway down.

Dave78 · Post by **Dave78** » 09 Jan 2012, 06:58

Thanks Pete and Dr N. I will check it out.

Dave78 · Post by **Dave78** » 11 Jan 2012, 08:27

One last question on the zener diode - according to the Rev 2 schematic do I need to put it in at all, or can I leave out? I only want to make my Tube Driver work with a Bias control feature so I am real happy to leave it out if I don't need it. Thank you gentlemen.

PokeyPete · Post by **PokeyPete** » 11 Jan 2012, 08:39

Dave78 wrote:One last question on the zener diode - according to the Rev 2 schematic do I need to put it in at all, or can I leave out? I only want to make my Tube Driver work with a Bias control feature so I am real happy to leave it out if I don't need it. Thank you gentlemen.

You can tell by the way it's tacked on to the bottom of the board that it was an after-thought. It is not part of the working
circuit at all. I assume Mr. Butler was experiencing some 'popping' whenever the switch was activated and used the zener to
help eliminate the voltage spike when the LED is turned on. (This is a common problem for pedals with LEDs). If you're not
having the 'popping' issue, then don't worry about it. If it becomes an issue, tack it on.

Dave78 · Post by **Dave78** » 12 Jan 2012, 05:33

Thanks Pete. I was wondering if that was the purpose of the zener once you had explained it wasn't part of the Bias circuit. I will see how it goes once I get it together. Thank you once again, it is much appreciated.

tiffany phelps · Post by **tiffany phelps** » 12 Jan 2012, 12:27

It uses a TL072 op amp and 47k plate load resistors and many other subtle changed components - more later.
Good luck if you want to build it - it uses a double sided circuit board.
How does it sound? I did not care for it - but then I have been spoilt by a real tube overdrive ( 250v dc plate load feed as opposed to this 12v beastie) I think you may be able to improve it's sound by using a higher spec op amp such as the excellent Burr Brown OPA2134 and by using better quality metalised polyester or polystyrene film capacitors - who knows??

tiffany phelps · Post by **tiffany phelps** » 12 Jan 2012, 12:31

No worries Pete, your explanation is great. It makes sense to me. Thank you for taking the time to do it as it helps me understand a lot more of what is going on. I don't actually have a copy of the Rev 2 schematic - is it listed on the forum? I asked the question about the zener as I have partly built a Butler Tube Driver PCB up (based on Bajaman's schematics) and I wanted to fit the Bias adjustment while I was going. I am waiting for some capacitors to turn up before I can do some more on it, but as I am only a hack when it comes to electronics and, the zener had me stumped. I was trying to work what exactly to order. Thanks again, much appreciated!

vflow · Post by **vflow** » 27 Jan 2012, 18:38

Hi, guys!
Firstly, it's my first post here and I want to thank you all for the informations and helpfulness that you guys gave during all this time, especially Bajaman. Finally I got up the courage to build the Tube Driver. I had some issues with the output signal, but it's already fixed (just some problems with the circuit before the IC). It worked very well and it sounds fantastic!

But I got one last issue that I couldn't solve.
When the High Potentiometer is being decreased, it makes the high eq increase as well as the output level, instead of the contrary. I.e., it's not working the way it shoud. I thought about soldering the pot inversely but it's already soldered to the board.
Can someone help me out?

Sorry for any bad english.
Greetings from Brazil!

dani_rosu5 · Post by **dani_rosu5** » 30 Apr 2012, 15:42

hello guys!
I've just started building the tube driver and i have some questions for you
-the lug no.1 from the switch is soldered to the pcb but it is not connected to any electronic part-so-why is it even soldered there?
-like the "trouble" with the lug-there are some "unoccupied" pads-like the one near R21,or led1-;what's the use of these pads?

thanks-and sorry if these things were already asked

Magnus616 · Post by **Magnus616** » 24 Jul 2012, 13:05

Hello together,
I am actually working on this Tube Driver-Project,
the double-sided pcb is etched and populated and I only have to mount the parts on the bottom-side...

Here I have a question:
What do I have to wire on the bottom-side of the pcb
to have a original "from the stock" Tube Driver (without bias-mod)?

I think it are these parts am I right?

- The short black wire
- The 47k-Resistor
- The 22uF-Electrolytic
- The Zener-Diode

Greetings
Magnus

andregarcia57 · Post by **andregarcia57** » 30 Jul 2012, 16:30

lutor wrote:This is a version changed of my perfboard for pcb adapted.

this layout is checked?
thanks

guitarman689 · Post by **guitarman689** » 09 Aug 2012, 20:17

hi alls, i wait that somebody can you help me whit some questions:

hihi bajaman , the first that can i say is give you thousands of thanks for your projects , i has been reading the post in freestomboxes but i have some questions for you i wait your answers.

1. i finish this project but still i have not been tested because i have a doubt a resistor of 10 ohm for the tube heater, in the shematic not espicified the watts of this resistor , i thing that is 2 watts or what is the value?
2.could you send me photos of this pedal i would like to see them .
3. the diodes 1n4148 and 1n4007 is reverse of the components layout ?, i thing in the shematic are good .
4. has some reference voltages, what values should be in the a tube more or less ?, this have a 12ax7 RCA.

the pcb double side is very beautifull, afther send you pictures of my pedal .
bajaman i forget the last dude the zener diode in the picture is 2,5 volts or 2 volts 5 watt,i don´t understand about this , the diode is in the correct polarity negative to the earth, an positive led, what is the funtion of this diode in the circuit.
afther the all this my pedal don´t work only make noise and like crunch, i wait understad me , no more for the moment
cheers from colombia , south america.
thanks for all, a sorry for my english.

BEMUSofNrthAmrca · Post by **BEMUSofNrthAmrca** » 21 Oct 2012, 22:51

Is there any info on replacing the 3-prong power cord on an original BK Butler Tube Driver with a DC power socket that will accept 5.5x2.1mm power cables?

Or am I pretty much stuck having to buy a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2-Plus for the bonus 3-prong outlet?

Thanks.

shredder · Post by **shredder** » 10 Nov 2012, 03:35

sir baja, what are the wattage value of the resistor? thank you.

shredder · Post by **shredder** » 10 Nov 2012, 03:39

my question is regarding your 2 sided pcb layout. I dont know the wattage value of the resistors that I will put, is it 1/4 watts or 1 watts? thank in advance.

bajaman · Post by **bajaman** » 10 Nov 2012, 03:59

1/4 watt will work fine

Baja B K Butler Tube Driver [documentation]