freestompboxes.org

I'm building a "Powerman" amp with 2 6021 subminiature tubes. I need advice on fastening it to the board.

I've read that people use op amp sockets for this, because the fancy sockets that are made for submini tubes are expensive. I got some op amp sockets, and the leads from the tubes will go in, but they don't seem very tight. Is this a stupid idea? Is there a better way to attach the tubes, apart from blowing a wad of loot on special sockets?

If possible, I would like them attached in a way that won't require soldering when they need to be replaced.

Also, if anyone has advice on cheap (or free) PCB layout software, I would like to know about it. I have the old free versions of Multisim and Ultiboard, but it looks like they won't do a whole lot unless you spend thousands on the full versions. I installed PCB Artist, but it's so counterintuitive, I can't make any sense of it.

I'm considering making an eyelet board instead, like the guy who designed the amp: http://www.harmonicappliances.com/power ... erman.html

try my DIYLC http://diylc.org/

Thanks. Checking it out.

For attaching the tubes, can I just stick some kind of Radio Shack screw terminals on the board? That would be really easy, and swapping tubes would be very fast. Will the long exposed leads cause noise issues or other problems?

I use SIL strips, nice solid connection. Two strips of 4 in parallel, one row apart.

That looks great. Maybe I'll pick up a variety of doodads from Radio Shack and see what looks best.

I appreciate your help. I was going to try one of your designs, but--and for all I know this is completely wrong--it seems like your amps have more of a Marshally rock tone than the blues tone I'm looking for. Your work is really inspiring.