1. Electronic Fundamentals:
Current and Voltage, Power, Frequency, Phase, Decibels, Octaves,
Metric Prefixes, Resistance and Ohm’s Law, Impedance, Capacitance,
Inductance, Voltage and Current Dividing Networks, Components in Series,
Components in Parallel, Resistive Dividers, Input and Output Impedance,
Frequency-dependant Dividing Networks, Kirchhoff’s Laws, Rectification,
Transformers, Tubes: Diodes, Triodes, Tube Constants, Pentodes, Ground,
Characteristics of Signals: AC and DC Signals, AC Signal Amplitude, The
Superposition Principal, Noise and Distortion.
2. Basic Amplifier Design:
Triode Amplifier Stage,
Amplifier Block Diagram,
Input Amplifier:
Plate Circuit,
Cathode Circuit,
Grid Circuit,
Tone and Volume Control Circuit,
Second Amplifier Stage,
Output Stage Driver:
Cathodyne Phase Splitter,
Long-tail Pair Phase Splitter,
Output Stage:
Single-ended Output Stage,
Push-pull Output Stage,
Classes of Operation,
Cathode vs. Grid Biasing,
Push-pull Output Stage Design,
Feedback,
Signal Levels, Gain Staging and Headroom,
Power Supply.
3. Effects:
Maintaining Signal Integrity,
Distortion,
Overdrive,
Reverberation,
Tremolo,
Effects Loops:
Passive Series Effects Loop,
Passive Parallel Effects Loop,
Buffered Series Effects Loop.
4. Amplifier Construction, Testing, and Troubleshooting:
Electronic Components:
Resistors and Potentiometers,
Capacitors,
Inductors,
Diodes,
Transformers and Chokes,
Tubes,
Spring Reverb Tanks,
Choosing Electronic Components,
Mechanical Components:
Chassis,
Tube Sockets,
Component Connection,
Wire,
Input and Output Connectors,
Switching,
Indicators,
Fuses and Holders,
Control Panels,
Hardware,
Chassis Layout,
Grounding,
Wiring,
Tools:
Hand Tools,
Soldering,
Testing and Troubleshooting:
Test Equipment,
Initial Power-up,
Testing with AC Signals,
Troubleshooting
Common Problems.
