Chassis Orientation

[mbach72]

I just finished my first build, a 7 watt SE using a lone 6v6. Surprisingly to me, the amp worked perfectly right out of the gate! I used a 5F2A chassis, but with a different circuit. I have decided that I would like to mount this in a small head. I have the woodworking experience to make my own cab (I make my own guitars too).

The 5F2A chassis is obviously meant to be mounted vertically. I would like to mount it horizontal, but I foresee two problems.

1. Is there any downside related to the tubes themselves being mounted horizontally?

2. The tubes would only be about an inch above the bottom surface of the cab. Would the heat from the tubes be to much to mount that close to the cab?

Thanks for the help.

[Satamax]

There's no downside to the tubes being mounted horizontaly, thought they might fall due to vibration, tho, it's nowhere near as bas as teh original way of mounting it in the old tweeds

Providing there's good ventilation, one inch should be plenty enough clearance!

[Rob Mercure]

Mbach,

Max's comments are generally correct but some tube - generally those whose filaments and heaters dissipate lotsa heat - have specific orientations for horizontal mounting to prevent a hot filament/heater from drooping and shorting into another tube element. I assume that you're using a 5Y3 rectifier? If so I don't know if there is a specific orientation but check Duncan's tube specs website to find manufacturer's information to be sure. If you are using a 5U4 there definitely is specific orientation that you need to be aware of - and since someone might plug a 5U4 into a 5Y3 socket it seems to make sense to orient the socket correctly to begin with. In essence a couple of specific pins will have vertical orientation when the tube is mounted horizontally. And while I could just look this up in the tube manual setting by my right hand I really want you to consult the Duncan site - or others - to make you aware of the information available to you and how to use it.

Rob