Arduino-Based Tube Power Amplifier Controller

In a nod to the Maker Movement, this project uses a common open-source microcontroller module, the Arduino, to build an automatic power controller for a tube power amplifier. The resulting controller is very simple — a $25 Arduino module, a couple of dual op-amps, a few other components, and a 5-VDC power supply plus some opto-isolated switches. This article was originally published in audioXpress, February 2015.

Now available, Linear Audio Volume 10 is the 11th issue of Jan Didden’s series of printed bookzines dedicated to technical audio and perception. It features a great team of contributing authors and a strong collection of enjoyable articles, with a diversified and refreshingly divergent collection of personal takes on great audio topics.

This review of The Bottle Builder, Volume 1: A Compendium of Tube Amplifier Designs discusses Johan Basse Bergqvist’s hands-on collection of his amplifier designs. A book illustrated with more than 400 figures and photographs to help readers understand audio—no engineering degree necessary. Published on audioXpress, July 2015.

Here’s a simple, safe, inexpensive project for beginners and those who wish to “try tubes.” Meanwhile the project has been tried, tested, approved and improved, become one of the classic DIY audio projects from the author. This article was originally published in audioXpress magazine, November 2002.