![diy bk butler tube driver diy bk butler tube driver](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2uDJHBFyiKc/maxresdefault.jpg)
Butler ingeniously thought to put a negative 12 volts on the cathodes.
#Diy bk butler tube driver driver
Normally, a tube does not function very well with the 12 volts the Tube Driver uses, but Mr. The Tube Driver itself is a brilliantly-conceived concept it uses what they call a “starved plate” tube circuit – a tube running at drastically reduced plate voltage. Though we can be sure that the RT-901 and RT-903 used different values of certain components (at least in relationship to one another), we at least have a good starting point if one wishes to analyze either of those circuits. So, it follows logically that the schematic which I have traced should give us the basic topology which was used in those pedals. The board had the label “RT-901/903” screened on it, which leads me to know that it is the same board which was used for the TubeWorks Real Tube RT-901 and Blue Tube RT903. This is an interesting circuit overall a derivative of the the classic Tube Driver designed and patented by B.K. It’s “SMOOTH” moniker is very much appropriate! The device now functions perfectly and has a great overdrive sound. The footswitch and socket were replaced and the ground connexion was restored. The main problems with the unit were a missing bypass switch, faulty/missing ground connexion between the board and the signal jacks, and a failing tube socket. See the little tube shield? That is an “extra” I added to help with the noise it was originally in an ancient Norelco tape machine which I have been salvaging parts from. Here are a couple photos of the interior of the unit, before and after the repairs were made. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to dissect the device for the good of the community, and I now present to you the schematic I have traced. Unfortunately, a schematic could not be found, and I could only discover only the vaguest information about the device on the ‘net. It was in dire need of serious repairs, so eagerly took the opportunity to ply my skill and bring it back to life. What came into my possession lately was a rarely-seen TubeWorks Pure Tube TW303 SMOOTH guitar overdrive. A glorious day, friends! This one has accomplished some work in hopes of earning some coins with which to line his pockets.