aion XIPHOS Manual - Page 5

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BUILD NOTES

Clipping diodes

The Heavyhand uses BA282 diodes, which clip at a slightly higher threshold than standard silicon diodes

such as 1N914 (approximately 0.82V compared to 0.7V). These diodes are out of production and hard to

find in the old-stuck market.

Now, the closest option is the BAS33. These clip at around 0.8V, still significantly higher than the 1N914

and only slightly lower than the BA282. We've compared the curves on a Peak DCA75 and confirmed

that they closely match the BA282 across the current test range.

The only problem is that the BAS33 went end-of-life in early 2022. Availability is still high, but

eventually they'll join the ranks of the others.

Drive potentiometer

The Drive pot is 150kC in the original, which is an odd value (though not impossible to find). R3 and R4

have been added as tapering resistors to approximate the value and curve of a 150kC using a 250kB pot.

If you use 250kB, then use 360k for R3 and 22k for R4. This method is far from exact, though, so try to

use a 150kC if you can find one.

C9/C10 capacitor

C9 has been added as a film cap alternative to the 4.7uF electrolytic used in the original. Film caps

are better quality for signal coupling, and 4.7uF is much higher than necessary in this position, so it's

recommended to use C9 and omit C10.

Knobs

Since the two lower pots are very close to the lower toggle switch, it's recommended to use 1/2" knobs

for these two. The upper two knobs can be 3/4". This is the cosmetic look we used for the

Penumbra

Bass

Fuzz, which uses the same drill template.

XIPHOS AMP OVERDRIVE