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Technical Publications by
Kevin O'Connor
Electronic Diversity
This is the key principle in all of Kevin
O'Connor's technical
books. In electronics, many circuit methods and designs
are available for any given goal. Most books present a single
solution to a design problem, but Kevin O'Connor's books
offer many possibilities.
Justified
Approach
It's
nice to know the reasons for choosing one method over another.
Like any electronics designer, Kevin O'Connor prefers certain
circuits and methods. However, rather than simply giving
instructions, he explains why one method may be preferred
over another. The selection of a method is up to you, and
you can proceed on the basis of informed choice.
The
Big Picture
Electronics is a very wide discipline, of
which audio amplifier technology is just a small part. Approaches
to audio design in the musical instrument field are very
restricted - a limitation that the M.I. industry imposes
upon itself through complacency and lack of imagination.
Fortunately, Kevin O'Connor's books look past what is
done to what can be done, offering the reader
a glimpse beyond the state of the art.
Practical,
Proven Solutions
Kevin O'Connor's practical approach is based on real-world
experience in repair, design and construction of all
types of audio equipment. Tabled data in his books are
the result of measurements of actual circuits. Design
options are those used by the author over the past decades,
and are "known-good" circuits.
Easy
Understanding
Electronics has its own language of schematics,
symbols and mathematics. Many hobbyists find these intimidating.
Kevin O'Connor explains the essence of circuit operation
in easy-to-understand language that conveys respect for
the reader and the subject. We all learn together. Depending
on where you are on your own path of enlightenment, we have
books that start right at schematic symbols; others that
use text only; or most, that assume some schematic reading
abilities.
Myths
Debunked
Audio design is often clouded in secrecy
and made to seem mystical - particularly in musical instrument
amplifier design circles. Kevin O'Connor's books "clear
the smoke away" and reveal the simplicity of most designs
and modifications. The Ultimate Tone (TUT)
is the bible for boutique amp builders. Many have gained
ideas and their courage from TUT. Many "reference"
websites appeared with information from TUT repeated
nearly verbatim, on the heels of TUT's release. The Ultimate Tone Vol. 2 (TUT2)
is the unsung hero in Glass Audio magazine's
'Glass Shards' column. Principles of Power
is a popular reference cited in many audio power amplifier
projects in Glass Audio (this magazine is
now titled Audio XPress).
Continued
Revelation
Kevin continues to write and publish information
for hobbyists and amp builders alike. The open-ended TUT
series continues. Specialty publications such as Secrets
and Secret Holders will continue. Kevin's DIY
Speaker Design for Musical Instrument Applications
booklet allows individuals to build their own cabinets for
guitar, bass or keyboard.
Bench-friendly
Books, Packed with Information
Kevin O'Connor's books are intended to be
used as well as read. The reader is encouraged to build
circuits from the books and "do-while-reading". Each publication
has protective clear covers and is cerlox-bound to lie flat
on your workbench. Our pages have no large margins to waste
space. There are no photos of amps, as these do not teach
you how they work. There are no large advertisements for
the author's own products. There are no repeated legal disclaimers
occupying valuable schematic space. There is just information
- lots and lots of information! - in both text and schematic
form.
Read.
Learn. Enjoy.
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