Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Other Stuff => Other Topics => Topic started by: Madison on February 18, 2012, 06:37:11 pm

Title: Solid state repairs
Post by: Madison on February 18, 2012, 06:37:11 pm

Dumb question of the month.
I have a pretty good idea of how tube amps work at this point, being self taught and a lot of help from this board.
How hard is it to make the transition from tube repairs to solid state(mainly amps, etc)?
It's an entirely different beast?
Not worth the trouble?
Not so difficult?
I suppose a scope is required with a bunch of other new skills and tools?
Schooling required?

All I really know is that one component fries, it usually takes out a bunch of other stuff.
I know this is a really vague question.
Just looking for some opinions.
Thanks.
Peace.

Title: Re: Solid state repairs
Post by: PRR on February 18, 2012, 07:29:12 pm

> I know this is a really vague question.

Yes.

Recall that a LOT of "trouble" is bad jacks, pots, rectifiers, and main filter caps. Same-old same-old with different numbers on the caps.

But there will be some failures which are different. Do you want to do ALL jobs given to you, or just the easy ones? (I was just reading 30 years in the life of a TV repairman; he did often farm-out the ones he wasn't good with.)

Title: Re: Solid state repairs
Post by: Madison on February 19, 2012, 07:19:17 pm

Quote from: PRR on February 18, 2012, 07:29:12 pm

> I know this is a really vague question.

Yes.

Recall that a LOT of "trouble" is bad jacks, pots, rectifiers, and main filter caps. Same-old same-old with different numbers on the caps.

But there will be some failures which are different. Do you want to do ALL jobs given to you, or just the easy ones? (I was just reading 30 years in the life of a TV repairman; he did often farm-out the ones he wasn't good with.)

Thanks!
Great advice and ideas, as always.

Title: Re: Solid state repairs
Post by: bigsbybender on February 19, 2012, 10:04:09 pm

I get stuck with a lot of Solid State junk for repairs.... The same basic diagnosis methods work with tube gear, but It takes me ages to completely troubleshoot solid state. So if I charged for real hours it wouldn't be worth it for most people. If they are truly in love with a piece of gear, then I tell them I'll do it.


j.

Title: Re: Solid state repairs
Post by: Madison on February 20, 2012, 04:06:43 am

Quote from: bigsbybender on February 19, 2012, 10:04:09 pm

I get stuck with a lot of Solid State junk for repairs.... The same basic diagnosis methods work with tube gear, but It takes me ages to completely troubleshoot solid state. So if I charged for real hours it wouldn't be worth it for most people. If they are truly in love with a piece of gear, then I tell them I'll do it.


j.

Yes, the troubleshooting is what would worry me too.
I do the same with building tube amps;taking too much time and effort.
If I charged the "going rate"......oh Lordy.

Thanks Bro.