Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: Dead Short on July 14, 2019, 07:04:42 pm

Title: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: Dead Short on July 14, 2019, 07:04:42 pm
First time build! I just completed my 1st amp build. A simple 5f1 Tweed. I wanted to thank all on this board as you all saved me tons of time and mistakes. I made a few mods to it along the way. I added a NFB toggle, a independent on/off switch and a three way rotary  switch for 4/8/16 ohm speaker selection. Ran out of room on the chassis.  I checked continuity, grounds and voltages all the way around. Everything was spot on except the ac voltage on the filament circuit. It measured 3.4 vac not 6.3? I used a Classictone 40-18019 PT.. (green wires). I fired it up and the amp works perfectly---no humms WSE!   Any harm in running at 3.4 vac to heaters?  Everything seems to be in order otherwise.  Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: sluckey on July 14, 2019, 07:28:28 pm
Don't measure filament voltage with one probe on chassis because that only measures half the voltage. Instead, measure across the tube socket, ie, for the 6V6 put one probe on pin 2 and the other probe on pin 7. Then you'll see all the filament voltage.
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: Dead Short on July 14, 2019, 08:18:49 pm
Thanks Sluckey,  all the reading and vids I watched I didn't pick that bit up...I knew it was something I should have known..Amp sounds great. I am now deflated since that project is done..It was a ton of fun building it. Just a matter of time before I start a new build, but a bit more complex...although I dont need another amp...any suggestions on a next build thats fun and affordable?
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: sluckey on July 14, 2019, 08:34:49 pm
Hoffman has several nice projects. Or you may find something interesting on my website. You may find that you always need just one more amp.  :icon_biggrin:

How 'bout showing us some pics of your build? We like that stuff.
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: Dead Short on July 15, 2019, 06:06:33 pm
Pics
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: Dead Short on July 15, 2019, 06:08:49 pm
Pics
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: Dead Short on July 15, 2019, 06:10:26 pm
More pics
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: Dead Short on July 15, 2019, 06:14:55 pm
Waiting for 112 -  Tweed Cab to come in, (vintage Jensen C12R speaker)
then touch up cosmetics - let her rip
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: Dead Short on July 15, 2019, 06:16:54 pm
Last pic.
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: sluckey on July 15, 2019, 07:53:11 pm
Wow! Wish my first amp had looked that good.

One cosmetic tip... Put those star washers (switches and jacks) on the inside of the chassis for a cleaner look.
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: Dead Short on July 15, 2019, 09:31:19 pm
Thank you Sluckey!

I noticed that washer foul!  Moving those is on my list. I was focused purely on mechanics and nothing of cosmetics when I put those things on the outside.  I was in a  zone. 🎯
This amp really sings I am very happy with the outcome.



I will post more pics when clean it up and mount it a cab....

Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: Dead Short on July 28, 2019, 11:55:18 am
Just for the heck of it and since I have the 15w PT and OT(40-18031/40-18019) I am going to swap some tubes. If I use a change the rectifier to a gz34 and output tube to a 5881 and switch the impedance switch to the 16 ohm  tap, will  I have to re-bias the cathode resistor or could I just plug and play?
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: PRR on July 28, 2019, 11:59:43 am
> change ....output tube to a 5881

What do you gain? 5 Watts to 9 Watts? That won't put your record in the Top Ten.
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: Dead Short on July 28, 2019, 12:33:49 pm
True that! Especially since my playing is novice at best😅.  I gues I am just bored and looking for something to tinker with...maybe I will build another amp entirely instead and give it to someone who can play but can't afford a beauty!
Title: Re: Low filament circuit voltages
Post by: Dead Short on July 28, 2019, 12:58:19 pm
 :laugh: