Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: hylaphone on October 13, 2025, 01:07:30 pm

Title: Hot Rod Deluxe strange issue
Post by: hylaphone on October 13, 2025, 01:07:30 pm
Hi folks, I have a HRD here with ongoing static noise issues. I've isolated it to V2, seeing between 1 and 2VDC on both grids of the tube. There is also <1VDC on the TMB pots. Leaky tonestack cap would explain DC readings on pin 2 but I'm having a hard time visualizing what would cause the same on pin 7 as it's not present at the C2/R18 juncture.Trying to wrap my head around this before pulling the PCBThank you!https://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/Fender/Fender_hotrod_deluxe.pdf (https://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/Fender/Fender_hotrod_deluxe.pdf)
Title: Re: Hot Rod Deluxe strange issue
Post by: DeepBias on October 13, 2025, 06:50:14 pm
Before pulling the PCB have you tried with another 12AX7.
Title: Re: Hot Rod Deluxe strange issue
Post by: hylaphone on October 14, 2025, 05:05:21 am
Before pulling the PCB have you tried with another 12AX7.
Yes, no change
Title: Re: Hot Rod Deluxe strange issue
Post by: stratomaster on October 14, 2025, 11:58:45 am
Do you get grid DC with no tube present?

How about if you remove power to the relays?

The way I see it is you either have a leaky tube, leaky relay, or conductive board.
Title: Re: Hot Rod Deluxe strange issue
Post by: hylaphone on October 15, 2025, 08:54:26 am
Do you get grid DC with no tube present?

How about if you remove power to the relays?

The way I see it is you either have a leaky tube, leaky relay, or conductive board.
Good call, I pulled the connectors from the bias and +/-16V supply, and the DC was still there.Removed the ribbon cable at that tube and found several hundred Kohms continuity between plate and grid pins - BINGOTook a few tries to clean and resolder that cable but it did the trick.Thank you for the help!