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Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: Boost foot switch hum problems  (Read 2634 times)

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Offline Madison

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Boost foot switch hum problems
« on: July 27, 2012, 01:59:50 am »
When I turn on the boost this hums like crazy.
I have tried grounding it different ways; on the input jack, via the foot switch jack.
Nothing seems to help.
About the only thing I haven;t tried is an insulated input jack.
Where have I gone wrong?

Offline tubeswell

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Re: Boost foot switch hum problems
« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2012, 02:39:13 am »
Does the boost hum when you engage it from the amp's control panel switch (as opposed to using the footswitch)?
A bus stops at a bus station. A train stops at a train station. On my desk, I have a work station.

Offline jeff

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Re: Boost foot switch hum problems
« Reply #2 on: July 27, 2012, 05:01:51 am »
What is this switch actually doing? I don't understand the circuit. Could you show how it's connected to the cathode bp cap(rest of the cicruit)?

Offline Madison

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Re: Boost foot switch hum problems
« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2012, 07:50:33 am »
Oh, this does have a CT on the 6.3 taps from the PT.
Sorry forgot to add it.

Offline sluckey

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Re: Boost foot switch hum problems
« Reply #4 on: July 27, 2012, 08:24:48 am »
Quote
When I turn on the boost this hums like crazy.
Put a filter cap on the rectifier output (470-1000uF). Even better, use a double pole switch. One pole switches the bypass cap, the other pole switches the LEDs. Or even more better, drop the idea of the LEDs altogether.

A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

Offline Madison

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Re: Boost foot switch hum problems
« Reply #5 on: July 27, 2012, 11:14:23 pm »
Unfortunately, I have already drilled the chassis for these LEDs so kind of no turning back.

I am liking this double pole idea.
Excellent!
Actually the panel switch already is.

I am going to have to mod the foot switch, wire, jack.

Thanks a lot!

Offline sluckey

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Re: Boost foot switch hum problems
« Reply #6 on: July 28, 2012, 12:19:55 am »
You may not need double pole switches if you put a filter cap on the rectifier output. As it is, you're unfiltered dc (actually 120Hz pulses) is being connected to the cathodes. It's gonna hum. Very much like a short between heater and cathode.

A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

 


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