Welcome To the Hoffman Amplifiers Forum

September 07, 2025, 03:52:00 pm
guest image
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
-User Name
-Password



Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: 5E3 issue: SOLVED!  (Read 25416 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #50 on: November 04, 2011, 07:05:26 am »
That's what I have... :dontknow:

Offline sluckey

  • Level 5
  • *******
  • Posts: 5075
    • Sluckey Amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #51 on: November 04, 2011, 07:33:42 am »
You said earlier that the resistor does not burn when the 6V6s are pulled. Leave the 6V6s out and measure voltages on every pin of both sockets. I'm particularly interested in the voltage on pin 5 of each tube.

Then turn the amp off and recheck resistance from pin 5 of each socket to chassis ground. We're looking for 220K so don't use your 2K range on your meter.

One meter lead should be directly on the socket pins for all the above readings. What are the numbers?
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #52 on: November 04, 2011, 03:41:36 pm »
OK, so here's what I have, every measure taken in AC:

V3
1: 0.6V        2:3.23V        3:0.56V        4:0V        5:0.62V        6:0.62V        7:3.20V        8:0V

V4
1: 0.55V        2:3.23V        3:0.67V        4:0V        5:0.46V        6:0.84V        7:3.21V        8:0V

Resistance on lug 5 V3: 255K and on lug 5 V4: 242K

If that leads somewhere...
Thanks!
« Last Edit: November 04, 2011, 06:18:22 pm by SleepLess »

Offline labb

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 600
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #53 on: November 04, 2011, 05:36:18 pm »
I think you will have to go back and take your measurements in D.C. With no signal you should only have A.C. on pins 2 and 7, D.C. on pins 3, 4 and 8. Pin 3 pin should be same as what the rectifier is at pin 8 (of the 5Y3 rectifier), pin 4 should be some 40 volts less than pin 3. and pin 8 should be 18 to 21 volt D.C. It seems as though you have a short around on of the power tubes. I would pull the pre amp tubes and one of the power tubes, power the amp up and take a voltage reading (D.C.) across the 5.6K resistor. Record this number. Power the amp down, Pull the power tube, Install power tube in other socket, power amp back up and take a voltage reading across the 5.6K resistor. Record this number..Compare the two numbers, if there is a big difference in the voltage drop then you know which power tube position has the problem.

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #54 on: November 04, 2011, 05:53:26 pm »
Measured in DC as well now. I have 0VDC everywhere with both output tubes pulled out except on lugs 4 of V3 and V4 where I have 414VDC. I have 445VDC on pin 8 of the rectifier...

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #55 on: November 04, 2011, 06:01:29 pm »
I would pull the pre amp tubes and one of the power tubes, power the amp up and take a voltage reading (D.C.) across the 5.6K resistor. Record this number. Power the amp down, Pull the power tube, Install power tube in other socket, power amp back up and take a voltage reading across the 5.6K resistor. Record this number..Compare the two numbers, if there is a big difference in the voltage drop then you know which power tube position has the problem.

So I just did that. With the power tube in V4 I read 479VDC at the junction of the 5.6K and the OT B+ and 266VDC at the junction of the 5.6K and 22K. With the power tube in V3 I read 413VDC and 258DC.

If that helps...

I think that V3 is the problem. Do you think that it could be a bad socket?

Offline VMS

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 739
  • I love tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #56 on: November 04, 2011, 06:13:29 pm »
and 266VDC at the junction of the 5.6K and 22K.

How much is this voltage with preamp tubes in and power tubes out?

What power transformer are you using? And does it have a heater center-tap?

Your earlier resistance measurements should read the same for both tubes.

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #57 on: November 04, 2011, 06:20:42 pm »
Pull the 6V6s out.  Does the resistor still burn? If so...

I've just done that. It seems the resistor is not burning anymore. I have 447VDC at the 5.6K resistor/B+ junction and 417VDC at 5.6K/22K junction...



I'm using a Classictone PT. It does have a CT, that goes to the first filter cap, across the board from the 5.6K resistor.

Offline labb

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 600
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #58 on: November 04, 2011, 06:57:12 pm »
Ok, one more reading that I forgot to have you take.  Alternating the power tubes as before take the D.C. voltage reading at pin 8 of the tube you have installed.

Offline worth

  • Level 2
  • **
  • Posts: 251
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #59 on: November 04, 2011, 10:10:29 pm »
Pull the 6V6s out.  Does the resistor still burn? If so...

I've just done that. It seems the resistor is not burning anymore. I have 447VDC at the 5.6K resistor/B+ junction and 417VDC at 5.6K/22K junction...



I'm using a Classictone PT. It does have a CT, that goes to the first filter cap, across the board from the 5.6K resistor.
You have the POWER TRANSFORMER center tap connected to the B+ ?????

Offline VMS

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 739
  • I love tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #60 on: November 05, 2011, 04:36:43 am »
Is this your Power Transformer:

http://www.classictone.net/40-18078.html


If it is, then lift the GRN/YEL wire from ground.

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #61 on: November 05, 2011, 12:17:26 pm »

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #62 on: November 05, 2011, 12:22:37 pm »
Ok, one more reading that I forgot to have you take.  Alternating the power tubes as before take the D.C. voltage reading at pin 8 of the tube you have installed.

HI. I've just done it. I get the same measures either with the tube in V3 or V4 on lug 8. I have 7.3VDC...

Offline labb

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 600
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #63 on: November 05, 2011, 12:50:33 pm »
Take a real close look at your wiring around the Power tubes pins 4 and 5.

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #64 on: November 05, 2011, 12:56:31 pm »
Take a real close look at your wiring around the Power tubes pins 4 and 5.

Just have... Lugs 4 of V3 and V4 are linked together and go to 5.6K/22K. Lugs 5 just have a leg of the 1K5 resistor, not crowded there...

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #65 on: November 05, 2011, 04:53:03 pm »
Here are more resistance readings:
All measures were taken amp OFF with MM set on 200K range, black lead shoved into PT ground lug (along with power cord ground wire)

V3
1: infinity    2: 00.3    3: inf    4: inf.     5: inf     6:inf     7: 00.3     8: 00.2
V4
1: infinity     2: 00.3    3: inf    4: inf.     5: inf     6:inf     7: 00.3     8: 00.2

Offline VMS

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 739
  • I love tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #66 on: November 06, 2011, 02:09:35 am »
When doing resistance measurements you don't keep the meter in one range. You click through the whole range and stop to the point that gives you most accurate result.

Here is some info on meter use:

http://www.tubelab.com/MeterUse.htm


Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #67 on: November 06, 2011, 03:42:13 am »
When doing resistance measurements you don't keep the meter in one range. You click through the whole range and stop to the point that gives you most accurate result.

Yeah, I knew that but Bruce at Mission Amps told me to use one single medium low setting for all measurements. I just followed... SO here's what I got with varying the MM knob. The ohms in parenthesis are the set range on my MM.

V3:
1: overload (200M)   2: 0.321 (2K)   3: overload (200M)    4: 03.2 (200M)    5: 0.243 (2M)    6: 0.242 (2M)    7: 0.321 (2K)    8: 0.270(2K)

V4:
1: overload (200M)   2: 0.321 (2K)   3: overload (200M)    4: 03.2 (200M)    5: 0.241 (2M)    6: 0.240 (2M)    7: 0.321 (2K)    8: 0.270(2K)

Just note that lug 4 starts at 02.6 under 200M range and keeps going up slowly the longer I put the red MM lead on the lug. The MM charges it up with the small voltage it puts out...

Thanks!  :BangHead:

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #68 on: November 06, 2011, 11:18:40 am »
 :BangHead:

Spent three hours on it today. I unsoldered every wire going to V3 and took the tube socket out to inspect it closely. I didn't notice any burnt or black/brown spot. This socket seems to be fine. I also changed every wire on V3, even the jumper wires going to the board and and the wires connecting V3 t V4. It's not in the wires... It's not in the tubes... What in the hell can it be...?  :w2:

Offline Leevi

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1574
  • I love tube amps
    • Rikstone
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #69 on: November 06, 2011, 12:20:17 pm »
In the first picture on page 1 it seems that the 220K power amp resistors
are not connected to ground!
/Leevi

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #70 on: November 06, 2011, 12:45:26 pm »
Thanks for the idea but they actually are. A ground wire goes underneath the board and connects the 220K resistors, the three filter caps and the 270 ohms/22uf 100V cap. The ground wire then goes from that spot to the brass plate under the pots which is the amp's ground.

Offline VMS

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 739
  • I love tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #71 on: November 06, 2011, 12:57:39 pm »
and 266VDC at the junction of the 5.6K and 22K.

What happens to the voltages if you lift one end of the 22k resistor?

 

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #72 on: November 06, 2011, 02:50:32 pm »
What happens to the voltages if you lift one end of the 22k resistor?

Same stuff. 413VDC at the 5.6K/OT B+ and 275VDC at the 5.6K/22K junction...

Offline Leevi

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1574
  • I love tube amps
    • Rikstone
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #73 on: November 06, 2011, 03:12:18 pm »
The problem is somewhere in the area of OT/power tubes. You mentioned in one reply
that when you remove the power tubes the resistor does not burn anymore.
The screen grids (pin 4) take probably too much current. Can you measure the cathode voltage of the
power tubes. That can be done by measuring the the DC voltage from the 270 Ohm resistor/cap towards the ground.
/Leevi

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #74 on: November 06, 2011, 03:24:06 pm »
The problem is somewhere in the area of OT/power tubes. You mentioned in one reply
that when you remove the power tubes the resistor does not burn anymore.
The screen grids (pin 4) take probably too much current. Can you measure the cathode voltage of the
power tubes. That can be done by measuring the the DC voltage from the 270 Ohm resistor/cap towards the ground.
/Leevi


Sure, took three measures:
Lug 4 of V3: 224VDC (1000V range)
Lug 4 of V4: 224VDC (1000V range)
270 Ohm resistor/cap towards the ground: 8.2VDC (20V range)

Both measures taken with all tubes in and power ON obviously. Remember I'm wired for 240V operation.

Offline Leevi

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1574
  • I love tube amps
    • Rikstone
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #75 on: November 06, 2011, 03:36:56 pm »
The power tube biasing sounds quite cold 8.2V/270 = 30mA which means 15mA/tube.
Are you sure that both tubes are operating normally? Are they glowing equally, are they
both equal hot?
/Leevi

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #76 on: November 06, 2011, 03:40:46 pm »
The power tube biasing sounds quite cold 8.2V/270 = 30mA which means 15mA/tube.
Are you sure that both tubes are operating normally? Are they glowing equally, are they
both equal hot?
/Leevi

Well, I never got to have them stay powered up too long because of the burning 5.6K but they look pretty equal to me. I have tried two other duets of 6V6s as well, so I ruled the tubes out...

Offline Leevi

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1574
  • I love tube amps
    • Rikstone
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #77 on: November 06, 2011, 03:53:05 pm »
Then I propose the following measurement (proposed that already earlier):
- turn off the amp
- set the meter to Ohms
- start with 200 Ohm area
- measure resistance:
1) from V3-pin 3 to 5.6K/first filter cap
2) from V4-pin 3 to 5.6K/first filter cap

/Leevi

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #78 on: November 06, 2011, 03:58:57 pm »
Thought I'd already done it, but there you go: overload for both measures! I even went up to 200M range, and got down to 200ohms range... The meter shows 1. which is overload. Did it with black lead of the MM on lug 3 of power tube and red lead of the MM on 5.6K/OT B+ and the opposite as well...
« Last Edit: November 06, 2011, 04:09:43 pm by SleepLess »

Offline Leevi

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1574
  • I love tube amps
    • Rikstone
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #79 on: November 06, 2011, 04:04:56 pm »
Measure from brown wire (lug 3) to 5.6K and Blue wire (lug 3) to 5.6K.
The results should be about 100-200 Ohms.
/Leevi

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #80 on: November 06, 2011, 04:11:07 pm »
Sorry, I must have been unclear in my previous message. That's what I did. Lug 3 of power tube (blue wire) to 5.6K and then lug 3 of V4 (brown wire) to 5.6K.
I don't get 100 to 200 ohms but infinity or overload, it's the same: meter shows 1.

Offline Leevi

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1574
  • I love tube amps
    • Rikstone
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #81 on: November 06, 2011, 04:14:57 pm »
even with 2K range? or 2M range?
/Leevi

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #82 on: November 06, 2011, 04:16:03 pm »
Yes, even with 200M range...

Offline Leevi

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1574
  • I love tube amps
    • Rikstone
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #83 on: November 06, 2011, 04:20:35 pm »
Then the B+ is not connected to the CT of the OT or the OT is broken!
/Leevi

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #84 on: November 06, 2011, 04:31:04 pm »
Then the B+ is not connected to the CT of the OT or the OT is broken!
/Leevi



 :sad2: I was about to unsolder the two wires that go to the standby switch to check if they are good but then I realized that they must be good or I wouldn't have any readings would I? So I know that the B+ is connected to the CT of the OT. Crap, it's a broken OT then? I guess that I have to try the 5E3 head's OT that I have with this build to see if I do have the same results. Gonna take some time, I'll do it tomorrow. If you guys have other ideas... Just shoot because I'm not really into unsoldering components from a working amp (I'm talking about my 5E3 head)...
Damn...  :BangHead:

Offline Leevi

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1574
  • I love tube amps
    • Rikstone
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #85 on: November 06, 2011, 04:35:15 pm »
OK, it's late here and I have to go to sleep
good night
/Leevi

Offline Leevi

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1574
  • I love tube amps
    • Rikstone
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #86 on: November 07, 2011, 02:36:49 am »
I didn't know that you have a stand-by switch there. Where is it located, hopefully before the first filter cap?
If it's located between B+ and OT CT you wont get any results before you set the stand-by off (i.e. the amp is like in operation, but the power switch is still off).
Do the corresponding measurements with your working 5E3 head and compare the results with each other.
/Leevi

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #87 on: November 07, 2011, 04:02:32 am »
Yeah, I'll try that tonight if I manage to find a couple of hours to delve into both amps. Meanwhile if you guys ahve any ideas, don't hesitate!
Thanks!

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #88 on: November 07, 2011, 06:12:25 am »
I didn't know that you have a stand-by switch there. Where is it located, hopefully before the first filter cap?
If it's located between B+ and OT CT you wont get any results before you set the stand-by off

All my measurements were done with the amp fully ON (Power ON and Standby OFF) as if it were ready to play. It is wired this way: left lug of standby switch goes to pin 8 of rectifier. Right lug of standby switch goes to the eyelet board has a connection with the first filter cap and hence the 5.6K resistor.

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #89 on: November 07, 2011, 10:42:06 am »
So, here is my comparison chart between my working 5E3 head and my non-working 5E3 combo:

All the readings I gave you yesterday are extremely identical except the readings on lugs 3 of the power tubes:

Head: 1.3 (200M range) // combo: overload.

So do I have to deduce that I either have a bad cable going to these lugs or a bad OT?
If someone can tell me how I can check I have a bad OT without making me unsolder the head's oT and using it on the combo that would be cool. If it's the only solution then I'll do it but...

Meanwhile I'm gonna change the wires going to the standby switch just in case they'd be responsible for that. I thought I had a bad socket but that is unlikely or I would have only one of the lugs 3 that would give me an incorrect figure, right?

Thanks!

Offline sluckey

  • Level 5
  • *******
  • Posts: 5075
    • Sluckey Amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #90 on: November 07, 2011, 11:04:21 am »
I think you've already done that, but here it is again.

Measure the resistance of the OT primary.

1. Turn the amp off and let the filter caps discharge.
2. Set your meter to read ohms on the 2K scale. (you'll be looking for a reading of a few hundred ohms)
3. Locate the OT primary plate wires. There is a brown on one tube socket pin 3 and there is a blue on another tube socket pin 3.
4. Measure the resistance between the blue and brown wires. (no need to disconnect from tube sockets)
5. Locate the OT primary center tap. It should be red and should be connected to the junction of the first filter cap and the 5K resistor.
6. Measure the resistance between the red wire and blue wire. Then measure the resistance between the red wire and the brown wire.

Any open circuit (infinity, overload, etc.) reading in step 4 and/or step 6 means bad OT, or broken lead, or red center tap isn't connected where we think it is, or you're not measuring correctly.

For a good OT, the reading in step 4 will be twice the readings in step 6. Or another way to say this is the sum of the two readings in step 6 will equal the reading in step 4.

If the OT primary is open, the screen may be drawing excessive current and burning that 5.1K resistor. This is just an educated guess based on the fact that there is 8.2 volts on the cathodes, indicating about 30ma of current flowing somewhere. That somewhere must be the screen since the plate has zero volts on it. That 30ma must also flow thru the 5.1K and that calculates to 4.7 watts being dissipated by that 2 or 3 watt resistor.
« Last Edit: November 07, 2011, 11:17:03 am by sluckey »
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #91 on: November 07, 2011, 11:18:32 am »
I think you've already done that, but here it is again.

Measure the resistance of the OT primary.

1. Turn the amp off and let the filter caps discharge.
2. Set your meter to read ohms on the 2K scale. (you'll be looking for a reading of a few hundred ohms)
3. Locate the OT primary plate wires. There is a brown on one tube socket pin 3 and there is a blue on another tube socket pin 3.
4. Measure the resistance between the blue and brown wires. (no need to disconnect from tube sockets)
5. Locate the OT primary center tap. It should be red and should be connected to the junction of the first filter cap and the 5K resistor.
6. Measure the resistance between the red wire and blue wire. Then measure the resistance between the red wire and the brown wire.

Any open circuit (infinity, overload, etc.) reading in step 4 and/or step 6 means bad OT, or you're not measuring correctly.
The reading in step 4 will be twice the readings in step 6. Or another way to say this is the sum of the two readings in step 6 will equal the reading in step 4.

If the OT primary is open, the screen may be drawing excessive current and burning that 5.1K resistor. This is just an educated guess based on the fact that there is 8.2 volts on the cathodes, indicating about 30ma of current flowing somewhere. That somewhere must be the screen since the plate has zero volts on it. That 30ma must also flow thru the 5.1K and that calculates to 4.7 watts being dissipated by that 2 or 3 watt resistor.



WOWOWO bingo Sluckey. Measured the head then the combo.
I do have 628 ohms between brown and blue. Then 328 ohms between OT CT and blue and 300 ohms between OT CT and brown.
On the combo's OT I have overload... So, am I ordering a new OT here?  :think1:



Offline sluckey

  • Level 5
  • *******
  • Posts: 5075
    • Sluckey Amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #92 on: November 07, 2011, 11:27:47 am »
yes, you need another OT.

To be absolutely sure you can disconnect only the primary red CT wire in the good amp. Then use a gator clip lead to connect this dangling red lead into the new amp. Use two more clip leads to connect both pins 3 of the good amp to pins 3 of the new amp. Pull the 6V6s from the good amp and don't power it on.

You should have your new amp 6V6s connected to the OT (and speaker) of the good amp. Give it a test.

If you don't understand some of this, just pull the OT from the good amp and temporarily connect it to the new amp. Give it a test.
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

Offline Leevi

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1574
  • I love tube amps
    • Rikstone
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #93 on: November 07, 2011, 12:32:54 pm »
Congrats SleepLess, you have probably found the root cause.
One learning from this is: Never give up!
/Leevi

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue
« Reply #94 on: November 07, 2011, 12:42:47 pm »

YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

Diagnosis confirmed! Tried the head's OT with the alligator clips and now the combo works! I had a faint sound but I think that is because of the alligator clips. Readings across the 5.6K are good.

I really want to thank ALL this community and ewery single soul that helped. I couldn't have done it without you!  :worthy1:

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! Now on my way to ClassicTone!

Offline sluckey

  • Level 5
  • *******
  • Posts: 5075
    • Sluckey Amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue: SOLVED!
« Reply #95 on: November 07, 2011, 02:33:21 pm »
We sure ran down some wrong rabbit holes chasing this one! Most of the time problems with a new build will be a wiring error or wrong component value. Rarely do you see an open OT primary. The smoking caterpillar (er, resistor) sure threw us off the trail. But looking back, it makes sense. With the plate circuit open, the screen was acting as the plate, drawing electrons off the cathode. Drawing too many electrons for the 5.1K resistor to handle. A good set of voltage readings with the tubes out of circuit early on would probably have found this problem  fairly quick.

Still, a good thought exercise.    :think1:

Now, let me ask, was that a brand new OT?
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue: SOLVED!
« Reply #96 on: November 07, 2011, 02:35:56 pm »
Yes brand new one, shipped along the 5E3 kit from Mission Amps...  :dontknow:

Thanks a lot Sluckey!

Offline Willabe

  • Global Moderator
  • Level 5
  • ******
  • Posts: 10524
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue: SOLVED!
« Reply #97 on: November 07, 2011, 03:03:26 pm »
I bought a OT that was bad from Kendrick amps once years ago. I called him and talked with him and he sent me a new no charge.

Might be worth a try?       :dontknow:

Glad to hear you got it fixed.   


             Brad        :icon_biggrin:



Offline SleepLess

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue: SOLVED!
« Reply #98 on: November 07, 2011, 03:06:00 pm »
Yeah, I have just sent an email to Bruce at Mission Amps, let's see what he answers back...

Offline John

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1895
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 5E3 issue: SOLVED!
« Reply #99 on: November 07, 2011, 03:11:07 pm »
Glad you got it fixed, and thanks for sticking with it and talking everything out. I had nothing to contribute, but was following the thread with a lot of interest. :smiley:
Tapping into the inner tube.

 


Choose a link from the
Hoffman Amplifiers parts catalog
Mobile Device
Catalog Link
Yard Sale
Discontinued
Misc. Hardware
What's New Board Building
 Parts
Amp trim
Handles
Lamps
Diodes
Hoffman Turret
 Boards
Channel
Switching
Resistors Fender Eyelet
 Boards
Screws/Nuts
Washers
Jacks/Plugs
Connectors
Misc Eyelet
Boards
Tools
Capacitors Custom Boards
Tubes
Valves
Pots
Knobs
Fuses/Cords Chassis
Tube
Sockets
Switches Wire
Cable


Handy Links
Tube Amp Library
Tube Amp
Schematics library
Design a custom Eyelet or
Turret Board
DIY Layout Creator
File analyzer program
DIY Layout Creator
File library
Transformer Wiring
Diagrams
Hoffmanamps
Facebook page
Hoffman Amplifiers
Discount Program


password