Difference between revisions of "Tools"
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| − | Here is a list of tools that a tube amp tech typically uses in the process of building / testing / troubleshooting tube amps in order to get them to peak operation. | + | Here is a list of tools that a tube amp tech typically uses in the process of building / testing / troubleshooting tube amps in order to get them to peak operation. |
| − | + | * [[Schematic]]: This is a diagram of the topology of the circuit in the amplifier. Using a schematic is almost always necessary when working on an amp so that the tech can refer to it and understand how the current is flowing through each part of the amplifier s/he is working on. | |
| − | + | * [[Chopstick]](s): Wooden (non-conducting) probe (basically a stick) to move wires in an amp chassis to safely help determine signal interferences running on the wires that may be created by the existing in-chassis wiring. | |
| − | * Schematic: This is a diagram of the topology of the circuit in the amplifier. Using a schematic is almost always necessary when working on an amp so that the tech can refer to it and understand how the current is flowing through each part of the amplifier s/he is working on. | + | * [[Capacitor Drain Jumper]]: Alligator clips that have been modified with a resistor that are used to drain high-voltage filter capacitors. |
| − | * Chopstick(s): Wooden (non-conducting) probe (basically a stick) to move wires in an amp chassis to safely help determine signal interferences running on the wires that may be created by the existing in-chassis wiring. | + | * [[Digital Multimeter]]: Also called "Digital Voltmeter", this is a digital version of the Vacuum Tube Voltmeter, with a much higher degree of granularity. It also tends to offer more numerous functions and tests that a simple VTVM cannot match. |
| − | * Capacitor | + | * [[Vacuum Tube Voltmeter]]: Uses a vacuum tube to make and display electronic measurements. |
| − | * | + | * [[Signal Generator]]: Generates a tonal sine wave (a musical note) that is fed into an amplifier. |
| − | * | + | * [[Variac]]: Variable AC Transformer |
| − | * Signal Generator: Generates a tonal sine wave (a musical note) that is fed into an amplifier. | + | * [[Tel-Ohmike TO-10]]: Capacitor Tester |
| − | * Variac: Variable AC Transformer | ||
| − | * Tel-Ohmike TO-10: Capacitor Tester | ||
* [[Sencore PR57]] "Powerite": An isolation transformer for testing possible ground loops - also useful for reforming old electrolytic capacitors. | * [[Sencore PR57]] "Powerite": An isolation transformer for testing possible ground loops - also useful for reforming old electrolytic capacitors. | ||
| − | * Teltronix 422 | + | * [[Teltronix 422]]: A particular model of oscilloscope we have here at Thermionic Studios |
| − | * Teltronix 456 | + | * [[Teltronix 456]]: Another oscilloscope that we have and probably don't need |
| − | * Lightbulb Limiter: A rudimentary "variac" that uses the | + | * [[Lightbulb Limiter]]: A rudimentary "variac" that uses the wattage rating of a lightbulb to limit the amount of current going to an amplifier, and uses the function of the lightbulb to also indicate when the filter capacitors have "filled" with electrical charge. |
| − | * Speaker | + | * [[Speaker Load]]: Also known as a "Dummy Load", this tool consists of a resistive network that acts like a speaker and can take an amplifier's full output without generating any sound. |
| − | * Bias Probe: Used to measure the bias current to one or more power tubes to make sure that they have been biased to the desired rating. | + | * [[Bias Probe]]: Used to measure the bias current to one or more power tubes to make sure that they have been biased to the desired rating. |
Revision as of 18:37, 22 May 2018
Here is a list of tools that a tube amp tech typically uses in the process of building / testing / troubleshooting tube amps in order to get them to peak operation.
- Schematic: This is a diagram of the topology of the circuit in the amplifier. Using a schematic is almost always necessary when working on an amp so that the tech can refer to it and understand how the current is flowing through each part of the amplifier s/he is working on.
- Chopstick(s): Wooden (non-conducting) probe (basically a stick) to move wires in an amp chassis to safely help determine signal interferences running on the wires that may be created by the existing in-chassis wiring.
- Capacitor Drain Jumper: Alligator clips that have been modified with a resistor that are used to drain high-voltage filter capacitors.
- Digital Multimeter: Also called "Digital Voltmeter", this is a digital version of the Vacuum Tube Voltmeter, with a much higher degree of granularity. It also tends to offer more numerous functions and tests that a simple VTVM cannot match.
- Vacuum Tube Voltmeter: Uses a vacuum tube to make and display electronic measurements.
- Signal Generator: Generates a tonal sine wave (a musical note) that is fed into an amplifier.
- Variac: Variable AC Transformer
- Tel-Ohmike TO-10: Capacitor Tester
- Sencore PR57 "Powerite": An isolation transformer for testing possible ground loops - also useful for reforming old electrolytic capacitors.
- Teltronix 422: A particular model of oscilloscope we have here at Thermionic Studios
- Teltronix 456: Another oscilloscope that we have and probably don't need
- Lightbulb Limiter: A rudimentary "variac" that uses the wattage rating of a lightbulb to limit the amount of current going to an amplifier, and uses the function of the lightbulb to also indicate when the filter capacitors have "filled" with electrical charge.
- Speaker Load: Also known as a "Dummy Load", this tool consists of a resistive network that acts like a speaker and can take an amplifier's full output without generating any sound.
- Bias Probe: Used to measure the bias current to one or more power tubes to make sure that they have been biased to the desired rating.
