JackBootedThug
MURDERATOR
Use an insulated screwdriver. Works 60% of the time, 90% of the time
glpg80
Well-known member
Just unplug the amplifier and clip an alligator clip from pin 1 V1 to chassis ground and keep it there. The series isolation resistors will slow the discharge of the filter caps and the gator clip assures nothing builds charge while you’re waiting on parts. Just don’t forget to remove it post cap replacement and first turn on.
After replacing the caps be sure to measure resistance from pin 1 V1 to ground. It should read OL or open. Also don’t add a ton of solder as it will melt through to the bottom of the board and short the stub to chassis ground.
After replacing the caps be sure to measure resistance from pin 1 V1 to ground. It should read OL or open. Also don’t add a ton of solder as it will melt through to the bottom of the board and short the stub to chassis ground.
Tone Monster
Well-known member
Anything involving electricity always melts my brain. Volts? Amps? Watts? Ohms? Bias? lol makes me feel like an idiot.
SgtThump
Real OG
Same here! I dont even want to know how it all works.
I really just want to know how to do this specific task. Lol
RaceU4her
Well-known member
isnt there a way to do it by strumming your guitar with a speaker cable plugged in but not connected to a cab with the amp off or something??
fek
Well-known member
Pay someone. You have to know a good tech.
rstites
Well-known member
It's both easier and safer to just drain it with a alligator clipped wires. I have a bunch around with 10 W resistors soldered on and just clip them to anything I'm concerned about.
If you have a steady hand, that's a quick-n-easy cap swap. If you're less certain, don't burn the board. That becomes a real problem.
Geo
Well-known member
ehhh
Alpha Stryke
Well-known member
"Happy to pay a tech to take the Zap for me".
SgtThump
Real OG
Okay, fine. I am getting the caps from Friedman (paying, not free!) and will have a local tech swap. Until then, I'll keep using the amp. It's an 11-year old amp and still has the original "faulty" caps, but somehow magically works fine.
griff10672
Well-known member
where are you located ..... cause that's like a 5 minute job
Geo
Well-known member
I don't think I would worry about it, if they were going to fail they would have already.
SgtThump
Real OG
Just outside of St Louis. That's why I'm having a hard time paying for it!
Geo
Well-known member
You can just keep an eye on them, if you hear noise or see bulging or leaking.
Alpha Stryke
Well-known member
THERMIONIC VALVE AMPLIFIERS REQUIRE PERIODIC MAINTENANCE FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE.
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griff10672
Well-known member
they will fail when you need them the most ................... that's how my life works ......if Dave says they are from a bad batch .... I would replace them
Alpha Stryke
Well-known member
yep -
Geo
Well-known member
I am a firm believer in, if it sounds good, and it works good, don't fix what ain't broken.
griff10672
Well-known member
The manufacturer straight out told him they are from a bogus batch ....
I can appreciate your thought process ....but if they go while the amps on .... they could do a lot more harm to other components causing a lot more problems than the 5 minutes to swap the two caps
Preventative maintenance is what I'd call it
