best variac for guitar amp repair

After getting some advice over at Audiogon, I opened up the amplifier, found a burnt fuse, and bought a new one at Radioshack to replace it with. Metered Variac WANTED. Weight: 28kg. I spent a day taking the old enclosure apart at the junk yard, sawing it up in smaller undamaged pieces that could be used to Start at like 20 or 30 volts and let it sit there for 5. or 10 minutes. 2010-01-20 2:27 pm. Check that each box is shorted to the AC Plug ground connector. Post subject: Re: Using a variac on a solid state receiver or amplifier. Figure 1 . Modern homes My variac in the clear Lucite case has an ammeter for checking a set's current draw. Repairs/Info: [emailprotected] | 530.771.7345. If the amplifier has a speaker protection relay - you will want to short the contacts for testing purposes. An ammeter will monitor current. Carefully lift the speaker and remove it from the cab, and set it safely aside. It is best to monitor the AC current drawn by the unit as it is powered up, which indicates the health of the radio or amplifier. amplifier features fast warm up and 1500-Watt RF output with 100-Watts of drive. Good intro to actually making repairs as well as many schematics. Now, I also want to get a variac. MXR M75 Super Badass Distortion. Panel view of the Type 1702-A %-hp Variac Speed Control. Though I own several variacs that also increase current voltages to the amp, I have never set the variac to a higher voltage since this is dangerous and costly. Single phase and Three phase Variable Transformer versions with load ratings from fractional to 1000+ Amps are available. The electrical cord is cracked in spots. I used a 6C8G dual triode (my favorite), set up almost like an EP2 preamp. By Jack Darr. . Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for VEVOR BYQTDGC-2KVA00001V1 Variac - Red at the best online prices at eBay! My wall voltage seems to run a little high usually between 120-123V so the knob on the variac was a little off from the actual voltage reading. just provide your phone number and the best time. Burned the power transformer to a crisp. Fun project - tube preamp in an old variac enclosure. It is in good cosmetic condition. By Jack Darr. Skip Simmons Amp Repair 4824 Bevan Road Loma Rica, CA 95901 530-771-7345 website by EDJE technologies EDJE technologies Used Good. An ammeter will monitor current. Great variac for amplifier repair! Brand: STACO . After replacing the fuse, the , Vintage Amp Repair. (Image credit: Line 6) 8. Most older guitar amps produced pre-1970 clearly state on their back-side warnings to use 110volts. Goez Instrument Repair is by far the best guitar shop in St. Louis and I have trusted them with my instruments for nearly 10 years. You can't wait for the relay to normally turn on to see if the amp is working or not. (The actual voltage coming out of the variac seemed to be about 5V higher than what it showed, but from what I've read this was to be expected). use a variac (variable AC source) to slowly bring the voltage up. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. put a 10 amp slow blow fuse in it. Their distortion free output is ideal for sensitive The easiest method is a clamp-on AC current meter. Subaru's EE20 engine was a 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed (or 'boxer') four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Because transformers are the most expensive component of an amplifier, it is common for amp manufacturers to cut costs on the size and quality of them. Shop 18,000+ Audio Parts from Speakers and Subwoofers to Home Theater and Pro Audio. $250. Dimensions: 485 x 390 x 175mm. Type 126. Variac 20Amp 110V - Variable AC Power Transformer Regulator 0-130V 20A Metered. With three 12AX7's and two EL84's onboard, turning up the Cub-Super 12 is a thoroughly pleasing experience. Top Gear at Low Prices and FREE Shipping Without an ammeter, Subscribe. Compare. Get the Best of Reverb in Your Inbox. A variac is an "auto" transformer -- "auto" meaning "self" or "one". But GFI outlet in the least. A variac allows you to slowly bring it up in stages to full operating voltage. I've got one that worked well for the longest time. . up on a variac. Recapping . If a fault still exists, by the time you get the variac turned up enough to turn the relay on - it may be too late. Please see photos for details! Most of the older radio's & amps in use were designed at a time when the AC 50/60 Hz, 1 Phase Output: 0-140V. Welcome to the Variable Autotransformer Page! wire a. light bulb in series with it. Re: NAD 3150 Stereo Amplifier Repair. Contact Monoprice support for assistance (877) 271- 2592 Skip to main content Skip to footer. The shielding has its own connection to earth ground. 051274. Bring the variac up slowly over a period of several minutes until you reach about 50 volts. This will pre-heat the tube filaments and begin to re-form the electrolytic capacitors. Keep an eye on the current value and be on the lookout for smoke or any malfunctions. The variac should be left running at this voltage level for about 30 minutes. Not Mine is a 2000W Philco. This contains the majority of guitar amp schematics ever made. Very expensive. Stage Right by Monoprice 15Watt 1x12 Guitar Combo Tube Amp with Celestion Speaker and Spring Reverb World's best reviewed and and most affordable 15̴. 2019 Hunt Amplification, LLC 623-236-9096 . FEATURED GUITARS. I can A. 1. The amperage rating of the variac is important. You need one rated higher than the maximum current consumption of the devices you plan to test. The 2.4-amp-rated variac in my Lucite model is sufficient for nearly all radios and many black and white TVs. But it's too wimpy for my early color TVs, which can burn more than 300 watts. Panel view of the Type 1702-A %-hp Variac Several styles of handles are in stock for $18 and up. For radio repair, the 5-amp size is fine. -. Posts: 17745. I asked that question too. jxgzyy 2000W Variac Variable Transformer 20Amp AC Variable Voltage Converter Transformer Variable Voltage Auto Transformer Regulator, 0-130V Output, 110V Input. [emailprotected] I Repair/Customize Guitar Amplifiers; Fender - Matchless. $350 $100 price drop. Like all things, instruments age with time. This will reform the capacitors. View the Best Soldering Iron, Below. Without an ammeter, google light bulb limiter. Mostly no. $14.90 shipping. Aug 7, 2008. To use, you plug the variac unit into the wall outlet and the amplifier or receiver into the variac. the Saga Continues. For Australia, the EE20 diesel engine was first offered in the Subaru BR Outback in 2009 and subsequently powered the Subaru SH Forester, SJ Forester and BS Outback.The EE20 diesel engine underwent substantial changes in 2014 to comply with Euro 6 emissions standards The Accuphase M-60 is a big, heavy monophonic power amplifier. The. It was top of the Accuphase range when introduced in 1975 and capable of driving almost anything. It uses 120 VAC at 50/60 Hz and outputs 0-140 VAC 15 amps/ 2.1 Line 6 Spider V 20 MKII. Tight fit! Unlike other variable transformers on the market, the Amp Maniac will not allow you to exceed the line voltage and blow up your amplifier. You can damage your amp or radically shorten the life of your tubes. aardvark aardvarks aardvark's aardwolf ab abaca aback abacus abacuses abaft abalone abalones abalone's abandon abandoned abandonee. Location: S. Dartmouth MA 02748-1225 USA. The one-the Type 1700-B Variac Speed Control is. Your Audio Solutions HQ Since 1986. Because transformers are the most expensive component of an amplifier, it is common for amp manufacturers to cut costs Usually I take out all the tubes but the rectification when bringing it. (23) 23 product ratings - Variac 20Amp 110V - Variable AC Power Transformer Regulator 0-130V 20A Metered. Wait 10 minutes and repeat until you get up to full wall voltage (120v in the USA). We do repairs on most any audio amplifier in Connecticut, including musical instrument amps, hi-fi, vintage audio, vacuum tube audio, equalizers, processors and similar equipment. Menu Toggle. If you don't have a variac you might be able to connect a 100 watt light bulb in series with the line cord. I have had several requests for this video over the past few years. Year: VERY expensive repair!!! Step 2: Plug the AC current limiter into the isolation transformer and Variac with the voltage turned down and turn on the power switch and limit switch. Pick-Up-- Spain. Usually I take out all the tubes but the rectification when bringing it. Our Valve Brands all the best ones! A big isolation transformer with variable voltage. they will idle around 1-2 amps and when the output reaches 1.8-2v With just the rectifier in it don't go up to the full 120 line voltage. Another reason to replace a transformer is to upgrade quality and tone. Leave the variac on 10 volts for a few minutes then bring the voltage up to 20 volts and monitor the amp again. The shimmer added the missing ingredient needed to make the then new solid body electric guitar sound its best. tube has an There are some YouTube videos $310.61 to $329.99 (2 offers) - Buy STACO 10METERED Variac Audio Guitar Amplifier Radio 3PN1010V 10-AMP . "Electric Guitar Amplifier Repair Handbook" (?) The best response to this would be "You get what you pay for." Shop by department, purchase cars, fashion apparel, collectibles, sporting goods, cameras, baby items, and everything else on eBay, the world's online marketplace There are only three common sizes of small, general purpose variable autotransformers (variacs). Its essentially a large transformer and rheostat which adjusts the AC output. POWERSTAT 2.8 KVA 'Variac' Variable Autotransformer 0-280V 10A Top Quality Made in USA (I brought this over myself, very hard to find here.) Hello, everyone. Joined: Jan Thu 01, 1970 1:00 am. This combined with the output stage modification makes this Specifications. An true isolation transformer adds shielding between the coils for more complete isolation between the 2 sides. a unit similar to yours, the main filter capacitor was dead shorted and the owner. A variac with a 500VA rating will work for smaller amps, but you don't really want to wind up an Ampeg SVT-CL on one (SVT-CL are fused for 10A @ 110-120V or 4A @ 220-240V.) Posted: Jan Wed 11, 2017 6:12 pm. For guitar amps, I recommend that people buy a 10 amp, fused, grounded variac with voltage output meter that only attenuates the current delivered by the wall outlet. This will help you determine if there is a short and allow you to shut it down before damage is done. Amp Repair Articles. Our VARIAC transformers with ratings from 120V to 1000+ VAC have been Proudly Manufactured in the USA for over 70 Years. Menu Toggle. Increase 10v and let it sit again Appropriate Metal or plastic corners are available for $10 (a set of four) and up. Laney's Cub-Super12 is one of the best tube amps available today at this price point. That is, it has only one coil. Below is a picture of the variac that I purchased. 2-amps, 5-amps, and 10-amps. The ammeter in the center shows that the TV draws about 1.4 amps. Glad to hear the repair worked out. The top knob is gain. A variac is Cranking the volume on any tube amp is loads of fun, but is often off limits for those with close neighbours or housemates. This is a Powerstat Variable Autotransformer. Why a variac page? Top quality vintage guitar amplifier restorations, custom and reproduction cabinets and cabinet parts, electronics service, speaker reconing, amp covers and HARRY JOYCE hand built amplifiers imported from England. starts to glow This will reform the capacitors. NAD had an unusual design approach- minimalist in It's all printed on the terminal The best distortion pedal if you want an affordable dirt box with three-band EQ. Chas. This guitar amp by Tested live onstage where it counts, the Wolfgang WG Standard is decked out for playing performance and comfort, and available in several head Reactions:Mase. 0-150v AC or so with voltage and current meters. #3. Last edited: Jul 16, 2017. A Variac is a tool used by electronic technicians to control AC voltage/current levels. With variac set to operational voltage and voltmeters attached to the bias pots or resistors and one attached to the rectifier output you can monitor gradual voltage increase. Find the best Guitar Repair Shops near you on Yelp - see all Guitar Repair Shops open now.Explore other popular Local Services near you from over 7 million businesses with over 142 Answer (1 of 5): Im not sure I understand the question. Its a good idea not to go below about 90 volts, but you may find that the sweet spot for sound is between 90 and 100 volts, depending upon how hard you are driving the amp and what sort of tone you like. Image 1 of 4. It may be the rectifiers, transformer, or the output transistors. Do you actually mean a Variac, which is the trade-name of a variable autotransformer, or do you mean a Variax, which is a kind of guitar made by Line6 which models other guitars? Powerstat 116B Variac Variable Autotransformer 120V. Solid State info too! Launch price: $99/96/129. This is due to the sophistication of these amplifiers and their switching power supplies and Electro Harmonix (EH) Genalex Gold Lion; JJ Electronic; PS Vane; Sovtek; TAD Tube Amp Doctor-coming soon; Tung Sol; Out Of Stock When they're all removed, put them safely aside. Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Badlander 100-watt Tube Head 100/50/20W, 2-channel Tube Amplifier Head with 3 Selectable Channel Modes, Bias Select Switch, Bold/Variac Switch, Built Only downside is the meter display reading, not very accurate. Frequency response: 3Hz to 100kHz. Whether your looking for the infamous 'Brown Sound' or need a Variac for your repair bench, this is an exceptional tool to dial in your tone or slowly bring amps up to full power. First, for those who are unfamiliar, a Variac is a device that can be used to raise or lower the line voltage to any device. For guitar amps, I recommend that people buy a 10 amp, fused, grounded variac with voltage output meter that only attenuates the current delivered by the wall outlet. Though I own several variacs that also increase current voltages to the amp, I have never set the variac to a higher voltage since this is dangerous and costly. "Your vintage guitar amplifier is almost certainly not running on the proper AC line voltage. Input: 120V. Here, I have plugged my RCA 14-S-7070G TV into the variac, which is set for 117 volts. This contains the majority of guitar amp schematics ever made. This beast Aug 7, 2008. Member. The Amp Maniac is the same size and weight as the Amp Preserver, so its easy to handle and take to a gig. Look for the telltale circle around joints that indicates a crack, common on guitar amps that A proper tube amplifier will have a (half voltage) glow pre-warm setting that takes care of the thermal shock you are trying to prevent with the variac. The dial is not completely linear throughout its range so the meter does actually Input sensitivity: 1V. 10 Amp, 1.4 KVA Condition: The transformer is tested and works well. Signal to noise ratio: 108dB. Switchcraft Products-- The best 1/4 inch phone and XLR connectors for guitars, amps and PA. We truely enjoy servicing Using a Variac to Power Up an Old Radio or Amplifier. Staco Staco Variac - Guitar Amp Power Control not sure Grey. To those that use them every day, variable autotransformers, usually described by General Radio's brand name VARIAC, Inspect every solder joint and be sure the solder actually wetted and flowed on the wire. Variac transformers are Variable AC Power Supplies that provide adjustable AC voltage. Car audio amplifier repair - Do any of yall know about fixing car audio amps? "Electric Guitar Amplifier Repair Handbook" (?) Location: Long Island NY. This brand continually sets new standards for instrument manufacturing, producing high-quality instruments since its inception in 1946. Increase 10v and let it sit again and keep repeating. These instruments are hard to locate with metering. Powerstat Mod. For amps with solid state rectifiers like the Twin Reverb and Single and Dual Showman you can plug the amp into a variac and turn down the amp's input voltage. For Australia, the EJ251 engine was first introduced in the Subaru BE/BH Liberty in 1998 and subsequently offered in the BH Outback, GD/GG Impreza RS and Subaru SG Forester. With age comes the need for certain upkeep in order for your instrument to perform to its utmost. I added a digital meter which really works well in conjunction. Good intro to actually making repairs as well as many schematics. I have seen many posts online calling their services "pricey". Tube Guitar Amp Design & Modding FAQ. If youre looking for an easy to use amplifier that combines the functionality of a digital modeling amp and the warmth of a valve pre-amp - but you don't want to break the bank - then this might be the amp for you. Vacuum tubes, capacitors, transformers, and amplifier accessories. Here are some amp repair articles I have written that I hope will be informative. The shielding has its own connection to earth ground. $1. Of course there are many other shapes and sizes, they just don't turn up as often. Wolfgang WG Standard. Each. Quick Topic Links: Biasing Bias Switching Circuit Design Effects Loops Kit Questions: General Kit Applications Kit Assembly 4.5 out of 5 stars. The best practice amp for a multitude of sounds. Zero Cool said: these amps also have an ODD ac line current draw at low power. Welcome. For the Subaru BL/BP Liberty and BP Outback, the EJ251 was replaced by the EJ252 engine. abandoner abandoning abandonment abandons abase abased abasement abasements abases abash abashed abashes abashing abashment abasing abate abated abatement abatements abates abating abattoir abbacy abbatial abbess abbey abbeys TimPerry Guest. Staco Staco Weller SP80NUS 80-Watts LED Soldering Iron. The cost of troubleshooting and repair of many class D can run as high as $500 in labor. Hence it is confusing for it to be called a transformer. Where original particle board baffles have disintigrated, we can use premium plywood or particle board for the replacement. Power SS amps, even the micro heads, have high rail The conversion from Euro Volts (EUV) to US Volts (USV) is about 1.8:1 so that's why the voltage is higher in the European Union [but seriously] If you use terminal 2 as your common (per the nameplate suggestion) then hooking the line hot to terminal 5 will give you the design 240vac in 280vac out (max) that G-one mentioned. The AB763 Tone Stacks. Answer (1 of 3): I don't know how you plan to control a variac transformer for fan speed control, in my experience, they are DC powered, at least the ones used in computers, if you can describe a up on a variac. Books and Lbcke Variac Construction. :) I have one of those newesque Fender EVH 5150III 50W heads and I'm really digging the sound with the loadbox I'm using. What does a reading of 1.4 amps mean? The more dials and switches and meters I can throw at a project the cooler it is I think so in that vein I put a voltage meter onto my Variac. Well, a label on the bottom of this TV says that it draws about 165 watts. Discover all the collections by Givenchy for women, men & kids and browse the maison's history and heritage Why? Because transformers are the most expensive component of an amplifier, it is common for amp manufacturers to cut costs Skip Simmons Amp Repair | Loma Rica, CA, USA. Then you adjust the output of the variac for say 110 volts AC, and your equipment will An true isolation transformer adds shielding between the coils for more complete isolation between the 2 sides. Too messy. Please remember that the information on my site is for everybody with a vintage amp. 240V or 120V AC input 0-280V AC output 10 variac for guitar amp repair: Editor Recommended. Do it yourself Variac construction. Reply #25 on: March 16, 2020, 04:39:21 am . This generally means that a 1kVA rating (or higher) will be good for most tube amp work. Work in an X pattern by first removing one, then going on to the one directly across the speaker from it, and so on. Hakko FX888D-23BY Digital Soldering Station. Start at like 20 or 30 volts and let it sit there for 5. or 10 minutes. Call 703-536-3910. 43:27 Building an Angela SSE amp with a few mods: The cathode bias on the second half of the 12AX7, experimenting with a Variac to lower B+, Zener diodes to a center tap, 10 Amp Description: Powerstat Variac variable autotransformer Model 116B. Godin Trucker Hat Camo. Valve 12AU7 Valves Variants; ECC83S 12AX7 Valves Types; EF86 ECC99 ECL82 12AY7 12DW7 12BH7; Our Valve Brands all the best ones! Another reason to replace a transformer is to upgrade quality and tone. I have used variacs with every tube amp I've had since 1975 when a guitar player friend (Ed Van Halen) told me one of his secrets for his great sound at low volumes through his Marshall 100 watt head. Ohmite variacs were relatively easy to find then at surplus electronic stores, (Staco variacs were also readily available). Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%. Godin Black Top-Grain Leather Strap. Using it to Fender is easily one of the very best in the guitar business. I repair a lot of amps, subwoofers, test equipment etc, and I always use a variac until I know no explosions will occur. Siglent Technologies SDS1104X-E 100Mhz digital oscilloscope 4 channels standard decoder, Grey. Thinking about trying to fix it m "all american made, fully re-furbished, tested and guaranteed, technipower brand (originally general radio inc.), model w5mt3vm, bench type variable auto-transformer (variac) with voltmeter, rated at 120 volts input, 0-140v @ 0-5 amps 0-700 watts output, complete with copy of instruction and parts list sheet, in perfect, better than new condition complete with a limited lifetime warranty! $54.00. We specialize in restoration & repairing of antique radios (tube radios), vintage electronics, antique fans, and small household appliances. The 3-500Z is a relatively inexpensive tube and has been around for a long time. Step 5: Adding a Voltage Meter. Figure 1 . 4.8 out of 5 stars 552. Connecting this to a standard tube guitar amplifier and varying the AC voltage can definitely change the tone and response of the amp. 16th February 2013. Best Seller in Lab Oscilloscopes. A variac allows you to slowly bring it up in stages to full operating voltage. New baffles are $45 and up. 30.00 $ CAD 25.00 $ CAD. Back panels start at $25 each. Again, we stress, be careful with this. Check Sweetwater Price. The Place the test leads between the chassis of the amp (ensure a good bright metal connection point) and either the valves heater connection (HTR - or the other side of R212 from The question is what kind of SS amp? Whether your looking for the infamous 'Brown Sound' or need a Variac for your repair bench, this is an exceptional tool to dial in your tone or slowly bring amps up to full power. Free shipping for many products! I have an I-Com solid state communications receiver that had not seen power in 15 years. I used a micro-controller based relay switching circuit so it can be bypassed with the soft LED switch (blue) on the unit or with an external footswitch. (about 100W for this case i guess) if the lamp. Subaru's EJ251 and EJ252 were 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed (or 'boxer') four-cylinder petrol engines. It is also not recommended that you run your amp at less than 90 volts for obvious reasons. Another reason to replace a transformer is to upgrade quality and tone. So, to protect the amp from operating at well above it's designed voltage, by all means, use a Variac! Guitar Cable 10ft New bee. We strive to 126 Autotransformer Variac 15 Amps 2.1 KVA. Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station. In a guitar amplifier the electrolytic capacitors play a (Denver) Looking for a metered Variac for home use, amplifier repair and maintenance. This saves tubes and electronic components ~ longer life ~ fuller life. Also ensure that the line connector impedance drops when the limit switch is turned off. 1) You are using an old amp that was designed when standard AC voltage was 110, and now it's 120 and often the measured voltage at a household outlet can be well over 125-volts! Bring the voltage up from 0 volts to 10 volts and monitor the amp for smoke or arcing.