Ceratone DC30 - New Build Troubleshooting

[TwoString]

I just completed wiring the amp up and went over everything thrice. The amp powered up without any issues...no red plates, no poofs. The downside is there is no sound coming out of the speaker. I tried both channels, flipping various switches and controls, and connecting a cable to the effects loops to see if I get any hiss, hum or any other sign of life. No dice.

Any tips on where to start hunting down the issue is appreciated.

[Marioverkill]

Hello !

Did you check all your voltages ?

The best thing is post the schematic and list all voltage measurements that you took.

Mario

[TwoString]

I don't have a schematic for this amp, all I have is the layout as posted on the Ceriatone website.

[M Fowler]

Here is a schematic for your records.

Check all tubes
Check all wiring again 4th time.
Check to see if speaker works.

Do all the tube filaments light up?
You don't hear any amp noise at all?

It could be so many things unfortunately.

Mark

[Prairie Dawg]

Nearly 100 per cent of problems in any device are traceable to the last person who worked on it. It happens to everyone, including me. My old crew chief allus said "Rework is better than no work."

Approach it systematically. You did something wrong.

First validate your component connections and values-did you read a resistor wrong or not check it? Use a blown up layout image and as you validate each path and value color it in with a highlighter.

Next, divide your amp up into systems-power supply, phase inverter, preamp. Tackle each system and subsystem before you go on to the next.

This method may get you where you need to go.

[The New Steve H]

This is one reason I love the oscilloscope. Put a probe on a lead, twang a guitar string, and look for wavy lines. If you see them, the problem is farther down the chain.

[kwijabo]

you only answered half of marioverkill's question - did you check your voltages? what are they?

if you hear absolutely no hum or hiss from the speaker, the first place i'd look is the voltages and the output stage. even when the input is absolutely grounded i can usually still tell its on.

[Randy Magee]

Is the output jack wired properly? If you used a Cliff jack, did you ground it?

[TwoString]

After reviewing the wiring many more times, I found the 5V wiring for the rectifier was off by 1 pin. I corrected that, and now the beast is indeed alive. Thanks to everyone for the quick replies...it seems I just needed to sleep on it and take another gander at the whole thing.

[Zippy]

Good for you.

That's why reading voltages, starting with the power supply, on through the chain is a great way to start.

Congrats on your build - and having it make a loud noise (in a good way).

[Marioverkill]

Now that you've called upon the COLLECTIVE for help,you owe us a clip.

Mario

[TwoString]

Can't quite crank it up yet. Hopefully I'll get a chance this weekend. The amp is pretty noisy with the chassis open though.

I just ordered a head shell from gabkits. I'm very happy to have this amp complete. Now let the mods begin!

[milkyBK370]

I build one of these using my own parts selection. The amp shouldn't be noisy at all. I had an issue with hum when the Master was engaged. Someone on here pointed out that I should seperate the two wires running from the board to the pot.. hey presto.. perfect!

Ceriatone recommend you install the OT shield in the amp if you're using a lay-down type OT. This can also be a source of a lot of noise if the shield isn't installed.

Post some pics so we can have a look.

[TwoString]

Sorry I never posted pics...I actually ran into another issue with the amp and hadn't had time to check it out. It worked for a while, then after transporting it to a friend's house for a jam, I plugged it in and no sound again. I'll need to check the voltages again (I've since lost the file I documented the voltages on), but I didn't hear anything through the speakers until I probed the pins on the PI. I'd figure I'd at least post this now although I won't be in front of the amp until tonight after work. Any ideas are appreciated.

[M Fowler]

Must be cold solder joints since the amp was working until you transported it.

Also, swap tubes in and out to rule the tubes out. You should have extra EF86 tubes around anyway they can be noisy.

Mark